WheelSpin December 2011 - Scottish Motor Racing Club
WheelSpin December 2011 - Scottish Motor Racing Club
WheelSpin December 2011 - Scottish Motor Racing Club
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DECEMBER <strong>2011</strong><br />
www.smrc-uk.com<br />
SMRC AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY <strong>2011</strong><br />
Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh <strong>December</strong> 3rd<br />
the next couple of awards. He said he was having<br />
success racing Sportscars in America and looking<br />
forward to racing in the Daytona 24-hour race early<br />
in 2012.<br />
S cottish Legends Cars<br />
Championship<br />
Winner - Legends Quaich: Ross Marshall<br />
2nd - Legends Quaich: Carol Brown<br />
3rd - Legends Quaich: Gerard McCosh<br />
Team Trophy: John Marshall / Keiran Murray<br />
Rookie Award - Trophy: Robbie Burgoyne<br />
All the club winners with <strong>Club</strong> President Allan McNish<br />
Committee member Mike How introduced<br />
proceedings and welcomed everyone to the SMRC<br />
Dinner and Awards Presentation for the second time<br />
in 10 months.<br />
He noted that on each table were envelopes for the<br />
CHAS ( Childrens Hospice Association Scotland)<br />
Fund Raising Raffle for a prize draw. We then saw a<br />
short film on the work of CHAS. This was followed<br />
by Jon Heggie, the co-ordinator of CHAS, and<br />
Kenny McLeod, Mini Cooper competitor to say a<br />
few words. Kenny said he and Vic Covey had visited<br />
Rachel House in Kinross one of 3 CHAS houses in<br />
Scotland and had been fund raising all season. He<br />
spoke about the prize draw which would take place<br />
later in the evening for a trip to the McLaren factory.<br />
Mike How returned on stage and said the trophies<br />
for the 6 <strong>Scottish</strong> championships would be presented<br />
between the courses during the meal. He then<br />
introduced our MC for this evening.<br />
“He does a sterling job as the commentator on the<br />
SMRC racing on <strong>Motor</strong>s TV and the support races<br />
for the BTCC Meetings on ITV4. He however<br />
shows similarities to another well known<br />
commentator by occasionally sounding like his<br />
trousers are on fire, but his enthusiasm and<br />
knowledge is boundless.” It was Richard John Neil.<br />
Mike How then asked Hugh McCaig to come up and<br />
say Grace.<br />
Richard asked GP3 star Lewis Williamson to come<br />
up and present the first two Championship Awards.<br />
S cottish Fiesta Championship<br />
The Sandy Forrest Trophy for the Newcomers<br />
Award and the Hamilton & Inches Quaich to<br />
XR2 Champion: Russell Milloy<br />
XR2 2nd - Trophy: Dave Colville<br />
XR2 3rd - Trophy: Peter Cruickshank<br />
Winner - Fiesta ST Cup - Trophy: Rory Bryant<br />
Richard interviewed Russell who said it had been a<br />
tremendous year, and really good fun and he thanked<br />
his team for all their efforts.<br />
After the main course Mike and Richard returned to<br />
the stage. Ryan Dalziel went up on stage to present<br />
Rory Bryant (right) receives the Fiesta ST Cup<br />
from Lewis Williamson<br />
Legends Rookie winner Robbie Burgoyne<br />
S cottish S aloon & S ports Car<br />
Championship<br />
Winner - King Hussein Trophy & John Nicolson<br />
Trophy (Top Sports Car): Garry Watson<br />
2nd place - Adam Wylie Trophy: Philip Duncan<br />
3rd place - H & G Robinson Trophy: Paul Nevill<br />
Garry said: “It was a good season, it all went to plan.<br />
The car has been very reliable and helped me win<br />
two on the trot.”<br />
Saloons & Sports Cars Champion Garry Watson with<br />
Ryan Dalziell<br />
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers.
S cottish Formula Ford<br />
Championship<br />
Winner - John Romanes Quaich & The Jock<br />
McBain Trophy & Newcomers Award:<br />
Kenny Thirlwall<br />
2nd place - John Romanes Quaich: Alistair Dow<br />
3rd place - John Romanes Quaich:<br />
Jordan Gronkowski<br />
Classic F. Ford Cup - Trophy: Ivor Mairs<br />
Ryan Dalziell with Jordan Gronkowski<br />
Kenny said: “After missing it last year I wanted to<br />
win it. Ali Dow pushed me hard, but there was a lot<br />
of effort put in over the winter to get the car ready.”<br />
After Dessert Mike and Richard were back on stage.<br />
Mike asked Honorary Member and former British<br />
Touring Car Champion, John Cleland to come up<br />
and present the awards for the next two classes.<br />
S cottish Classic S aloon and S ports<br />
Car Championship<br />
Champion - Doune Cup: Stan Bernard<br />
2nd place - Trophy: John Marshall<br />
3rd place - Trophy: Raymond Boyd<br />
Winner Class A: Rodger Motherwell<br />
Winner Class D: Andy Smith<br />
Saloon Car Cup - Trophy: John Marshall<br />
Stan was a happy man and noted that the<br />
Championship had done really well, and said: “All<br />
credit to the SMRC and Chris Edwards and<br />
everyone who supported it.”<br />
Classics winners received their Trophies<br />
from John Cleland<br />
Celtic S peed S cottish<br />
Mini Cooper Cup<br />
Champion - Lombard Trophy: David Sleigh<br />
2nd place - Trophy: Vic Covey Jnr.<br />
3rd place - Trophy & Newcomers Award:<br />
Tim Sleigh<br />
Ladies Award - Trophy: Fiona Wallace<br />
John Cleland said: “I watched the Mini races on TV<br />
and they were great. Vic Covey has done a good job<br />
in getting numbers up.”<br />
David Sleigh said: “It’s taken a fair bit of effort to<br />
get there. Hard work every weekend before the<br />
races. and its always good to have a bodywork<br />
company behind you in tin top racing.”<br />
David & Tim Sleigh interviewed<br />
by Richard John Neil<br />
THE SPEECHES<br />
Mike Gascoigne the club chairman was next up and<br />
spoke about the <strong>2011</strong> season noting Scotland<br />
punched above its weight in motorsport. His speech<br />
is reproduced in full in this issue of Wheelspin.<br />
Mike How then announced that there would be an<br />
interview on stage by Allan McNish, with Paul di<br />
Resta, John Cleland, Dario Franchitti, Marino<br />
Franchitti, Lewis Williamson and Ryan Dalziel.<br />
Allan spoke to each in turn. He said that it was good<br />
to see so many people here from far and near.<br />
“I see a lot of passion and a lot of love for the sport<br />
which I also saw at the last club meeting of the<br />
year.”<br />
Allan McNish interviewed the special guests<br />
He went on to describe his day at Knockhill and on<br />
his time on a marshals post, reading the observers<br />
