Scottish Formula FordChampionship

Race 1: A lower entry than normal saw KennethThirlwall on pole and he had his normal sparing partnerAlistair Dow on his tail for a couple of laps, thenThirlwall opened out a couple of seconds gap by midrace. The gap remained static until then end as thesetwo dropped slowly Jordan Gronkowski who had alonely run to third. Michael Gray dropped a place offthe grid but regained 4th on lap 2 and kept it all the wayhome. Best dice was a race long squabble over 6th asMathew Chisholm sat on Ivor Mairs gearbox beforetaking him on lap 7. Ivor chased him then spun comingout of the chicane on the last lap. Ahead of themAndrew Brennan cruised away to a safe 5th.Race One: 1 Kenneth Thirlwall (Van Diemen) 10 lapsin 9m24.07s (81.69mph); 2 Alistair Dow (Ray GR809)+2.47s; 3 Jordan Gronkowski (Van Diemen); 4 MichaelGray (Vector); 5 Andrew Brennan (Swift); 6 MatthewChisholm (Van Diemen); Pole Position: Thirlwall55.69s (82.73mph). Newcomer’s winner: Thirlwall.Fastest lap: Thirlwall 55.71s (82.71mph). Starters: 7.Race 2: Thirlwall was first into Duffus with Dow on histail. This race was closer than the first as Dow stuck toit and was never more than a second behind. On the lastlap Dow closed right up at the hairpin and they werenose to tail across the line. Win no. 12 in theChampionship for Thirlwall. These two had pulledrapidly away from Gronkowski who had Gray rightwith him. They were close until mid race thenGronkowski eased away to finish a few seconds aheadof young Michael Gray. The rest spread out as the racewore on. Andrew Brennan in 5th staying a couple ofseconds behind Gray then he dropped back as his carsounded rougher. While at the back Mairs car soundedrough until mid race then it cleared and he kept goingfor the class win.Race Two: 1 Thirlwall 10 laps in 9m25.66s (81.46mph);2 Dow +0.27s; 3 Gronkowski; 4 Gray; 5 Brennan;6 Chisholm; Pole Position: Thirlwall. Newcomer’swinner: Thirlwall. Fastest lap: Dow 55.92s (82.40mph).Starters: 7.

Scottish Classic Sports andSaloons in association with Waterevolution andYokohama TyresRace 1: Stan Bernard didn’t have his normal sparingpartner John Marshall to race, John’s Escort was outafter qualifying with a broken crank. But although Stanled all the way it wasn’t easy. Raymond Boyd was 2ndon lap one until Harry Simpson dived past at thehairpin. Harry was in Willie Robertson’s Datsun 240Zand he was on it. He was a few car lengths behind Stanuntil lap 8, having opposite locked coming out of thechicane on lap 6 but holding it as he pressed Stan. In thelast twp laps Stan opened up a couple of seconds gapbut he’d worked for it. Shonny Paterson moved up from5th off the line into 3rd by lap 2 passing Boyd on theRailway straight. He was close to Harry for a couple oflaps, then slipped back finishing nearly 4 seconds adriftof the 240Z. Robert Marshall was 5th throughout buthad pressure early on from Steven Cumming’s 911which faded later in the race. On lap 3 we lost DonaldLaird as his wheel came off the Elan as he racedtowards Clark, he held it and pulled off on the grass.The wheel went well over a hundred metres to Clarkbefore it stopped. Class A went to Roger Motherwellthe Alfasud Sprint chased class leader George Leitchpassing him on lap 8. Stan said it was great fun to havethe Datsun behind all race, and that it was one for hisdear mom who passed away last week. Harry said the240Z handled at lot differently to his normal Davrian.

Race One: 1 Stan Bernard (Porsche 911) 10 laps in10m07.69s (75.82mph); 2 Harry Simpson (Datsun240Z) +2.065s; 3 Shonny Paterson (Triumph TR8);4 Raymond Boyd (Porsche 911); 5 Robert Marshall(Ford Escort RS); 6 Steven Cumming (Porsche SC);Pole Position: Bernard 59.55s (77.37mph). Classwinners: Bernard; Paterson; Marshall; Motherwell.Fastest lap: Bernard 59.55s (77.38mph). Starters 17Class C lap record S Bernard 59.55 secsRace 2: Stan Bernard shot into the lead chased byHarry Simpson, but then Harry overcooked it exitingthe chicane and the 240Z shot through the dirt anddropped to 5th. So Raymond Boyd held 2nd as lap 1closed. Shonny Paterson was on the 911’s tail and theTR8 rumbled past on lap 4 as they went up the hill.Simpson also got past Boyd that lap at the hairpin to be

4th. A lap laterSimpson slowedand pulled off at Butchers, gearbox problems endedhis bold drive. Boyd was now safe in 3rd and 5 secondsclear of Robert Marshall who had Steven Cumming allover him. But Robert edged away mid race . Tim Reidwas going well in his Marcos and dropped GrantAllan’s 911. Class A winner Roger Motherwell wasnext up he had shaken off class A stalwart GeorgeLeitch by mid race and closed right up on Allan by theflag. Stan Bernard was under pressure as the race endedwith Shonny Paterson closing to within a few metersbut it was birthday boy Stan’s day.Race Two: 1 Bernard 10 laps in 10m13.53s (75.12mph);2 Paterson +0.11s; 3 Boyd; 4 Marshall; 5 Cumming;6 (Tim) Reid (Marcos GT); Pole Position: Bernard.Class winners: Bernard; Paterson; Marshall;Motherwell. Fastest lap: Simpson 59.55s (77.37mph).Starters: 15.

Scottish Fiesta Championshipin association with Yokohama Tyres

Race 1: This was a good two car battle at the front asPeter Cruickshank held off Wayne MacCauley fromlights to flag. They were tied together and Pater got alittle breather on the last lap when Wayne ran widecoming out of the chicane but he kept his foot on it andwas less than a second back at the end. Behind them wehad a 4 car train in the opening laps. Mike Strong was3rd for 2 laps then Craig Taylor took over on lap 3 asRussell Milloy spun out of 7th at Leslies. On lap 4Dave Colville grabbed 3rd but dropped back to 5th atthe hairpin on lap 5 as Strong and Steven Russell

AUGUST 2011 www.smrc-uk.com

KNOCKHILL MID-SUMMER MEETING AUGUST

14Knockhill

We only had a brief shower just before lunch, otherwise the SMRC luck of dry racemeetings at Knockhill this season was maintained. The racing was good and themeeting ran slickly and to time.

