The Quarterly Bulletin of the Classic Trials World RESTART RESTART

The official newsletter of the Association of Classic Trials Clubs Volume No: 18

Issue 4 January 2008

The Fack Trials Differential Some Escort and BMC units ex stock, May 05

A bolt in conversion for Escort & BMC ‘A’ Series axles Now well known in classic trials as well as sporting trials where it originated, this unit has solve the diff problem for those cars using Escort or BMC ‘A’ series axles. Made entirely of racing quality materials, it has four star wheels, instead of two in the standard differential, and all moving parts run on roller bearings. No production components are used, and the superb new casing is machined from solid high Insurance for competitors, clubs grade steel.

It is not cheap at approx. £520 (no VAT, while stocks last) but what price can you and officials put on having the confidence that your differential will not let you down? Your results are bound to improve when you can “attack” the hills without worrying, and still be able to drive home after the event! • Road use for Classic Car Trials All spares still available (including tools, spares and trailers

Julian Fack, Orchard Farm, Shareshill, Wolverhampton WV10 7LE • Road section cover for clubs Or leave a message on 07812 108 588 at any time (2, 3 or 4 wheels) [email protected] • Personal Injury for competitors and officials

Cover photographs :

The 2006 ACTC champions:

0115 941 5255 Andrew Martin on the 2006 Kyrle (Photo by Dave Cook)

Dave Haizelden on the 2007 Clee Hills Trial 72 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6BJ (Photo by Dave Cook)

[email protected] Yoshi Adams 2007 Northern Trial www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk (Photo by Michael Toulmin)

A division of THB Clowes Ltd A member company of the THB Group plc Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Restart is printed by Hertfordshire Display plc www.hdprint.co.uk

RESTART Volume 18, Issue 4, January 2008

ACTC Council Officers Advertising Rates

President: Robin Moore Inside Vice Presidents: Alan Foster Half Page 1 Issue £12.50 Martin Halliday 2 Issues £20.00 John West 3 Issues £32.50 Simon Woodall 4 Issues £35.00 Anne Templeton Full Page Double the above Chairman: Simon Woodall Inside Cover Vice Chairman: Giles Greenslade Half Page 4 Issues £55 Treasurer: Barbara Selkirk Full Page 4 Issues £100 Championship Secretary: Chris Phillips Championship Monitor: Dave Foreshew All rates payable in advance Rights of Way Officer : Andrew Brown All income supports the publication of PR Officer: Ian Davis Restart.

The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily shared by the editor or the ACTC.

CONTENTS

Simon Says …..……..……....…... 3 Tamar Trial .. ...… …..……. 5 Tarka Trial …………….…… 12 Allen Trial …... …………. 14 DAF Diary …………………. 21 Camel Trial ……………….. 30 Bodmin Trial ………………. 33 Section Ends ………………….. 37 FINAL COPY DATE Championship Chat …………..… 41 FOR Championship Tables …………… 43 Forthcoming Events …….…….….. 48 NEXT ISSUE :

28th February

1 scrutineer in the couple of minutes available to look over the car?” If compliance with a rule cannot be verified EDITORIAL without incurring great expense or delay, then

