Championship update Results uploaded after Rounds 7 and 8. Click Here to view
Saturday 3rd June
We kicked of June with a double header at Pembrey, the first day being run on the original track and the second on the new layout.
Weather proved to be challenging and changeable, with the morning session being one of torrential rain with the afternoon full of sunshine ! Unfortunately due to weather conditions, a full entry list and a few mechanical issues on track, some 34 drivers did not get a second time run, due to track time curfew. This meant that only T1 would count towards the Championship results as not all contenders has the opportunity to do two timed runs on Saturday.
Unlike other sprint events, we did not kick off with the SP Class, but with Class 3B, Modified Production Cars 1400cc up to 2000cc. In a class of four we had three Championship Contenders battle it out for podium placement, namely Paul Meadows, Lloyd Bettinson and Martyn Ferris. The first time run saw Martyn take the lead, followed by Paul and then Lloyd, but not content with third place Lloyd managed to improve on his last run of the day by over 6 seconds, resulting in second place at the end of a challenging day, only 1.81 seconds behind Martyn. After two timed runs Martyn achieved a time of 131.66, Lloyd 133.47 followed by Paul on 136.47.
Next followed the Modified Production Cars over 2000cc with only one Championship Contenders battling out amongst 5 cars. Paul Townsend in his Seat Leon Cupra experienced mechanical issues and had to withdraw from his second timed run. Fortunately Paul managed to set a first timed run of 147.96 setting a new target time for 2018 for the Championship class, and completing his first Sprint at Pembrey.
Our first Lady Championship contender to take the track was Charlotte Phelps in her family Westfield Megabusa, in a class of Mod Prod Kit, Replica and space-framed cars up to 1800cc. Charlotte and her fellow class competitors (including her bother Adam) had to contend with some wet weather trying to dry their race suits out between runs. Charlotte’s best time of the day, was her first timed run of 121.37.
Following on from Charlotte was our second Lady Championship contender of the day, namely Alison Lock in the Rally Car Class. Similar to Charlotte, Alison’s best timed run of the day was her first timed run, which was a very respectable time of 155.07 for her BMC Mini.
Once again it was a close call between our two Renault Clio drivers, namely Andrew Bisping and Rob Thomson, battling it out amongst four drivers in the Standard Production Class. It was the first time for both drivers, so both had to find their driving line and learn the track quickly in order to secure a podium finish. Rob produced a 1st timed run of 136.91, with Andrew close behind on 137.05, so all to play for on a dry 2nd timed run. Andrew was first to take the track, and manged to get down to 136.56 on his 2nd time out, but unfortunately for Andrew, Rob managed to find a further second of his time and finished the day on 135.82. So once again a 1st and 2nd in SP Class for the Welsh Sprint & Hillclimb Championship drivers.
Due to the change of running format of the weekend, Rebekah Edwards in her VW Lupo found herself not amongst the first of the drivers to take to the track (as is usually the case), but middle of the running schedule. Similar to Andrew and Rob, this was Rebekah’s first time at Pembrey, which meant that she not only had to contend with weather but had to learning a new track under challenging circumstances. Fortunately for Rebekah she managed to get a second time run in dry conditions and took 1st in Class with a time of 144.01. Well done Dora !
In the Standard & Road Mod Cars 1400cc up to 2000cc saw Sam Bacon experience some mechanical issues but with the help of fellow contenders, friends and family members managed to get the car fixed in time to get out in T2 resulting in a time of 165.88, also in the class was Wynne Morgan in his Williams Renault Clio who did a competitive time of 131.36. Fortunately for both Sam and Wynne their class was the last set of drivers to take to the track before the day was suspended.
Unfortunately for the Standard & Road Mod Cars over 2000cc they were not given the opportunity to do their second timed run, So Gordon Hick, Brian Jones, Eifion Jones and Sioned Jones had to contend with only having the one timed run posted on the day’s results.