report of his activities. These including, distracting<br />
marshals by constantly talking, using mobile<br />
communications, not brushing the track and thinking<br />
gloves were just to keep hands warm! It was good<br />
fun.<br />
Allan then went on to thank John Doran of the<br />
<strong>Scottish</strong> Sun for his newspaper’s continued support<br />
of <strong>Scottish</strong> <strong>Motor</strong>sport. Allan noted his season<br />
wasn’t the best but remarked on how good it was to<br />
see Ecurie Ecosse back, and that it was a team that<br />
had helped many drivers over the years. He<br />
mentioned Paul Di Resta’s fantastic first year in F1,<br />
Dario Franchitti’s excellent 4th Indycar<br />
Championship, Marino Franchitti’s 2nd at the<br />
Sebring 12-hour, and Marino announced he will be<br />
spearheading Mazda’s efforts at Daytona 24-hour<br />
race. He also spoke of Gordon Shedden runner up<br />
in in BTC this year -, Johnny Adam and Rory<br />
Butcher. “They all fought back from a difficult<br />
position,” said Allan. He also mentioned former<br />
Legends scholarship driver Craig Mitchell, as well<br />
as Lewis Williamson who had won the McLaren<br />
Autosport award and driven an F1 McLaren.<br />
Lewis then came on stage and said it had been<br />
difficult but: “I’ve grabbed everything and its great<br />
to be able to go forward next year.” (he is to race<br />
2<br />
Renault 3.5 litre single seaters in 2012). He also said<br />
the hardest thing was a 7 minute interview with FIA<br />
and learning to speak slowly!<br />
Allan said: “We’ve been through tough times but we<br />
need to evolve. We can’t stay the same.” He also<br />
noted we were moving ahead because of the<br />
committee and marshals who give their time freely.<br />
Allan went on to say: “Tonight is all about the<br />
trophies and those who have won and we look<br />
forward to seeing you all in 2012.”<br />
Paul Di Resta joined him and when asked about<br />
2012 he said: “All I will say is that I am due at the<br />
factory in a week for a seat fitting. I’m just waiting<br />
on a final decision. The team has had massive results<br />
this year band punched above its weight.”<br />
Allan said: “We all look forward to you leading a<br />
team.”<br />
Ryan Dalziel was next up and said he was looking<br />
forward to racing Sportscars at Daytona in early<br />
2012. He congratulated Paul on his year, and<br />
remarked how happy he was to have Dario follow<br />
him last year in the same race.<br />
Allan McNish making his President's address<br />
Marino Franchitti then spoke to Allan. He said: “My<br />
mother comes from Inverness and we can hardly<br />
understand her.” At this the audience all laughed.<br />
Marino then spoke about his racing year noting his<br />
team were the first to beat the Audi diesels in<br />
America. He told Allan that Allan’s dad rang him to<br />
congratulate him to which Allan remarked that he<br />
didn’t even ring him!<br />
John Cleland was then asked if he would come out<br />
of retirement. He said: “I just wish I was 30 years<br />
younger,” and noted that he didn’t think he’d been in<br />
a room with so much talent, and that “for a small<br />
country we do really well.” He spoke about driving<br />
the safety car at Silverstone BTC this year and<br />
thinking tongue in cheek about having Plato off!<br />
Allan then spoke to Dario Franchitti. Allan noted<br />
that karting was close to their hearts. Previously he<br />
had spoken of how he and Dario had visited the<br />
West of Scotland Kart club the day before the<br />
SMRC ceremony. Dario said how he enjoyed being<br />
here and he noted how hard everyone works, and<br />
how Allan our club president does a cracking job.<br />
He than said: “This was a kind of tough year,<br />
winning the Championship and loosing Dan<br />
Weldon.”<br />
He asked for a round of applause in Dan’s memory<br />
and got a good one. Allan in turn thanked Dario for<br />
all the support he had given the club.<br />
PRIZE DRAW<br />
We then had the CHAS prize draw. It was<br />
announced the members and guest present had<br />
raised £5,500 on the night by their donations. Top<br />
prize a visit to the McLaren factory was won by<br />
Adam Bernard, a signed visor donated by Paul Di<br />
Resta went to Robbie Burgoyne, and a pair of racing<br />
boots from Dario went to David Jones.
Knockhill Young Driver of the Year<br />
Awards<br />
Single Seater Award (incl F.Ford & Legends):<br />
Robbie Burgoyne<br />
Saloon Car Award: Chris Smiley<br />
These awards are decided by the commentators at<br />
Knockhill – that’s Garry Stagg, Rob Johnston and<br />
Duncan Vincent.<br />
Chris Smiley said: “I had a year of ups and downs,<br />
most race wins (Minis) but two dnfs. I think we’ll<br />
have a go at the Mini Challenge next year.”<br />
the title this year and would probably have won it if<br />
his team-mate hadn’t scuppered his chances by<br />
taking him off at Oulton Park,” remarked Mike<br />
How. Nonetheless second place is a great<br />
achievement and this performance has ensured his<br />
seat with Honda <strong>Racing</strong> for the coming year. This<br />
year the Rothmans Trophy goes once again to<br />
Gordon Shedden.<br />
Dario draws the winners of the<br />
CHAS draw with Jon Heggie<br />
Gordon Shedden won the Rothmans Trophy<br />
SPECIAL AWARDS<br />
Paul di Resta come up on stage to present the next<br />
Awards.<br />
S MRC Mechanics Awards<br />
Single Seater - Formula Ford: Alastair Dow<br />
Two Seater - Jensen Healey Classic Sportscar:<br />
Alastair Coates<br />
Four Seater - Seat Cupra: Andrew Morrison<br />
The Mechanics Awards are for the best prepared cars<br />
racing at Knockhill in <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
The Mark Brennan Ollon-Villars<br />
Quaich<br />
Mathew Gordon<br />
This beautiful hand made silver quaich was<br />
presented to the <strong>Club</strong> some years ago by Mark’s<br />
parents in memory of their son and is presented to<br />
the driver of the Best Prepared Classic Saloon or<br />
Sports Car. In the opinion of Rob McKinna, the<br />
Chief Scrutineer for the Classics, the Best Prepared<br />
Car was the TVR of Mathew Gordon.<br />
B. M. R. C. Trophy<br />
Winner - B.M.R.C. Trophy & Cheque:<br />
Kenny Thirlwall<br />
2nd place - Trophy & Cheque: Stan Bernard<br />
3rd place - Trophy & Cheque: Garry Watson<br />
The Border <strong>Motor</strong> <strong>Racing</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Trophy is one of the<br />
most prestigious awarded each year and is presented<br />
