Historic Formula Ford venues/dates/race timings etc for 2018

[dikko]

Here's our end of term news and date's for 2018. Hope you can join us on the grid, in the paddock or, at least, give us a wave at the end of a race..!

In 2018 we are expecting another 8 people joining us in our friendly little series, that is, the ones who tell us they are, if you are planning or even thinking about HFF Racing let us know. You will always be welcome to a cuppa in our tent.

Racing News; first from the Historic Sports Car Club and then our little branch of the Historic FF’s.


HSCC unveils 2018 race calendar

The Historic Sports Car Club’s 2018 race programme will be capped by major summer events on the Brands Hatch and Silverstone Grand Prix circuits.

The Club’s nine-event championship schedule starts in April with an extended two-day meeting at Donington Park and concludes with the two-day Finals Meeting at Silverstone in October. The calendar was revealed to members and guests during a record attendance at the Club’s annual awards dinner on Saturday (18 November) at Whittlebury Hall.
The Club celebrated the winners and champions from the 2017 season on Saturday night (18 November).
Over 260 members and their guests were on hand to applaud the winners from the racing season, with former Le Mans winner and Formula 1 racer Jackie Oliver as guest of honour for the evening.
Special awards on the night included the Lola Trophy for the ‘Clubman of the Year’, which was presented to Andrew Mansell for his work in master-minding the Formula Ford 50th anniversary season celebrations around the HSCC’s Historic FF1600 Championship. A special award was given to Donna Skipworth-Michell for her role in organising the highly successful event.


“Donington Park is a great way to start the season and we’re delighted to have a two-day meeting there in April,” said Chief Executive Officer Grahame White. “We are very pleased to continue to hold race meetings on the other big three UK tracks of Silverstone Grand Prix, Brands Hatch Grand Prix and Oulton Park International.”

In a change from recent seasons, the Silverstone International Trophy meeting and the Cadwell Park Wolds Trophy meetings will swop dates, with the Cadwell Park meeting moving forward to May and the International Trophy moving back to June. A return to the Brands Hatch Indy circuit will feature during a two-day meeting at the Kent track in September.

The provisional HSCC calendar is:
7/8 April, Donington Park
21 April, Snetterton (200 circuit)
19/20 May, Cadwell Park (Wolds Trophy)
16/17 June, Silverstone International Trophy (GP Circuit)
30 June/1 July, Legends of Brands Hatch Superprix (GP Circuit)
4/5 August, Croft Nostalgia Weekend
25-27 August, Oulton Park Gold Cup (International Circuit)
22/23 September, Brands Indy
20/21 October, Silverstone Championship Finals


• 2018 shows
• Historic Motorsport Show: Excel – London Docklands 15-18 Feb HFF on stand – helpers needed
• Race Retro show 23-25 February Stoneleigh. HFF on the HSCC stand - helpers needed
See HSCC site for more info https://hscc.org.uk/news/


In addition to these dates, the HSCC will be the race organising club for several other major events including the Donington Historic Festival (4-6 May), the Silverstone Classic (20-22 July) and the Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone (3/4 November).



News from the Historic Formula Ford Series……………………………………………………………………….
As you see HSCC dates are above but please take note of our particular race dates below.
Our new Series Co-ordinator David Wild will be negotiating at HSCC Board level for suitable race formats and there may be changes, all we have to do at each event is turn up…along with prepare, renew, fix, pay and all the other little things that enable us to get to the grid on time…simple!
We also have an invite to race at Thruxton on June 2/3 for their 50 Anniversary meeting, please add this to your race calendar.
Detailed event programme here. https://hscc.org.uk/wp-content/uploa...ar-2018_v3.pdf
Our 2017 winning bunch had fun at the Silverstone HSCC Dinner & Dance and our very own ‘do’ is coming up on Feb 10th, in the Midlands, we hope to see you there. Also, there are a couple of Racing shows which are always good to meet-up with old and new friends.
The Series has collected some attention in 2017 around the hype of 50 years of FF Racing and although our racing has been just as exciting in previous years, this year we came 2nd in Autosport Magazine Top Ten ‘Rivalries’ of the Year which mentions our top runners and Richard Tarling, our Championship Winner, as No 1 Club Driver of the Year. 2nd Place Michael O’Brian is to be congratulated as a chosen McLaren GT Driver going into 2018.
I personally think all those at least up to 15th or so should be applauded, the racing has been tight in previous years but in smaller numbers. This year there has been a ‘coming together of talent’ of so many, so close, but never a ‘coming together’ of cars. Driving has been exemplary and all have raced fair and hard WITH each other rather than AGAINST in the true historic manner. Spectators & marshals have said the same at all the circuits. It should make us all proud to be part of the series.
Dinner & Dance.
If you’re new or an old-timer with us and would like to get to know us better there’s our Dinner and Dance (live band, silly dancing & Prizes, there will be a half-price ‘Bold Engines’ rebuild voucher to be won. etc etc) where we will congratulate our own Top Ten Drivers, here’s what you need to do,
Send a brief email to our racing treasurer Rachel Arnold rachelarnold1974(AT)hotmail.com and let her know you need tickets. She’ll let you know where it is and who to pay or if we have a full grid on the dance floor...

Paddock Dining Diary
Other social events being planned in the year may be a ‘Charabanc outing’ for an evening out, at the right budget (we thought no more than £20 a head (if poss) might work); the odd Paddock nosh of Hot Soup in a Basket, Bacon Butties etc on occasions. Not forgetting of course, our regular ‘Tropical Treat’ Party at the 1940’s themed Croft ‘Nostalgia’ Race meeting if Chef/racer ‘Team Dix’ Barbara & Stuart can be persuaded again. Also, there’ll be more than enough of us for ‘Cricket at Cadwell’ along with sacrificial burning of Lincolnshire Sausages and any other excuse to make life in the Paddock more entertaining.

