Brands Hatch Stages

With no event in 2015 we made our first visit in a while to Brands Hatch and a wet start caused chaos early on, where front wheel drive ultimately proved to be the best method of drive. Chris West & Steve McNulty (306 Maxi) were joint fastest on the first stage and 4th fastest on the 2nd stage saw them sharing the lead after the first pair of stages. Steve Quigley & Tom Hutchings (Clio 172 Cup) were tied with them for the lead with Tony Robinson & Phil Clarke (Clio) just a further 2nd back after fastest time on stage 2. Through the next pair of stages the conditions improved and became more predictable, which saw the Clio’s fall back as the RWD and 4WD machinery started to make up ground.

Clee Hills Trial

We were back for our hat-trick on this event after 2012 & 2014. With 2013 cancelled due to the weather and the event not run in 2015 it was a welcome return to the Shropshire hills. We took on Flounders Folly where only Dan Partington & Sam Phillips (DP Wasp) completed the test, making the most of running 2nd crew up the hill. We then moved on to Priors Holt 6, (after the cancellation of Priors Holt 7), where the first climb in to the trees was the main test. Once again another fine day out in a great setting, with good company.

Jack Frost Stages Rally

A cold, foggy scene greeted the crews for the opening pair of stages at Croft. Guy Smith & Pat Walsh (Focus WRC) were fastest out of the blocks and apart from a small gearbox issue, on the 4th stage, 3 fastest stage times in the morning saw them with a 25 second lead at lunch. Fastest on the 4th stage, and 2nd overall, were Ashley & Fred Field (Darrian T90 GTR+) who had a 15 second advantage over Alan Kirkaldy & Garry Muir (Escort MkII). Kirkaldy had a superb morning but was fending off Paul & Jessica Swift (Escort MkII) for the final podium spot. As the afternoon stages progressed Smith managed the gap to take victory by 25 seconds, with Field a clear 2nd overall a minute ahead of Swift.

BTRDA Sporting Trials, Gold & Silver Star Championship

Our first experience of Sporting Trials and we only happened to catch a great days entertainment as the Gold Star and Silver Star championships were decided. Out on the Welsh border near Knighton 35 crews tackled the slippery slopes and after the 1st round Ian & Sandy Veale had a solitary penalty point with John & Jordan Fack just another point behind. With Andy Wilks & Mark Smith back on 6 points ahead 5 crews on 7 point, it was going to be a tight battle through the next two runs. Simon & Clive Gracey picked up just 4 penalty points on the 2nd runs and jumped up in to 2nd overall, as the hills deteriorated. Ian & Sandy Veale still held the lead but 12 penalty points was outside the top 3 on this round, as 5 points separated the top 3, with the weather closed in.

Revolution Series – Round 5, Manchester

Our first visit to the National cycling centre and the event everyone was waiting for was the special GB v Team Wiggins team pursuit which took place in the evening session. Team Wiggins would go on to win. There was all the usual fun too with two madison races, featuring Mark Cavendish prominently in both with one win, a whole suite of races for Hoy Future Stars Boys and Girls along with the fantastic Revolution Longest Lap. Add in to that the sprint competition where Matthew Rotherham riding for Maloja Pushbikers was in electric form and the elite women’s races where Laura Trott won all but one event, and it was an evening to remember.