Round Wrap-Up: The HSRCA's 2020 Spring Festival

Thanks to Steve Pitman

For me it has certainly been a long time between drinks as race meetings go, so arriving at Wakefield Park with certain signs of inclement weather created some anxiety and trepidation around the challenge that was to unfold.

After surveying the circuit for suitable dry ground upon which to set up our home base for the next few, the Morris Mini Cooper S guys turned up and set up camp. Gradually, other members arrived to blend in and establish a sort of motorsport village.

Jenny and Paul Tierney arrived, unfortunately not to compete as Paul’s car still had mechanical issues, but they were there to support the Historic Group N Association brand. Paul erected the new HGNA marquee as a test of its suitability and it proved to be a very worthwhile addition to the club’s assets.

President John Battersby was in attendance, also not to compete but to support his son Paul and the HGNA club members and ensure the event was a success, which it indeed proved to be by the end of the meeting.

Jerry Lenstra was present to showcase his recently-restored 1964 Ford Cortina GT finished in a splendid black and gold livery including peace symbols on the tail lights.

The Saturday morning qualifying session was certainly challenging for a great number of us who have not experienced wet conditions for a long while. Positively, all competitors dealt with the wet conditions well and used the experience to familiarize themselves with the slippery surfaces and appropriate tyre selections. As expected, a number of the smaller cars qualified ahead of the more fancied larger variety.

The Group N under 3-litre race was conducted without incident, although there were some close calls. David Roberts in his green Morris Mini Cooper S looped the car in a wet turn one, creating some nervous tension in the following competitors. After spinning the green mini on several occasions Dave earned the nickname of “Loopy Dave”, which became synonymous around the camp and was one of the highlights of the event. David Noakes in the Ford Escort went on to win ahead of Andrew Bergin in his Morris Mini Cooper S and Paul Battersby also in a Cooper S in third.

With the skies opening to greet it, the Group N over 3-litre race was conducted on a totally wet track. Jamie Tilley in the Group Nb Mustang went on to win, ahead of a hard charging Noel Roberts in the Holden Torana. Noel was aided by an astute tyre selection and relished in the wet conditions to storm home in second position.

Again the HSRCA hosted the BMC challenge for all BMC vehicles including Morris Mini Cooper S, MG Midgets and Sprites. The MG Midgets prevailed with the Cooper S vehicles finishing midfield.

For the Group N non-BMC event 15, the track started to show signs of a dry line, although there were still many rivers running over several of the corners and providing interesting racing. The larger cars were able to come to the fore in the semi dry conditions, Jamie Tilley in the Ford Mustang finishing ahead of Adam Walton also in a Mustang and David Stone third in a similar car.

Our Group N Trophy Race was conducted in similar track conditions to the previous event, although Geoff Pike in his Mini Cooper S decided to take a detour across the wet grass laying several clumps of wet turf over turn two and reintroducing additional challenge the track conditions. A youthful Jamie Tilley in the Ford Mustang handled the slippery conditions the best, winning the event from David Stone in a Ford Mustang with the Ford Mustang of Harry Bargwanna in third place.

Around the infield camp it was spotted that Geoff Pike was wearing a cap from a rival sponsor, and after several negative comments and some strong peer pressure decided to surrender the cap. Dave Roberts kindly indicated that he would finance a new cap for Geoff with the correct sponsorship details. David reached incredibly deep into his pocket and to our amazement found the cash to complete the transaction.

Newcomer Brett Eggleston and wife Rebecca treated us all to a barbeque lunch on Sunday. Rebecca did a great job of cooking and providing a very delicious salad and rolls. The gesture was much appreciated by all the members present and had us all perked up for the races that were to follow.

The larger Ford Mustangs of Jamie Tilley, David Stone and Adam Walton dominated Group N race two whilst there were some interesting dices towards the mid to rear end of the field.

The seven Group N stayers who contested the last event rounded out a very enjoyable weekend of motor racing, dealing with the challenging conditions and mixing with some delightful company that support each other in the Group N family.

Compiled by Steve Pitman
Reviewed and edited by his twin brother Grigor!