Sponsors Money & Stuff.
A Big Thank-You to Avon Tyres and their suppliers BMTR for their continuing prize support of sets of tyres. We value their contribution. Also, many of us appreciated the 300 cartons of ‘Jimmy’s Iced Coffee’ which were a great extra to each event, especially in hot weather – which most of them were… We are especially grateful too to all our Race Day sponsors.
We have been working hard to get sponsors to help pay for our small facilities (of paddock refreshment tent) and we are fortunate to have the beautifully moustachioed David Alderson’s services for another year. He said “I’ve had a ball this season helping out and I’m so pleased to have received such a warm welcome in the various paddocks”. As well as many other things Ex-rally/racer of 50 years, tours and Race Retro organiser David, lugs our equipment trailer along at each meeting. We still REALLY need YOUR help to build up and knock down our simple catering point at our races, that is, until we have enough in the pot to pay for extra help…one day maybe.
Out-going Series organiser Andrew Mansell has procured returning sponsors for 2018 to help finance this bit of comfort but we need to keep underpinning their support and interest and/or attract new sponsors too. Your help here would be good; please be on the look-out for companies who may benefit with either a brief (race by race) or permanent (headline) association with us.
For instance; The two smaller pop-up tents that we have been using for last year have been on loan from occasional HFF Racer Rob Hedley and his Britcar Association (thanks Rob). For 2018 we need £1000 to replace them with our own (and another two would really help!). Plenty of advertising space there… Get in touch if you know a man…

‘Radio Caroline’ advertising support is still on-line for 2018 too, their 45-second jingles 10 times a day help push our series and our sponsors name to about 4 million people; a symbiotic relationship between our two 1960’s iconic creations.
Our great YouTube film commentator/compiler Josh Barratt is still with us, in between frenetic commentating sessions at Brand Hatch, anyone who wants to be named and see themselves in all their racing glory is reminded to fit an in-car camera. You can order his 2017 compilation now (details below).

Winter Racing Shows;
Those wishing to help man a stand in our name at either of the two Shows at Excel or Stoneleigh or even display a car are welcome. Sam Mitchell is organising this and has a number of folk on his list, those interested should contact him on s.mitchell040(AT)gmail.com for rota and ticket requirements.

Gear Reminder.
Don’t forget; Check your extinguisher/belt/overall and helmet dates for the coming season – those eagle-eyed scrutineers will be raring to do their valuable work – don’t make them happy with any faults!

See you on the grid if not before. Dick Dixon. Team HFF.

The provisional HFF HSCC Plus invite calendar is:

7 April, Donington Park; ‘A’ race format ie this is a single race on both days. 32 cars per grid Q* + race 1
8 April, Donington Park 32 cars per grid race 2

21 April, Snetterton NO RACE HERE!

19 May, Cadwell Park (Wolds Trophy) A & B format for 52 entries max 26 per grid Q* A + B race 1 A & 1 B
20 May, Cadwell Park (Wolds Trophy) 26 grid race 2A & race 2B
Cricket Match (Merlyns V The Rest) + BBQ.

2 June, Thruxton 50 Anniversary Meeting A & B format for 72 entries max 36 per grid Q* A + B race 1 A & 1 B
3 June, Thruxton 50 Anniversary Meeting NO HFF Racing.
We assume there will be a party on Saturday Night laid on as it’s their 50th and, no Sunday race we are free to imbibe!

17 June, Silverstone International Trophy (GP Circuit) ‘A’ race format ie this is a single race on both days. 54 cars per grid Q* + race 1
17 June, Silverstone International Trophy (GP Circuit) 54 cars per grid race 2
This seems a good opportunity to have a Charabanc outing; there are some historic houses nearby.

30 June, Legends of Brands Hatch Superprix (GP Circuit) A & B format for 76 entries max 38 per grid Q* A + B race 1 A & 1 B
1 July, Legends of Brands Hatch Superprix (GP Circuit) 38 grid race 2A & race 2B

4 August, Croft Nostalgia Weekend A & B format for 64 entries max 32 per grid Q* A + B race 1 A & 1 B
5 August, Croft Nostalgia Weekend 32 grid race 2A & race 2B

25 August, Oulton Park Gold Cup (International Circuit) No HFF race
25 August, Oulton Park Gold Cup (International Circuit) No HFF race
27 August, Oulton Park Gold Cup (International Circuit) ‘A’ race format ie this is a single race. 34 cars per grid Q* + race 1

22 September, Brands Indy A & B format for 60 entries max 30 per grid Q* A + B race 1 A & 1 B
23 September, Brands Indy 30 grid race 2A & race 2B

20 October, Silverstone Championship Finals A’ race format ie this is a single race on both days. 36 cars per grid Q* + race 1
21 October, Silverstone Championship Finals 36 grid race 2

*In most cases there is an allowance of 10% additional cars in qualifying
All subject to change and confirmation.

Some house-keeping from 2017….

We thanked all the Marshals for taking care of us in 2017. With 1164 hits they replied; “Thanks to you guys (and gals) reciprocated.
It has been a great season marshalling some clean and close racing. Look forward to 2018.”
Note to all; Don’t forget to give these VIP’s a HFF traditional appreciating thumbs-up/wave/clap (!) after each race please.

From Radio Caroline O50 Trophy organiser Andy Wiggins.

HFF Over 50's 2018 scoring system – change of format.
The vote for the HFF Over 50's 2018 scoring system (as outlined in the mail of 24th October) is now closed. This email asked O50 members to vote on whether we should keep the '2 dropped scores rule' or change this to '4 dropped scores'.
By a margin of 73% to 27% it has been decided to change to '4 dropped scores' for next year. The majority of people's opinions was that this would be fairer as most O50's do not attend all race meetings across the season.
In addition to this, at the AGM is was agreed that the points allocation will mirror that of the main championship, with the top 15 drivers receiving points with 25 points for a win, then 20, 16, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 for 15th place.


Post-Finals report from our MSA Technical Support Nigel Jones.

Historic Formula Ford Championship Engine Inspection Report
Competitors Richard Tarling Comp No 53, Michael O’Brian Comp No 94
Inspection carried out 22nd & 23rd November at the premises of Scholar Engines, Blue House Lane Stowmarket Suffolk.IP14 5NH
All relevant paperwork inspected prior to the commencement of the inspection and found to be correct.
Engine seals as detailed in applicable sealing certificate inspected prior to engine strip and found intact. Engines were stripped and the following checks were carried out;
Carburettor Chokes Manifold Condition Rocker Shafts Bore and Stroke Cylinder Capacity Overall Engine Capacity Combustion Chamber Volume Cylinder Head Ports Piston Deck Height Valve Dimensions Cam Profile Cam Lobe Offset Head Gasket Spec Piston Weights Crank Weight Flywheel Weight

The above engines have been inspected and found to comply with the 2017 Formula Ford Kent Technical Regulations version1 published copy issued 1st January 2017.
I understand that the engine of Callum Grant has also been inspected by Mike Harris and also been found to comply with the published regulations.

Therefore, the First, Second and Third placed drivers have all had engines inspected and found to be in compliance with the 2017 Formula Ford Kent Technical Regulations version1 published copy issued 1st January 2017.