to the winner of the SMRC Points Championship<br />
based on overall race results. It was first awarded in<br />
1957 and the winner that year was a 21 year old<br />
from Chirnside in Berwickshire called Jim Clark.<br />
Knockhill Young Saloon Driver of the Year<br />
Chris Smiley<br />
Robbie Burgoyne said: “I couldn’t be happier, just<br />
coming into Legends and being there or there about.<br />
Going from full contact (Stock Cars) to non-contact<br />
and I had to learn how to go round them and not<br />
through them.”<br />
Mike How gave our thanks to Paul for presenting<br />
these trophies.<br />
Richard then asked Honorary Member, Dario<br />
Franchitti, to present the next awards.<br />
Edinburgh S tudents Charities<br />
Quaich<br />
Carol Brown<br />
This is presented to the top lady driver competing in<br />
Scotland. She is a very talented driver and had<br />
outstanding success in karts and more recently won<br />
the 2008 Legends Championship. She has raced in<br />
the <strong>Scottish</strong> Mini Cooper Cup, and this year finished<br />
2nd in the Legends Championship. She wins this<br />
trophy for the 6th successive year and is Carol<br />
Brown<br />
S MRC S pecial Award<br />
Vic Covey Snr<br />
The <strong>Club</strong> has created a new perpetual trophy which<br />
was presented for the first time 2 years ago. This<br />
year we have decided to present the trophy to a<br />
person who represents everything that is good about<br />
our sport here in Scotland. Past Chairman, Sandy<br />
Denham went on stage to say a few words.<br />
Sandy said the recipient had started racing in<br />
Scotland in a Production Saloon Mazda back when<br />
open face helmets were still in fashion. From there<br />
he progressed to Formula Ford which saw him<br />
winning the Knockhill Formula Ford Championship<br />
back in the 80s. He then returned to Saloon Car<br />
<strong>Racing</strong> in the British & European MG Metro<br />
Championships with John Maguire running the<br />
team. In 2003 he was the driving force behind the<br />
creation of what has become the most successful one<br />
make Championship that this club has ever run,<br />
culminating in their appearance at the BTCC<br />
Meeting at Knockhill this year. His contribution to<br />
the <strong>Scottish</strong> Mini Cooper Cup has been<br />
immeasurable and his experience and knowledge<br />
have been invaluable to SMRC since he became<br />
involved.<br />
The top 3 drivers in the BMRC Trophy<br />
with Paul di Resta<br />
The Edinburgh Students Charities Quaich<br />
went to Carol Brown<br />
Rothmans Trophy<br />
Gordon Shedden<br />
This award is presented to the top <strong>Scottish</strong> driver<br />
competing in a UK National Championship. This<br />
year’s recipient started off his racing career in<br />
Scotland racing in XR2’s and has competed<br />
nationally for the last few years in the British<br />
Touring Car Championship. “He had a real run at<br />
The SMRC Special Award went to Vic Covey Snr<br />
Sadly he has moved on and we all wish him and his<br />
son well in their new venture in association with<br />
Finlay Crocker and Ronnie Klos in 2012. the award<br />
goes to Vic Covey Snr.<br />
Richard asked Vic if he would like to say a few<br />
words.<br />
He said: “It’s been an absolute priviledge to have<br />
been involved with SMRC over the last 8 years with<br />
the best one make championship.”<br />
3
S MRC Driver of the Year Award<br />
Carol Brown<br />
Chris Edwards came up to announce the SMRC<br />
Driver of the Year Award which the marshals chose,<br />
Dario would present it. Chris said the contenders<br />
were Robbie Burgoyne, Emma Bruce, Hamish<br />
Brandon, Tim Sleigh but this year it goes to our very<br />
own Penelope Pitstop - Carol Brown.<br />
The Walter Robertson Award<br />
Olly Ross<br />
This carriage clock is given to the recipient to keep<br />
and is awarded to someone who puts a huge amount<br />
of effort in to the sport but does it entirely for the<br />
fun and enjoyment. He is an ace in the wet and has<br />
competed in Scotland in hillclimbs and sprints as<br />
well as racing with the <strong>Club</strong> for considerably longer<br />
than he probably cares to remember. He has raced a<br />
vast array of machines from an Austin A40 to a<br />
Lotus Europa via a VW Scirocco and the demon<br />
Ford Escort Estate (yes – estate!!) This year’s<br />
recipient of the Walter Robertson Award is, of<br />
course, the man with the best tan in Helensburgh -<br />
Olly Ross.<br />
Olly said: “I’m totally surprised and honoured. I’ve<br />
been racing 50 years next year I’m pleased just to<br />
race and be a member of SMRC.”<br />
Olly Ross (left) receives the Walter Robertson Award<br />
Ecurie Ecosse Hub Cap<br />
Paul di Resta<br />
Committee Member and the Patron of Ecurie<br />
Ecosse, Hugh McCaig, came back on stage to<br />
present the Ecurie Ecosse Hub Cap to this year’s<br />
winner.<br />
He said: “This wheel spinner from an Ecurie Ecosse<br />
Jaguar D-type, affectionately known as the ‘Hub<br />
Cap’, is presented each year to an outstanding young<br />
<strong>Scottish</strong> driver who has shown enormous potential.<br />
This year there is one outstanding candidate to<br />
receive this historic trophy and he might just be<br />
taking the place of Michael Schumacher in 2013. It<br />
is of course Paul di Resta.”<br />
Paul said: “This is the first year I’ve not been on the<br />
podium and not won an award, this is my first award<br />
this year.”<br />
Honary Membership<br />
Hugh McCaig<br />
Mike How did the next award and surprised Hugh<br />
McCaig with an award of Honorary Membership to<br />
the club.<br />
Mike How said: “You have been involved with<br />
SMRC for most of the last 30 years as well as being<br />
Patron of that other fine <strong>Scottish</strong> institution, Ecurie<br />
Ecosse. You have supported many of Scotland’s<br />
talented young drivers and have been instrumental in<br />
placing them with top teams in the south which has<br />
ensured that their careers have been allowed to<br />
flourish. Such drivers have included David<br />
Coulthard, Dario Franchitti, John Cleland, Allan<br />
McNish and possibly more than any other, the late<br />
lamented David Leslie.<br />
“Your passion for Ecurie Ecosse is unbounded and<br />
your success with the team in winning the C2 class<br />
in the World Sportscar Championship in 1986 and<br />
finishing 8th overall at Le Mans in 1987 were both<br />
remarkable achievements which will never be<br />