Editor: Pat Toulmin what is its point? I’m not saying that anyone Northbrook Assistant Editor: 4, Briery Lands Jonathan Toulmin in our sport would Heath End Tel: 01789 731332 cheat, heaven forbid Snitterfield [email protected] that anyone should, but Stratford on Avon when looking for that t the start of my last column, I imperceptible edge, it is possible that CV37 0PP declare that some new brooms people drift unknowingly over the line and Tel: 01789 731332 ACTC website : www.actc.org.uk [email protected] had swept into the ACTC line- therefore need to be drawn gently back up. Alas this time I have to admit into the fold. A that not all in the garden has turned out to May I wish you all a very happy New Year! be quite as rosy as I had thought. No Looking back at the autumn, this will be sooner had our new secretary walked our second season to have been ravaged As you may notice I am short of photographs again. I really can’t understand why in this through his front door on returning from by Foot & Mouth, although we did at least age of digital cameras— I realise that drivers cannot easily take photos, but if you know our September meeting than he found that get off a little more lightly than back in of any spectators who take photos or official club photographers please let me know. his entire world had changed, and he was 2001. This is one of those times when we Variety is the spice of life, so the more photographers the merrier. no longer able to take on the role that he have to offer commiserations to those that had volunteered for. Indeed, he has been lost their events and congratulations to unable to take on any motorsport all those that managed to run theirs. Back in autumn. The net upshot of this is the need 2001 the outbreak was fierce and firmly for the council to put a replacement in regulated, there was no question of place quickly. I know from (bitter?) whether to run or not. This time, the faster www.TJ TyRES.co.uk experience that the likelihood of anyone and different reaction from our lords in Tom Jefferis leaping to their feet and saying, “Hey, Whitehall left the difficult decisions with you’ve got a problem, let me help you out” individual organisers. It must have been is just about zero but I have to ask. So if hard for them. COLWAY tyres supplied and fitted in anyone out there would like to take on the job of secretary I would be only too Looking back with the power of 20/20 Taunton, Somerset grateful to hear from you. hindsight, it would seem that we could please email me for a quote have “got away” with running more events, Those of you who access the internet yet in fact the decisions to cancel have world of “Classical Gas” will be only too actually benefited the sport in the wider aware that one of the great debates of this world, showing us to an audience beyond email: tom @tjtyres.co.uk autumn in that cyber world has been the the normal motorsport people as being a consideration of trying to control weight group that acts responsibly in the distribution and the carrying of ballast. countryside. Fortunately the world was not Whilst I don’t wish to carry on that regaled with any of the many tales of mobile: 07745 246106 discussion in this column, I would like to would be competitors who made the trip to say that when ACTC council is Derbyshire anyway and trampled around advice - fitting - balancing - tubes - mail order considering changing any of the rules that the countryside in exactly the manner that govern our sport one of the primary cancelling the event was supposed to considerations is the question of “Is the avoid. other makes available rule enforceable? Can it be checked by a