Brian Jones in his Porsche Cayman GT4 got a timed run of 124.93 (resulting in 3rd in class), and I’m sure had Brian been able to get a second run, would have got closer if not surpassed his target time of 123.66 which was set in 2016. Gordon in his Seat Leon Cupra set a competitive time of 138.82, followed by Eifion with a time of 140.52, and close behind was Sioned in their Audi Quattro S3 with a timed run of 147.50.
Sunday 4th June
Similar to Saturday, we started the day with Rain, and plenty of it, but this time on the new track layout.
The new track continues straight on from the apex of Dibeni (the paddock crossing), for about 100 metres before taking a sharp left followed by a sharp right, re-joining the old track at the Esses. This resulted in changing the line at Dibeni 2 and the Esses.
We once again, we saw the Mod Prod Cars 1400cc up to 2000cc take to the track firstly, with our intrepid three amigos battling out for podium placement once again. Martyn took the lead in T1 with a timed run of 148.83 in the wet, followed by Paul Meadows with a time of 150.58 and then Lloyd Bettinson with a 153.13. Similar to Saturday, the second Timed run was to be on a dry track and saw times improve for all three drivers. Martyn finished the day on 143.31 in his Renault 5 Turbo, closely followed by Lloyd in his Peugoet 106 achieving a time of 144.75 and Paul in his Peugoet 106 with a 146.82.
The next Championship contender to take to the track was Charlotte Phelps in the Mod Prod Kit and Space-framed cars up to 1800cc. Having done her first timed run in the wet, improved by just under 13 seconds on a dry track, achieving a timed run of 132.77, and coming fourth in class.
Using her vast Rally experience, Alison Lock put her Mini to test on the new section with some late braking in the wet and got down to a timed run of 165.90 in the dry on her second time out on track.
And so the learning continued the second day for our new Pembrey Clio drivers in the SP Class. Similar to Saturday there was not much to separate the two, Andrew achieved a time of 147.34, but once again was pipped to the post by Rob who produced a time of 146.73 and so the battle continues.
Rebekah on a high from yesterday’s 1st in Class was looking good after P1 & P2, leading her class by over 2 seconds, but was unable to replicate the day when it came to T1 and T2, but put in a great time of 157.26 for her VW Lupo.
Next to run was Standard & Road Mod Cars 1400cc up to 2000cc, with Mike Hall in his Renault Clio Cup having only just joined the Championship and getting his MSA licence within the last week, proved that no sprint or hill climb experience was going to hold him back, improving with each and every run, finish the day some 12.89 seconds quicker that his first time on track in the wet. Sam Bacon’s mechanical issues from the day before continued to be challenge in the morning, but managed get a timed run on T2. Wynne Morgan got 2nd in Class with a timed run of 141.94, with Mike Hall achieving a final timed run of 153.59 (which is a great result for his first ever sprint, look out Epynt), followed by Sam in his Peugoet 106 with timed run of 163.04.
In the Standard & Road Mod Cars over 2000cc, saw two Championship contenders take podium, Brian Jones took 1st in Class in his Porsche Cayman GT4 with a timed run of 137.89, followed by Gordon Hick achieving a timed run of 147.81 in his Seat Leon taking 2nd in Class (after having a quick cat nap between runs). Eifion achieved a time run of 156.10 followed closely by his daughter Sioned in their Audi Quattro A3 on a 157.82.
Llandow 13th May
We head to Llandow for our first Welsh sprint venue with a strong contingent of 14 Championship contenders. Despite heavy rain the day before, Saturday was dry, breezy and sunny. Once again the weather proved to be with us.
During the drivers briefing, we were informed that any drivers caught driving outside the White Line by the Marshalls on track, that the run in question would result in a failed time run, so a clean run was the necessity of the day.