Michael Gray raced to a brace of fourth places

Harry Simpson had lots of fun in the Datsun 240Z

Peter Cruickshank won both races in his XR2

Rory Bryant battles with Scott Robertson in STs

Wheelspin August 2011:Jan Feb 06 Wheelspin 8/9/11 13:56 Page 1

muscled past. On lap 7 Dave went off at Scotsman as ahalf shaft failure ended his race. Strong was 3rd StevenRussell was on his bootlid but the STs interrupted theirbattle late on letting Strong get clear. The STs had RoryBryant lead all the way with Scott Robertson very closebehind. On the last lap Robertson went for it at thehairpin and outbraked Bryant to take his first ST win.Blair Murdoch had dropped back with a first lap spinbut he recovered for 3rd in the ST class. Post raceRussell was disqualified from 6th for driving standards.Race One: 1 Peter Cruickshank (XR2) 10 laps in10m50.75s (70.81mph); 2 Wayne MacCauley (XR2)+0.75s; 3 Mike Strong (XR2); 4 Scott Robertson (FiestaST); 5 Rory Bryant (Fiesta ST); 6 Craig Taylor (XR2);Pole Position: Cruickshank 1m04.34s (71.61mph).Newcomer’s winner: Taylor. Fastest lap: Robertson1m02.29s (73.96mph). Starters: 18.Race 2: Wayne MacCauley beat Peter Cruickshank intoDuffus as Craig Taylor sat on Peter’s bumper. DaveColville moved up from 8th to be 5th by lap 2. Wayneled until lap 4 then he ran wide at Scotsman going ontothe grass and Peter was through into the lead. He neverlooked back and eased clear. Wayne had Russell Milloyon his tailgate from lap 6. Milloy had started 5th andwas up to 3rd on lap 3 passing Taylor. On lap 5 Colvilletook 4th at Duffus but he was now a few secondsbehind the top 3. Milloy closed right up on MacCauleyand was into 2nd on lap 8. He got a second clear of himby the flag but Peter was just out of reach. Colville hada quiet run in the closing laps to 4th. But 5th wasdisputed keenly as Craig Taylor held it from lap 5 to 9then Mike Strong was through. The top STs started toappear and Strong was safe from Taylor. Rory Bryantwon the ST class despite Scott Robertson being on histail all race. Bryant just managed to put Taylor’s XR2between them on the last lap. Stuart Haston who usuallyraces an MX5 was 3rd ST in his debute meeting inthese newer Fiestas. Blair Murdoch’s ST which was 3rdin class went off into the barrier at Scotsman on lap 8having slid on gravel that another car had brought ontothe racing line.Race Two: 1 Cruickshank 10 laps in 10m47.16s(71.20mph); 2 (Russell) Milloy +1.53s; 3 MacCauley;4 Dave Colville (XR2); 5 Strong; 6 Bryant; 7 Taylor;8 Robertson; 9 Philip; 10 Stephen Russell (XR2). PolePosition: Cruickshank. Newcomer’s winner: Milloy.Fastest lap: Bryant 1m 02.25s (74.02mph). Starters: 18.

Scottish Legends CarsChampionshipin association with Beatons Building Supplies

Race 1: John Marshall got away well from the frontrow and quickly had a 10 car length gap as the restsquabbled. Paul O’Brien was 2nd for nearly a lapbefore Glen Burtenshaw outbraked him at the hairpin.Ross Marshall was not far behind in 4th having shot upfrom 8th. While Ross Mickel was also coming throughthe pack from 13th on the grid. Ross Marshall went into2nd at Clark on lap 3, then chased his dad John beforebreezing into the lead on lap 7 though John stayed veryclose to him to the end. Ross Mickel was 4 secondsback having held off several attacks from Burtenshawmid race. Then David Hunter nipped past Burtenshawhe’d been well down the order at the start but was ingood form. Gerard McCosh also moved up as the racewent on to get 6th. Robbie Burgoyne was top rookie in7th getting into several 3 and 4 car scraps and droppedback a couple of places after good early pace saw him

in 5th. Championship leader Carol Brown retired on lap4.Heat One: 1 Ross Marshall 8 laps in 8m20.70s(73.62mph); 2 John Marshall +0.11s; 3 Ross Mickel;4 David Hunter; 5 Glenn Burtenshaw; 6 GerardMcCosh; Pole Position: John Marshall. Fastest lap:McCosh 1m 01.19s (75.29mph). Starters: 22.Race 2: Pole sitter Darren Galten was beaten intoDuffus by Ross Mickel and then David Hunter took 2ndwith Galten 3rd until the hairpin where he was mobbed.He retired on lap 3. Ross Marshall was up from 7th to3rd by lap 2 and a lap later he as 2nd passing Hunter atthe hairpin. Mickel was only just ahead of him and theyswapped places on lap 5 with Hunter nipping pastMickel as well. Mickel regained 2nd on lap 6 and wason Marshall’s bumper to the flag 2 laps later. Hunterwas under a second behind them, but a couple ofseconds clear of a 3 car battle. This was headed byScott Hynds until lap 5 then John Marshall for 2 lapsbefore Hynds retook the place. They were both trackedclosely by Gerard McCosh . Glen Burtenshaw workedhis way up from 11th getting past Billy Wait for 7th onlap 5 as Billy then went in and out of the gravel trap atClark.Heat Two: 1 Ross Marshall 8 laps in 8m21.18s(73.553mph); 2 Mickel +0.15s; 3 Hunter; 4 ScottHynds; 5 John Marshall; 6 McCosh; Pole Position:Galten. Fastest lap: Ross Marshall 1m 00.83s(75.75mph). Starters: 22.Race 3: Erico Palazzo was on pole but Carol Browndived past from row 2 to lead into Duffus. She rapidlybuilt up a 4 second lead, as 8 cars ran nose to tailbehind her. Palazzo was 2nd until lap 3 then RobbieBurgoyne went by him followed by Scott Hynds andJohn Marshsall. John was up to 2nd a lap later with sonRoss on his bumper. Ross had made lightening progressfrom 14th at the start. Ross was 2nd on lap 5 andchased after Carol. He cut the gap and was on herbumper as they were half way round the last lap. Theywent into the hairpin side by side but Carol clung on bya tiny margin, it looked like a dead heat but the timebeam said she was inches ahead. John in 3rd headed a 6car train from lap 5 and kept them behind until lap 8when David Hunter took over at the hairpin, but Johnfought back next lap retaking 3rd at Duffus. He washelped by Ross Mickel also demoting Hunter on lap 9,John just beat Ross Mickel by 2 tenths of a second atthe finish. Mickel had started 13th and worked his waythrough the pack. Scott Hynds and Gerard McCoshswapped places on the last lap as both got past RobbieBurgoyne to finish 6th and 7th.Final: 1 Carol Brown 10 laps in 10m28.36s(73.33mph); 2 Ross Marshall +0.05s; 3 John Marshall;4 Mickel; 5 Hunter; 6 Hynds; Pole Position: E Palazzo.Fastest lap: McCosh 1m 01.23s (75.25mph).Starters: 22.

Scottish Saloon and SportscarChampionshipRace 1: There was a new car on the grid, a white EscortCosworth, and it flew, but not before a short downpourmeant the meeting was held up for over 20 minutess asthe cars had to come off the grid, and many changedfrom slicks to wets. The track was very damp asStewart Whyte blasted away and won as he pleased inthe Escort, though his car was misting up inside formuch of the race. Gary Watson kept slicks on the

Westfield as his big brakes stopped his wet tyred wheelsfitting. He drove very well to hold off Philip Duncan,who had wet tyres and never stopped trying. ChrisDocherty also had a new car, a lovely VW Scirroccoand he started well to be 5th on lap 1 after qualifying10th. He was 4th on lap 2 passing GrahamWait’s tiptoeing Sierra. Wait held off a train of cars with poweron the straights but its tyres didn’t like the wet, and hewas passed by a couple of cars mid race. Stuart Walkerout for the first time in a Porsche GT2 took up the chaseof Docherty and reduced a 6 second gap in 4 laps, butthe Scirrocco was in trouble and slowing, it held 4th tolap 9 then retired on lap 10. Walker was under pressurefrom Marco Haig’s fast Fiat Coupe and succumbed onlap 8. Haig had dropped back a few places to 9th overthe opening laps then started to fly. Andrew Morrisonhad chased the Fiat then stuck to Walker’s bumper forthe final few laps.Race One: 1 Stewart Whyte (Ford Escort Cosworth) 10laps in 10m16.47s (59.72mph); 2 Garry Watson(Westfield) +5.41s; 3 Philip Duncan (Westfield);4 Marco Haig (Fiat Coupe); 5 Stuart Walker (PorscheGT2); 6 Andrew Morrison (SEAT Cupra); PolePosition: Watson 52.574s (87.64mph). Class winners:Whyte; Watson; Muir; Iain Sinclair (Westfield). Fastestlap: Whyte 59.72s (77.14mph). Starters: 19.Race 2: Stewart Whyte led from Gary Watson on lap 1and opened out a second gap by lap 2 but it didn’t getany bigger as Watson hung on and closed the space nearthe end. These two left the rest behind, but Stewart hada damaged car to contend with. On lap 5 Peter Frithspun his MX5 at Duffus right in front of Whyte whohad to bounce over the sausage kerbs and damaged hisfront spoiler to miss the MX5. David Headen appearedfor this race and started at the back. The formerchampion ripped through the pack to be 6th by lap 6from 17th. He was 4th on lap 4 demoting Marco Haig.He then chased Philip Duncan grabbing 3rd on lap 7,but he was nearly 20 seconds down on the flyingleaders. Duncan was safe in 4th, with Haig lonely in5th. But 6th was GrahamWait’s as he dived past StuartWalker’s GT2 at Clark on lap 7 in his Sierra Cosworth.Race Two: 1 Whyte 10 laps in 8m55.07s (86.11mph);2 Watson +0.93s; 3 David Headen (Caterham CSR);4 Duncan; 5 Haig; 6 (Graham) Wait; Pole Position:Whyte. Class winners: Whyte; Watson; Sinclair; Muir.Fastest lap: Whyte 52.05s (88.52mph). Starters: 17.

Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cupin association with Yokohama Tyres, Wheelsaround,Crossflags Mini and Superchips

Race 1: Adam Leitch beat poleman Vic Covey jnr intoDuffus but Vic was on it and took the lead at Clark onlap 1. Vic quickly opened up a 2 second lead as DavidSleigh took 2nd at Clark on lap 2 then pulled clear of abig train of 8 cars all running close together. Leitch held3rd until lap 5 when Tim Sleigh got past him. Leitchkept close while holding off Kyle Reid. On lap 6 Reidundersteered wide at Clark and was collected by KennyMcLeod who retired. This let Chris Smiley into 5thwith Steven Brewster on his bootlid who in turn hadMurray Muir right behind him. At the front Covey wonby over 3 seconds with David Sleigh 4 seconds clear ofhis brother Tim. Leitch headed 5 cars the were allcovered by just a second at the flag. Debutant TomDenham had qualified 14th but had mechanicalproblems which saw him retire before getting a racinglap.

2

Ross Marshall had two wins and a second

Stewart Whyte won twice in his new car

David Sleigh was on the podium three times

Wheelspin August 2011:Jan Feb 06 Wheelspin 8/9/11 13:56 Page 2

Race One: 1 Vic Covey Jr 5 laps in 5m45.716s(66.644mph); 2 David Sleigh +3.25s; 3 Tim Sleigh;4 Adam Leitch; 5 Chris Smiley; 6 Steven Brewster.Pole Position: Covey Jr 1m03.68s (72.35mph).Newcomer’s winner: Leitch. Fastest lap: Covey Jr 1m06.59s (69.19mph). Starters: 20.Race 2: David Sleigh made the better start to beat VicCovey jnr into Duffus. These two had Tim Sleigh andAdam Leitch for close company. A second behind themcame an 8 car train headed by Kyle Reid. On lap 3 Timpassed Vic as they went into Duffus having run side byside with him up the hill, and the leaders then stayed inorder all the way home. Leitch dropped back a few carlengths late on, and there was a bit of paint swapping bythe top 3 on the last lap. David Sleigh held on fromyounger brother Tim by a whisker. Steven Brewstermoved into 5th on lap 4 after Chris Smiley was bumpedinto a spin at the hairpin and Kyle Reid dropped backafter that. Murray Muir was only a couple of car lengths

behind all race, as he kept Steven Clarke at bay. ChrisSmiley was 2 seconds back in 8th and got clear ofHamish Brandon.Race Two: 1 David Sleigh 8 laps in 8m39.16s(71.00mph); 2 Tim Sleigh +0.25s; 3 Covey Jr; 4 Leitch;5 Brewster; Pole Position: Covey Jr. Newcomer’swinner: Tim Sleigh. Fastest lap: Tim Sleigh 1m 03.92s(72.09mph). Starters: 19.Race 3: The reversed Grid featured the top 5 cars, soSteven Brewster led into Duffus with the fast startingTim Sleigh up to 2nd. The top 5 ran nose to tail and Timdived into the lead at the hairpin as lap 1 came to aclose. Steven now held off Adam Leitch with VicCovey and David Sleigh right with him. Murray Muirwas only a couple of car lengths behind them, as theyall kept station. Then on lap 4 paint was swapped at thehairpin by Brewster and Covey, but David Sleighbenefitted and he slipped into 3rd. He was into 2nd onlap 6 going past Brewster at the hairpin. But out front

Tim kept around 3 seconds clear to the flag. David hada small gap to Steven, then Vic made a move on the lastlap getting to 3rd at Clark, though a few hundred metreslater the hairpin saw a sort out. Three cars ran side byside to the line but Vic dropped two places, AdamLeitch moved from 5th to 3rd as Brewster came home4th. Muir ran 6th until lap 7 when Reid got past but hethen ran wide at Clark on the last lap going in and outof the gravel, letting several cars past. Steven Clarkemoved through to 6th Muir was 7th with Smiley in 8th.Fiona Wallace won the ladies class finishing just behindTom Denham who had started 18th and moved up to13th.Race Three: 1 Tim Sleigh 8 laps in 8m40.14s(70.87mph); 2 David Sleigh +2.89s; 3 Leitch;4 Brewster; 5 Covey Jr; 6 (Steven) Clarke; PolePosition: Brewster. Newcomer’s winner: Tim Sleigh.Fastest lap: Covey Jr 1m 04.08s (71.90mph). Starters: 19.

Kevin Pick

3

We had 13 Scottish Minis make the journey over toKirkistown in Northern Ireland to enjoy somememorable hospitality from the 500 MCI. It was aweekend of mixed fortunes for most of thecompetitors, and whilst as usual the racing wasexciting and close, every driver had a story to tell.Vic Covey Jr annexed pole from Chris Smiley but thatended up being the only highlight for him.A poor startsaw him have to work his way back from 9th up to4th in race 1. Race 2 went badly wrong as a 3 caraccident saw Covey over the tyre wall with a verybadly damaged car, and a big dent in his titlechallenge. David Sleigh had a solid weekend if a littlesubdued finishing with two strong 3rd places and a 16point championship lead to show for his effortsChris Smiley stole the show with two really maturedrives to first place in both races, much to the delightof the local crowds. Tim Sleigh had a torrid time withan overnight engine change before race 1. A puncturecost him any points and a 5 sec penalty in race 2 sawhim eventually classified in 6th place, which droppedhim behind Smiley in the championship standings.Adam Leitch had a storming drive in race 1 and atone point looked like he might get his first race win.He followed this up with another solid drive in race 2which was spoilt with a 5 second penalty forovertaking under the yellows. Fastest lap in race 1showed how much he was on the pace.Kenneth Brewster was also on the pace all weekendand followed up a strong 5th place in race 1 with a

stunning 2nd place in race 2 chasing down Smiley allthe way to the flag.Steven Brewster had to have anengine change overnight and followed a dnf in race 1with a good 5th place in race 2.Race 1: 1 Chris Smiley 14m 40.4s 2 David Sleigh +0.8s 3 Adam Leitch 4 Vic Covey jnr5 Kenneth Brewster 6 Murray Muir Class winners –Newcomers A Leitch, Ladies F WallaceFastest Lap A Leitch 1m 11.71s

Alan Waugh had a miserable time with puncturescosting him a dnf in race 1 and an engine failure anddnf in race 2. Hamish Brandon had one of his bestresults this weekend with a 7th and a 4th place toshow from his steady driving performance. Michael