2 3 One of the events that made the decision Publicity of this sort is often a double- does not creak & groan like the old one. restart only managing to get to a 7, once to cancel was the Hardy. As the event edged sword. It is always important from The usual crowd was gathered drinking again it took Arnie to show us how its closest to the infected farm, they made the the point of view of attracting newcomers, tea & having a warm up, special thanks to done, the only car to achieve this" well decision to cancel swiftly and early. I but we have to accept that the majority of Dick and Jackie Bolt coming to the rescue done to that man", those whiskers seem to feared that the cancellation of yet another viewers are only ever going to be of my wife with a pair of glasses as she be working. Lunch stop. A welcome break running of this event would actually be the spectators rather than do’ers. Whilst we had left hers at home. The of Arnie and a chance to catch up with the other final straw for an event that has struggled always need fresh blood, classic trials will (TV celebrity) Martin sporting his usual competitors, unfortunately to find that Dick to get support. Happily, by starting a never be a true spectator sport. Just facial hair, saying it brings him luck Bolt had retired through broken steering, dialogue with the event’s main imagine the difficulties organisers would obviously there’s no fear of a razor blade there were a few of us doing some protagonists within the Woolbridge club, a have to face if the same numbers that shortage in Barnstable, Then SHOCK running repairs. We would like to take this discussion which I would be the first to come to Blue Hills Mine at Easter came to HORROR what could it be!? The BEAST opportunity to thank the friends of admit did not start off on the best footing, I every section of every trial. At least such of BODMIN MOOR? No, it’s Tubby Marystowe church hall for the can confirm that not only will the Hardy be footage means that when we talk of trials chairman of Camel Vale Motor Club also refreshments provided and a pleasure to running in 2008 & 2009 (plague & to non-participants people now tend more sporting facial hair, "Arnie tells me this will see Robin & Marjorie Moore once again in pestilence permitting of course) but also to picture our events rather than Sporting bring me luck", says Tubby. I think the charge of the time clock. that plans and means are afoot within Trials or Production Car Trials or whatever luck being for us as it covers his face. We ACTC to give the organisers the support they want to call themselves this year. will wait for the results to see if it works Section 7 Eastcott. Down No failures here, and feedback they need to develop their as it was a straightforward climb with route and to restore its reputation as one I would like also to record a note of thanks Now down to business, the trial. Section 1, sharp left hand bend. of the sport’s leading events. to Adrian Marfell who prepared the car for School Lane was a fairly easy Special Test 1. This proved to be the presenters to drive. Not only did he straightforward climb. interesting, with a fast stretch downhill, One of the highlights (?) of the Exeter Trial turn the sow’s ear that they had hairpin left, then back up hill, would be will have been the presence of a car and purchased into a silk purse, (he described Section 2, Wild Boar Lane, this section interesting to know if any car negotiated film crew from “” TV programme. the car as “could only have been MoT’d by had a deviation for classes 7 and 8 which the hairpin in one. Not having access to Channel 5, I’ve Stevie Wonder”) but also took the time out caused some failures at the 7 marker. Section 8 Lee Wood. On arrival we joined never seen this show, but I’m told that it is to double check the car at Exeter services, the queue to be informed that no rear like the Top Gear of old. I am also told that and to be available to the crew to sort out Section 3 Water Main Lane where there was a restart for all classes but there were wheel drive had yet cleaned this section, it will air in mid to late February, so keep any problems to ensure they had a good Claire was next to go and yes out the top an eye on your preferred TV listings time and finished. no failures. she goes with cheers from onlookers. format for this. Hopefully they will provide Section 4 Barretts Mill, the first rough Followed by Mike & Pat Gomm stopping outsiders with a sensible insight into our There are still just a couple of the great section, causing a few competitors to get at the 6 marker, could I match our sport and perhaps attract more people to ACTC calendars left, which can be punctures on the way, Claire included. daughter? Thankfully yes I could. try us out. snapped up from Pat Toulmin at the special end-of-season discount price of Section 5 was Chillerton and it was good Section 9 Lee Quarry. Fairly long queue just £6.50 including P&P. to see the restart put back in for classes 7 which gave us the opportunity to watch and 8, although again it was not causing others attempt the climb, the best climb too much of a problem. here being the 5 marker. R.). We were one down on numbers as The 2007 Tamar Trial Section 6 Angel Steps. (Sticker Martin’s the senior Tonkins were grounded through Section 10 Park Impossible and we by Andrew Rippon Norman’s argument with a limb of a tree favorite, I don’t think) travelled to the section with Arnie, Tubby earlier that week, although he has gained On arrival at this section were met by cars & Claire were met by David Prowse t was with great anticipation a local trial promotion we understand to branch at last, after the last few months with taking the failure route realising this hill returning to the foot the section after manager. Collecting Kelly Thomas on was going to live up to its reputation once reaching a 2. Arnie, Tubby & I matched the outbreak of Foot & Mouth hopefully route who, was to be Claire’s navigator for behind us it was good to get our boots again. Here we met up with Claire & Kelly his climb, but without a restart Claire I the day. We arrived at the start for 8 am letting their tyres down to attempt the claimed a 1. By now the leg pulling had back on. Sunday came wet & windy, and it was still raining to be scrutineered Lorraine and I in our class 7 Baja with our section, we waited with anticipation begun, fancy letting your daughter show by the ever-loyal June and John Blakeley. hearing Claire climb our ears pricking up, you the way. daughter Claire