Chimay, 13-15 July, 2007

rogerwills · 11 Jul 2007, 11:20 (Ref:1960579)

Anyone going this weekend? I'm there with the Corvette and the Cortina.

Roger

John Elwin · 11 Jul 2007, 14:53 (Ref:1960740)

Looks like a stunning silence so far! But yes, I will be popping over the border to cover the event for various publications.

**John Turner** · 12 Jul 2007, 08:46 (Ref:1961341)

I believe it clashes with a big Historics meeting at Porto (what no thread?) where I'm led to believe that there are something like 17 races. Attendance at Chimay will likely be adversely affected!

John Elwin · 12 Jul 2007, 10:38 (Ref:1961435)

If everyone else is off chasing Portugese plonk there'll be all the more Chimay Trappiste for us. Lovely!!

**Peter Mallett** · 12 Jul 2007, 14:26 (Ref:1961620)

Can't make it, no spare time. Hope its as good as I've heard from previous years.

zefarelly · 13 Jul 2007, 09:09 (Ref:1962217)

watch the kerbs Roger ( bit late he's probably already there)

I was running 3rd but finished 6th with no exhaust in 05, so many people rode kerbs and broke their cars, ripping sumps, breaking suspension or just bouncing the car and falling off

but the down hill straight with blind bend is wonderful through the trees when you've built up to taking it flat, Like a MIni Mulsanne straight, guessing a braking point in the wet for the super tight bus stop chicane is interesting as well

oh, the beers nice as well, as if you didn't know!

**Peter Mallett** · 13 Jul 2007, 10:22 (Ref:1962269)

*sob*

John Elwin · 16 Jul 2007, 05:19 (Ref:1964069)

Phew!! What a scorcher - and probably hotter than Porto in every way!

Nice to meet you Roger, & hope you enjoyed your first visit to Chimay despite the mixed fortunes. Corvette looked & sounded lovely; bit too much camber on the rear end though.....

All in all, a welcome return to racing in Belgium's last remaining Principality - long may it continue.

**Peter Mallett** · 16 Jul 2007, 05:59 (Ref:1964087)

Looing forward to the reports.

Good to see you back on the forum John.

Hopefully we'll see you at Spa.

zefarelly · 16 Jul 2007, 09:10 (Ref:1964202)

ah yes, reports please . . . . from memory results are nigh on impossible to get as well, I had to send a paper copy as proof for my licence upgrade at the end of 2005.

rogerwills · 16 Jul 2007, 11:08 (Ref:1964293)

Wow. What a weekend. And what a circuit.

I arrived Thursday night and the guys had driven the truck over Thursday as the instructions had said "driver's welcome, signing on and scrutineering all day Friday". We got to the circuit at 9am and were told they weren't ready for signing on but come back at 10. Lots of thumb twiddling (nothing to do on the cars), back to the office at 10. "You are too early, come back at 11.00.....". This went on a few more times until 1.30!. I was starting to really like the Belgian laid back attitude!! Scrutineering was similarly late and laid back (not sure thats a great thing?).

With that out of the way we piled into one of Hertz's greatest (Toyota Prius!!) and out onto the circuit (I mean public road) to inspect the track. The curbs are brutal - the Prius really didn't like them one bit!!

Then onto the quad bike and no helmet, no plates, no tax, no insurance head out onto the road (like half the other competitors!) to check it all out more closely. The exit to 2 of the chicanes are almost over 90 degrees with massive curbs that would tear your sump off or almost roll you if hit at the wrong angle – mental note that they look like first gear will be needed. The downhill section through the trees is just incredible. The first corner looks like it could be taken flat (in the Cortina at least!) and the second as well although the Armco looks damn close and there is no room for error. Turns out it is flat in the Cortina all the way down hill and almost flat in the Corvette (depending on how brave I was feeling each lap) with a lift for the second bend to avoid running out of room on the exit.

Friday night they arranged a parade into Chimay town square for the cars. What an event this was – I suspect it would never be allowed in the UK. All the race cars, no tax, MOT, insurance etc driving on the public roads into the town centre. Lots of tyre spinning and burn outs for which the public were egging us on. Then we arrive at the town square only to be plied with free beer for an hour or so and then sent back on the roads in the cars to the circuit. Unbelievable. You have to love the fact that the PC brigade haven’t made it to places like this and ruined the fun.

