Goodwood Revival 2015

Another year, another revival and another update in only a week! Editing pictures must be more fun than having to buy a kettle…

This year with a big event remembering of Battle of Britain a few days after the revival there were more war birds than I could count. Appropriately, given their far greater numbers during 1940, there was a Hurricane on display. I actually learnt today that at the time of the Battle of Britain the Hurricane had a higher rate of climb than the Spitfire.

But the Spitfire could do this;

…and somehow the shape just inspires confidence.

What is interesting walking around is that the design influences clearly make it through to the racing cars of the 40’s and 50’s.

I don’t have a good picture from this year showing the riveted construction that mimics the aircraft from 15 years earlier.

Of course while the prestige cars have better lineage everyone comes to see the saloon cars because of the close and dramatic racing. Here Mike Jordan corners the Lotus Cortina he was sharing with his BTCC champion son, Andrew. It was a shame they hadn’t had the development of the Team Dynamics car as they were loosing out on the straights.

Here Shedden shows his Scottish heritage getting the car onto 3 wheels though Madgewick in car he was sharing with Crasher Neal.

One of the oddities of the day I took this rather smoky picture in the morning session and then this picture in the afternoon.

It was only after I got that I noticed the driver staring straight down the lens. I missed getting a programme this year so I have no idea who you are, but hello!

A Goodwood Revival update wouldn’t be the same without a Swiftune shot. 2 wheels off on a corner that falls away on the exit – totally committed.

This year the Galaxies were there again, this one driven by Jochen Mass, but they couldn’t keep up with the Cortina’s.

The circuit has lots going on in the middle but there as always the feeling that I might be missing something when you can hear the cars on track!

As in previous years the first race is on the Friday night. Many people leave before it starts which is a great shame. It is great to watch the cars pound into the dark.

Firle Hill Climb Revival 2015

First post in ages and it’s of a first time event. Well first time since 1964. I’ve called it a hill climb because they have, in reality it is a regularity trial up this hill. 3 passes and the one with the closest matched times wins. It wasn’t about winning as you will see from the number of smiles, it was mostly about fun, and raising money for the Chailey Heritage Foundation.

From the bottom in the trees just off the A27.

The course climbs up the hill.

Untill it comes out above the tree line.

Where you can look at this view between cars.

Because it is not a flat out event there was the chance for friends and family to ride up in the cars. Some with looks of terror and others clearly looking forward to it.

Ever since reading this artical when I actually looked at the car for a bit I’ve developed a soft spot for the Dino.

But in case anyone thinks I’m crossing sides here is a ford;

Other than the fact the black has a carbon look to it this is exactly how I’d have ‘my’ Escort. 13″ wheels, bubble arches and basic. The only difference is this one is powered by Swindon.

Now I have no idea which cars were ‘real’ and which were copies but I would say that all the cars were really nice and there were no ‘kit cars’. The above looked perfect sat in the sun and I would have paid the genuine millions for it.

Some people enjoyed showing their cars off while going up the hill as can be seen here where the passenger is waving. Incidentally, where there are passengers they often wave to me when I’m taking pictures. I want to wave back but somehow having the camera between me and them slows the brain to the point that they have gone before I can; so consider this a wave back!

And some were really trying just because they could.

I have to agree with this guy that a helmet is best. Even though for a photographer being able to see peoples’ faces is great I’d rather they were protected if they are going to make use of the fact there is no chance of someone coming the other way.

Although I don’t think I’ve ever seen a passenger as relaxed as this one! I have several photos and she just seems totally at ease while the driver forces the car through the turn (look at the angle of the front wheel).

It wasn’t all 50’s & 60’s either. This car is from 190-something and wasn’t exactly slow! Around 2.5L 4 Cylinder with over-square bore.

<img src="http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab99/Garagesta_Photographic/Firle%20Hill%20Climb%20Revival%202015/dsc05665_zpslahfvwie.jpg"

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Motorsport at the Palace 2014

Ahead of the 2015 Motorsport at the Palace I went back to look at my pictures from last year and realised I never put them up. Here is a small selection that might encorage you into going this weekend.

http://www.motorsportatthepalace.co.uk/

There is a god mix of modern and classic cars although my camera last year seemed only to find the classics.