in her class 6 Beetle on It was our first outing in our new Baja her first classic road trial. On route we when the whistle blew to say the section although some thought it was the old one was clear, what a relief, could we achieve Section 11 Sallerton, with short winding added another Beetle with Ryan and Ben re-sprayed but I can assure you this car Tonkin making it a trio (that’s three Emma the same? No not with the notorious section with a sting in the tail around the 7 4 5 marker with a vertical climb, but was Section15, Trevilla. With the light failing The 2007 Tamar Trial Section 2, Wild Boar Lane, After a bit of pleased to get a 5. fast the thought of this section in the dark a wait Mike and Julia set off up the section didn’t seem very appealing. It is always an by Andy Petherick then shortly after hitting third gear he Section 12 was Zig Zag here we had to sit interesting climb with its uphill and down clipped the hedge on the left and tipped tight while a competitor tried to manoeuvre dale, incorporating a few tight bends. his is the fourth year I’ve entered over in quite spectacular fashion, perhaps the first corner but after several attempts Claire after receiving some advice from the Tamar trial and each time I’ve enduros aren’t the best training ground for had to be towed out of the section, as Arnie on how best to tackle the section enjoyed it. We had a new start classic trials after all. Neither Mike nor anyone who knows this climb the hairpins went on to claim a 7 which many other Tvenue this year, the Pie Stop at Julia were badly hurt but decided to call it have caught many of us out, unfortunately experienced competitors also achieved, Plusha, where we enjoyed a good a day and retired. We carried on with our daughter being no exception getting apart from Arnie, Hans, Sticker and a few breakfast and had time to catch up with Keith and Julia looking out for Guanacos caught on second corner. I feel the only more who went clean. some friends before scrutineering and to:- way to attack this section is with some signing on. It always amazes me how aggression to which several of us did, and Darkness was now upon us and it was quickly the time goes before the start of a Section 3, Water Main Lane, This was a thankfully it paid off. The exit route we back to Wilsley Down to sign off, what a trial, luckily I’ve got Anita to stop me from fairly straightforward section with our only were faced with some undergrowth to great days sport, only a puncture to repair spending too much time talking and restart of the day, which we managed OK. which we drove through, but some thought before the next trial. Huge thanks go to missing the start. it wiser to go around only to find Launceston & North Cornwall Motor Club The rain was still coming and we were all hedgerows can also scratch their and everyone who made this event This year I had our middle daughter finding visibility a bit of a problem. I was paintwork, mentioning no names, Ryan possible. This is undoubtedly a sport were Yasmin in the chair. This was Yasmin’s the only one not wearing glasses but as Tonkin. everyone pulls together and we feel proud first event and she was a little my arms seem to be getting shorter in to be apart of it. apprehensive, mainly about following the inverse proportion to my age we were all Special Test 2 was next.. Once again a route; so we decided as a backup I would having problems with route reading; still at straightforward test with a stream just to Just before I finish for those who want to load the route onto the GPS unit that I use least we had the GPS which was a great make it interesting and a bit of a splash. know if the LUCK of the WHISKERS for trail riding, just in case things went a bit help. Then on to Section 13, Crackington, It is worked Tubby finished the trial to achieve pear shaped on the day. I’d also arranged good to see this section used other than a class win, only to limp home on the back to travel with Mike Maddocks and Julia Section 4, Barretts Mill, This was, I think, on the Lands End and also at the other of Harvey’s trailer, as for Arnie, the Browne, and also Keith and Julia Aldridge. my favourite section of the day, a nice end of the calendar autumn rather than whiskers came good, winning him the It was also Julia Aldridge’s first trial so we long section with enough going on to spring, even then no sign of any slurry TAMAR TROPHY, well done to that man. followed in number order with Julia make it interesting. provided by the local farmer and good As very proud parents well done to our Browne taking on route reading duties. climbs were had by all. daughter who won her class. Section 5, Chillaton, Just caught sight of At the start we were told that the route to Anita taking pictures on the way up, didn’t Section 14 was New the first section was changed so this get chance to wave though. She often tells Langleys. The meant the GPS would be of little use until me off for waving to friends on sections I approach to this after the first section. Just before the start should be concentrating on my riding section in itself became the rain started and this was the beginning apparently. quite slippery as the of our problems, Yasmin wears glasses day went on as Claire and with the visor on her helmet steaming Section 6, Angel Steps, First failure of can verify, Kelly up and a soggy piece of paper in her hand the day, we just didn’t carry enough speed casually walking behind we set off keeping Mike and Julia firmly in to get over the last bit of the steps, a the car only to be our sights to:- couple of spectators gave us push and we pebble-dashed from continued on up the hill to Marystowe head to toe in mud, Section 1, School Lane, Unfortunately Church Hall for some very welcome fruit never mind it’s good for near the top of the sections we were cake and cup of tea. Yasmin is asking the complexion Kelz. stopped by a marshal and could see Mike how many points we lost on Angel Steps, I The best anyone could and Julia’s outfit being pulled out of a can’t quite remember but it seems I may achieve here would be bank, it had made a bit of a mess of the have unearthed a hitherto hidden a 4 needless to say the right hand controls so we waited at the top competitive streak, must get it from Anita! tractor and winch were Claire Rippon on Big Uplands while Mike tried to repair the outfit, after a Had a chat with Graham Makepeace and couple of minutes we were off to:- kept busy. (Photo by Jonathan Toulmin) Yoshi, it seems we’re not the only ones