Nigel Jones IEng MRAeS AMIMI
Championship Technical Delegate



Historic Formula Ford Series Motor Racing Video 2017 £15 +pp
In 50 years of Formula Ford racing, 2017 has seen the one of the best years in the Historic Formula Ford Championship. With packed grids watch our exciting races to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. Throughout the season we’ve had racing of the highest calibre and witnessed spectacular battles throughout the field. Josh Barrett has been around to capture these moments and has put together a compilation of the highlights along with commentary of this great season.
If you would like a record of this terrific season of racing it’s yours for the price of £15.00 + pp
Complete a bank transfer to the following account. The reference should be your surname so we can identify who the money is from
• Account name: Historic Formula Ford
• Account Number: 18008868
• Sort Code: 30-10-49
• IBAN GB96 LOYD 3010 4918 0088 68
Alternatively send a cheque for £15.00 payable to Historic Formula Ford to
Rachel Arnold (HFF)
2 Milton Close
Dukinfield
Cheshire
SK16 5DZ

And don’t forget Charlie Wooding’s photo Album of us at our exciting and silly moments. Order on his website. www.charliewooding.co.uk - t
Professional Photographer | Newport Pagnell Milton Keynes |
www.charliewooding.co.uk
Professional photograph Newport Pagnell Buckinghamshire Historic Motor racing Events PR



Classic Formula Ford Series – thought this might be handy for some;
Here is the calendar for 2018. All the events are double headers so there are 14 races in total.

March 24th/25th Silverstone National
May 12th/13th Silverstone GP
June 2nd/3rd Donington GP
August 5th Mallory Park
August 18th Snetterton 200
September 8th/9th Cadwell Park
October 20th/21st Brands Hatch Indy - BRSCC Formula Ford Festival (Looks like another annoying date clash again – Dick).

Euro Races in 2018 from John Slack.

All still in progress and waiting for costs to come back from various clubs.
At the moment 13 races (France 6, Holland 4, Germany 1, Portugal 2), none of which clash with HSCC events and start in March and end in November.
Expect to have all complete by early to mid-January. JS.

And a bit further…
Anyone interested in racing in the US of A here’s another date.

Subject: FF50th @ ROAD AMERICA
Message Body:
Hi. I am organizing the 50th anniversary (on this side of the pond) weekend for Formula Ford at Road America September 18-22, 2019. Please feel welcome to ping me for more details. It would be great to have international participation in what we expect to be a big event.
Steve Beeler
Fenton, Michigan, USA
Lola T-540 HU44
steve_beeler@ymail.com
(734)560-6031

Motorworks Racing Services www.motorworksracing.com
A small advert has come in from Race Prep man Sam Martin (ex-Speedsport) to say he has expanded into a larger workshop and can provide rebuilds and season-long services for customers, contact info@motorworksracing.com or call 07527207259.

PS. There are some crazy HFF drivers who dabble in the strange art of ‘Mud-Pluggin’ – here’s the diary.
2018 dates – Historic sporting trials
3rd Feb 2018: Sywell Supper
4th Feb 2018: KBCC - Sywell Historic Trial, Sywell, near Northampton
24th Mar 2018: Southsea Motor Club – Ron Faulkner Trial, Languish, Petersfield. Hamps
28/29thApr 2018; KBCC - Historic Sporting Trial. Possible Long Compton trial
18th Aug 2018: HSCC Trial at Plashes Farm trial, near Ware Hertfordshire
10th Nov 2018: Stroud trial at Wotton under Edge Glos
8th Dec 2018: KBCC - Monty Peters Trial, West Malling Kent.
29th Dec 2018: 750 Motor Club - Historic Plum Pudding Trial, Buriton Petersfield Hamps


Oh, and another little note of (Swedish) appreciation to our ex-series co-ordinator….
Dear Andrew,
Congratulations and a big thank you for your great leadership of the series. The development during your term has been fantastic which is confirmed in so many ways like continuously expanding grids with more track time, super fun, fair and safe racing acknowledged by the nomination and the excellent spirit among all participating. I am happy and proud to be part of it. You have spent a lot of time and effort and it has paid off greatly for the benefit of all.
I hope you will have a great upcoming race season.
See you there and then,
Roland Svensson HFF racer.

And so say all of us. Dick Dixon Team HFF .


Historic Formula Ford Over50 Championship in Association with Avon Tyres
Supported by

Radio Caroline.

[dikko]

Forgot to add to the above.

One of the best UK Racing Series in Historic racing and we are pretty busy & friendly too...!


Organised by The Historic Sports Car Club and sponsored in association with Avon Tyres Over50 Championship supported by Radio Caroline.

Get the latest and a lot more from our website at www.HistoricFF.co.uk cars for sale or wanted, required driving standards, reports and of course our official HFF videos courtesy of Josh Barratt Film Enterprises.

Look in on us, (link above, click 'videos' then 'HFF Videos') we are a busy bunch and can be rather exciting at times....

For 2018 we will continue our 'come one - come all' racing format where we will not have any reserves at some races (dependent on circuit grid numbers). There will be double qualifying sessions where the top half of each will qualify for race 2 and the lower group are in race 1.
Top finishers in race 1 then go into race 2 subject to grid space.

It seemed to work last time and made life interesting and like abilities raced together. Good eh?

[dikko]

Attention all!


We are pleased to announce that due to 50 entries so far the HSCC have agreed to our having an 'A & B' race format for both days - we now have available space for a further 14 cars as of 28 Feb.

The below information is now INCORRECT...

7 April, Donington Park; ‘A’ race format ie this is a single race on both days. 32 cars per grid Q* + race 1
8 April, Donington Park 32 cars per grid race 2

Dick Dixon HFF Drvs Rep.

[dikko]

Here's a mention of those joining and re-joining us, some at Donington, some later.

