The first meeting of the 2024 season got underway recently at Wiscombe Park near Honiton.
This traditionally marks the start of the South West motorsport season.
Many of the drivers have spent the long winter months either developing their cars used in 2023, or perhaps they have purchased a new race car.
The start of the season is eagerly awaited to test the results of their winter projects.
The event organisers, Woolbridge Motor Club, were relieved that the meeting could proceed – the adverse weather affecting most of the UK has seen many events cancelled, but Wiscombe Park was passed fit for action.
And the full entry of 130 cars for both days (plus a healthy list of reserves) did not waste any time in trying to set quick times.
For some, that enthusiasm was overdone, and the marshals were kept busy with a number of small incidents.
Wiscombe Park is a driver's favourite – it is considered one of the most challenging courses in the UK – a reputation that Wiscombe Park, now in its 66th year, is very proud of.
The 1000 yard course was resurfaced last May with race track specification tarmac, and as a result, seven new Class records were established.
However, because of the weather, drivers had to contend with damp and cold conditions, no new records were established at the Woolbridge event.
There were some outstanding drives though.
The man who dominated the time sheets in 2023, and the current ASWMC Champion, continued that form.
Ottery St Mary driver Ed Hollier in his Force HC single seater setting the Fastest Time of the Day on both days.
It was not just Ed who mastered the challenging conditions with fast, consistent driving. James Hudson, Jack Ellis, James Nash, Ian Ingleheart, Brian Gent, Jonnie Toon and Phil Oliver also joined the Double Top Club - setting the top time in their respective class on both days.
The next action at Wiscombe Park involves race cars from the earliest days of motorsport - the 500 Owners Association and Vintage Sports-Car Club on May 11 and 12, quickly followed by contemporary road and race cars plus bikes, sidecars and trikes – the Torbay MC and Wildlife Autosport event on May 18 and 19.
For all the latest news and tickets, please visit the website www.wiscombepark.co.uk and Facebook page.
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