(Super) road saloons - where are they now?

[MiniMadness]

Originally Posted by Denis Bassom

His Chris Fulke-Greville had a RWD Corolla until him and Lol Dyke in a FWD Corolla decided to get a bit snuggly at Paddock at Brands and got a late running race cancelled. Lol messed around a bit in other series but haven't seen him for years. Chris popped up in sprints every now and then but haven't seen his name for a while.

There was another one but he barely lasted a season.

As far as I know it is now just me circuit racing a mid 80's Corolla of any form now.

Didn't he then race a orange Cavalier ?
Talking about which what happened to Derek Wileman's Cavalier ?

Plus I've remembered the name of the Corolla driver Bob Hawkins. It was red and white.

[dgpearson]

HE HAD A CAV IN HIS CAR SALES LOT COLOURS IT WAS RED SAID IT WAS EX TOURING BUT DIDNT LOOK IT TO ME RECENTLY SEEN ON E BAY LOOKING SORRY ITS SELF TH INK THE LOGOS WERE DIRECT CARS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT

[greenamex2]

Originally Posted by MiniMadness

Plus I've remembered the name of the Corolla driver Bob Hawkins. It was red and white.

That was the other one. I think he owned a Toyota garage. Again, not seen anything of him.

[greenamex2]

Originally Posted by dgpearson

HE HAD A CAV IN HIS CAR SALES LOT COLOURS IT WAS RED SAID IT WAS EX TOURING BUT DIDNT LOOK IT TO ME RECENTLY SEEN ON E BAY LOOKING SORRY ITS SELF TH INK THE LOGOS WERE DIRECT CARS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT

He said it was a touring car but it was just an ex-production saloon car.

AND STOP SHOUTING DAVE!

[Steve66]

I remember the Toyota of Chris Fulke Greville,it was the ex John Blennerhasset car that dominated speed events in the 1980s.
Chris modified it and had our company Power Eng do all the engine work.
The 1600cc 4AGE engine on Throttle Bodies achieved 197bhp.
Chris dominated the sprints and raced it for several years until he had that big crash at Brands Hatch,I was there and took a video of it.
In practice he went out on his dry tyres and the Heavens opened and it put him down to midfield on the grid.
In the race he stormed throu the grid to get up to the top 3 before Paddock,he went by me like a Bat out of Hell went on the inside past the pit slip road and Lol Dyke touched the rear quarter of Chris Fulke Grevilles Toyota.Chris went into the slip road barrier at over 120mph,breaking the concrete stanchions.He bouced back 10 feet in the air straight at us,the Peugeot in front went under Chris FGs car and as he came down took the Peugeots roof off.
Chris was hit by a couple of us and there was bloody carnage.Chris says the engine and gearbox went by him on contact,breaking his ankle,shoulders,sternom and ribs..The ambulance stretchered him to the centre and he was lifted to Bromley Hospital with tubes in his throat because he could not breathe.
Dave Walker says was was lucky as the Toyotas whole front end including engine was in the drivers cockpit.
One retired,sent to Heaven Toyota GT.
Chris went on to own a red and yellow Cavalier GSi,which was on a Q plate and the shell was an Ex Allam BTCC,the engine was an all steel SBD unit,he won loads in that then he bought and converted a Vauxhall Astra GSi put it on a Q plate and was hardly ever beaten winning over 200 events.
He always drove to every event and used List 1a Tyre against cars running List 1bs or slicks.
I think he has put the Astra away over the last year or so and now runs a Modsports Turner which we see at a lot of shows and race events.
Its interesting because we have followed Chris for years and we like his style of driving and using his cars Ten Tenths.
At the club he often mentions his old mates from the Toyo series and remembers you Denis when you started in your red Toyota he has loads of photos and films of most of the races.

[Al Weyman]

Originally Posted by MiniMadness

Didn't he then race a orange Cavalier ?
Talking about which what happened to Derek Wileman's Cavalier ?

Plus I've remembered the name of the Corolla driver Bob Hawkins. It was red and white.

I think this thread is getting confused between road saloons and ModProds. Derek's car was built for ModProds as was Bob Hawkins front wheel drive Corolla quite a different beast than the RWD model.

[greenamex2]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

I think this thread is getting confused between road saloons and ModProds. Derek's car was built for ModProds as was Bob Hawkins front wheel drive Corolla quite a different beast than the RWD model.

Bob Hawkins run in SRS for some races at least, remember going and seeing him not long after starting with my ex-engine builder.

The year of Chris' big accident, Lol and Chris were pretty much an accident waiting to happen for much of it. They had been running the same pace all year and both had pretty 'assertive' personalities and driving styles. It was a case of when and how bad by the Brands race.

In SRS trim the FWD corolla was lighter (even with my dodgy letter from Toyota claiming a lighter weight than any RWD Corolla ever imported to the UK had, ahem) and handled better, but Chris had a better engine than Lol so it was pretty even.

