Spotlight on Sprinting 3

Tough Times We all live with daily reports on the economic situation and without doubt it is hitting motorsport as it is everything else but I must admit I was shocked to hear of only a 45 car entry at todays TWMC Goodwood Sprint. The Tunbridge Wells Motor Club run the All Circuit Sprint Championship, a club and series close to my heart as I belonged to both when I competed; a well run club that celebrated its 100 year existence only last year.  Many house hold names through the years have been in and around the TWMC so with that in mind I was expecting any event with Norman Redhead and the Goodwin brothers at the helm would be busy. I spoke to Gary Goodwin about the decline in entries who assured me this situation has not come about through lack of effort from the clubs side, in fact most of the problems are completely out of their control. The entry has remained similar to the fee I paid years ago (with over 100 entries) when at the same time circuit and club costs have not. I was pleased to see some younger competitors out today and Gary confirmed the club would look to supply ‘Sprinting buddies’ to new drivers to help them through their first couple of events. Personally I feel the future may see the standard car classes becoming a better choice for new starters, it’s cheaper in many ways and just as much fun as the Harrisons showed today in their shared Golf, a standard car enjoying the Goodwood tarmac.  Also the West Sussex circuit does present its own problems with the noise issue, the 105 db standing and 101 db at some points on the track. The marshalls have to enforce this rule as the council have a tendency to monitor the noise at many events and if there is any doubt certain residents (who moved there knowing a race track is on their doorstep) will let the officials know! Therefore certain car clubs and individuals don’t want to take the chance of bringing their cars from other parts of the country only to be turned away before they have turned a wheel. Dull and overcast with a very lively wind didn’t help the light aircraft trying to land at Goodwood today but if it slowed the drivers it never showed. The bigger engines were in the majority with The TVR Club Speed Championship with 10 cars competing and in their own battles a couple of 3 litre Scimitars, a Skyline or two and a Mustang. Great to watch the Mini of Father and daughter Tim and Sarah, there was nothing separating their times after practice and the battle for the fastest lap went on into the afternoon, a quick car well driven. Rob King showed you don’t need a large bank account to compete with his Ford XR2, a 1989 vintage that he’s owned from new in very nice condition and going well in a more standard class, with slight mods allowed. Not challenging for a result today but nice to see and include is Chris Gallachers Reliant Sabre Six, this is a very rare 1964 car and has been competing in all forms of motorsport since Chris took ownership in 2001. The Sprinting Buddy scheme has generated a lot of interest. Most Championships will now be able to provide help, so if you are interested and want to enjoy driving your car at its maximum contact your nearest club or championship. Gain Championship points and not licence points and meet a really friendly bunch of enthusiasts, it costs nothing to find out. I have put another four cars on the site today if you want to add your car, please do. Just follow the format and send a nice image we will do the rest, we hope to have dozens of sprint and hill climb machines in this section in the future.  If you have any comments or would like to promote your club/championship contact us at info@classiccarmag.net. I have no doubt the sport will bounce back from the tough times it is encountering at the moment but I think we are all going to have to extra support to the clubs and associations that make it  possible.. Goodwood Sprint Gallery Article and images by Grant Ford. Tags:Goodwood, Spotlight on Sprinting