Saturday morning I managed 4th in qualifying in the Cortina in Top Hat, 5th in the Corvette in Cloth Cap and then 8th again in the Corvette but in the Chimay Trophy which was a bit of an all-comers race with some more modern cars on sticky rubber. Simon Garrad managed a smoking 2.17 in his Cortina – incredible and I have no idea how he did it – I was pushing damn hard and was 5 seconds slower in qualifying!

The races were an hour each on the Sunday. I finished second in the Cortina so a nice podium finish except that they waved me past in the pit lane and it was only when I heard my name being called that I sprinted back from the truck. I managed to be just 14 seconds off the winner (Arber/Hawkins in the GTA) and was closing on them.

With only 5 minutes remaining in the Cloth Cap race I was running 3rd in the Corvette when it started handling badly and making a bad noise and I came into the pits. Bolts had broken that hold the rear wheels in location side to side and I was out. Gutting as there had been so little time remaining and I'd been right up there. I was classified 9th.

With the Corvette out for Chimay Trophy they allowed me to run the Cortina starting at the back of the grid and it went well but was slow compared to the more modern stuff. I got stuck in first gear at one point and had to sit in the pits while the guys removed the remote from the gearbox to free it - which cost me 10 minutes or so and put me way out of contention. Still I managed a finish, had a lot of fun and came 13th which was ok given all the hassles. I had a fantastic dice with a BDA Escort – he couldn’t stay with me through the twisty bits but would get right up on me or pass on the long straights – he does have about 100bhp more than me after all!!! There were a couple of spots on the circuit with large crowds (right hander at end of pit straight, exit of last chicane, entry to main pit straight) and they were really egging me on for sideways action. Given I was out of the running I decided to put on a little show for the crowds and the boys on the pit wall said my name was mentioned over the PA system every time I came around (in French of course).

The Corvette is a total animal with the side pipes fitted – my ears are still ringing today and I had ear plugs in the whole time. And it’s damn quick. Quite a handful on the Dunlop Ls but it really goes. The grunt is amazing and it out-drags most things in a straight line. Having started 5th on the grid in Cloth Cap I was into 3rd by the first corner and could have had one of the Marcos’ but thought better of it – it takes a bit to slow the big boat and I didn’t fancy a coming together and the inevitable mix of glass fibre and plywood on the first lap!

Nice to meet you John in the pit lane and sorry I was distracted - I was trying to agree to run the Cortina in place of the Corvette in the Chimay Trophy.

Rowan Atkinson had an off in his Falcon and I heard needed medical treatment – I hope he is ok – did anyone hear?

It stayed dry all weekend except for a few drops of rain on Friday and was really hot.

So, the results:

Top Hat Saloons results (with fastest lap times):

Arber/Hawkins – Alfa GTA – 2.18.2
Wills – Lotus Cortina – 2.20.7
Faivre-Pierret/Smith – Cooper S - 2.22.7
Verey/Why – Mustang – 2.21.8
Miller/Miller – Lotus Cortina – 2.20.7
Pattinson/Lamplough – Shelby Mustang – 2.24.7
Adlington – Austin A35 – 2.28.7
Postan/Robinson – Lotus Cortina – 2.21.4
Thurgood /Chapman – Volvo Amazon – 2.34.0
Clayson – Ford Falcon – 2.29.2
Dowsett – Imp – 2.35.1
Dodd/Dodd – Mustang – 2.17.5 (DNF)
Gawne – Aurelia – DNF
Garrad – Lotus Cortina – DNF
Atkinson/Foster – Falcon – DNF
Frankel/Flood – GTA – DNF
Cox/Tice – Cooper S – DNF
Postins – A40 – DNF
Hartop – Cooper S – DNF
Gittings/Mills – Zodiac – DNF
Davis – A35 – DNF
Butterfield – Jag Mk1 – DNF
Haigh/England – A40 – DNF