Falconer was enjoying hisfirst visit to the circuit witha good 8th place in race 1.Race 2 saw him start frompole but he was involved inthe first corner shunt and was also left with a badlydamaged car and no points.Murray Muir had a spirited drive in race 1 finishing in6th place. Race 2 saw him involved in the 3 car crashwhich spoilt what had been a really goodperformance. Fiona Wallace consolidated her LadiesCup lead with two good drives to finish with 9th and8th place. Emma Bruce had to endure a bonnetwrapping itself round the screen in qualifying, butbounced back with an 10th and a 9th place andcontinued to improve with every race.The weather was fantastic, the circuit waschallenging, the hospitality from the club was great.Most memorable moment had to be Tim Sleigh'sreaction when he discovered that brother David hadpacked a sofa in the van, rather than the spare engine– the joys of racing in Ireland!Race 2: 1 Chris Smiley 14m 36.0s 2 KennethBrewster + 0.2s 3 D Sleigh 4 Hammish Brandon5 Steven Brewster 6 Tim Sleigh Class winners –Newcomers T Sleigh, Ladies F Wallace Fastest LapC Smiley 1m 11.76s

Vic Covey snr

Chris Smiley won both races at Kirkistown

JULY

23Kirkistown

Matchless Mitchell” was the name given toCraig Mitchell in the Autosport Magazine on18th August. The young Greenfaulds racerwon the Sports 2000 one hour enduranceevent at the Castle Combe circuit inWiltshire near Swindon on Sunday 14thAugust.This was Craig’s first time on the top step ofthe podium in this formula. He unbelievablytook the chequered flag one lap and moreahead of the second placed driver, his LolaT88/89 sports car competing well against themore modern aero dynamic machines on thereally fast circuit.Craig had opted not to share the one hourrace with another driver, meaning that hewould have to pit, refuel and take the

mandatory four minute break beforereturning to complete the race, the stop isstrictly timed and a penalty applied toanyone returning to the circuit early.A strategy formed between his dad andhimself earlier that day, whereby Craigwould run the car as long as possible beforepitting. This worked a treat on the day.After 40 minutes had elapsed Craig pitted,refuelled, and prepared to re-enter the carafter the mandatory break, re-joining 3.5seconds in front and again producingconsistent laps to take the chequered flagafter 48 laps.Craig was a Scottish Legends scholar andhis start in racing was assisted by SMRCand Legends Racing.

Craig Mitchell wins the 1-hour endurance race

“MATCHLESSMITCHELL”

Celtic Speed ScottishMini Cooper Cupin association with Yokohama Tyres, Wheelsaround, CrossflagsMini and SuperchipsKIRKISTOWN, NORTHERN IRELAND

Wheelspin August 2011:Jan Feb 06 Wheelspin 8/9/11 13:56 Page 3

4

SCOTTISH SPEEDFAIRScottish Classic Sports & Saloonsin association with Yokohama Tyres and WaterevolutionClasses A& B Race 1

John Marshall raced into the lead and was neverheaded. But he was kept honest by his brother Robert,he was never more than a second behind him. They hada new playmate, as Derek Hastings put in a good showwith his new 1979 Caterham in its first ever race. Thetwin cam engined car was slower on the straights thanthe two Escorts, but caught them on the twisty bits. Hewas on Robert’s bumper lap after lap as theyapproached Clark. Derek had taken 3rd off JimmyCrow on lap 2 and kept with the Marshalls as he eased5 or 6 seconds away from Jimmy. But on lap 10 theCaterham slowed and he was caught by Jimmy Crow’sEscort on the last lap. They finished up side by side atthe flag with Derek inches ahead. Post race Jimmy got a10 second penalty dropping him to 6th. Oly Ross had agood dice with Harry Simpson their two mid enginecars go round corners on rails, and they swapped placeson lap 4, Oly passing Harry, who was the glued to theEuropa until lap 10. Then Harry’s Davrian slowed andstopped exiting the chicane with expensive lookingsmoke or steam appearing from its engine. RichardMerrell had chased these two hard in his Alfa aftergetting clear of Jim Grant’s Elan which was with him inthe opening few laps. Jim slowly got away from DonaldLaird and Tim Reid wh were having a good scrap. Jimstopped on lap 8, while Tim spun on lap 11 coming outof the chicane and dropped down to 14th. Kenny Allenhad a rare outing in his Elan now with a rebuilt engine.He was in a good 5th on lap 1 before ending up in theDuffus gravel trap on lap 2. He crawled out dead lastand passed 6 cars to finish 12th. John thought it hadbeen an easy race, but Robert said he’d been trying likea bear. Class A had a new winner as Ian Sinclair woundup the Triumph Sport in his first race with it, and beatNic Boyes by nearly 6 seconds.1 John Marshall (Escort MK1) 12m 26.5s 2 RobertMarshall (Escort MK2) +0.6s 3 Derek Hastings(Caterham) 4 Olly Ross (Lotus Europa) 5 RichardMerrell (Alfa Giulia GT) 6 Jimmy Crow (Escort)Class winners J Marshall, I Sinclair (Triumph Sport)Fastest lap J Marshall 60.74 s, Starters 20

Scottish Classic Sports & Saloonsin assoc with Yokohama Tyres &WaterevolutionClasses A& B Race 2 12 lapsJohn Marshall blitzed the field and won as he pleased.He ran away from his brother Robert who was soon afew seconds clear of a fast starting Oly Ross. DerekHastings was 5th but not as quick as in race 1.Mechanical woes soon appeared and he pitted to retireon lap 4. Oly had Jimmy Crow half a second back untillap 4 when the Europa slowed at the hairpin and Jimmy

went past. Oly dropped quickly to 7th but kept going.All this promoted Richard Merrell to 4th by lap 6 .However Kenny Allen was on a mission. He had movedup from 12th to now be 5th and he passed the Alfa onlap 8. Oly Ross also had the Europa now going well andhe slipped by Richard on the last lap. They exited Clarknose to tail with half a mile to go, and Oly was justahead at the flag. Nic Boyes took class A thoughGeorge Leitch hassled him for much of the race. AndyWalker was back in the Triumph Special so he startedlast and chased back to 13th a second down on ScottGoodfellow’s Terrier.1 John Marshall (Escort MK1) 12m 11.7s 2 RobertMarshall (Escort MK2) +21.0s 3 Jimmy Crow (Escort)4 Kenny Allen (Lotus Elan) 5 Olly Ross (Lotus Europa)6 Richard Merrell (Alfa Giulia GT)Class winners J Marshall, N Boyes (Mini Cooper)Fastest lap J Marshall 59.6 s , Starters 20

Scottish Classic Sports & Saloonsin association with Yokohama Tyres and WaterevolutionClasses C & D Race 1 12 laps

The black Morgan returned and Andrew Smith kept itahead all the way. He was chased by Stan Bernard asthe gap yoyoed at 2-4 seconds for 6 laps then BarryRiddell’s TR8 rumbled past the 911 for 2nd. Barrycelebrated by opposite locking out of the chicane. TheTR8 got a second clear but then retired on lap 10. Nowin 3rd on lap 10 Raymond Boyd’s 911 was all alone atthe hairpin. But it hadn’t been like that all race. He’dbeen behind Willy Toye’s TR8 early on then the werenose to tail mid race and side by side out of the hairpinon lap 9 before Raymond took Willy at Scotsman on lap10. The TR8 slowed that lap as it came out of thechicane but Willy coaxed it back into life to finish 7th.Steven Cumming’s 911 took 4th after tracking MikeConnon’s Sunbeam Lotus closely until mid race finallypassing it on lap 8. David Gray got his TVR home 6thafter easing clear of Robin Benn’s Capri which waswith him early on.1 Andrew Smith (Morgan +8) 12m12.0s 2 StanBernard (Porsche 911 ) + 1.2s 3 Raymond Boyd(911) 4 Steven Cumming (911) 5 Michael Connon

(LotusSunbeam)6 David Gray (TVR Tuscan)Class winners A Smith, S Bernard Fastest lap B Riddell(TR8) 59.8s Starters 12