forgotten by anyone who witnessed them, myself<br />
included.<br />
“There are times when your bluster is worse than<br />
your bite but nobody will ever question your<br />
commitment and passion for the sport, and for that<br />
reason the other members of the Committee of the<br />
<strong>Club</strong> have all agreed, and that’s a first, to make you<br />
an Honorary Member of the <strong>Scottish</strong> <strong>Motor</strong> <strong>Racing</strong><br />
<strong>Club</strong>. I would like to ask our President, Allan<br />
McNish, to present you with this token of our<br />
appreciation.”<br />
Richard then asked club President, Allan McNish,<br />
to remain on stage to present the next few awards.<br />
William Lyons Trophy<br />
Jim & Glynn Geddie<br />
This trophy is given for the best performance by a<br />
<strong>Scottish</strong> driver in a Sports Car. This year we<br />
decided there are 2 winners who both started their<br />
racing careers in Scotland. Unfortunately they are<br />
not here tonight but for their achievement in<br />
winning the British GT Championship in the CRS<br />
Ferrari the winners are the father and son<br />
combination of Jim & Glynn Geddie.<br />
Callands Trophy<br />
Dario Franchitti<br />
This award goes to the top <strong>Scottish</strong> Driver<br />
competing in an International Championship. The<br />
winner this year has collected this trophy on several<br />
previous occasions but the fact that he won his 4th<br />
Duncan Fisher Trophy<br />
Graham Brunton<br />
This trophy is given in memory of Duncan who<br />
competed at Ingliston in the 70’s and 80’s and is<br />
awarded to an enthusiast who is totally committed to<br />
his favourite sport of motor racing and invariably<br />
does most of his work behind the scenes. His or her<br />
efforts are usually seen by few but appreciated by<br />
many, and tonight’s winner is someone who meets<br />
that criteria in every respect. From driver, entrant,<br />
engineer, sponsor, co-ordinator and as passionate an<br />
enthusiast as you will find in any paddock. Cut him<br />
in half and it reads ‘Formula Ford’ so you all know<br />
this year’s winner of the Duncan Fisher Trophy is<br />
Graham Brunton.<br />
Graham Brunton received the Duncan Fisher Trophy<br />
from Allan McNish<br />
S heila Whyte Trophy<br />
Russell Milloy<br />
Hartley Whyte Trophy<br />
Kenny Thirlwall<br />
These two awards are supported by money given<br />
each year by the Whyte & Mackay Trust and again<br />
this year by additional money from the <strong>Club</strong>. Mike<br />
How thanked David Brown of Whyte & Mackay,<br />
who was here with us this evening, for supplying all<br />
of you with the miniatures on the tables.<br />
The awards go to two outstanding drivers competing<br />
in SMRC Championships who have started circuit<br />
racing in the last couple of years, shown great talent<br />
and ability, and could well move on to greater things<br />
within the sport.<br />
The Sheila Whyte Trophy comes with a cheque for<br />
£500 and is awarded to a guy who has impressed<br />
everyone with his driving in the past 2 years in the<br />
Fiesta Championship and which culminated in him<br />
winning this year’s Championship. The award goes<br />
to Russell Milloy.<br />
The Callands Trophy went to Dario Franchitti<br />
Russell Milloy won the Sheila Whyte Trophy<br />
Hugh McCaig presents the Ecurie Ecosse Hubcap<br />
to Paul di Resta<br />
Indy Car title this year was totally overshadowed by<br />
the tragic accident that befell his fellow Brit, Dan<br />
Wheldon. The winner is Dario Franchitti.<br />
Dario said: “This means a lot, as quite a lot of my<br />
family were on screen (nominations for the award).”<br />
He also wished Paul Di Resta good luck at the<br />
Autosport dinner.<br />
4<br />
The Hartley Whyte Trophy goes to a young man<br />
who this year totally dominated the Formula Ford<br />
Championship and achieved the ultimate result by<br />
winning every one of the 14 rounds. He also<br />
finished 2nd at the Formula Ford Festival in the<br />
Kent class on his first visit to Brands Hatch which is
no mean achievement.<br />
Our congratulations and a cheque for £750 go to<br />
Kenny Thirlwall.<br />
The Hartley Whyte Trophy went to Kenny Thirlwall<br />
The S tewart Medal<br />
Kevin Pick<br />
This medal is presented by Sir Jackie Stewart and<br />
his family and is awarded for ‘Services to <strong>Scottish</strong><br />
<strong>Motor</strong>sport’. This year’s recipient, as usual, has no<br />
idea that he is to receive this very special silver<br />
medal ,as the decision to present it is made solely by<br />
the <strong>Club</strong> Chairman. He is one of the guys who does<br />
most of his work behind the scenes, spends his<br />
winter break preparing the regulations, applying for<br />
permits to run meetings, writing and editing the<br />
Wheelspin magazine and doing all the stuff that<br />
nobody else wants to do !! His notes at Committee<br />
Meetings look like something that Banksy would be<br />
proud of but he is, like many of us, an out and out<br />
enthusiast for this great sport of ours. This year the<br />
Allan McNish presented the<br />
Stewart Medal to Kevin Pick<br />
Stewart Medal goes to Kevin Pick.<br />
Kevin said that he was honoured and priviledged to<br />
receive this prestigious award, and that he had spent<br />
over 20 years on the committee and enjoyed<br />
working for the club with many varied committee<br />
members. He also added how good it was to see all<br />
the celebrities here tonight supporting the club and<br />
the trophy winners.<br />
The John Romanes ‘S wift’ Trophy<br />
Dario Franchitti<br />
The final award this evening is The John Romanes<br />
‘Swift’ Trophy<br />
This beautiful trophy was donated to the <strong>Club</strong> some<br />
years ago by Doris Romanes in memory of her late<br />
husband, John, who was a stalwart of the <strong>Club</strong> for<br />
the best part of 50 years and, of course, ran Ingliston<br />
in its early days. Doris, as always, is with us<br />
tonight, and I think this wonderful trophy looks even<br />
better every time it is presented. She has asked that<br />
the trophy is presented on her behalf and we are<br />
delighted that Honorary Member, Bernard Buss, has<br />
agreed to do the honours.<br />
The trophy is awarded to a Scot for ‘Excellence in<br />
<strong>Motor</strong> <strong>Racing</strong>’. He has won this trophy before, but<br />
as he keeps pushing the boundaries of personal<br />
achievement it cannot be ignored. He has earned the<br />