Incoming welcomes…
If Massa and Mansell can retire twice then so can one of our ex-champions. A few years ago, I would have said Paul Sleeman in his Macon MR7 needs no introduction but Paul retired yonks ago and we have so many new entries since, I will. Winner of many FF races from the 70’s and our championship no less than 4 times in the 90’s and a thoroughly nice guy - Paul would share Formula Ford ‘secrets’ with anyone - is returning after an 8-year lay-up. If you thought you had a chance in the Radio Caroline Over 50 Championship you’ve got another think coming…. (see attached jingle).
Mike Flewitt in his Lotus 51 imported from America will be on limited outings as he is a director with Mclaren Sports Cars and is often out of the country.
New to Historics in his Crossle 16F is Gislain Genecand from Switzerland. Gislain is known to HFF Chair David Wild and is apparently a quick driver in more modern FF’s. Hope he enjoys our more sedate little races…
Not new to HSCC; Antony Ross Lola T200, used to race in Classic Racing Cars with the Lotus 59 that Mark Goodyer now campaigns. Antony also competes in HRS with a beautiful Alfa Romeo 1750 Veloce Spyder.
Pierre Livingston; Novice in a Speedsport entered Merlyn Mk20. Team manager Mike O’Brien has him testing and will only be doing limited races this year but will look at a full season next year. A nice young fella I’m told and should fit in with our younger set. They all talk too fast for me.
Mathias Wehtje, a Swede living on a Spanish Island intends joining us too and after having a chat with our regular Swedish rep & racer Rowland Svennson, is keen to take up a new sport. Goodwood has been his choice of race licence venue…there’s posh...look out for a nervous but happy suntanned Scandinavian….
With less of a tan – we welcome Belfast residents Simon & (son) Jack Brien who have recently bought back a car that Simon first owned 33 years ago from the person he sold it to (Simon Perkins), who raced with us until a few years ago after taking over The Willans Harness company*. The car is a 1969 Crossle 16F (Chassis number 16F 69 07), and father & son plan to do some events in the car this year. *discount to HFF by the way.
We also welcome newbies John Evans in a very traditional Lotus 51, Peter Park in a Hawk, Mike Waite in yet another Merlyn and welcome returnee after a big Eldon rebuild Danny Stanzl. Belgian Louis Hanjoul has been missing for a little while and is joining us again - good to see these guys again.
Cameron Jackson is honouring his promise of continuing with us from last year as is Ex-Champ Ben Mitchell, both want to have a go at leading the top boys in our little series. I'm sure another ex-Champ Nelson Rowe, will be showing them how to do it in his Crossle too.
From Buckinghamshire Marcus Watkins will be joining us at some point, no car yet though…as will Ben Adams and Kevin Williams.
To all new to racing WITH us, from us all, a very BIG WELCOME.
Should be someone to race against there.

[dikko]

Big fields of cars at Donington, two spins resulted in two hits and two red flags.

All OK and end result was a titanic battle with first 6 cars within one second over the line along with equally mega racing behind.

YouTube coverage coming out in a few days, don't watch if you are of a sensitive disposition...!

Next up, Cadwell.

[dikko]

Youtube video by Josh captured what was recognised by two very experienced spectators of the series as " the best they've seen in 50 years'!!!!

Next; BBQ and cricket at Cadwell.

[dikko]

Oh and a bit of racing too....

[coppice]

I don't see your name on the entry , Dick ? Or are you in stealth mode ?

[dikko]

Cooking mode...

We've had our 3rd event of the season and going strong. BBQ's, Fireworks at Thruxton, Tiff Needell joined us (received Over 50 trophy!) and kept up with the youngsters, going on to Silverstone soon then Brands - all good racing and clean. See our website for latest newsletters...if the webmaster has them up to date. Cheers, Dick Dixon.

[Drew C]

Its really great news that the enthusiasm for earlier Formula Ford racing is growing and growing.

Reading the posts on the HSCC events and the Radio Caroline series is hugely encouraging and there are several people I know who have either purchased Historic and Classic Cars or are thinking of doing so in the near future.

I have recently acquired a Lotus 61 and we are working to get that ready for later in the season. In addition I have a couple of Lolas and a mid '80s Van Diemen so getting pretty committed in my advancing years!

One thing I have found difficult to achieve is a way of just shaking down the cars and even the driver without it costing half a race season of budget.

From my point of view it is a question of getting my eye in again and there is no substitute for seat time in a relaxed environment.

Very much with this in mind Anglesey Circuit has started to run Single Seater Track Days which are run just like the normal Open Pit Lane events from the major operators but aimed entirely at Single Seat Race Cars like the Historic and Classic Cars you refer to in the earlier posts.

The Circuit uses the popular Coastal Track of 1.5 miles, the days run Open Pit with Sighting Laps at the start and controlled overtaking like a normal Track Day.

Several cars have come out to play that have been pushed away in garages for a while with owners debating whether to commit to renewing licences and so forth; with the Anglesey initiative a Road Licence suffices so its an affordable way to blow the dust off driver and car alike.

Sprint and Hillclimb folk have also shown interest and they use the days to get more acclimatised to their cars as they can play with changes in a day to work out preferences.

I thought it would be worth mentioning as there have been a few competitors in the North West and further afield who have found the relaxed atmosphere and open session approach really useful.

The next event is on Monday the 18th June followed by Monday the 20th August.

For more details call Anglesey Circuit and there should be spaces still available.

These are perfect days for Historics and Classics, both cars and drivers!

[dikko]

Good info Drew, I'll pass that on to anyone who asks. We do have practice days at most of our meetings the day before a race, this would mean joining the HSCC but a one-off race event is allowed for a temp membership of £25 for licenced drivers if the grid can take it and that would include the chance to run the track.

Our double header races have a qualifying race each day to join the 'Top' group race and those (top 12 normally) get four races...enough to get the hang of things...

We do have novices and invariably there is always someone to race with but track time at somewhere like Anglesey would be a great help for car comfort etc.
Very good info. Thanks, Dick Dixon Drivers Rep, communications and sausage incinerator.

[Drew C]

Hi Dick,

Hopefully we will get the Lotus up and running before the end of the year; my son is keen to race at the WHT and has half an eye on the 61 I think!

I would really like to race at some of your events so will be trying to get our act together.

We will have to get HSCC papers for the car as its been restored following repatriation from the US where it raced on some of the Ovals apparently.

Its a shame that the Lolas don't quite count as Classics as they are far better suited to that class with their Front radiators and not really much different in many ways to something like an RP24.

I have two and half Lola T644Es which we have been working on getting back to original specification. the first raced at the WHT last year; the first time it had been on track for 25 years as far as we can ascertain.

The second car should be ready soon as well and while that has raced a few times in the same period it probably counts the outings on one hand!

With the Classics joining the HSCC maybe there will be a re-balance at some point to bring cars into groups that keep them competitive and the incentive to restore and nurture them in the longer term.

I have the Lolas because I always wanted a car beginning with LO.. but couldn't afford it!

Now I have both versions with the 61 as well but several years too late in some respects!

Certainly look forward to any like minded FF drivers joining us at Anglesey; the days are a bit cheaper than a typical Test Day as well!

Drew C

[dikko]

Not a lot of our guys race at the WHT, we spectate yes, but about 5 race. If it's very wet then the 61 will win it!!!!.....

See you at some point then, hopefully a taster race before the WHT. Papers can wait until next year. Call in at a meeting for a cuppa, cake and chat...if time between racing allows. Dick.

[Drew C]

Hi Dick,

Thanks for the information on this; i had asked for some advice on how to get the registration for the HSCC papers but didn't get a reply and have been juggling events at the circuit in between!

i will try and get to an HSCC event soon and come and pay you a visit.

The 61 winning at the WHT in the wet ... Hmmm! Suspect the driver will be a key factor in that so better let my son take the helm for sure!

Look forward to meeting you soon.