Scottish Classic Sports & Saloonsin association with Yokohama Tyres and WaterevolutionClasses C & D Race 2 12 laps

Andrew Smith again won easing clear in 3 laps fromStan Bernard as he kept the gap around 2 - 3 seconds totake a well driven win. Stan had Raymond Boyd on hisboot spoiler for 2 laps then broke free. Raymond’s 911had Shonny Paterson with him by lap 4. Shonny hadstarted last and blasted past 8 cars in the TR8. On lap 9V8 power told as Shonny took 3rd. Mike Connon ran5th early on before Barry Riddell’s TR8 went past theSunbeam up the hill on lap 5. Barry then had somegood opposite lock moments at the chicane for a coupleof laps, while Roy Smith’s rare Capri Piranna hunteddown Connon and took 6th on lap 8.1 Andrew Smith (Morgan +8) 12m 7.8s 2 Stan Bernard(Porsche 911 ) + 2.1s 3 Shonny Paterson (TR8)4 Raymond Boyd 911) 5 Barry Riddell (TR8) 6Raymond Smith ( Capri Piranna V8)Class Winners A Smith, S Bernard fastest lap Smith59.6s, Starters 12

Scottish Formula FordChampionshipRace 1 12 laps

The biggest FF field of the year was led by KenThirlwall for 5 laps chased by Alistair Dow then redflags stopped the action. There had been a high speedaccident on the main straight as Michael Gray and JohnSinclair had a coming together while fighting over 7th.Sinclair hit the wall hard but both drivers were okay,but their cars were out for the day. On the restartThirlwall led all the way though Dow hung on around asecond back to the flag. Veteran FF man StuartThorburn made his annual appearance and was on the

Derek Hastings drove well in his new Caterham

John Marshall opposite locks his way to victory

AUGUST

31Knockhill

Steven Cumming (911) battles with Mike Connon

Andrew Smith’s Morgan rumbled to two victories

It was sunny day for much of the day with racing spread out amongst trackdemonstrations. Only Classics and FF1600s took part so they had plenty of track time.

Stuart Thorburn returned with two third places

Wheelspin August 2011:Jan Feb 06 Wheelspin 8/9/11 13:56 Page 4

5

pace. He slowly dropped back to finish 3 secondsbehind in 3rd. A good effort for little track time. Over10 seconds behind him at the flag was a cracking 4 carfight. Willie Hourie was at its head for a lap thendropped back as Martin Pierraccini headed this group tothe flag with Jordan Gronkowski looking down hisexhaust pipe all the way. Hourie had slid down to 7thon lap 3 but passed Ross McEwan with a lap to go for6th.1 Ken Thirlwall (Van Diemen)6m 35.9s 2 AlistairDow (Ray) +1.1s 3 Stuart Thorburn (Van Diemen)4 Martin Pieraccini ( Van Diemen) 5 JordanGronkowski ( Van Diemen) 6 Willie Hourie (VanDiemen)Class winners – Newcomers Thirlwall, Classics I MairsFastest Lap Thirlwall 55.7s Starters 16

Scottish Formula FordChampionshipRace 2 12 laps

Kenneth Thirlwall held off Alistair Dow’s early lappressure to be a second clear by lap 4. They were rarelyover 2 seconds apart as Kenneth took victory number10 out of 10. Thorburn was 4th off the line as Pieraccinigrabbed 3rd. But the veteran slipped by on lap 4 andkept the leaders in sight being 2.5 seconds down onDow at the end. Pieraccini drifted back as he wasscraping with Hourie and Gronkowski. On lap 6 Houriewent well airborne at Clark and into the gravel trap, itisn’t good news to hit the new high hot dog kerbs in aFF as Willie found out. Ross McEwan hunted down thispack and was right with Pieraccini on lap 11 as

Gronkowki retired a lap earlier, they finished half asecond apart at the flag. Hourie restarted and finishedlast, not where he deserved to be. We had also lost AndyPaterson, he spun out from mid field into the Scotsmangravel trap on lap 11. Ivor Mairs took 8th in the olderClassic class winning Mondiale, with Laurie Hughes inanother classic pressing him all the way as they finishedless than a second apart.1 Ken Thirlwall (Van Diemen) 11m 21.2s 2 AlistairDow ( Ray) +1.4s 3 Stuart Thorburn (Van Diemen)4 Martin Pieraccini ( Van Dieman) 5 Ross McEwan(Van Diemen) 6 Andrew Chesher Van Diemen)Class winners – Newcomers Thirlwall, Classics I MairsFastest Lap Thirwall 56.0s

Scottish Classics Endurance Race30 lapsSeveral cars withdrew following Championship racesso a smaller than expected field started.The Marshall brothers sharing Roberts MK2 Escortmade it look easy and won by nearly a minute. Theyboth drove well and were chased by Warren Dunbar inhis Jaguar XJ12 for 13 laps. Warren had coolingproblems in practise but was on form. He ran 5th on lap1 then opposite locked the hairpin and dived into 3rd.He powered into 2nd on lap 2 and pulled clear of agood 5 car scrap headed by Willy Toye’s TR8. Warrenwas 10 seconds back on the Marshall’s by lap 5 but 3seconds clear of the pack. Willy stopped on lap 3 soRichard Merrell’s Alfa took over and got slowly awayfrom Jimmy Crow’s Escort. On lap 13 Warren pitted fora driver change, the Jag came back in 7th but started tosound sick and it was all over on lap 20. MeanwhileMerrell’s Alfa was out a lap earlier stopping atButchers while lying second around ¾ lap behind theMarshall’s Escort. All this saw Jimmy Crow’s Escortinto a safe 2nd as Grant Allan’s reliable 911 was wellclear of Richard Benn’s Capri 3 litre.1 R Marshall / J Marshall (Escort MK2) 31m 56.2s 2 JCrow / TWilson (Escort ) + 59.0s 3 Grant Allen (911)4 R Benn (Capri 3000) 5 R Motherwell / A Barron(Alfasud Sprint) 6 AWalker / I Sinclair (Triumph Sport)Starters 11Classics Driver of the Day - Warren Dunbar for hiscrowd-pleasing drifting and tank-slapping style in hisJaguar XJS

David Leslie TrophyScottish Formula Ford

A tribute to the late David Leslie, a fine driver who hada long and successful career in FF1600, Saloons andInternational Sportscars. Kenneth Thirlwall led fromAlistair Dow for 3 laps then red flags came out to stopthe race. We had a car beached on the kerbs at Clark,after Andrew Chesher and Ross McEwan had clashedboth spinning on oil from Laurie Hughes engine blowup a lap earlier. Chesher was the one on the kerb withdamaged suspension. While a lap earlier StuartThorburn had contact with Scott Fraser at the hairpinand Thorburn was out. So we lost 3 cars for the restart.Thirlwall wanted this one and it showed. He was soon 2seconds clear of Dow and steadily increased the gap to4 seconds only relaxing with 2 laps to go take anotherwell driven win. Dow soon had a new challenger, asGronkowski headed 3 cars for 3rd on lap 1 then ScottFraser was past and chasing Dow on lap 2. Frasercaught him on lap 6 and a lap later outbraked Dow atthe hairpin to take 2nd. Dow was glued to his gearboxfor a few laps then he spun at the hairpin and droppedto 5th. Gronkowski had dropped a few seconds back ashe and Willie Hourie had been battling all race. Houriehad dived past at Duffus on lap 3 only for Gronkowskito repass him on lap 7. They were just half a secondapart at the flag.1 K Thirlwall 11m 20.1s 2 S Fraser + 2.4 3 JGronkowski 4 W Hourie 5 ADow 6 M PieracciniFastest Lap S Fraser 56.0s Starters 13, 12 laps

Kevin Pick

Martin Pieraccini battles with Jordan Gronkowski

Kenneth Thirlwall just heads Alistair Dow

Oly Mortimer has had considerable success in Scottish Championships winning theScottish Mini Cooper Cup three times and the Fiesta XR2 title. Here is an update onOly as he races down south this year.

