The Parkinson Line.....at Cadwell

First. A warm welcome to Prajesh Shah on his first meeting with the Monoposto club. The car is actually the 16 valve Formula Vauxhall 1600 that was utilised for several years by the Anstruther clan. Prajesh, who always seems to be smiling, has raced karts and has had one previous outing in the Vauxhall at a Semsec meeting several weeks ago. The car is run and prepared by Meyer Motorsport who are also normally involved only in Karting. Though this car is a 1600 it races in the 1800 class by vent of the valves etc. But I thought I’d mention it anyway cause I’m that kind of guy.

On a more serious note I just had a quick look on the forum. Specifically at a post from one Tony Cotton. Part of his post signature is 1600. Car No 55. You will all remember that TC deserted the 1600 class to purchase a super duper Dallara. At this time his epaulettes were ripped from his shoulders and his sword was broken. So, get your post signature amended TC as you’re no longer a member of the premier class.

Qualifying Saturday

I was the most surprised guy at Cadwell when I learned that I’d got pole from Jason Timms by seven tenths of a second. I think it was circuit knowledge as Jason improved rapidly over the weekend. Third was Geoff Fern in the Vauxhall followed by Eddie Guest and Joe Venor. Jeremy Timms qualified in a separate session by completing three laps using the drive shaft from Jason’s car.

Race Saturday

With Jeremy sidelined with no spare driveshaft available it was up to Jason to uphold the Timms honour. This he did very well passing me on, I think, the second lap to take the lead and the eventual win. I hung on to him for a while but he gradually pulled away and I settled for a second place only to run out of petrol on the last lap heading towards the hairpin. Geoff Fern took the second place and was followed home by Eddie Guest and Joe Venor.

It reminded me of the old Skoda joke now slightly modified.
“Where is the dipstick on a Reynard ?
Behind the steering wheel.

I was towed in by the breakdown truck via the old sixties Cadwell entrance. So from Hall bends we turned left at the hairpin and up a very rough track. I was initially very concerned about having a floor left on the car but that fear soon diminished as I wondered about having a bottom left on me.

Jason was telling me that the only reason he’s racing at the moment is because his son, a very good moto cross rider, has broken his leg in an accident and is currently not racing. So Jason has some free weekends.

The Monoposto racing fraternity have missed Ian and Sara Hughes this season. Ian did the Donington race in one of the Harrison team Dallaras but other than that we haven’t seen them. They have both been very busy what with horses, lambs and farm work and Ian has just not had the time to get both cars running. Particularly as he was converting the Agent from a Kent engine to Pinto power. They have said that they will try and get to Oulton as spectators.

Nina and Jock Sergison have tried their best to fill the cake and coffee void created by Sara Hughes. They’re doing quite well but to be honest there is still room for improvement.

Sunday Qualifying

Jeremy Timms, new driveshaft fitted, courtesy of a trip to the Avit garage, took pole comfortably with Jason Timms second and yours truly in third. Geoff Fern was fourth followed by Eddie Guest and Joe Venor.

Race

The rain came down before the race and it was debateable which tyres to select. Previous showers had dried up quickly so I opted for slicks. As had Jeremy and Jason but not Geoff. The race start was a bit chaotic as firstly they gave us two warm up laps without telling us and then when we came round to line up on the grid to start the race the left hand line stopped whilst the right hand side kept moving so the two sides were out of sync. Then the lights went and off we jolly well went. Geoff was alongside me but I kept to the inside and he got baulked. I could see Jeremy and Jason in front. So far so good.

Unfortunately a start line collision between at least Joe Venor and Jock Sergison brought out the safety car behind whom we duly circulated for a couple of laps. The circuit was drying all this time and off we went when the safety car pulled in. A very enjoyable race with the track dry in some places and wet in others. I was pushing Jason and was six inches behind him at the hairpin ready to get him on the exit when I got a handful of neutrals. But a good race with Jeremy taking the win with Jason and yours truly in second and third. Geoff finished fourth with Eddie Guest following. Joe having been unable to restart.

By my reckoning that now puts Jason into the championship lead. But there’s a long way to go yet.

David Parkinson

Disclaimer: The above represents only the unofficial view of the writer and not of the Monoposto Racing Club in any way whatsover.

Jason's son Jack, photo by Mike Wood, the Wulfsport British Masters Press Officer

Prajesh Shah (middle) winning a karting trophy

Jeremy Timms looking downcast

Geoff Fern has Seen The Light and bought the Premier Car type of the Premier Class

Eddie Guest, Lola T640