respect of every one of his fellow competitors and is<br />
without doubt one of the top 5 single seater drivers<br />
in the world. In recognition of his outstanding<br />
success once again in the US of A this trophy has to<br />
go to Dario Franchitti<br />
Dario said: “I am an anorak and was reading<br />
programmes recently from Ingliston in the 70s sent<br />
to me by a fan from Baltimore, and noting all the<br />
awards and names so this trophy is special. Thank<br />
you Doris Romanes.”<br />
The John Romanes Swift Trophy<br />
was awarded to Dario Franchitti<br />
KMSC ran their first ever car race meeting on a cool but dry day<br />
Knockhill 30 October<br />
KMSC Saloons and Sports<br />
Sports & Saloons Race 1 winner Cameron Purdie<br />
Race One: 1 Cameron Purdie (Westfield) 10 laps in<br />
9m43.994s (78.905mph); 2 Stuart Walker (Porsche<br />
GT2) +1.859s; 3 Philip Duncan (Westfield);<br />
4 Andrew Morrison (SEAT Cupra); 5 Alex Bruce<br />
(Mitsubishi Evo); 6 Robert Drummond (Ford Escort<br />
Cosworth);. Class winners: Bruce; Robson; Smiley.<br />
Pole Position: Walker 58.37s (78.94mph). Fastest<br />
lap: Purdie 55.36s (83.22mph). Starters: 14.<br />
Race Two: 1 Duncan 10 laps in 9m32.42s<br />
(80.50mph); 2 Walker +8.75s; 3 Morrison;<br />
4 Robson; 5 Smiley; 6 Finlay Crocker (Mini<br />
Cooper);. Class winners: Robson; Smiley; Nevill.<br />
Pole Position: Walker. Fastest lap: Duncan 55.08s<br />
(83.66mph). Starters: 11.<br />
KMSC Classic Sports and Saloons<br />
Race One: 1 Andrew Smith (Morgan +8) 10 laps in<br />
10m16.71s (74.71mph); 2 Stan Bernard (Porsche<br />
911) +3.42s; 3 Shonny Paterson (Triumph TR8);<br />
4 Barry Riddell (Triumph TR8); 5 Ross Marshall<br />
(Ford Escort); 6 Russell Paterson (Morgan +8);<br />
Class winners: Bernard; Shony Paterson; Ross<br />
Marshall. Pole Position: Ross Marshall 1m03.56s<br />
(72.49mph). Fastest lap: Smith 59.35s<br />
(77.64mph). Starters: 21.<br />
Race Two: 1 Smith 10 laps in 10m05.90s<br />
(76.05mph); 2 Ross Marshall +3.21s; 3 Bernard;<br />
4 Russell Paterson; 5 Robert Marshall; 6 Raymond<br />
Boyd (911); Class winners: Ross Marshall; Bernard;<br />
Ian Morton (MG Midget). Pole Position: Ross<br />
Marshall. Fastest lap: R2 - Smith 58.63s<br />
(78.58mph).<br />
Andrew Smith scored a brace of wins in the<br />
Classic Sports & Saloons<br />
KMSC Open Saloons<br />
Race One: 1 George Orr (Fiesta ST) 6 laps in<br />
6m32.58s (70.42mph); 2 David Sleigh (Mini<br />
Cooper) +0.28s; 3 Tim Sleigh (Mini Cooper);<br />
4 Sandy Forrest (Mini Cooper); 5 Peter Cruickshank<br />
(Fiesta XR2); 6 Stephen Russell (Fiesta XR2); Class<br />
winners: David Sleigh; Cruickshank. Pole Position:<br />
Orr 1m05.49s (70.36mph). Fastest lap: Orr<br />
1m03.81s (72.20mph). Starters: 20.<br />
5<br />
Race Two: 1 Orr 10 laps in 17m11.51s (44.67mph);<br />
2 David Sleigh +4.08s; 3 Tim Sleigh; 4 Forrest;<br />
5 Hamish Brandon (Mini Cooper); 6 Russell; Class<br />
winners: David Sleigh; Russell. Pole Position: Orr.<br />
Fastest lap: Orr 1m02.91s (73.24mph). Starters: 20.<br />
KMSC Legends<br />
Heat One: 1 Robbie Burgoyne 8 laps in 8m46.16s<br />
(70.06mph); 2 John Marshall +2.22s; 3 Billy Wait;<br />
4 Giuseppe Palazzo; 5 David Hunter; 6 Gordon<br />
Mann; Pole Position: Gordon Mann. Fastest lap:<br />
Hunter 1m02.77s (73.40mph). Starters: 17.<br />
Heat Two: 1 Ross Marshall 8 laps in 10m01.13s<br />
(61.30mph); 2 Hunter +0.18s; 3 Burgoyne;<br />
4 Wait; 5 Guiseppe Palazzo; 6 David Allan; Pole<br />
Position: Ross Marshall. Fastest lap: Hunter<br />
1m01.69s (74.69mph). Starters: 17.<br />
Final: 1 Burgoyne 7 laps in 13m49.51s (38.88mph);<br />
2 Hynds +0.28s; 3 Allan; 4 John Marshall; 5 Errico<br />
Palazzo; 6 Guiseppe Palazzo;. Pole Position: Chris<br />
Hynds. Fastest lap: Hunter 1m01.78s (74.57mph).<br />
Starters: 17.<br />
George Orr took both Open Saloon Races
CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH<br />
SMRC AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY <strong>2011</strong><br />
Mi ke Gas co i g ne came o n s tag e. He i s<br />
no w i n hi s s eco nd s ti nt as Chai rrman<br />
hav i ng hel d the po s i ti o n 1 0 y ears ag o .<br />
Mi ke i s a Cl erk o f the Co urs e and<br />
heav i l y i nv o l v ed wi th mars hal l i ng<br />
thro ug h SMMC as wel l as the Sco tti s h<br />
Ral l y.<br />
He said’ We are here tonight to celebrate not<br />
just success but also participation in <strong>Scottish</strong><br />
motor racing – by all concerned. I was struck<br />
when I read this week the latest edition of the<br />
MSA’s magazine which is sent to all MSA<br />
licensed competitors and officials. Just cast<br />
your eyes through it and count the sheer number<br />
of reports and articles which feature <strong>Scottish</strong><br />
competitors, <strong>Scottish</strong> officials and <strong>Scottish</strong><br />
events. Scotland has punched well above its<br />
weight in motor sport in the past and continues<br />
to do so today. This roomful of participants in<br />
only one of the 22 different disciplines<br />
regulated by the MSAis living proof of that.<br />
Long may it continue.<br />
It i s my tas k to wel co me Ho no rary<br />
Members :<br />
Our President – Allan McNish, Bernard Buss,<br />
John Cleland, Dario Franchitti, Graham Gauld<br />
and Ian Scott Watson.<br />
Special Guests - Doris Romanes, Jane Leslie,<br />
Paul di Resta, Marino Franchitti, Tom Purves<br />
and Jon Doran.<br />
Apologies have been received from our Patron<br />
– Sir Jackie Stewart. He and Lady Helen are<br />
unable to be with us tonight due to a last minute<br />
change in Jackie’s commitments.<br />
We should acknowledge our sponsors whose<br />
support of our racing season is very much<br />
appreciated.<br />
Yokohama – represented by Ronnie Thom who<br />
is here tonight. Also Celtic Speed, Beatsons,<br />
Crossflags and Waterevolution.<br />
We should also record the achievements in<br />
<strong>2011</strong> of <strong>Scottish</strong> drivers who competed outside<br />
Scotland<br />
Internati o nal l y. . .<br />
Allan McNish - probably, this year, the<br />
coverage of his massive shunt at Le Mans;<br />
Dario Franchitti - winning his 4th Indy Car<br />
Championship; Paul di Resta - 13th - and top<br />
rookie - in the FIAFormula 1 World<br />
Championship; Lewis Williamson - competing<br />
in GP3 and winning the round at the British<br />
Grand Prix meeting at Silverstone<br />
Ryan Dalziel - competing in the GrandAm<br />
Championship - and winning its final round<br />
Nationally...<br />