Oulton ParkKarl Leonard and Oly Mortimer took the GT3 wins at Oulton Park on Saturday,August 13th, former front running Porsche Carrera Cup racer Leonard returning toracing after a break, and holding off series regular Mortimer in race one. The tableswere turned later in the afternoon, Mortimer blasting past at the start to take hiseighth win of the season.Race OneThe front row pairing both made good starts and were side by side as they arrived atthe first corner, Leonard on the outside and just managing to claim the lead on theexit ffrom pole man Mortimer. Mundy was third ahead of Liquorish and Fothergill.Leonard was a second clear at the end of lap one, Mortimer reducing the gap atpoints in the race only for the Irish leader to push on again and stay just out ofreach. Charging hard was Mundy, who closed in on Mortimer in the final third ofthe race only to lose ground once more right at the end. At the flag Leonard was asecond clear of Mortimer, with Mundy third. “I think if it had been the last race ofthe championship I would have kept my foot on it at the first corner!” saidMortimer. “Karl has nothing to lose so I thought I’d just back out of that one andstick behind him and pressure him into a mistake. I caught him up a bit – but Iknow he is quick round here.”Race TwoA slow getaway from Leonard saw Mortimer and Mundy at the front as the racestarted, the poleman forced to slot into third. Mundy pressured Mortimer in the

early lapsbefore Olymanaged to gojust over asecond clear,but from themidpoint onMundy wasclosing onagain. ClosethroughCascades onlap 11, on thenext lapMundy was looking to get by at Old Hall but Mortimer held him wide and had theadvantage on the exit of the corner. Another attempt by Mundy with two laps to gosaw him forced up the Knickerbrook chicane escape road, but he was soon backwith Mortimer, the pair side by side at Lodge on the final lap, Mortimer holding onfor his eighth win of the year.“That was my hardest race yet,” said Mortimer. “I know I said that at Rockinghambut they are getting harder! I just have to say thank you to Tynecastle Garage for agreat car.”Oly now leads the title race after 10 rounds but not by much as despite 8 wins hehas had a dnf as well.

Next GT3 Cup Rounds: Silverstone, September 30th / October 1st

Oly Mortimer in his Porsche GT3

Oly Mortimer in the Porsche GT3 Cup

Wheelspin August 2011:Jan Feb 06 Wheelspin 8/9/11 13:56 Page 5

6

Ecurie Ecosse entered a Barwell Motorsport run AstonMartin DBRS9 into this year’s Spa 24 Hours. Driverswere Alasdair McCaig, Andrew Smith, Joe Twymanand Oliver Bryant. The team chose a fantastic event tomark the return of the famous Scottish outfit to top-flight international sportscar competition, with the racehaving 63 of the world’s best GT racing cars. Theywere delighted to bring the car home in 9th place in thehighly competitive Pro-Am class and 20th overall.After a wet practise the Ecurie Ecosse car up to 29thoverall and 14th in Pro-Am class. This meant that it hadtaken some excellent ‘big name’ scalps, including allthree factory-run McLaren GTs, a factory Audi and aUnited Autosports Audi featuring former F1 GP starsEddie Cheever and Mark Blundell in its line-up.The atmosphere was incredible before the start of therace at 16.00 on Saturday, when the grid lined up on the‘Endurance Pits’ straight which drops down from LaSource hairpin to the famous high-speed uphill climb ofEau Rouge corner. An absolutely massive crowd packedthe grandstands and could be seen lining the fences allthe way up the hill out of Eau Rouge. The great newswas that the circuit was dry (although the air was moist)and slick tyres were the order of the day. Olly wasgiven the job of starting, and during the opening stageshe was happy to let some of the quicker cars that hadqualified badly go past him. Incredibly, many other carsseemed to treating it as a sprint race and taking crazyrisks, and the field had lost six cars before the four hourmark!After the first cycle of drivers had been completed, inthe order Olly, Alasdair, Andrew and Joe, they hadmoved up to 26th place overall and were 14th in thePro-Am class. This was the first decent bit of runningon dry slick tyres that the drivers had experienced sincethe test day three weeks before. They all did a superbjob to quickly settle into a decent pace. The second timethey got in they upped their pace, and dusk fell overSpa just as Alasdair climbed aboard at the six-hourmark (22.00hrs) for his second stint. By this stage thecar had moved up to 21st overall. There was a safety carperiod during Alasdair’s second stint, so the car wasrefuelled as the field lapped slowly behind the safetycar. This extended his stint as he moved Ecurie EcosseAston up to an excellent 17th place overall by 23.30hrs.During the early hours of the morning the Aston waspart of a gaggle of cars in close order that werecontesting 15th down to 20th places. Towards the endof Andrew’s second stint drizzle started to fall whichmade the circuit quite treacherous, and when a rival cardropped some oil onto the racing line he had a harmlessspin and gravel visit. Joe got the bad luck as by the timeof his second stint at 00.30 it was properly raining and areturn to wet tyres was essential, at 01.30 the Aston waslying 19th overall (out of 50 still running) and 8th inclass. Oly put in a good stint but they had a slightmisfire. Then in Alasdair’s next run, they tookadvantage of a lengthy Safety Car period to bring himin at 04.20a.m. and use this time to carry out theplanned front brake discs and pads change. The DBRS9was stationary for less than three minutes whilst havingits major 2000kms service! Carrying this out under the

Safety Car was also extremely efficient, and whenAndrew rejoined the track they had lost just one placeand were running in 20th spot.The misfire was still apparent, and each driver washaving to learn to drive around it, although it was clearthat we were losing time because of this issue –estimated at two seconds per lap. Andrew quickly got togrips with the new throttle style required, and put in avery strong stint on Avon tyres that had already donean hour before he started. He kept the Aston on the backof a five-car group in contention for 16th spot.Misfortune struck only a few laps away from the end ofhis stint when he suffered a right front tyre puncture justafter Eau Rouge, which meant that he had to crawlaround most of the 7km Spa track before reaching thesecurity of the pits, and thus precious time was lost. Hearrived at 05.20am and the car was re-tyred, refuelledfor Joe to resume the fight with a fresh set of Avons. Joeput in another solid showing as he motored the Astonback up to 19th place and ninth in class after nearly 14and a half hours of racing.With Olly re-installed in the car at 06.20, the misfirewas still an issue.Unfortunately just 15 minutes later the bleary-eyedcrew received a message over the radio from Olly thateveryone dreads hearing; “The car has lost all powerand I have stopped by the side of the circuit”. TheBarwell engineers’ tried to ascertain exactly what thecause could be, and whether it might be related to themisfire or not. However as a routine precaution for 24hour races a spare ECU is kept inside the cockpit of thecar, and Olly was instructed to change the ECU. Hechanged the unit with minimum fuss, the car fired upagain and he was able to return it to the pits. The newECU still hadn’t made a difference to the misfire. Ollywas back in the pits 20 minutes later (at 07.00am) withanother puncture. The combined effects of theseproblems added up to a loss of four places (to 23rd), butcrucially a deficit of five laps to the pack battling for16th place that the team had previously been incontention with. The drivers cracked on with theirstints, so that by the time Andrew was back in the caragain at 09.50 and despite the misfire, they weregaining lost time as others hit their own troubles, andhad moved back into 21st place and 11th in the Pro-Amclass with six hours to go. Half an hour later Andrewreported that the car had stopped again. However thegood news was that he had been able to make it into thepit lane entrance and was stopped up in the F1 pit lane.Mechanics were dispatched on a scooter with anotherECU, which they were able to fit in the pit lane andallow Andrew to start the car and return to the pit areadown the hill in the Endurance Pits. After he wastopped up with fuel he returned to action, Andrewcompleted an excellent hour-long stint and brought thecar back to base camp at 11.15 in 20th position / p10 inclass – which meantthey were back on thefront page of the timingscreens.When Joe went to re-start the car after a pitstop it refused to fire,and it was then clear thatthis problem wasn’trelated to the misfire.Upon furtherinvestigations, a stickingelectronic throttlebutterfly was diagnosed,and the decision wasmade to put the car intothe garage to be cured,and in this way the teamnot restricted to havingonly four technicians