[dgpearson]

Cant remember Chris winning any races in SRS and i contested it from its second year to its finish He allways use to be a midfielder and Denis i have to shout sometimes the hearings not wot it use to be . . . . . .what ?

[MiniMadness]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

I think this thread is getting confused between road saloons and ModProds. Derek's car was built for ModProds as was Bob Hawkins front wheel drive Corolla quite a different beast than the RWD model.

Fair point Al, I'm probably confusing the situation. Now the next question, whats the difference between SRS and ModProds then ?

Probably opened a can of worms here.

[MiniMadness]

Originally Posted by Denis Bassom

Bob Hawkins run in SRS for some races at least, remember going and seeing him not long after starting with my ex-engine builder.

The year of Chris' big accident, Lol and Chris were pretty much an accident waiting to happen for much of it. They had been running the same pace all year and both had pretty 'assertive' personalities and driving styles. It was a case of when and how bad by the Brands race.

In SRS trim the FWD corolla was lighter (even with my dodgy letter from Toyota claiming a lighter weight than any RWD Corolla ever imported to the UK had, ahem) and handled better, but Chris had a better engine than Lol so it was pretty even.

The only reason I asked about Corollas, was most of my mates drove them although most were FWD, but one did have a red RWD one Great cars to drive.

Although I had Escorts and Fiestas, hence my earlier question about the Mk1 Fiesta. I recently track day'd a Mk1 Supersport, but no real power, although good fun. Now someone must know the driver that used to race the Supersport in SRS.

[greenamex2]

Originally Posted by MiniMadness

Fair point Al, I'm probably confusing the situation. Now the next question, whats the difference between SRS and ModProds then ?

Probably opened a can of worms here.

Mod Prods allowed more mods. You could have wheel arch extensions, convert from carbs to injections, hack out a bit more weight, no minimum weight limit (SRS was 95% of the published kerbside weight, hence my dodgy published kerbside weight to get on par with Dave and crew in the Fiesta's weighing well over 160KG less than me), aftermarket brakes etc.

In the end they merged and all the SRS cars jumped up to Mods Prods for not much extra cost and a much nicer car to drive.

[greenamex2]

Originally Posted by MiniMadness

The only reason I asked about Corollas, was most of my mates drove them although most were FWD, but one did have a red RWD one Great cars to drive.

The RWD was fun to drive, the FWD versions, especially the later ones, were faster on the road.

A fully modified RWD will kill the FWD hands down though. You can fix all the mistakes Toyota made with the 70's chassis it is actually based on.

[R59]

Ahhh memories! Crash Fulke-Greville - or should I say, His Lordship. My ol' Nova still has some Fulke-Greville marks on it. Marvellous them "Bodicea" wheels guv!

Now then, how about John Martinson with his crinkle cut Scirocco - now that was a specially "Caterpillar" version (Bulldozer).

Yes Dave, I remember Silverstone in the rain well. My tyres were very much "drys" with about 2mm tread on them at best. And it lashed it down with rain. It was the first race for the flourescent shell following a season spent rebuilding after a first race first corner roll at Mallory!

Carl Sawford's Mk1 - I know lots about that car (too much). I lent him the Ford RS build manual when he swapped that car (together with a Mk1 Cortina V6) for his previous project - a V8 Mk3 Consul which was sooo clean you operate on it, let alone eat your dinner of it! He's still doing a bit of car building, having recently finished a Dodge Charger for his "brother-in-law". He doesn't race anymore, spends a bit of time on his Yam R1, or cruising in his Chevy Silverado!.

The other member of "Team Dangerous" - Dean Lamberton has settled down with wife & kids. Not sure if he still has his Nova. It got pretty bent at Castle Combe, and Carl set about straightening it. The last I saw of it, the shell was straight again, and needed finishing off. It had a lot of good bits on it (I know, I sold them to him, or gave them to him!), and other than those silly wheels, it had potential.

Going back to Lol Dyke, when I saw him last he was married to Vince Mitchell's ex, Karen, and she was having a go at racing the Corolla.

Going back further, Ray Kershberg, and his rapid little Metro. I see Ray, almost without fail, every year at the Autosport show!! He's rebuilding the car and looking for somewhere to go out and play with it. I have suggested CTCRC.

What happened to Jim Dixon? After leaving Super Road Saloons, if I remember, he had a play in the Ford Saloons (as it was in it's early days) running a short-stroke 1600 in his Mk2. I saw him at Mallory and Donington a few times (as a spectator) but that's a long time back.

[dgpearson]

John Martinson a true clubmans Jerry Marshall but he drank twice as much and drove half as well .His tool box consisted of a lump hammer and a 3 foot prybar .Top company John drove a scirroco in srs before departing to northern saloons and competing in a xr2[ ex mark chew ,m helm car] and a couple of clios.John has not competed for a number of years and all his race cars are believed to be collecting dust in his barn he was last seen flying micro-lights ,god help us.