6 7 having problems reading the route in the a lift with Keith and Julia back to the car; Tony and Anna half way up and manage judging by the tyre tracks around the field rain. Yoshi seems to have taken a gaggle they’re on their way to watch at to give them a good wave before it got too we weren’t alone. of riders under his wing who he now calls Crackington. Just up the road we come rough nearer the top. his ducklings - did I mention it had been across Tom Beckerleg with an HT lead in Back to the finish and signing off, had a raining? Decide the problem with his hand, we stop to see if we can help, Section 14, New Langleys, Almost made quick pint and a chat. Yasmin really waterproof gloves is they don’t let the Keith comes up with some long nose it to the top but just ran out of grip right enjoyed the trial and would like to do water out! pliers and some tape unfortunately this near the top, three or four strong blokes another, but did say she was glad not to doesn’t help, some of his buddies come pushed us out. have school the next day. Keith and Julia Section 7, Eastcottdown, Fairly straight back to look for him so we press on to:- rode really well together and I think she’ll forward in the woods and onto:- Section 15, Trevilla, A really enjoyable be up for some more trialling. They say Section 11, Sallerton, I remember last section, which we managed to clean, with a sidecar passenger you should Special Test 1 Eastcott, Which I rode watching a load of solos here last year almost like a one day section, we only had either marry ‘em or breed ‘em! steadily, don’t think we’ll be setting any having real problems getting back down 15 minutes to get back to the finish so we records here, a nice ride through the the section so I’m not holding any real press on without Keith and Julia. We didn’t We’d like to thank everyone for a really woods to:- hopes here, the start marshal tells me see any markers so we spent quite a while enjoyable trial; we’ll see you at the top of most of the outfits aren’t even making it to trying to find our way out to the road, Park Impossible next year!! Section 8, Lew Woods, Quite a the hill proper so we’re quite pleased to challenging section for us and we got get the front wheel on the bottom of the caught at the end of the section by some hill pointing in the right direction, cunning marking, we popped over the unfortunately I put too much weight on the edge and onto the track, saw the marker bike to try and get some grip and promptly pointing right and turned right, missing the landed on my backside. Yasmin is now An invitation from Windwhistle Motor Club to: last marker, doh! Yasmin is distinctly getting quite used to climbing down from unimpressed by this but is given the the sidecar so we have a bit of laugh with MCC chance to vent some of her frustration by some spectators and head off to:- Minehead Motor Club helping me push Keith and Julia out of the Camel Vale Motor Club section when they get stuck. Section 12 Zig Zag, This has been a bête Woolbridge Motor Club noir for me and this year I’m determined to Crash Box & Classic Car Club Section 9, Lee Quarry, Another failure, string it altogether and clean the section, I Holsworthy Motor Club we nearly made it but just couldn’t quite manage not to stick it in the hedge on the th find the grip we needed on the grassy first corner (year 1) we make it round the 4 Bovey Down single venue clubsport classic trial for slope, a bit of push from the marshal had second corner without tipping over (year cars organised by Windwhistle Motor Club. Venue located us on our way to:- 2) or run out of space on the second corner (year 3) and on up the final near Seaton, Devon MR: 192/203913 Section 10, Park Impossible, I’ve never straight, YES WE MADE IT!!! And we th made it to the top of this section and I celebrate with a Mars bar and a drink Sunday 27 April 2008 thought we had it the bag when near the whilst we wait for Keith and Julia to make top the outfit slid over onto its side leaving their way up the section. Entry Fee: £25.00 (around £1.00 per section). Yasmin sat on the sidecar three foot in the air. She was obviously in the right place Special Test 2, Scarsick, Buoyed up with No competition licence required. Maximum entry is 40. so it must have been driver error, most our success at Zig Zag I give it a bit of unusual in any sidecar team in my stick from line B and much to my surprise On offer: valuable daylight attempts at Clinton, Norman’s Hump and other sections experience! She coolly jumped down and managed to get the front wheel in the air, in the woods, catering van, loo, ideal event for novices, marshals welcomed (the laughed, a couple of spectators pushed us didn’t know the old girl had it in her, more the better). out of the section, we’d got that far I was Yasmin remains unfazed and gives me a determined we would finish the section. ‘you’re a daft old man’ look. Event Secretary: Anne Whellock [email protected] Anita was near the middle of the section Chief Marshal: Caroline Bowles 01460 221635 with some friends and missed all the fun Section 13, Crackington, Much easier we had at the top. We gave Anita and than after you’ve ridden all night on the Anna a lift on the outfit whilst Tony cadged Lands End. I catch sight of Anita with