allowed to touchthe car at anyone time –which is the rulefor the pit lane.Once inside thegarage, the crew changed the throttle body forthe spare, and at the same time changed the driveshaftsto avoid any risk of failure in the closing stages, andalso the front brake pads. During the 40 minutes the carwas in the pits, quite a crowd of Ecurie Ecosse family,friends and supporters had emerged in the other side ofthe garage, and there was a huge cheer and round ofapplause as the V12 engine burst into life again, and Joewas wheeled out into the pit lane to continue the race!Obviously this delay had had a significant effect onchances of moving back up the top 20 order, and Joerejoined in 24th place with exactly four hours left to thefinish. As time went past, some of the front runners hitproblems and there were fires and crashes going onaround which meant that the Ecurie Ecosse car wasmoving back up the order bit by bit. With just three lapsto go Andrew surged into P20 overall and the EcurieEcosse name flashed up once more on the front page ofthe timing screens !“The crew and drivers did a fantastic job, not putting awheel wrong all weekend,” said Barwell MD, MarkLemmer, “It was a shame that engine glitches didn’tallow us to fulfil our ultimate potential, but we all knowthese things can happen in a race as tough as Spa. It wasa privilege to oversee the return of the famous EcurieEcosse name to international sportscar racing.”As Andrew crossed the finish line the pit wall fence wasweighed down by what seemed like 50 people wearingblue Ecurie Ecosse shirts, to cheer the Aston home. Ithad been a monumental effort from drivers and teamalike. When Alasdair played the bag pipes in the pitlane after the finish (drowning out Audi’s celebrationson the podium next door!), there were a few tears beingshed.Alasdair summed up the whole team’s feelingswell after the race: “Spa has been a great experience –the night stints in particular were phenomenal – andwe’ve capped that with a strong result. We had atremendous atmosphere in the garage all weekend andthe Barwell Motorsport crew deserves recognition forthat; they were first class. Overall this has been a greatway to bring Ecurie Ecosse back and bodes well for theteam’s future.”Hugh McCaig, Ecurie Ecosse Team Boss: “We'veachieved what we set out to do and that is extremelysatisfying. The drivers were all excellent and apart fromone minor incident - which was caused by dropped oilfrom another car - the race was trouble free. We hadsome problems with the ECU that meant the drivers hadto nurse the car towards the end, but they managed thisvery well indeed.”

The Ecurie Ecosse Aston Martin DBRS9

The team assembled in the pit road

AUGUST

4Spa

AUGUST

3Spa

Ecurie Ecosse return to International racingTOTAL 24 HOURS OF SPA – BLANCPAIN ENDURANCE SERIES

Wheelspin August 2011:Jan Feb 06 Wheelspin 8/9/11 13:56 Page 6

Scottish Fiesta Championshipin association with Yokohama Tyres

Twelve XR2s and three STs made the trip to Croft for along weekend. Peter Cruickshank was undisputed kingof testing and qualifying. Young Craig Taylor hadqualified in a magnificent 3rd and was wearing thebiggest smile you have ever seen. Misfortune befellStephen Emslie, who yet again travelled to Croft anddid not manage to compete in a race! George Runciemanaged to destroy his engine completely by firing apiston out of a very large, impressive hole. The big manwas the picture of dejection until an engine was foundfor his car. Looking a bit happier he and young Stuartset off back to Scotland, got the engine and returned toCroft. His new engine was fitted and the car made race-worthy with literally seconds to spare!Race 1Peter made one of his all too familiar poor starts andwas down to second off the line behind Russell Milloy .Dave Colville nipped past Craig Taylor to be the leaderof a fantastic three car battle that lasted the whole race.Dave, Craig and Mike Strong fought clean and hard andCraig managed to keep the much more experiencedMike behind him until lap 6, demonstrating that histhird in qualifying was no fluke. Dave and Mikeswapped places twice through Sunny corner on thesecond last lap.Peter took the lead out of Tower on the third lap but hislead did not last long. In the Complex Russell tried toget past so there was some squeezing from Peter, andconsiderably more pushing from Russell, resulting inthem both almost completely losing it. Peter came offworst ending up on the grass and Russell was back inthe lead.Race officials released the STs far earlier than theplanned 20 seconds. On lap 4 Rory Bryant and GeorgeOrr had passed Dave running in third. By lap 6 Roryand George led the field, though Blair Murdoch wasstuck behind Peter. George Orr took the lead on the runto Tower and Blair, having got past Peter, was beingheld in check by Russell. On the last lap George Orrextended his lead and Peter was much closer to Russell.Blair took a lunge to get past Russell round the hairpinand Russell took to the grass. Peter must have thoughtall his birthdays and Christmases had come at the same

time as he sailed past the two of them to take a totallyunexpected XR2 win.Race 1 - Results1 George Orr (ST) 15m 43.9s 2 Rory Bryant (ST) +1.1s 3 Blair Murdoch (ST) 4 Peter Cruickshank (XR2)5 Russell Milloy (XR2) 6 Dave Colville (XR2) Fastestlaps; ST - Bryant 1m 41.3s XR2 Cruickshank 1m43.8sPeter Cruickshank: “ That was probably the flookiestrace win ever. But I had suffered by beinginconvenienced by the STs coming through earlier inthe race, losing time by not being able to take the racingline through corners. So I suppose it’s just swings androundabouts. It’s just that Russell suffered where itmattered – at the last corner on the last lap.”Mike Strong: “You, Dave(Colville) and Craig (Taylor)had a fabulous race.” “Dave got an unbelievable start.Unfortunately he bent my drivers wing mirror in. I wasbehind Craig for the first part of the race, I got a littlebit of a gap, then the STs started coming through. Rorycaught me in the fastest corner of the lap and I lost himbecause the mirror was pushed in. I was a bit scared ofwhere he was so I had to back off. Once the STs had gotpast us there was a bit of a gap to Craig who was rightbehind Dave. So for the next few laps I just got myhead down, caught up quite quickly. Got past Craig,caught up with Dave – managed to get past him forabout 50 yards. I got him at Sunny In and he got me atSunny Out. Then on the next lap I tried round theoutside of Dave going into Sunny In and Craig got pastme. Then I eventually managed to get Craig on the verylast corner. Fantastic race and a great track. Iabsolutely love it!”Michael Jenkins: “After qualifying I was worried that Imight not finish after this long journey andpreparation.” “But you had fun – and it’s a lovelycircuit.” “It’s a really fast circuit – I’ve only doneKnockhill. In fourth gear, and in third on the fastercorners, the car wasn’t pulling I was catching them upin the corners but losing out on the straights.”Race 2Peter made an even worse start this time in his XR2 andwas demoted to third behind Dave Colville. This timeRussell was off and away, leaving the racing behindhim. The race officials thankfully released the STs aftera decent interval this time so the XRs and STs wereactually able to enjoy their own races. In STs GeorgeOrr pulled out a good lead over Rory who had Blair allover his tail. Dave and Peter had a good race, (untilPeter’s loose wheelnut and loss of braking forced himto be ultra cautious in order to make it to the end)swapping places twice at Tower. Mike Strong closed upon them leaving Craig Taylor without a race untilMichael Jenkins caught up with him. Mike thendiscovered the perils of overcooking it on Sunny out,taking to the grass and dropping way back.The STs continued to surprise throughout this race.From George having a good lead over Rory who lookedsolid in second, it was the Rory in the lead, Blair secondand George third. Blair then took first going through thecomplex. The next time round Rory was back in the