Jim and Glynn Geddie - winners of the British<br />
GT Championship; Johnny Adam - who<br />
finished 4th in the same Championship;<br />
Gordon Shedden - 2nd in the British Touring<br />
Car Championship; Rory Butcher - competing<br />
in the UK Porsche Carrera Cup and finishing<br />
2nd in the Pro-Am 1 class with Celtic Speed;<br />
Oly Mortimer - winning the UK Porsche GT3<br />
Cup; Chris Knox - winning the UK Mini<br />
Challenge; Russell Paterson - winner of the<br />
Morgan Championship; David Thorburn -<br />
finishing 2nd in the Dunlop Radical UK Cup<br />
and absent tonight<br />
George Brewster - competing in the UK Porsche<br />
Carrera Cup, champion in the Pro-Am 2 with<br />
Celtic Speed<br />
We should mark the passing earlier this year of<br />
Eric Liddell. He was a talented driver of sports<br />
cars which he raced throughout the UK as well<br />
as abroad. His last race was at Ingliston in the<br />
early 1970s. He is added to the large number of<br />
distinguished motor sport competitors which<br />
Scotland has produced over the years and who<br />
are no longer with us.<br />
As for our own <strong>2011</strong> season, we have much to<br />
celebrate...<br />
Our s i x MSA-permi tted Sco tti s h Race<br />
Champi o ns hi ps were ag ai n v ery<br />
co mpeti ti v e.<br />
Five out of those six championships went<br />
down the wire this year, all five being decided<br />
at our last Knockhill meeting in early October.<br />
Our new marshal recruitment rate remains<br />
steadily high and our overall marshalling<br />
numbers are the envy of clubs and circuits south<br />
of the border.<br />
Those of our Championships which contained<br />
away rounds at circuits in England and Northern<br />
Ireland this year all received, without<br />
exception, plaudits from the local officials,<br />
marshals and spectators for good grid sizes and<br />
competitive racing.<br />
Al l i n al l , 2 0 11 has been a v i ntag e y ear<br />
fo r the Sco tti s h Mo to r Raci ng Cl ub and I<br />
hope that by the time you are ready to go home<br />
tonight you will feel that this Awards Dinner<br />
has celebrated this vintage year in style.<br />
Before I finish it is right that I should express<br />
gratitude to those who deserve our thanks.<br />
The <strong>Club</strong> is grateful to Knockhill. Derek<br />
Butcher, Jillian Shedden, Stuart Gray and Ian<br />
Forrest are unfailingly helpful and courteous<br />
when we use their circuit for our home race<br />
days. There are two aspects of Knockhill which<br />
I would like to pick out for special mention.<br />
Firstly, the commentary team – Garry Stagg,<br />
Rob Johnston and Duncan Vincent. Their<br />
knowledge, their style and their content adds<br />
hugely to race meetings at Knockhill – thank<br />
you, guys.<br />
Secondly, a special thanks to Derek whose<br />
power of prayer still seems to work – we<br />
enjoyed this year on average the best race day<br />
weather we have experienced in years. Just<br />
keep kneeling, Derek.<br />
Thanks once again are due to Shona and<br />
Stephen Robertson whose pies are the centre<br />
piece of free lunches which Knockhill and the<br />
Robertsons provide for our marshals<br />
throughout the season.<br />
Speaking of the Robertsons, I am advised by<br />
Mike How – the “Statto” of <strong>Scottish</strong> motor<br />
racing – that the Robertsons are the first and<br />
only family to have three successive<br />
generations compete at SMRC race meetings –<br />
father Walter, son Steven and grandson Scott.<br />
They and more of the family are here tonight –<br />
6<br />
SMRC Chairman Mike Gacgoine<br />
we salute you.<br />
We are unfailingly provided, at each of our<br />
Knockhill race meetings, with a vehicle from<br />
Morrisons of Stirling for use as the Course Car.<br />
This is just one of many such gestures from a<br />
wide range of well-wishers which do really help<br />
the process of planning and running our race<br />
meetings.<br />
In that connection could I salute the others in<br />
our Clerk of the Course team (I am its junior<br />
member) for their continuing efforts to run race<br />
day programmes of 20 or more sessions<br />
(qualifying and races) with an hour’s lunch<br />
break, starting at 8.30am and finishing on<br />
average by 5.30pm. I can reveal that it is<br />
sometimes very hard work, but we believe that<br />
it is what the competitors want.<br />
We s ho ul d reco rd o ur thanks to the<br />
s peci al i s t teams whi ch are v i tal parts<br />
o f mo to r raci ng – the timekeepers, the<br />
scrutineers and the medical staff.<br />
It is trite to say that there could be no racing<br />
without the marshals, but it is true. Generally<br />
speaking, there are as many officials and<br />
marshals at the circuit on race days as there are<br />
competitors. It is virtually a one-for-one<br />
arrangement. <strong>2011</strong> has been my 41st year as a<br />
motor sport official. I mention this only to<br />
allow the comparison with many of my fellow<br />
officials whose service to the sport stretches<br />
back much further in time than mine. Much of<br />
this can be attributed to a high loyalty rate to<br />
SMRC by the marshals. This in turn is<br />
generated by an almost tangible<br />
esprit–de–corps which has been built up in the<br />
last 20 years or so. The marshals represent a<br />
rich asset for SMRC and one to be nurtured. We<br />
forget this at our peril and should count<br />
ourselves fortunate not to be suffering the<br />
threat of cancelled race meetings through lack<br />
of marshals which face some circuits and clubs<br />
in the south.<br />
Lastly I would like to offer thanks to the<br />
Committee members, the Directors of The<br />
<strong>Scottish</strong> <strong>Motor</strong> <strong>Racing</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Ltd. I can<br />
disclose that chairing their meetings is not<br />
always as easy as I would like, but their task is<br />
to run the <strong>Club</strong> for the benefit of the members.<br />
That involves managing the finances (the<br />
<strong>Club</strong>’s annual turn-over is about £0.25m),<br />
composing supplementary regulations,<br />
structuring the season’s racing calendar,<br />
managing event entries, managing the<br />
Championships, producing event programmes<br />
and the <strong>Club</strong> magazine (Wheelspin) and much,<br />
much more. These things don’t just happen,<br />
just as tonight’s Awards Dinner didn’t organise<br />
itself. To the Committee, please accept my –<br />
our – thanks.
• NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS •<br />
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP<br />
Please remember to rejoin the club. Your<br />
renewal is much appreciated, Send it along with a<br />
cheque to Chris Edwards. The fee is the same as<br />
last year and forms are on the club web site.<br />
CHAMPIONS HIP REGULATIONS<br />
UPDATES 2012<br />
PROPOSED CHANGES TO REGULATIONS<br />
MINI COOPERS<br />
Points scoring now for the top 15 finishers per race.<br />
Scored 25, 20, 16, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.<br />
Bonus point for fastest lap.<br />
Technical changes: Working headlamps are<br />
optional and maybe replaced with full size<br />
aluminium or fibreglass blanking plates to the same<br />
dimension as the glass headlamp<br />
It is permitted to have additional working gauges or<br />
warning lights for oil pressure, and / or water<br />
temperature.<br />
Interior wiring is free and any unnecessary wiring<br />
mat be removed, but any additional wiring must not<br />
be connected to the engine ECU wiring, and must<br />
not be performance enhancing in any way<br />
It is permitted to fit a polyurethane bush in place of<br />
the standard bush to the rear of the front lower<br />
wishbone. No other modifications to this wishbone<br />
are allowed.<br />
FIESTAS<br />
All cars start on the same grid with no delayed<br />
starts.<br />
XR2<br />
Rear axle. Standard Group N axle or upgrade<br />
version with welded flanges fitted with brake<br />
assembly and shoes from Ford Fiesta 1400 MK4<br />
1998 / 2001 model only, is allowed.<br />
ST class race on Yokohama treaded tyres, no slicks<br />
or wets. Zetec S cars from 2009 onwards allowed in<br />
ST Cup and will be on Yokohama Tyres.<br />
LEGENDS<br />
Minimal registration fee. Guest drivers do not score<br />
points and their entries must be approved by the<br />
Competition Secretary. All cars use Federal Mogal<br />
Legends Tyres.<br />
SALOONS AND SPORTSCARS<br />
Separate Cup competition for MX5 1600 MK1 cars<br />
based mainly on BRSCC 2012 regs, though all MX5<br />
cars use Yokohama treaded tyres. These cars will not<br />
score points in the Saloon and Sportscar<br />
Championship.<br />
Classes in Saloons & Sports now have motorcycle<br />
engined cars in class B.<br />
Fuel line – fitment of a dry break coupling for all<br />
cars except MX5 Cup cars..<br />
Raceiver mandatory for all cars including MX5s.<br />
FF1600<br />
Bonus point for fastest lap per round added.<br />
Newcomers Cup, a first year winner will be<br />
ineligible in their 2nd season.<br />
CLASSIC SPORTS AND SALOONS<br />
Classes restructured.<br />
Class A: Sports and Saloon Cars up to 1500 cc<br />
Class B: Sports and Saloon Cars 1501 cc to 1800cc<br />
Class C: Sports and Saloon Cars 1801cc to 2300cc<br />
Class D: Sports and Saloon Cars 2301cc to 3600cc<br />
Class E: Sports and Saloon Cars over 3601cc<br />
Class F: Invitation - Sports and Saloon Cars any<br />
engine size.<br />
(Class F does not score any points)<br />
Sportscars must be fitted were possible with lateral<br />
door bars on both sides of the car, these may be<br />
external to the bodywork.<br />
Rocket gearboxes may be replaced with Type 9<br />
Sierra 5 speed gearboxes. Sequential gear changes<br />
are not permitted.<br />
Ford Fiesta cars, BC5 transmission will be permitted<br />
but only if the 5th gear pinion is removed from the<br />
extension casing thus rendering the unit to be a 4<br />
speed item.<br />
MGB V8 cars may use the 5 speed RV8 gearbox<br />
from the MG RV8 as an option in the interests of<br />
reliability.<br />
2012 PROVIS IONAL CALENDAR<br />
SMRC Knockhill meetings featuring all<br />
<strong>Scottish</strong> Championships<br />
April 8, May 5/6, July 21/22, Aug 12, Sept 23,<br />
Oct 7<br />
Championship Away rounds<br />
May 19/20 Croft - Saloons and Sportscars<br />
June 2nd Oulton Park (GP Circuit) -<br />
Mini Coopers, Classics, Legends<br />
June 2/3 Cadwell Park (Mountain Circuit) -<br />
Fiestas<br />
June 23/24 Angelsey - Legends<br />
June 30th Kirkistown - Classics<br />
September 8/9 Croft - Mini Coopers<br />
Other car race meetings<br />
KMSC Knockhill - Speedfair September 8/9<br />
Winter Warmer Oct 28<br />
Knockhill June 10th - BRSCC track attack sprint,<br />
drifting, Pick–ups<br />
Knockhill Aug 25/26 - British Touring Cars<br />
This morning started early, up at 6.30am to make<br />
breakfast and to get to the Daytona circuit in plenty<br />
of time for the drivers briefing at 8.15am.<br />
Afterwards I had to head to the Grand Am<br />
credentials building to get my single event licence<br />
and my Grand Am membership. And a couple of<br />
hundred dollars later I had the necessary<br />
documentation to drive at Daytona! I got back to the<br />
circuit and dropped my helmet off at Speedcom to<br />
get my radio and eject safety system fitted, I was<br />
more or less ready to go.<br />
I spent most of the day down in pit road with the<br />
team, listening in to their radio chat and finding out<br />
how everything works. It was very warm, around<br />
30C, so I tried my best to stay as hydrated as<br />
possible and stay in the shade! After lunch I went to<br />
the motorhome and chatted with the chief race<br />
engineer, he told me that I would be in the car in<br />
session 3.<br />
I got changed into my race gear and headed to<br />
pitroad. I watched Matt Bell, their pro GS driver,<br />
start the session on new tyres so I was glad that I<br />
was getting handed a car with decent rubber. The<br />
signal came from the crew chief to get ready. Matt<br />
arrived in pit road and handed the car over to me.<br />
I was given some assistance to strap into the car as<br />
there are 3 extra safety nets and additional radio<br />
Knox in the USA<br />
Wednesday 17th November, Daytona<br />
plugs to master. However, a left<br />
front sensor fault meant that time was<br />
ticking away whilst repairs were<br />
made, it felt like 20 mins but it was more<br />
like 5-6 mins. The number 2 crew guy<br />
gave me the signal to fire the camaro<br />
engine up, the noise was incredible. So<br />
engaged 1st gear and drove along<br />
pitroad on the speed limiter and got out<br />
onto the circuit for the first time.<br />
I took the out lap nice and calm and<br />
slowly built up the speed. The car felt<br />
fantastic, torque was mind blowing. As I came out of<br />
turn 6 I approached the banking for the first time. I<br />
had been told that its easily flat out and also safer<br />
and was suprised at the amount of grip, the 33<br />
degrees of banking held the car firmly in the corner.<br />
As I approached the end of my outlap I came up to<br />
the corner I was concerned about, turn 1. This corner<br />
has every kind of element possible; it has camber,<br />
off camber, it requires trail braking, 2 down shifts<br />
and it gradually tightens. I don’t know what I was<br />
worried about. The grip was way more than I<br />
expected and the car so stable under braking from<br />