Drew

[dikko]

40 raced at Silverstone with one drop-out on Sunday. Bit spaced out on occasions but some tight pairs racing, especially winners Cameron Jackson (sat race) & Ben Mitchell (Sun race) with Max Bartell close 3rd each day- tis a big track the GP circuit, but terrific to drive.
Big cook-up courtesy of Barbara Dix with 70-80 mouths to feed and a very entertaining performance put on by Roger Arnold trying to ride a mono-bike - almost successfully...daft bugger.

Next up, Brands GP circuit, full grid with reserves, better Formula Ford circuit to race on so no doubt some great racing will be on show.

Themed party (we're thinking of all dressing up as 'old gits') organised at Croft (beginning of August) in celebration of one of our racers 'coming of (a certain) age'.

Reduced track time dictates one race each day - disappointment, but great event and even better track. Bring flat caps, braces & brogues...

[dikko]

45 Historic Formula Ford entries for this weekend's SuperPrix at Brands GP 2 x races Saturday and one race Sunday. Not sure how we'll fit them in...


Special news ref Croft August 4/5 (apart from info above) is that we will be honoring our Birthday Party Boy by dressing in swinging 60's gear... Flares, Kipper ties and, (for the young hopefully!) Hot Pants and Cat Suits!!!!!


Listen to our Radio Caroline promo jingle!!! 848 waves. Dikko

[dikko]

Brands....Great racing...again...really tight up front but clean. we have a newsletter and race report (if you can't find it on our website then look it up on Radio Carolines's website..).

Front-runners had a lot of fun as did the old farts, er, fellas, Over50 race with our occasional visitor Tiff Needell winner by not a lot...

The heat is on for both Championships and next up is Croft. A great event with lots of atmosphere, evening themed 60's/70's party and the perfect HFF Track. Should be great racing.

Call in for a cuppa or some Jimmy's iced coffee anytime. Dikko.

[dikko]

Great Event at Croft, for really silly psychedelic photos of a lot of old dudes and their babes visit photographer Charlie Wooding's website.
As for the racing; amazingly tight through the field and all had applause from the crowd.

Oulton Park coming up, low grid as only one race on the Bank Monday...lorra traffic stopping the southeners...

[dikko]

Mega race for quite a few even though we were 18 cars. Next up is Brands Hatch, for those who would like to join us with their own cars (or rented) call by, see what our tea or coffee is like and get an insight of our friendly little series.

[dikko]

Wet Brands, see our website for news/race report. Hot racing on a wet track caused a lot of steam...

Finals at Silverstone in Oct 20/21Champ table says Cameron Jackson and Ben Mitchell will be vying for top boy, Callum Grant has 3rd firmly in his hand, some surprises may suddenly appear with those in the remaining places.

Our Radio Caroline Over50 Trophy is also up for grabs - look out for some determined (and fair we hope) driving by those in the mix.

[dikko]

This weekend....

HFF Championships down to the wire...

Cameron Jackson and Ben Mitchell will settle the destiny of the HSCC Historic Formula Ford title during the Finals Meeting at Silverstone (20/21 October) after one of the most fiercely-contested seasons in the championship’s history.



There are various permutations and heading to Silverstone Jackson has a four-point advantage when dropped scores are factored in. However, it is basically a winner-takes-all scenario, with two wins for either driver enough to seal the crown. Each driver has scored six wins to date in the 15 races.



Mitchell, racing the Merlyn Mk20 owned by Marcus Pye, is trying to match his father Westie, champion in 2009, and his younger brother Sam who was champion in 2013. Jackson, meanwhile, fields a Lola T200 run by record-breaking five-time champion Neil Fowler.



Jackson said: “We went to Brands 10 points behind Ben and now we have a four-point advantage. I’ve just got to try and win the races but it is a bit of a lottery at Silverstone because you get such a big tow.”



Mitchell countered: “I’ve got to beat Cameron and I’m looking forward to two good clean races. You never know what can happen and we’ll just see how it goes.”

Andy Wiggins HFF Co-ordinator for the Over 50's Championship has the following message ...

The Radio Caroline HFF Over 50'S Championship pre Silverstone Finals weekend couldn't be much closer.



Going into the final two races the current lead is TIED between Rob Smith and Brian Morris, both on 222 points!!



At this point it is worth reminding drivers that the final positions will be calculated once a drivers 4 worst results are removed from their points total. The attached table highlights each driver's CURRENT worst 4 results and this gives Rob Smith a slight advantage on 211 points over Brian Morris on 208


Again 3rd place boils down to just 3 points (after 4 worst races removed) between Tim Brise (142 points) and Stuart Kestenbaum (139 points)

No pressure boys but it really is all to play for. "

[dikko]

Nope not come out. See all on our Historic ff website soon.


2018 HFF Finals report Plus 2019 race dates
HFF Carless Fuels and Vital Equipment Championship went down to the wire...


Sponsoring The HSCC Historic Formula Ford 1600cc Championship Race Series for pre 1972 Cars.

Cameron Jackson and Ben Mitchell settled the destiny of the HSCC Historic Formula Ford title after one of the most fiercely-contested seasons in the championship’s history.
Jackson had a four-point advantage when dropped scores are factored in. However, it was a winner-takes-all scenario. Each driver has scored six wins to date in the 15 races. Callum Grant had already sealed a safe 3rd in the Championship.

The Radio Caroline Over 50'S Championship couldn't have been much closer either.

Going into the final two races the current lead was TIED between Rob Smith and Brian Morris, both on 222 points.
Rob had a slight advantage on 211 points over Brian on 208
Again 3rd place boiled down to just 3 points (after 4 worst races removed) between Tim Brise (142 points) and Stuart Kestenbaum (139 points)

Before the race report, have a read of this.

