This weekend, our clubs were out and about yet again for a wonderful weekend of motorsport. We take another quick look at what happened out in the field this weekend with two great events run by the Historic Sports Car Club and South Hams Motor Club.  

Oulton Park Gold Cup – Historic Sports Car Club 

The Historic Sports Car Club’s annual Oulton Park Gold Cup race meeting was another great success with quality grids, a big crowd and some good racing all set in the wonderful Parkland setting of Oulton Park. 

Around 370 entries were taken for 18 races, featuring an eclectic mix of categories ranging from the Vintage Sports Car Club to the Classic Sports Car Club’s Special Saloons and Modified Sports Series.  

Headlining the action were races for Historic Formula 2 and the HGPCA pre ‘66 Grand Prix cars, which competed for the famous Gold Cup. While Matthew Wrigley won twice in Historic F2, the HGPCA race wins were shared between Andy Willis in the ex-Graham Hill BRM P48 and Charlie Martin in his Cooper T53. 

Totnes Show and South Hams Motor Club Autotest – Sunday 31st July 

South Hams Motor Club was invited to put on an event at the annual Totnes & District Show, so with a grass field on offer the club jumped at the chance to organise an Autotest with the new StreetCar brand firmly in mind. 

The one-day country show attracted thousands of visitors with many visiting the stand to find out more about the club and how to get involved in motorsport.  Indeed, some were returning to the sport after many years away. 

The Autotest featured seven cars – a VW Golf, Peugeot 205 & 206, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Astra, MX5 and MGZR.  

It was a family affair in the MX5 and MGZR – both double driven by father and son.  Modbury resident Richard Field returned to competition in his son James’ MX5 after 40 years away from the wheel. 

“Brilliant fun”, he said grinning from ear to ear!  

In the MGZR it was nip and tuck all day with great rivalry between Simon (father) and Luke Ashley.  Luke’s Mum was over the moon with the day and commented that it was, “bringing the family together for so much fun.”  

Luke’s sister will be getting her licence next year so she can add some power to the Brixham based “Team Ashley” in 2023! 

The club’s static display included Autocross “specials”, road rally and stage rally cars with club members chatting with the diverse crowd.  The ex-Petter Solberg Subaru Impreza S12 WRC unsurprisingly attracted many new fans.  The day proved invaluable PR for the club with at least one new member immediately as a direct result of the StreetCar brand.  Additionally, a number of old and new contacts were established – including landowners with potential new venues for club events. 

The club website has details of upcoming events: www.shmc.co.uk