160 mph.<br />
My first flying lap of Daytona produced a 2 min 10<br />
second lap. I slowly built the pace up and lap 2 gave<br />
me a 2 min 5 second lap. I was building more and<br />
more confidence with the car and lap 3 was a 2 min<br />
3 second lap. As I was about two thirds the way<br />
around lap 4, I got the call from the team to pit as<br />
the session was finished. The Motech ECU has the<br />
ability to predict the lap time using your previous<br />
laps sectors, this prediction was a 2 mins 2sec. I was<br />
happy enough that after 3 laps I’m within 3 secs of<br />
their two pro drivers as I have never driven a<br />
RWD race car on any circuit, I have never driven<br />
LHD, I have never driven anything with that kind of<br />
power and I’ve never driven Daytona before. But I<br />
have now !<br />
The team have been really friendly and I’m really<br />
enjoying the experience so far!<br />
Chris Knox<br />
7
• L E T T E R S •<br />
Hi Kev i n<br />
I think you should print this letter from CHAS<br />
in Wheelspin along with your report of the<br />
Dinner.<br />
‘I have received another note advising me that<br />
as a result of the film on Saturday CHAS have<br />
had a response from one of our competitors who<br />
has offered his services to the charity to<br />
maintain both of the homes free of charge which<br />
is a magnificent gesture. In addition nearly all<br />
the Mini competitors now want to become<br />
involved in the 2nd CHAS Mini Grand Prix next<br />
year where bereaved parents and families are<br />
given a day to remember.<br />
Finally Dario has agreed to visit both of the<br />
homes with Ashley and would like to become a<br />
supporter/ambassador for the charity.<br />
Regards<br />
Mi ke Ho w<br />
Hi Mi ke (Ho w)<br />
I just wanted to say another huge thank you on<br />
behalf of CHAS for allowing us to be part of<br />
your fantastic evening on Saturday. Kenneth<br />
(McLeod) has done a fantastic job raising funds<br />
and awareness for CHAS and it wouldn’t have<br />
been possible without your help and support.<br />
It was terrific for CHAS to be involved with the<br />
event on Saturday and the money that was raised<br />
will be a real help in enabling us to provide care<br />
and support at Rachel House in Kinross, Robin<br />
House in Balloch and through our CHAS at<br />
Home service throughout Scotland. Christmas<br />
is a special time for all families and we’ll be<br />
organising lots of fun activities for the families<br />
we’re supporting over the festive period<br />
including some special visits from Santa and<br />
some fantastic Christmas parties! All of this<br />
helps our families create wonderful memories in<br />
the time they have together and really wouldn’t<br />
be possible without the support of people like<br />
yourself, Kenneth and everyone at the SMRC<br />
dinner on Saturday - thank you.<br />
I hope you have a great Christmas when it<br />
comes and if you could pass on my thanks to<br />
everyone involved with organising Saturday’s<br />
dinner it would be very much appreciated.<br />
All the best<br />
Jo n Heg g i e<br />
Regional Fundraising Manager<br />
CHAS<br />
Dear Al l (Cl as s i cs Racers )<br />
Many thanks for making my first and your last<br />
outing such a great day.<br />
Thanks for your advice, encouragement and<br />
tolerance. I learnt a lot in a few hours, not least<br />
not to look in the mirror on the way into the<br />
chicane!<br />
Many thank to Rodger Motherwell for the loan<br />
of Alfa#69. I hope to see you all next season in<br />
Datapost Fiesta #61.<br />
Regards,<br />
Stev e<br />
Hi Ev ery bo dy<br />
Classic Drivers Waterevolution Dinner<br />
An enjoyable evening was had last night (12th<br />
Nov) by the 16 drivers and their partners who<br />
attended this year’s dinner at Castlecary. Good<br />
food, convivial company, what more could you<br />
want??<br />
As you know, Waterevolution (Peter<br />
Holdsworth) had put up 3 trophies for the<br />
Classics Championship, which were duly<br />
presented at the dinner. You voted as follows:<br />
Best driver: Stan Bernard<br />
Most improved driver: Rodger Motherwell<br />
Classic Spirit driver: Ian Morton.<br />
Many thanks to Peter for his generous<br />
sponsorship.<br />
By the way, the trophies are ‘perpetual’ and will<br />
be handed back by their winners next year: the<br />
winners also received small medals which they<br />
will keep.<br />
For those of you going to the SMRC dinner in a<br />
few weeks, enjoy the occasion: here’s to next<br />
season!<br />
Cheers,<br />
Co l i n Bev eri dg e<br />
Mi ke (Gas co i g ne)<br />
Can you pass on from me to the committee a big<br />
congratulations on the Annual Dinner, everyone<br />
I have spoken to really enjoyed themselves and<br />
I add my name to that list. I also think it brings<br />
everyone together very well and on this we can<br />
build towards a successful 2012.<br />
Well done once again.<br />
Kind Regards<br />
Al l an McNi s h<br />
(President SMRC)<br />
SPECIAL OFFER FOR<br />
SMRC MEMBERS<br />
10% OFF GP RACEWEAR<br />
To take advantage of this excellent offer<br />
you must order via the telephone order<br />
line on 01327 855585. You can also<br />
request a new GP Racewear catalogue.<br />
Check out the latest items online at<br />
www.gprdirect.com<br />
Remember, to get your 10% discount<br />
you must quote your SMRC membership<br />
number when ordering<br />
SMRC COMMITTEE<br />
Mike Gascoigne 01383 735308<br />
(Chairman - email: m.gascoigne@smrc-uk.com)<br />
Chris Edwards 01577 830133<br />
(Vice Chairman & Competition Sec - email:<br />
c.edwards@smrc-uk.com)<br />
Kevin Pick 0131 332 8287<br />
(Wheelspin Editor - email: k.pick@smrc-uk.com)<br />
Mike How 0131 339 3876<br />
(<strong>Club</strong> Clothing - email: m.how@smrc-uk.com)<br />
Sandy Denham 0131 334 2000<br />
Bernard Buss 01361 882322<br />
Nick Clarke 0131 441 2698<br />
Andrew Fenwick 01577 830162<br />
Adrian Hamilton 07801 911300<br />
Kate Haston 01324 556541<br />
Hugh McCaig 019686 76406<br />
Graham Brunton 07778 169512<br />
Aly Hunter 0788 444 1700<br />
Russell Paterson 07979 911 111<br />
COMPETITION<br />
Last issue it was a Caterham Road Sports car driven by Ian Gardiner. The bonus<br />
question was how many <strong>Scottish</strong> XR2 Championships has Alan Keith won, answer,<br />
four (he was runner up twice as well).<br />
There was not one correct answer.<br />
This issue we go back in the mists of time to the mid 90s. What is this single seater<br />
and who is driving it. Bonus question, name three of the current SMRC Clerk of the<br />
Course team.<br />
Answers to your editor by 30th January, email k.pick@smrc-uk.com or leave a<br />
message on the ansaphone 0131 332 8287. Editors decision is final.<br />
Visit our website on www.smrc-uk.com Photos by Jim Moir Tel: 0131 552 8817 Printed by The Waverley Press Ltd. Tel: 01224 775 000<br />
Wheelspin designed by Vince Towns Graphic Design Tel: 0779 2050 786 Editor: Kevin Pick: Email k.pick@src-uk.com