Fast times on the new track at Wiscombe Park

This was the first meeting after the whole 1000 yard course was recently resurfaced and, after cautious runs in practice on Saturday, the verdict from the competitors was that the new race track specification tarmac was a winner.

It was a memorable day for Dorset based Andrew Forsyth who set the fastest time of the day (FTD). It may have been different – Phil Montgomery–Smith was chasing hard, but on his final run, he had a big moment with his single seater race car hitting the earth bank bordering the course. Fortunately, although shaken, Phil was OK, and he had to rely on his earlier time, still enough to finish second. Ed Hollier finished in third place – just over 7 tenths of a second separating the top 3!

And records were broken - Axminster garage owner, Julian Rinaldi driving a Ford Fiesta set a new ASWMC record – 45.75s. Julian won his Class on both days and still leads the Tillicoultry Quarries Wiscombe Park Championship.

After the incredible times set on Saturday, it was more of the same on Sunday, although with an overcast sky, the times were a little down.

The man in form was Andrew Forsyth completing a weekend double with FTD again. This time, Ed Hollier chased him home in second. Third place was filled by Newton Abbot resident Tony Wiltshire in his Ralt RT34.

Torbay Motor Club’s Martyn Glover – Mitsubishi Evo 4RS – set 3 new Personal Best times making the most of the new track.

There were bikes as well as cars competing at the weekend - members of the NHCA visiting Wiscombe for the first time this season.

Tom Short returned to the hills on his KTM after a sabbatical from the sport and proved that he has not lost any of his speed or bravery! He took FTD on both days, although 2022 NHCA Champion Paul Jeffery from North Devon was very close in second place. Tommy Hodges took third place on both days.

The next action at Wiscombe Park is the British Championships on July 29 & 30.