[m/sport]

Geoff Thomas still has his mk1 golf sat in his garage,its been sat there 25 years and will hopefully see light of day http://www.vwmotorsport.info/vwpics/...0IMG_1143a.jpg

[dgpearson]

A nice sunny afternoon at croft and John Martinson had had a good first race alas with a little body contact . Mark Chew had appeared mid afternoon to watch the second race in the northern saloons and martinson reqeusted if he wanted to drive the second race.Chew appearing out the back of the van in a race suit twice as large and a race helmet that would never fit ,However at assembly martinson chew was told he had to be interviewed by the clerk after his contact in the previous race.AMOC clerk of the course was very suprised by the new younger slimmer better looking martinson who was presented to him on that afternoon

[Steve66]

There use to be a chap called Ian Ward who ran a modified Peugeot 205 1.9 GTi,we have a photo in the workshop showing Ian and Chris Fulke Grevilles Toyota door to door at speed and battle scarred at Oulton Park.
Chris and Ian Ward where good mates on and off the circuits but they fought each other tooth and nail at all the events we went to.
Another racer we havent seen for ages is Lou Macari who use to run the Lancer Turbos,they dominated many events because of their BHP in the 1980s and 90s.

[joss Ronchetti]

We deliver cars for Lou Macari who now has a Ferrari Centre In London.
He is often out these days in customers Race Ferrari/Maseratis
I raced against him and the Lancer Crew in 86/87/88 in the Super Road Saloons in my Sunbeam Lotus and entered the odd race in my Rover Vitesse Slick 50 car.

[Steve66]

What colour was your Talbot Ross,we have loads of photos of the Super Road Saloons back in the 80s and 90s
Theres one with Chris Fulke Greville in his Toyota GT RWD followed by a yellow Talbot,it looks like Oulton Park,theres another with CFG leading a huge pack at Quarry,Castle Combe followed by a black Lotus Talbot EHU 989W and further back is a white Rover SDi and theres another photo showing a mettalic blue Talbot at Snetterton.
They are all displaying Toyo Tyres on windscreens,theres even a few of Dennis Bassom in the older shaped red Toyota Corolla RWD.
There was some big race grids for the Toyo Tyre Championship rounds.

[joss Ronchetti]

Mine was Black/Silver stripe to start, then Moonstone Blue with works arches but that was before Toyos were about, Yokos were the tyre at the time. My Vitesse was Blue, then Red, but running in the Slick 50 mostly.

[R59]

That'll be Joe Macari, former purveyor of car boot sales in Pulborough!! (that's what he told everyone!). Top bloke the ol' Honey Monster!

David, I totally agree about John, off track he was one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet. He'd do anything to help you. On track I found him a total nightmare. I recall passing him at Oulton Park going into Lodge. I was 50% past him, his front wheel then went into my door and is comment "I didn't see you". The Nova was DynoRod Red!!! You could see it from space!!

I also remember Ian Ward - the fishmonger. Another great competitor, and all round nice bloke.

A couple of other names come to mind - Ricky Metterick who had a Hillaman Scavenger. Steve Wild - Mk2 Escort, wild by name, wild by nature!

Rob.

[mrQ]

Originally Posted by Denis Bassom

Steve and Mike Quenby - Nova - Now in the Tiger R6 championship, his Nova fell apart.

Didn't fall apart......I broke it!

Been getting all nostalgic reading through these pages and good to see Compton's as vocal as he ever was

Remember starting out in '94 in a pretty much standard Sunbeam Ti and spending a couple of seasons learning to race (and buying most of Vince Mitchell's old bits ). Then moved onto a very light and rapid Nova, which almost won me a class c'ship when I moved over to Mod Prods.

Got a bit bored with saloon racing in 2002-ish and decided to build myself a kit car & race that. Glad I did, as I won a Tiger class c'ship in 2008.

Some pics....





Cheers
Steve Quenby

[R59]

Originally Posted by mrQ

Been getting all nostalgic reading through these pages and good to see Compton's as vocal as he ever was

Who me?

How much metal did you shave off that ol' Nova. The rumour mill had it down to 700Kg....

I still have mine and want to get it down to nearer on 550/600!!!!!

Should be back out with the Belmont later this year. Very busy with work so racing cars has to take a back seat (behind nags!)

[fushion julz]

Hi

Just been pointed at this thread (I know, late, as usual)...I'm Julian (Julz) Angell and used to race in the Super Road Saloons (and the Road Saloons prior to that) in a Hillman Hunter GLS between 1984 and 1987.

After that I sold the car as I just couldn't make it any better than it was and my old competition had all moved on leaving the car a bit outclassed against the Golfs, Siroccos, Sunbeams, etc...

After a couple of years building a BMW 2002 I took it to the Kumho series and was there until 1997. Then I briefly did a few meetings in the Fiat Challange in an Uno during 1999-2000. Since I sold that car I haven't been racing since...
Although I do frequent trackdays from time to time in my E30 M3.

It's been great looking back over the nostalgia and old names on this thread!

[Al Weyman]

Hey I would like to see one of those or a Holbay Rapier out in CTCRC Post Historics (Pre 74's) .