I was a flag marshal at the HSCC Finals 20/21 October. This was a most enjoyable weekend of racing including the weather. My reason for writing is to congratulate the Formula Ford drivers for putting on 2 fantastic races over the weekend. Talking with other Marshals and officials on Sunday morning about Saturday’s race then following Sunday’s race, like me many Marshals felt this was some of the most exciting races we have seen for some time. Seeing 8 cars almost abreast coming out of Copse then the lead changing every few seconds was something very special. Well done Formula Ford, you normally put on a good show but that weekend was something very special.
Regards
David Turner


HSCC HISTORIC FORMULA FORD CHAMPIONSHIP
Sponsored by Carless Racing Fuels and Vital Equipment
Support by Avon Tyres and Radio Caroline
Finals Races sponsored by
speedsport gallery
Rounds 16 and 17: Silverstone National, 20/21 October

Cameron Jackson won the 2018 HSCC Historic Formula Ford Championship in the best possible style during the final two races of the season.
At the wheel of the Fowler Motorsport Lola T200, Jackson won two thrilling races to finally see off the challenge of Ben Mitchell (Merlyn Mk20). However, this was never easy for Jackson as his combined winning margin over two races, and half an hour of wheel-to-wheel combat, was little more than a third of a second.
Qualifying; Jackson took pole position by a tenth from Callum Grant and the top 17 qualifiers were covered by less than two seconds from a 30-car field. This was going to be a weekend of Silverstone slip-streaming and glorious autumn sunshine offered the perfect back drop.
Race 1. Mitchell, Richard Tarling, Grant and Ben Tusting were the big challengers to Jackson in the opening race on Saturday, but the Lola was in the perfect place on the deciding final lap. Mitchell lost out when he was edged onto the grass and back to fifth on the final rush down the Wellington Straight and that was enough to cost him a remaining shot at the title. Right behind Mitchell at the flag was the leading over 50 racer Clive Richards after another impressive showing while a few seconds later Ross Dryborough headed Ted Pearson and youngster Pierre Livingston.
Jackson said: “There were six of us all going for it and it was another classic race. You don’t want to lead onto Wellington Straight on the last lap so I left Richard Tarling space to go into Copse ahead of me. I knew I’d get a decent tow from him.”

A measured fourth among the over 50 racers was a good result for Rob Smith as he closed on the category title, having seen his major rival Brian Morris go out on the first lap with suspension damage. Remarkably, Morris was one of only two non-finishers.
While Jackson was elated at taking the title in his first serious attempt at a season-long championship, Mitchell took the result with commendable good grace after a tremendous effort on limited resources.

A grand Chilli meal and a presentation was the order of the evening courtesy of Barbara & Stuart Dix with a fine display of our sponsors through the year.


Jackson won again on Sunday after another absolute thriller but his second win only came when Tarling missed a gear on the sprint to the flag. That allowed Jackson to grab victory by six-thousandths of a second with Mitchell almost level with them over the line.
“It’s been a challenging season in every race and there has always been someone to race with, especially with Ben Mitchell,” said Jackson. “Every single race we’ve been next to each other on the track,” he said after becoming the first champion in a Lola since his team boss Neil Fowler won his fifth title back in 2005.

Gislain Genecand drove a fabulous race to run in the lead pack and take fourth ahead of Tusting, as Grant slowed and retired. That was one of only two retirements as the other non-finisher was Kevin Stanzl who was ‘helped’ into the gravel at Becketts.
Genecand topped the Over 50s while Richards headed the second big pack in sixth place, with Dan Eagling, Pearson and Dryborough on his tail. Morris bounced back from his first race retirement to take tenth but the Radio Caroline Over 50s award went to Rob Smith.

Rob Smith strutting his stuff…

Paul Lawrence





Our Paddock presentation was headed by our Carless Fuels/Vital Equipment Sponsor MD Alistair Roberts


(From left) Main Sponsor; Carless Racing Fuels & Vital Equipment M.D. Alistair Roberts; Title Contender Ben Mitchell, Overall Champion Cameron Jackson, Radio Caroline Championship Contender Brian Morris, Radio Caroline Champion Rob Smith, Overall Championship third place Callum Grant and Tim Brise third in the Radio Caroline Championship.

A Big Thank-You to;
Carless Race Fuels supplied by Vital Equipment and Avon Tyres suppliers BMTR for their continuing prize support of sets of tyres. We greatly value their contribution. Also, all of us appreciated the 300 cartons of ‘Jimmy’s Iced Coffee’ each meeting. Thanks Jimmy!




We are especially grateful to all our Race-day sponsors for their invaluable support in helping to build our series. Also a big thanks to moustachioed David Alderson for lugging our equipment trailer along at each meeting, it means a lot..
Please be on the look-out for Race-day sponsors who may benefit with an association with us.



‘Radio Caroline’ advertising support is still on-line for 2019 too, their 45-second jingles 10 times a day help push our series and our sponsors name in a big way - two 1960’s iconic creations – us and them.
YouTube film commentator/compiler Josh Barratt is still with us in between other racing duties, anyone who wants to be named and see themselves in all their racing glory is reminded to fit an in-car camera.
Thanks to Charlie Wooding for his many shots of us in action, his HFF 2018 Yearbook is now in the making and can be ordered on his website.
More Finals shots here; https://www.charliewooding.co.uk/v/p...c-formula-ford
Post-race technical matters;
On Tuesday 20th November at the request of Nigel Jones I examined the engines from Cameron Jackson and Ben Mitchell's Historic Formula Fords, Car Numbers 7 & 24, which were sealed at Silverstone on Saturday 20th October, at the premises of Neil Bold Engineering, Manchester.
After detailed examinations both engines were found to be in complete conformity with the 2018
FF1600 Technical Regulations.
Best regards Mike Harris. MSA Technical Commissioner.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

News round…
Well done to Callum, not only for winning the Walter Hayes Meeting Janet Cesar Trophy for 1982-’98 cars but also 15th as the best Pre-’99 finisher in the Grand Final in Roger Arnold’s Van Diemen.


Two weeks later he picked up his Championship Third-place trophy from famous racer Anthony Reid at the HSCC Trophy evening at Whittlebury Hall along with the HSCC Clubman of the Year Trophy for his role in Nelson Rowe’s fiery Cadwell incident. Callum was also the receiver of a set of Avon Tyres from Nelson as a gesture of thanks from him. He went home with a lot more than he arrived for sure.
Richard Tarling slipped at the first bend in the Cesar Trophy at The Walter Hayes but made for terrific watching to come an amazing 2nd from last place. His 6th in the semi final was rather good too.
Ed Thurston at the same meeting was a magnificent 4th! in a Speedsport Merlyn against more modern cars in the MAIN heats and FIRST in the Carl Harmer Trophy 1967-92 class. Nicely driven Ed.
Congrats also to another nice lad to grace our grids, Benn Tilley for first place in the Classic FF race and their Championship at The Brands FF Fest, a nano-second behind was Scott Mansell, F1 car & driver developer. Not bad for a young‘un.



HSCC Awards night saw Callum, Ben, Cameron and Max all scrubbed up being presented with their HFF Championship Trophies by Anthony Reid (centre).
Well done too to ALL for some great racing in 2018.



Our Calendar may look like this, provisional and subject to entries of course.
HSCC HFF PROVISIONAL (as of 18/12/18 ) RACE MEETING DATES 2019
We asked for a sensibly-spaced race programme however, this won’t happen in 2019: We have to honour pre-arranged dates but we hope your support will enable us to run our format of two groups of Heat and Final each day at most meetings. This format equalizes abilities and create full grids with tight racing.


