Article by Steve Cox

The day was bright but seemed bitterly cold as the warm spell came to an abrupt end; the plummeting temperantures to around 5c were further exacerbated by wind speeds of up to 30mph. We didn't care, this was Round 1 of the TVRCC Speed Championship and we were out to have some fun and earn some points. There were a couple of challenges though - as I said, it was a windy day so the layout of the cones could best be described as infinitely variable. Also, the timing gear was not really designed for hurricane use so it either blew over, or completely changed angle with no warning. Richard Blacklee's first practice run showed a time of 18 seconds - this would have given him a slightly sub sonic average speed, but later investigation proved that the timing beam had fallen over and a passing starling had tripped the finish. Sorry Rich.

Most importantly, the turnout for Round 1 was high with 15 cars making the journey to Essex and four of those were first year sprinters determined to have some fun in their Tivs. I have said many times that entry level motorsport such as this is the place to drive your car to both its (and your own) limitations; and sprinting especially, is the espresso of track work. As new joiner Pete Watson said to me yesterday, you have to be on it from the start and get better as the day goes on - I couldn't have put it better myself.

The range of cars out yesterday was great too. There were 6 in the chimps pen, 2 Cerbies, one Vixen, one V6 Tuscan, a 350 FHC, a V8M and my V8S sporting its new paint job which comprises green panels and a yellow hard top. I think it looks great, but there were some in our number who thought I should be running with the Elises which I thought was unkind. Still, no points for them!

The first practice runs were largely characterised by uncertainty of the course, and many did go astray - this results in a "Wrong Route" with no time given. Practice 2 was a little better and it was Mike Horn and new boy Chris Selfe both in Chimp 400s who were leading the
way on handicap. David Balderson too was on the pace in the Gold 350FHC with Tim Scrivens, Dave Jenkins, Hugh Davies, and the flying Blacklee brothers close behind. There was still much concern at to the actual route as the wind revised the cones constantly, so at
lunch we all went and walked the course again, so at least we'd know where the hell it went - for now anyway.

As so often happens, when an event stops for lunch the weather starts to blow in, and yesterday was no exception. We could see the dark snow filled clouds closing from the North and it was only a matter of time before we got it - we shuddered at the thought of snow and 30mph winds on a sprint day but then at the very last second, it veered away to the West. We really could not believe our good fortune. I'd swear that Neil Benfield who had been Borough 19's leader until we sadly lost him to cancer just before Christmas, had something to do
with it. Made me smile.

Official timed runs started at about 2pm and I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough time to get all the cars through twice, but the course settled down as various heavy objects were gathered and placed on anything that looked as though it might blow away - Run 1
saw Horn and Selfe consolidate their positions with some excellent drives, but that man Balderson was still there. Dave Jenkins beautiful red Chimp 500 was up next but on his heels, Richard Blacklee and Tim Scrivens were also keeping the pressure on. Paul Crossman's white Tuscan V6 makes a great noise and was in the hunt with Hugh Davies as they fought out the middle order places – Aidan McConnon was robbed of his first timed run when the wind launched a cone across the path of his V8M. No harm done, but disappointing to
lose out on an official time. Alan Bankhurst was using Round 1 as a shakedown and was more focused on setup than best times - for now anyway.

Run 2 and a final opportunity to get it together - Horn, Selfe and Balderson wrapped it up but there were some spirited last run performances. First eventer Mark Harris pulled his finger out and took four seconds off his previous time, thus robbing Tim Scrivens of the highest Cerby spot. Pete Watson in the TMS Griff took another second off his time, Alan Bankhurst started to concentrate on the track and took 3.25 secs off his time and was now ready to drive the event - sadly, it was time to go home.

Final honours went to Mike Horn but Dave Balderson nicked P2 from Chris Selfe on handicap. Chris is a novice this year so a very well earned 3rd and trophy to go on the sideboard made the trip worthwhile. I was 4th but it was great to see Richard Blacklee in the 5th spot with novice Mark Harris close behind.

Full and detailed results can be seen on our website
http://www.tvrspeedchampionship.co.uk/

I'd forgotten just how exhausting sprinting can be, but can't wait
for the next round.