With some of the classes the cars spend longer on the start line than they do on the course. You can see a lot of the drivers getting more tense the closer they get to the start.

Before charging up the hill.

With such a short amount of time on track for each run there is plenty of time to catch up before going out another run.

2014 celebrated this race which has been watched many times even 40 plus years after the track last held a race.

Horsted in the sunshine May 2015

A short update today. It was a warm sunny day so took a walk around Horsted Keynes area. Just north of Haywards Heath.

Brighton Toy Museum

I thought I should try and get a post in that didn’t mention Goodwoo… …O.

I was asked to take photos at a private event at Brighton Toy and Model Museum a few weeks ago. If you’ve not been there before they have huge layout of predominantly pre & post war ‘toy’ trains. They run it for the pubic on set days but, understandably, there are plastic screens to protect the exhibits. On a few occasions a year they take down the screens and run everything.

The trains stand about 5″ tall and are mostly metal giving them real presence.

Being a toy museum as much attention is paid to the ‘extra’ details as the trains. There are also lots of vintage arcade machines and all manor of toys.

But the stars are without doubt the big trains which pull 10 coach trains around with apparent ease.

It’s right in the centre of Brighton, under the station. Go and visit it http://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/

Regis Sprint at Goodwood

Yes, back at Goodwood again! For a once mothballed circuit with heavy noise restrictions it gets used a fair bit. One of two Scimiters I saw during the day, both were reasonably quick. As yet I haven’t found an entry list so the pictures are what they are… This was just a point and shoot as I was walking. The two eye hole balaclava instantly makes me think of Mansell. Caterham ques up. You can clearly see the diver in these, such a change from more modern cars where you can’t see a driver let alone what they are doing! And there is little else that looks so purposeful. And now the Defender is going out of production the longest serving basic design still in production?

Thanks Ross!

Back in March a friend foolishly invited me to a track day to have a go in his car. A few very careful laps later I had a great time! I also took the chance to take some pictures.

Thanks Ross!

GRRC Easter Monday Spring Sprint

Easter Monday was the 10th running of the Goodwood Road Racing Club’s annual sprint. Open to the GRRC members there is the usual Goodwood fare of older machinery but also a chance to see more modern equipment in action. The day was very relaxed and it is more about the enjoyment rather than serious competition.

Sierra Cosworth RS500 in action on the last runs of the day. I remember when these were common on the road, or at least copy cat rep-mobiles were. Now it is a rare chance to see one in action.

Some well-known names were there including Anthony Reid in this Noble M600 in his role as one of the Goodwood team captains. As ever he was right on it and setting the pace in a car far newer than the circuit was ever designed to contend with. Though at a mere 450HP it is short of the Lola T70’s 500 odd HP and these tested in period and run most years at the revival. I know which I would rather have!

On the other end of the timeline there was this 1927 Ford Frontenac also competing. Seen here at the end of Lavant straight where the exposed nature of the driving position was very apparent.

During the day the Airfield was in full operation as well providing entertainment when the circuit was not being used. The plane in that picture (to my untrained eye) is probably at least 5 years younger than the Frontenac!

The good thing with this kind of event is the sheer mix in abilities as well as age. The comparatively standard Triumph TR3A (above) and Austin Healey 3000 (below) compete with…

The ‘Nike IMP’ of Kevin Cooper I had a look around this and the panel molds might have seen an IMP a long time ago but there was little else other than the shape remaining! The rear wheels hunkered right up in the arches make it look like it is accelerating even when it’s parked.

This Audi A4 ‘V6 Star’ was originally fitted with a chevy V8 but now has a V6 giving in excess of 1,000hp. Seeming it has the grip to and handling to match as it seemed very much under control

And her come the Fords;

A pale blue Anglia like my Dad had. I’m not sure if he had this before or after the mud brown cortina estate!

The GT40. I’m not sure if this one is genuine or not. There were 2 copies on the entry list and this wasn’t either of them! was supposed to be and MGB.

Lotus Cortina

Jon Doubleday’s V8 Cotina, which has appeared in at least 1 of my Crystal Palace posts, pulls away from the BMW Batmobile.

And ok it’s an AC or a Shelby dependant on your viewpoint, but it’s Ford powered. 1963 289 Cobra.

