Article by Andrew Blacklee

Points towards the Speed Championship are amassed from the best of 8 events and so by late September regular competitors are trying really hard to win good points to replace poorer results earlier in the season.   The more clued up competitors pick and choose events where they expect to do well and may well take into account the likely competition on the day.  For instance some of the quick northern drivers may appear at far away southern events (Goodwood) and vice versa. It is also noted that with two of the faster Cerbera’s now retired for the season, other drivers can hope to take advantage of their absence.   Having said all that, the planning all goes out of the window when there is an unexpected result.  Steve Dennis’s surprise victory (well he was surprised anyway) at Thoresby is a good example. 

There were eleven drivers at Thoresby Park near Worksop for round number 18.  The three stars of the show undoubtedly were Steve Dennis in his mythical Vixen S2 and Simon Cole tvr 350/480 for almost equalling his previous years dry time and newcomer John Carter for posting a sizzling 55.28 seconds in his V8S 500 to collect well earned 23 points.    Unfortunately, Simon was docked 1 second for allegedly clipping a marker and Stewart Lobley was given an FWO (four wheels off) for ‘destroying’ a chicane.  Both penalties were rather contentious and spoilt the day a little for two of our top drivers. 

Also, it was good to see John Pollard out in his 3000S and as always he was quick and mixing it with the V8’s but it’s a great shame Hilary Pollard has retired from competitive driving this year.  With Jackie Rasbach taking a break after Goodward, and Sarah Leeson absent in Hungary there is a dearth of ladies this year.   There are many feisty lady tvr owners who could do worse than enter a most enjoyable championship with other tvr nuts. 

Back at Thoresby, competitors hoping to better last years times were generally thwarted by the pouring rain after first practice.  The track is notorious for retaining water beneath the trees and the blast from the second chicane to the hairpin was particularly precarious, requiring armfuls of opposite lock on occasions. 

At the end of a most enjoyable day’s motor sport, just 5½ seconds separated the tvr drivers in cars as diverse as a Cerbera 4.2 and Vixens and whilst Thoresby is not one of the more popular venues it nevertheless offers an entertaining days motor sport.  Entries are limited to 85 so there is a good turn around and despite the Westfields and Caterhams (and even Austin 7’s) doing their best to demolish the scenery the organisers managed to find time for us to complete a third run.   Andrew Blacklee’s day was made when he discovered Thoresby Hall served Costa Coffee.  Just the thing to kick start you into action after a night under canvas. 

Overall championship leader Simon Cole has points for the season averaging 24.9 (out of 25) which is as near perfect as you can but the one point penalty thwarted his hopes and so Thoresby was another victory for Steve Dennis; his third of the year.  He was master of the damp conditions and noticeably tidier and quicker than most around the infamous roundabout – well done Steve!