HSCC Historic Formula Ford Race programme 2019.
30tht March Donington Park. Heat & Final format. 2 X 32 – car grid each day. 64 Total.
18th-19th May Silverstone (Grand Prix Circuit) 54 - car rolling starts, 1 X race each day. 54 Total.
1st June Snetterton. One of the best FF racing circuits. Heat & Final format. 2 X 32 (car grid). 64 total.
15 – 16th June Cadwell Park. ‘Wolds Trophy’ Lincolnshire’s ‘Little Nurburgring’ subject to entries; Heat & Final of max 26 per grid, each day. 52 total.
29th-30th June Legends of Brands Hatch ‘Legends’ SuperPrix. Grand Prix Circuit. The Best. Our race here is turning into an ‘International Event’ with visiting drivers each year – we’ll invent a ‘Euro Trophy’ again - Heat & Final format each day. 38 cars each grid. 76 Total.
13th-14th July Anglesey. 34 – car grid. A departure from our normal bill, two races with a 34 – car grid each. Asked for, and new for many, the Circuit will be putting on a good show for us – so it will be worth the journey.
3rd- 4th August Croft 'Nostalgia'. Subject to numbers this will be a Heat & Final format. 2 X 32 – car grid each day. Allows 64 Total to enter.
24th-25th-26th August Oulton Park Gold Cup. Our racing will be on Saturday and Sunday. Bank Holiday Monday travel home/watch the racing. Great circuit 1 X 34 – car grid each day. 68 total if Heat & Final format.
21st September Brands Indy. 2 X 30 – car grids. Important for Championship points, great racing, apologies for the M25 in advance… 30 cars Total.
19th-20th October Silverstone National Circuit Finals 1 X 36 – car grid each day.
Note; Qualifying allowance; most circuits allow 10% extra. Non - Q; Entry fees returned less £25.
We will continue our 'come one - come all' racing format where we will not have any reserves at some races (dependent on circuit grid and entry numbers). There will be double qualifying sessions where the top half of each will qualify for a Final each day, the lower group make up the first Heat race.
Top finishers in the Heat race then go into our Final (subject to grid size) each day.

It’s a good format, makes life interesting and like abilities race together. Good eh?
Special Invitations for 2019.(Subject to confirmation).
5th October Castle Combe. Special Invitation (non-Championship Round mixing with Classic FF guys) at the Autumn Classic FF Trophy Race Meeting celebrating their 50th year racing Formula Fords. 1 maybe, 2 X 34 - car races, one day meet.
7th – 9thJune Zandvoort (Invitation, non-Championship race this year but watch this space for a full Champ outing in 2020). Marcel Albers Memorial Trophy for pre-82 FF cars. Fixed Head Restraint required. Register directly on www.circuitzandvoort.nl/mamt


Show date & news.
The Historic Sports Car Club will celebrate 50 years of Formula 5000 in a spectacular display at Autosport International at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham (January 10-13).
The Club will mark the 50th anniversary of the UK debut of this category and will feature six cars owned and raced by Club members including the ex-Mike Hailwood 1971 Surtees TS8 of Chris Atkinson and the 1970 McLaren M10B raced by Peter Gethin for Sid Taylor’s team. The 1969 ex-Horst Kroll Lola T142, now raced by Adam Simmonds, will represent the early cars, while the 1975 Lola T400, now raced successfully by Michael Lyons in the HSCC’s Derek Bell Trophy, is one of the ultimate F5000 designs.


Retro Show at Stoneleigh is on Friday to Sunday 22 – 24th February where our HSCC Stand will be showing a selection of our range of formulas. There is a place for an HFF car, if you want to show off, sell or simply turn up with a car for this busy show let me know. Delivery Thursday pm and take away Sunday eve.

Mass race medicals at a reduced price in Herts. It is that time of the year again . . . If you are near Hatfield, keep the date of Tuesday 15th January 2019 free for your annual race licence medical.
Their usual medical team, led by Dr Hugh Powell, will be at Malcolm Rickett's workshops in Wheathampstead from 7:00pm onwards.
Let Bob know to assess the probable numbers involved. robertpomeroy@hotmail.com

News from The MSA Now ‘Motorsport UK’
All licence holders are now auto-enrolled in a new membership programme, which delivers a range of benefits and discounts to the Motorsport UK community.
Members will benefit from discounts with Motorsport UK Membership Partners, typically targeted at offsetting some of the costs of competition. These include: competition and road car insurance (Adrian Flux); road car and competition tyres (Protyre); safety-wear (Grand Prix Racewear); tools and parts (Halfords); outdoor wear (Ellis Brigham); and ferry travel (DFDS).
Christmas Shopping news.
Our Headline Sponsor, Carless Fuels/Vital Equipment will be in position in the paddocks in 2019 stocked with their 102 Octane Good stuff at a special rate for us and very MSA legal. You’ll feel the difference. If you are thinking of treating yourself with a HANS device this Christmas their trained fitter will be on hand for bespoke advice. Let them know on 01981 241169 Alistair’s email is alistair@vitalequipment.co.uk and they’ll put fuel and other goodies they sell aside for you.


Here’s to some more GREAT HFF RACING in 2019. DD.


Drivers meeting report. Silverstone October 20th 2018. 1pm.
Retiring Championship Chairman David Wild introduced new HSCC CEO Andy Dee-Crowne and said he is going into the position with a new appetite to engage with our Series and our wishes.
Our ‘Red Flag’ occurrence was equal to other years and our racing was accorded to be fair by most observers.
David thanked our many sponsors for their support and Rachel Arnold for finance management, Barbara & Stuart Dix for their organising great parties during the year and thanks to Andy Wiggins for his work on Qualifying Order listings and Points Table for our Over50 Championship.
A discussion on irregularities of penalties was put forward on; driving to track limits, car weighing and driving manners. David said there were some disproportionate penalties handed out and these were noted by Andy D-C.
It was questioned as to how fierce did we want to be with rules and the subject of cameras fitted to all cars was discussed along with a myriad of complications including; penalising non-working cameras; Forward? Rear? Both? Costs of clerking, repercussions and some circuits not allowing their use.
A concern to consider increased Roll-Over Bar protection for taller drivers was aired and discussed; in particular, forward-facing stay bars. It was felt it may contravene regulations but could be looked into.
David said Motorsport UK (ex-MSA) Technical Delegate for our Series Nigel Jones would like to introduce new Parc Ferme Supplementary Regulations for ease of Regulations Checks. (note; added to 2019 regs).
Rachel presented our accounts for the year.
Drivers report then followed. See below.
The subject of the future change of Avon Tyres to a harder compound was discussed and Paul Nicholls from Suppliers and Sponsor BMTR/Avon explained the facts relating to their less wear, slightly less grip and cost benefits (same price and less tyres required per season).
(note; added 2019 regs as control tyre in 2020 Regs.).
David thanked him for his time and involvement with our Series.
David was thanked for his role in organising our popular Championship in 2018.