Finally just the plain odd;

A 1953 Staride MKII

There were too many pictures for one update so the above and the overspill are in this slide show;
http://s853.photobucket.com/user/Garagesta_Photographic/embed/slideshow/GRRC%20Easter%202015

South Downs Rally 2015

This was the second time I’ve been to the South Downs Stages Rally held at Goodwood Motor circuit home of the revival and there was only a little rain so definitely better than last year! As anyone who looks at my posts knows, I love old Fords. So to get around lots of pictures of the same car being posted I have decided to bump all of the Escorts to the bottom of the post… apart from the one above – Graham ‘Crank’ Palmer in his Pinto powered Mk1 which shed some spare parts before the end of the event.

I’ll start with another two wheel drive rally classic. The 205 of Rob Aslett and Ashley Aslett who finished 12th in class C.

This Nova was going very quickly all day and I was surprised to see that it was in the under 1,400CC class. What I wasn’t surprised at is that Christopher & Anthony Newton placed very high getting 3rd place overall in the event against some much more powerful machines as well as 1st in class.

Like the Ferrari 308 of Neil McMahon / Dave Mellett which was 37th overall but 3rd in class.

Not an Escort but it’s replacement. Nigel Mummery’s RS200 which came 1st in class and 11th overall going the ‘wrong’ way down Goodwood’s main straight.

Now some mocked the Micra when they saw my pictures last year but Stuart Andrews was about the fastest thing through the chicane on the main straight in stage 8. I’m not sure he even braked!

A 1,600cc 205 heads to a 4th in class B which probably would have been a 3rd were it not for this detour(they should have turned left before they got this far!) Matthew Ockendon drives with Vicky Barry co-driving.

8 places ahead of them was Abi Mahmood & Colin Felstead to gain second place in class B with a pretty rapid Fiat Punto.

The 2L Astra was putting in top 10 stage times until an oil fire put them out of contention shortly after this picture was taken on stage 3. They exit the chicane onto the main straight the right way.

Nice to see a humble Sierra out competing though of course McRae’s Junior and Senior have run one at various times. This one is on proper sized wheels too, not ones borrowed BTCC super tourer! Bill Stewart & Caroline Brampton got second in class.

Disappointingly this was the only Mini but it finished second in class a long way clear of third place beaten only by the Nova above. Alec Holding & Dom Worsfold.

Heading up the Escort cavalcade is a Fiesta driven by Stephen & Melissa Hall.

1st in class C in the Mk2 Escort Stuart Cogger & Ade Summers get very sideways.

Vince Sillett & Samm Keeley just as sideways but a slow stage 4 harmed their final position.

Tim Mewett got the braking wrong in stage 4 and missed his turn in but still got 6th overall. Liz Jordan laughs(?) as they make their way back on course and is seen again in the afternoon.

2.3l Escort Mk2 which I didn’t get a chance to look at in the paddock but now wish I had! Geoffrey & Claire Martin who got second in class D.

Steve Toney & Ross Wilson get their Mk1 very sideways. No this didn’t end well but fortunately they missed anything solid and nearly every car got it wrong here on this pass.

Kevin & Lee Jones spin the wheels of the ex-works escort as they recover from a spin. I have quite a lot of pictures of this car so might do a mini update with just pictures of it.

A funny looking Caterham this one…?

Escort awaits stage six but sadly retired before the end with a broken clutch cable.

One of the great things about this event i that it runs into the dark. In all honesty I positioned myself on the wrong side of the track for these shots but lesson learnt… Richard & Irene Lewsey running for fun after failing to post a time in stage 2.

Bluebell Winter 2014

Some more train pictures before I do another car update. These are all taken at the Bluebell within the last couple of months. I have been going to the Bluebell for as long as I can remember which makes photographing it quite hard. Consequently the pictures I get tend to be experimental but lead to ones like those from my Severn Valley update.

Platform staff get ready for the last train. This is taken through the bridge which gives rise to the dark edges encroaching into the picture.

Early afternoon train draws into Sheffield Park.

Steam heat on but it’s still cold out.

Taking on water before going on shed.

Birch Grove drops it’s fire. This was taken with a tripod but recent outings have highlighted I really need a remote shutter release… one day.