The trial was held near Dorking at the Old Brickworks Quarry Trials Centre. Paul Cawsey (Secretary of the event) with assistance from Steve Avery and Kevin Judd set out 6 sections covered 4 times in what was likely to be wet conditions given the rain the day before and the forecast. An lower entry than recently of 15 set off with tyre pressures of 3, raised to 5 at lunchtime as conditions improved. The wet conditions had limited the scope of this sites use due to standing water, but sensible challenges were set. The promised rain held off until a heavy shower during presentations – luckily held under cover.
The 750 club is receiving increased entries this year with 3 new additions to the fold making a well-supported and competitive Novice class.
John & Anne Cole were setting the pace closely followed by Bob Bruce, Luke Little and Steve Wicken on Lap 1 [Steve again retired with recurring ignition issues]. Tim Mann was leading the Novices class on 10 after lap 1. At Lunch John Cole had established a good lead on 6 marks lost – having surprisingly lost a 5 on section 1. Steve Avery was having a poor day [although after lunch he showed his normal form losing only two more points]. Luke Little was leading the B Class on 21, and an excellent drive by Tim Mann put him well clear in the Novice Class.
After Lunch the Class leaders all continued to show good form with John Cole Leading home only losing a further 4 points. Luke Little topped the B class runners into second place overall having repeated his success from last year in this event at this venue. Steve Avery, despite doing serious internal damage to his engine finished second with an outstanding afternoon pipping Bob Bruce for the A class award. John Sleight, suffering from a dodgy right fiddle brake got runner up in B class with an improved afternoon losing only 3 marks on lap 4. Tim Mann [with father in law Frank Willard as passenger] lead home the Novices followed closely by Glen & Owen Wicken with a best lap of 7 marks lost. He drove his much improved Trialsmaster well, being encouraged by the marshalling Bill Hicks, who fondly recalls his successes in his former Trialsmaster . Frank Willard [doubling up with Tim] in B class splitting Tim and Glen in the results, has now got a challenge in the household having been beaten by the apprentice this time out.
Of the new competitors a mixed day was had with Phil Haines [Ex Dave Oliver car] again showing promise until arguing with a tree causing the loss of fiddle brakes and retirement. Ray Forward & Andrew Carey in the newly acquired Suzuki powered Concord showed promise. Doubling up with Andrew, he coming out 3rd overall in the Novice class.
Mrs Joe Gisby – who with both of Alan’s former bouncers was in attendance did the awards presentations – she spoke very highly of the event that she enjoyed and congratulated John and Anne Cole on their outstanding performance with a clear victory after a few weeks of mechanical problems.
With time and a bit of clearing this venue can offer much more and the Landowner keenly follows our events encouraging our return next year, certainly the sections this year were well thought out offering different tests to last year’s first event at this venue.