The day kicked off with Rebekah Edwards in her VW Lupo fondly known as Dora, in the Roadgoing Series Production cars up to 1400cc, along with Martyn Davies in his Fiesta. Rebekah finished the day with a 98.39, some 8 seconds quicker than last year, so a new PB for both Rebekah and Dora. Martyn took the class win with a sterling time of 92.65
The next class to see WAMC Championship contenders sprint around the track, was the Roadgoing Series Production Cars over 1800cc up to 2600cc. Out of a competitive class of 10 cars, 50% was to be made up of WAMC contenders. We saw Eifion and Sioned Jones double drive their Audi Quatro S3, after a fail on his second practice, Eifion manged to put a good time of 96.02 in his first time run, which was to be his quickest of the day. Sioned finishing the day with a PB of 106.36, once again some 8 seconds quicker than last year, so a good day for the Jones’ all round. Gary Morgan having struggled to get down below 103.41 in the practice times before lunch in his Peugeot 206 GTi (slightly out powered in this class), managed to get a final timed run of 98.87, following on from Gary we had Wynne Morgan in his Williams Clio, once again improving with each and every run, getting down to a time of 91.93. Our very own Ben Burggraff managed to take the class win with a very impressive time of 84.51 in his Super Charged Lotus Elise, some 3 seconds clear of the 2nd placed car in the class, resulting in a new Target Time for 2018 for the Trident Championship.
Following on from the Roadgoing Series up to 2000cc class, we had the Roadgoing Series Productions cars over 2600cc, which was made up of a Porsche 911 Turbo, a Subaru Impreza Turbo and Gordon Hick in his Seat Leon Cupra. Not having the engine power of the two other cars, Gordon had to resign himself with a third in class, with a competitive timed run of 95.81, having received a failed time run due to overstepping the white lines !
The Modified Production Cars were next, firstly the 1400cc to 1800cc, which consisted of Martyn Ferris in his Renault 5 GT Turbo. Having contended with a few timing issues through the morning practice session and having to do a re-run, Martyn took the class win with an impressive time of 90.22, following on from the ‘up to 1800cc’, we saw Paul Meadows compete in the Modified Production cars over 1800cc, which consisted of some highly modified and powered cars. Similar to Gordon, and a few other contenders, Paul received a ‘failed’ first timed run, but not allowing that to deter him, he proved that he and his Peugeot 205 was a strong contender and came fourth with a great timed run 91.89, improving on last years’ time giving him a new PB.
Showing the guys how it’s done, in the Modified Specialist Production Cars was our 2016 Ladies Trident Championship Winner, Ms Charlotte Phelps. Having also received a ‘fail’ in her first time run, Charlotte provide she and her Westfield Megabusa were not be trifled with and put in a very impressive time of 82.73 on her last run, not only taking the class win, but also relegating her Dad to second place. Once again a PB for our third female Championship contender.
Out last female Championship contender for the day was Ms Alison Lock in her BL Mini. A good quality of Rally Cars were placed in Class D3 resulting in Alison’s Mini being outgunned but still put in a respectable time of 104.31 which was exceptional seeing as Alison had not only driven her car to track from Chard (some 110 miles and would have to ensure that she and the car could do the return journey), but also she had filled up her trusty Mini with a full tank of petrol, as her pit crew (namely Rob) had not been able to accompany her, so proving that if there is a will there is a way.
And so to our last two Championship contenders of the day; Andrew Bisping in his Renault Clio 200 and Rob Thomson in his Renault Clio 172. Not content with battling it out with Gary Morgan at Wiscombe last month, Rob now found himself battling it out with Andrew. It was a close battle between Andrew and Rob, with Rob securing a timed run of 91.27 with Andrew very close behind on 91.42 ! Look out Llys Y Fran !
Llys Y Fran 14th May
With our first Welsh Sprint behind us, we head to the first Welsh Hillclimb event of the calendar. Nestled amongst picturesque views of the Preseli Hills and the Welsh Water-managed reservoir, Llys Y Fran is great setting for drivers and spectators alike. 16 Championship contenders were given a dry day, with a little bit of breeze thrown into the mix with a small amount of sunshine.
