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?