lead with George in second. Two laps later George wasback in the lead from Rory, but on the last, and mostimportant lap the order was George one second aheadof Blair and Rory.Race 2 - Results1 Russell Milloy (XR2) 15m 45.4s 2 Dave Colville(XR2) + 11.6s 3 Peter Cruickshank (XR2 ) 4 MikeStrong (XR2) 5 Craig Taylor (XR2) 6 Michael Jenkins(XR2) Class winner ST G Orr Fastest laps; ST - Orr1m 41.7s XR2 Milloy Cruickshank 1m 44.1sGeorge Orr: “It’s been a good weekend for you.” “Ithas, It’s usually Rory or Blair at the front and they runaway with it. I’ve been here once before and I reallyliked the track. The track seems to suit me – I’ll justhave to try to go a bit faster at Knockhill and upset theapple cart there.Dave Colville: “Good fun racing this weekendalthough you’re not as fast as you should be.”“Correct. I enjoyed it, I have to admit I did enjoy it, butI could have done with a little more pace.” “But youhad a good race with Peter in that one.” “The secondrace was good. He’s not the quickest off the line, so helet me dive through off the start. I held him off forquite a few laps but he was definitely quicker than me.The fact he had a wee problem let me get secondplace.”Rory Bryant: “That’s the most exciting ST racing I’veseen.” “Yes, especially as I had no ABS for the wholerace. I’d never been here before, so came intoqualifying and I had to learn the track. Luckily enoughI got pole. First race I was going fine – I was in thelead, then something went wrong with the ABS. Withthese cars you’re driving through the system and it’shard to keep it on the track, so I finished second in thatone. And in that 2nd race I had no ABS from lap one soit was pretty interesting. George had a wee off whichput me in the lead again, and it was exciting for a fewlaps but it was impossible for me to hold it. But goodrace and good to learn a new circuit. I really like thetrack – it’s good fun.”

Maggie Miller

JULY

24Croft

JULY

23Croft

7

Dave Colville ran well all weekend George Orr took an outright win and two ST class wins

Fiestas Enjoy An Away DayThe boys went off to race on the fast flat circuit near Darlington.

A warm SMRC welcome to newmembersIt is always good to welcome new members and wewish them all success in their racing careers.

Stuart Walker (Saloons & Sportscars)Scott Mackenzie (Minis)

Alisdair Coates (Classics)Kenny Murray (Legends)Fiona Ireland (Legends)Darren Gaulton (Legends)Daniel McKay (Legends)

Niki Dickson (Minis)Tom Denham (Minis)Paul Kopeck (FF)Stuart Barter (Classics)Alex Montgomery (Classics)

Wheelspin August 2011:Jan Feb 06 Wheelspin 8/9/11 13:56 Page 7

Visit our website on www.smrc-uk.com Photos by Jim Moir Tel: 0131 552 8817 Printed by The Waverley Press Ltd. Tel: 01224 775 000Wheelspin designed by Vince Towns Graphic Design Tel: 0779 2050 786 Editor: Kevin Pick: Email k.pick@src-uk.com

Mike Gascoigne 01383 735308(Chairman - email: m.gascoigne@smrc-uk.com)Chris Edwards 01577 830133(Vice Chairman & Competition Sec - email:c.edwards@smrc-uk.com)Kevin Pick 0131 332 8287(Wheelspin Editor - email: k.pick@smrc-uk.com)Vic Covey 01875 340616(Mini Cooper Coordinator - email: v.covey@smrc-uk.com)Mike How 0131 339 3876(Club Clothing - email: m.how@smrc-uk.com)Sandy Denham 0131 334 2000Bernard Buss 01361 882322Nick Clarke 0131 441 2698Andrew Fenwick 01577 830162Adrian Hamilton 07801 911300Kate Haston 01324 556541Hugh McCaig 019686 76406Graham Brunton 0777 816512Aly Hunter 0788 444 1700Russell Paterson 07979 911 111

SMRC COMMITTEE

COMPETITIONAnswers: Car isJimmy Jack’s March772. Driver is EddieCheever. I arrivedduring morningpractice for Libre raceto see this carcirculating at

tremendous speed - new engine I thought! Wrong -Hamilton & Dalzell had brought along their youngAmerican pal for the day who was very impressive.Compare lap times with car's previous outings atIngliston. Sorry, haven't a scooby who was firstCooper Cup Champ. Regards, Bob MortonHi Kevin, The Car is a March 762 owned and drivenby Jim Jack or American Eddie Cheever who cameup to Ingliston to race it. Harry SimpsonAnswer: The car was a March 762 driven by JimJack. First Scottish Mini Cooper Cup Champion wasAly McKever.

This month who is driving this modified sportscar atIngliston in the early / mid 80s and what is it?Entries to your Editor by September 30th, e-mailk.pick@smrc-uk.com or ansaphone 0131 332 8287.Bonus point, who was driving the opposite lockingEcurie Ecosse road saloon Chevette HSR at Inglistonin the late 80s, when it was passed round the outsideof Arena by a Lotus Sunbeam driven by HughChambers as they fought for the lead?

SSPPEECCIIAALL OOFFFFEERR FFOORR SSMMRRCC MMEEMMBBEERRSS

1100%% OOFFFF GGPP RRAACCEEWWEEAARR

To take advantage of this excellent offeryou must order via the telephone orderline on 01327 855585. You can also

request a new GP Racewear catalogue.Check out the latest items online at

www.gprdirect.comRemember, to get your 10% discount

you must quote your SMRC membershipnumber when ordering

Subject: Scottish Sports & Saloon RaceKnockhill - August 14thHi Chris (Edwards)Just a quick note to say thanks for the help, hospitality& the opportunity to race Knockhill. Both John & Ienjoyed it enormously. We were made to feel welcomeby all we met. We will be spreading the word to ourracing brethren.All the BestRobert Drewer

•• LLEETTTTEERRSS••

by up toby up toby up to45% For more information call today

0131 300 0450www.lsctuning.com

45%From £299+VAT

by up toby up to45%by up to

Improve Your Car’s Performance

International report WATKINS GLEN, New York, USA: Canadian Tire 200 August 2011Ryan Dalziel stormed back on to the podium in theGrand-Am Rolex Sports car Series at Watkins Glen inhis Ford Riley. The Orlando-based Scot barely put awheel wrong, as he held off AIM Autosport’s MarkWilson in the Canadian Tire 200 at the Glen in NewYork.The result brought an end to three consecutive fourthplaces in the Grand-Am Series.Ryan and Popow who shared the car qualified in ninthposition and the Venezeulan started the race. Popowworked his way up to third place, then over-tookGanassi Racing’s Memo Rojas on the re-start after theonly caution in the two-hour race. He dropped back tofourth just before Ryan took over on lap 33. The flyingScotsman was straight on the pace and soon had theStarworks car back in third. Ryan briefly led the race during the final fuel pitstops before bringing the car homesafely in third place as he battled blistered tires over the last few laps. Ryan now has three podiums in 2011 - third at Barber and Lime Rock and now at Watkins Glen. He also finishedfourth in the previous three Rolex Series races. Ryan won the 2010 Rolex 24 At Daytona, and gave StarworksMotorsport its first DP victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in 2008. He finished fifth in the Driver Standingslast year. Find out more at www.ryandalziel.com

Ryan and Alex celebrate their podium at Watkins Glen. Pic courtesy of Grand-Am/Brian Cleary

SMRC CalendarCroftSat 24th / Sun 25th SeptemberLegends only

Knockhi l lSunday October 9thAll Scottish ChampionshipsSeason Finale

Wheelspin August 2011:Jan Feb 06 Wheelspin 8/9/11 13:56 Page 8