We started the day with the Standard Production Car Class, which meant that our trio of WAMC contenders namely Andrew Bisping, Rob Thomson and Gary Morgan were all back together battling it out amongst a class of 6 drivers. First timed run saw Andrew take the lead, followed by Rob and Gary, and this was to be how the day finished, with Andrew winning the class on 53.10, Rob followed close behind on 53.80 for 2nd in Class and Gary taking 3rd in class on 54.41. Great to see the Trident contenders taking the podium.
Following on was the Road Modified Saloon & Sports Cars up to 1400cc and this time Rebekah (and Dora) had the company of a previous Trident Championship Winner in her class namely Mr Huw Turner, in his distinct Mini. Having not competed last year on the Sprints & Hills, Huw quickly found his pace and took the Class win with an impressive time of 53.90, setting a new target time for 2018. Rebekah also had a great day, once again getting a PB of 57.17, so a productive weekend for both.
In the Road Modified Saloon & Sport Cars 1400cc to 2000cc we only had the one entry namely Wayne Morgan, apologies Wynne Morgan ! Wynne in his Williams Clio was amongst a class of 6 cars and managed a time of 52.85 which resulted in him coming 3rd.
Road Modified Saloons & Sports Cars over 2000cc saw a class of three cars, all being Trident Contenders, namely Gordon Hick (Seat Leon), Eifion Jones (Audi S3) and Anthony Bailey in his Ford Mk1 Escort. Anthony has navigated in the past, but this is his first year of competing in Sprints and Hillclimbs (both himself and the car). Having taken the Texaco corner on two wheels, a big sigh of relief fell upon the spectators when Anthony landed the car back on four wheels and continued on his way towards the finish line unperturbed.
So it was to be a 1st in class for Gordon with a 53.12, 2nd for Eifion with a 53.59 and 3rd for our new member Anthony (Spuddy) Bailey 54.50.
In the Modified Production Cars up to 1400cc, we saw Simon Howells in his Austin Mini battle it out Gavin Neate in his well-prepared Peugeot 106, not an easy task, but Simon produced a great time of 54.64, getting close to his PB for the hill.
In the Modified Production Cars 1400cc to 2000cc we have a class of 6 cars, of which 4 were Tridgent Contenders, so battle commenced with a mixture of past championship contenders, i.e Martyn Ferris (Renault 5) and Paul Meadows (Peugeot 205) and new championship contenders, namely Lloyd Bettinson in his Peugoet 106 Raylle and Frank Harris in his newly acquired Renault Clio 197 Sport (a last minute replacement for the Hillman Imp).
Continuing on where we left of yesterday at Llandow, we had Martyn and Paul fitting it out for 1st and 2nd within the class, with a hairs breath between the two of them again. The final result was 1st in class to Martyn Ferris having achieved a timed run of 51.92, with Paul Meadows hot on his tail for 2nd in class with a 51.95 ! This battle resulted in a new target time for 2018 !
A similar picture transpired between Lloyd and Frank within the class, Lloyd managing to secure a time of 53.93 with Frank on final time of 54.51
In the Modified Production Kit car class up to 1800cc, we once again had a battle between father and daughter, but unlike the day before Charlotte was unable to get 1st in class, resulting in her father taking the class win. Having settled for 2nd in class with an exceptional timed run of 49.56, this meant that Charlotte was to be included in the top 10 run off, the only lady driver to have done this. Not only did the day bring another PB for Charlotte, but she also secured the award for the Fastest Lady once again.
And lastly, we turned to the Rally Car class to see Sam Bacon in his Peugoet 106 competing in the Road Rally Cars up to 1600cc. Not deterred by a spot of mechanical issues lunch time, Sam put in a very competitive time of 56.37.
Pembrey awaits us now for a double header, with a mix of old and new track layout.
Championship update Results uploaded after Rounds 5 and 6. Click Here to view
Championship update Results uploaded after Rounds 3 and 4. Click Here to view
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