HSCC HFF Series Drivers Rep Report.

Our first race of the season was Donington with a healthy grid for our A + B Format. The racing was the best “ever seen in 50 years” as witnessed by some experienced spectators. Criticism of ‘bumping’ by some was made but with the close class of experience and number of cars in the top running, this seemed inevitable. Two collisions into spinning cars further down the field was the outcome of a packed grid. Some wrong decisions or bad luck when trying to avoid the guy sideways in front created a couple of rebuilds. We hope for their return.
It was felt that the circuit suited our cars and the format.


Next circuit had a very different flavour with Cadwell Park’s narrow track still popular with entrants. An unfortunate accident blotted the proceedings. Nelson Rowe’s car seemed to be damaged more than it should have been either in the accident or following recovery. We are still awaiting a scrutineer’s report to address our concerns re possible weak chassis points. A contested overtake adjudicated by the Clerk of the Course was the only other incident.

Two weeks later…
We now travel to Thruxton with an invitation to its 50th Celebrations. Although a high-profile event (fireworks, band etc) it did not attract as many entrants as may have been expected, although 30 cars is still not to be sniffed at… The reluctance to race there may have been due to its closeness to the previous race and the nature of it being a very fast track. Our racing was entertaining though. Criticism of off-track conditions was a concern- large flints off in the outfield, and our race was at the end of a long day’s programme.

Two weeks later…
Forward only another fortnight to Silverstone GP Race meeting. 40 cars entered from a possible a 64-car grid. Good turnout, but might have been better. Good fair racing all round.

Two weeks later…
Brands Grand Prix event attracted almost enough to run an A + B race format. This brought drivers from Switzerland and Germany and may be an attraction for more guests to come over. They certainly enjoyed their visit and said they will return. This is therefore likely to be popular and it would probably be desirable to have an A + B format for this event next year.
I know we need to stay on track but one or two had to take avoiding action and found the run-off areas full of damaging flint stones. Cost amounting to £2,000 occurred to cars and written off helmets. We ask the office to make the circuit owner aware and act on this.

Croft, A full entry and courtesy of Stuart and Barbara Dix a great evening party. Popular each year. Time restrictions and race programming change this year left one man to go home early due to overbooking. A better turn-out by us would have confirmed a full A + B format. Maybe next year? The more cars we have the more support we will get from the office.

Oulton Park. Bank Holiday Monday and one race did not attract a full grid; 18 cars was our lowest grid for some time. Some thought two races may have attracted more of a reason to venture out. I believe this was an oversight on behalf of the office? (Added; and has been admitted & noted).

Brand Hatch Club Circuit. Showed up some of our more ‘untalented traits’ in difficult conditions. We had more than our share of reds, yellows and Safety cars in the rain. There were some puzzling decisions from the Control Tower which didn’t help. Unusual Safety car procedures disjointing the field affecting positions made for a mixed race for many. Clarifying the acceptable method of overtaking backmarkers under the Safety Car period, and maybe controlling the speed of the damn thing needs to be addressed by our Clerk of the Course…

Our MSA Technical Scrutineer, Nigel Jones has done sterling work in his many checks of over 40 cars and found just one car for exclusion, and this was corrected.

Hospitality was used well (when our David Alderson amongst his Rally Tour commitments was able to bring it) especially in the hot weather we experienced. Along with Jimmy's Iced Coffees and Tea etc it was a welcome water hole. The times it wasn’t available showed with a lack of attendees at prize presentations but to be fair these events were far from home and people needed to be on their way.

We have to apologize to Ross Dryborough and his guests at Worthing Implant Centre for a glitch in our not supplying it at Brands. Sorry Ross.

I can see a better future for our hospitality, especially if there was an emphasis in financing circuit catering staff for part of the day to run it – we supply, they serve. We also have the opportunity to pay a team to build up & knock-down the equipment, to lessen extra work on busy racers, and we should take it.
If we can get our act together on setting up a consistent hospitality area with better service it will give us a base and become familiar with our fellow competitors. This will help fulfill all our intentions of racing WITH friends as opposed to racing AGAINST a stranger.

Race programming in 2019. Even though our grids were healthier than other formulas at most events this year I feel more entrants would have matched our 2017 Birthday numbers if race meetings were evenly spaced out. More A + B format races could have been well supported at less events. Accepting Thruxton’s invite compacted events at the beginning of the year and may have been a mistake.

As well as attracting new young drivers, older, and more experienced drivers are joining us. We welcome Clive Richards, Linton Stutely, Ted Pearson; some in our Radio Caroline Over50 Championship. These guys are giving our younger group a run for their money and all the better for them to learn from. Next year will see a compaction of talent at the front with good racing. May it continue. (Added; to date, as of December 18th, we have notification of a further six people joining our Series. Some with experience and some without).

The Radio Caroline-supported Over50 Championship continues to grow and looking at the results sheets we see at least ¾ of the grid in that category. Reports are shown on the Radio Caroline website with jingles advertising each round going out to 4 million listeners and help give us a platform of advertising for our sponsors. (Added; There are some drivers ‘coming of a certain age’ who wish to see another category of Over70’s… comments please!)
Driving Standards. Over the year, 5 drivers were asked to straighten out their driving either by the Clerk of the Course or quietly in one ear, we had three drivers observed for their driving manners during some races and most improved…some may require a two-ear approach…. one received a penalty on his licence and may just be forgiven for his youth and inexperience.

There were many instances of experienced drivers criticizing back-markers. I and others take the opinion that those at the front should be responsible for them and not the other way around. Maybe they have forgotten what it’s like to be a learner with a crowd coming up behind. To reinforce this concept, I would like us to introduce an addition to our supplementary regs to help respect our friends towards the back.
I would like you to back a move that penalizes anyone making contact with a lapped car. I.e.

……’If any competitors car comes in contact with another whilst lapping that competitor, the overtaking competitor will be excluded from that race result’.
(Added note. at the meeting this seemed not be fair (to whom wasn’t clear) and has been dropped. Any suggestions of how to reinforce - let me know.)
All-in-all, our racing was up to its great standard all through the season. We received a lot of applause and praise from marshals and spectators, and not just to the leaders. At some events we all were congratulated for great and fair racing right down to the last man.

For the 100 plus drivers at our many races it shows how well we perform. I am sure you all look forward to some good racing next year. I do.


Dick Dixon HSCC HFF Drivers Rep. Dec 2018.