8 9 The Tamar Trial Tamar Trial by Harvey Waters On to Sallerton now, a slippery start with a photos by sting in its tail. On leaving the start line I Anita Petherick soon changed into 2nd as the car was ell what a week, on the hardly moving, then back into first for the Monday before the trial I steeper part. decided to fill the car up with fuel ready for loading on to W I was dreading Zig Zag as this has cost the trailer. The only thing was, I had filled dearly in the past. We left the start line Andy and Yasmin on it up with diesel and not petrol!!! Probably Chillaton and flew around the corner, gaining that a good job mind, as when I opened the much speed as we nearly went up the bonnet to drain the tank, I found that the hedge on the second bend but cleared the right hand strut top was poking up through section OK. the inner wing!! No telly for me that week. On to Crackington, normally your heart is After dropping the trailer at the finish we in your mouth as there are crowds of headed back to the start. It was a fresh people there at Easter. Never have I seen morning and the coats were on, we got it so dry and grippy. New Langleys was scrutineered and headed in for what next, and after watching Sticker Martin turned out to be an excellent breakfast. climb to a 5, I was a bit complacent.

Turning the left hand corner and getting a On to the first section, school lane, which bit sideways, but still managed a 6. Up was slippery but no problem. Then to Wild Sarah on Park across the field to Trevilla, a very tight and Boar Lane, again no problem apart from a Impossible winding section, we had what I thought a few class 7s and 8s. The next three good score, only to be out climbed by sections were not much trouble. Simon again by 1 point! Just ask Simon if he needs a jumpstart!! Onto Angel Steps, not as slippery as previous years but the restart caught a It was a very good day and was nice to few out and dick bolt had to retire at this finish this year as had axle and diff point as he had broken his steering rack, problems in the last two years. much to the dismay of Jackie! She was heard saying that she was all wound up Well done to Sticker on the class and for trialling and he should somehow fix it! Andrew Martin on the overall. Thanks to all the organisers and marshals without Next was Eastcott Down, again not much which these events cannot run. Off now to problem here. Then onto Lew Wood, a buy Tristan White a set of spanners and a nice section but caught out us Escort torque wrench so he does not lose his drivers with the ruts near the end. Lee starter motor or water pump pulley again. Quarry next where a new lower route was

used. We set off around the corner onto

the fresh grass