Top Hat Masters

Well, sure enough I did go to the Top Hat Masters series with a few friends from uni, and we did go in the modern, but hey ho.
What started as a bright day turned into quite a chilly day, with some heavy rain lashing us and causing the track to become quite greasy.
some cars were victim to this, including an Austin which rolled at Gerards I think. PLus a Vauxhall VX4/90 that picked a fight with the armco on the exit of the Esses. There were also a few spins at the hairpin I think. Further adding to the excitment was a BMW 1800 tisa spinning on the back straight, taking a Healey Le Man with it. Unfortunately the Healey blew something on the Esses near the end of the race causing a lot of smoke and some brown trousers.

Furthermore an MGB which was pushing hard spun too.

Other attrition included a VERY fast Mk2 Cosworth BDA Escort losing a tyre on his first race, a Capri Cologne having issues and, unfortunately the awesome Broadspeed Jaguar having issues too.

On the plus side the Austin A40s, A35s and a Jag gave very close racing, drifting every corner. Also the re-tyred (not retired) BDA Escort came from back of the grid to a very very impresive 1st place, trouncing all in its wake. The driver having just won the previous race in a Jaguar E-type, beating off the likes of an AC Cobra.

I could go on, but I'll post a few photos I got too.
Definately worth the trip, check out the 'Brummie Dave's Vitesse' thread on the Herald and Vitesse section to see other peoples thoughts.


AC Cobra of 1963 Vintage (ha! My Vitesse is older!) It's a 4.7, so is that a 289ci version? Whichever, all that power, and look at those tyres. This guy has balls.


The Broadspeed Jaguar. Unused since 1976 according to the bloke. 5.3L V12 racing car. Oh yes, I should say so! Still has it's wooden dash board, even with those frankly HUGE wheels.

Filled about what... at least 6 gallons in a matter of seconds.


Sorry photo is so grainy, it's zoomed in about 20x digital. Looks close, but unfortunately the Vauxhall was being lapped.


Again, sorry it's grainy, zoomed in a lot. Definately need to get a better camera. Standard Vanguard III. Not all that fast, but so cool. About the only Triumph related car there unfortunately.

So, will you make it a date for your diary next year?

Top Hat Masters

This weekend at Mallory Park is the Top Hat Masters racing series. Usually get some nice cars there, Mustangs, Falcons, Cameros, even the odd Dolomite or two!

Just thought it'd be good if a contingent of Triumph's turned up. Unfortunately I'll have to go in the Modern as I'm taking a number of friends and we won't all fit in the Vitesse!

Here's one of my videos of last years racing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihm9JgkKdwo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WRaJ4pn6AY

The Herald has gone!

Well, after a long time of trying, we eventually sold the Herald today.
It's served me well as a starter classic, and having had it for around 5 years now it's time to move her on. I can't give her the attention she needs with my Vitesse needing some work and a BSA to restore.
She's staying local to me though, as a friend at University was looking for a car to buy, use and modify as time moves on.

So long Hector / Helljoy / Hark the Herald...

Coventry Festival of Motoring 2009

This weekend just gone was the Coventry Festival of Motoring, which was very well attended by participants and spectators alike. Over 600 cars, around 40 motorbikes and 40 odd fancy dress participants.

It's a 60 mile run round the Warwickshire countryside, seeing some nice little villages and taking in some nice roads too. This year also involved a trip to MIRA on the two mile straights track. Unfortunately we were limited to a top speed of 50mph on the straights and 30mph on corners. Probably a good thing as the corners were far more banked than I anticipated!

Some very nice cars on the run, my favourite probably being the Jaguar C-Type from the Jaguar Heritage Trust Museum. Loads of others too, but a fair few modern cars too, which just added to the event. Here's a few photos of some of the cars from the run.

Certainly a worthwhile event, and one that everyone should add to their calender.

Bugatti T35A - Original body and interior, but had Vitesse front suspension. Odd.

The Jaguar C-Type from the JHT Museum.


Lemon Mk2. I liked this car, nice and mean.


Spitfire Mk3 with a GT6 bonnet on. Didn't see this out on the run, but looked nice parked up.

There was a very healthy turn out of Triumphs, with only Austin being in competition for the marque most represented at the event. Some thirsty old beasts came, a few Corvettes, a Pontiac Firebird, a Mini Van with a Rover V8 in the back, an Ultima Can Am to name but a few. Unfortunately, once again I forgot to take any photos of my own Vitesse. Bugger.