In the CC race the final order was as follows (with fastest lap times):
Tice/Methley – Marcos – 2.11.1
Taylor / Dron – DB4 – 2.14.5
Ward/Conoley – Grantura – 2.16.9
Pollard/Goodall – E type – 2.16.0
Pattinson – Shelby Mustang – 2.22.7
Brown/Tart – HL Special – 2.18.9
Levett-Prinsep/Very – Healey – 2.26.1
Flood/Frankel – Healey – 2.19.1
Wills – Corvette – 2.15.4
Davis/Mitcham – Healey Sprite – 2.25.6

Three cars were disqualified for running Dunlop Ms. Giordabelli (who ran a 2.09.1!!!), Dyson in an E-type (2.17.1) and Tyzack in a Griffith (2.16.4)

Then Chimay Trophy results were:

Hammond/Young – Camaro
Christoforou – Escort Mk1
Stagg – Escort Mk1
Sheldon – Elan
Pollard/Goodall – E type
Lane/Chodosh – Corvette C1
Dyson – E type
Symes/Walker – Alfa Sud
Thurgood/Chapman – Volvo Amazon
Murray/Hayman – Lancia Fulvia
Russel – BMW 2002
Ward/Conoley – Grantura
Wills – Lotus Cortina
Arber/Hawkins – Escort – DNF?
Michael – Escort – DNF?
Salvage – Griffith – DNF
Chodosh/Chodosh – Corvette C1 - DNF

Julius said that the organisers have a 7 year agreement for the meeting so it looks like Chimay is firmly back on the calendar. I plan to do it next year for certain!

Oh yes, the Belgian beer is rather good as well!

Roger

rogerwills · 16 Jul 2007, 11:20 (Ref:1964299)

Just found all the results:

http://www.ris-timing.be/circuit/chimay/2007/index.htm

John Elwin · 16 Jul 2007, 11:57 (Ref:1964318)

Well, I don't think I can add anything to Roger's superb description of the atmosphere - I'd better watch out for my job! As he said the trip into town on Friday evening was certainly quite an event & drew a lot of interest from the enthusiastic locals.

In a nutshell, Simon Garrad started Top Hat from pole but the Dodds Mustang was in the lead before the end of lap 1 & quickly pulling away from Garrad, the Hawkins Alfa & the rest. Top three remained the same until lap 14 when the SC came into play after Rowan Atkinson tipped his Falcon - a pity as prior to that he had been having a healthy little dice with Jeffrey Pattinson's Mustang, the latter having charged up the order following qualifying dramas.

All changed soon after the start when first Garrad retired, then the Dodds' Mustang succumbed to wheel bearing(?) trouble. That handed the lead to the Hawkins/Arber Alfa with Roger's Cortina second. Your driving style entertained the spectators on every lap, Roger, & my colleague has the pics to prove it! (PM me & I'll e-mail you one).

Roberto Giordanelli did indeed set a stunning pole time in his Elan 26R but with a mis-understanding over tyres he would not be eligible for a prize in Cloth Cap. Consequently whilst he simply left the rest for dead it was the battle between Allan Tice & Ian Cox, both Marcos 1800GT-mounted, that mattered. Tice won out after Cox retired. With the demise of Roger's Corvette, the Dron/Taylor DB4 took second despite suffering spongy brakes.

John Sheldon's Elan started Chimay Trophy from pole & had a pretty serious drag race down to the first corner with Alex Hammond's Camaro. It looked like the race would be between these two, until the "gang of three" got going! The Escorts of Christoforou Pantelis, Michael Kerry & Nick Stagg literally mugged the leaders so that in the early laps we had a five-way battle for the lead. Ultimately the Camaro won through & with John Young at the wheel took the flag ahead of Pantelis - & that despite a quick spin after contact with a tardy backmarker. Stagg completed the podium, Kerry having retired, whilst Sheldon was left to take fourth.

That's the bare bones. As ever, of course, there are lots of stories, but as Roger says, the good news is that the future of Chimay looks good. RACB officials were in attendance over the weekend keeping a close eye on things & giving guidance where needed - and there are a few areas that need it. Hopefully we will all be back there next year though.

John Elwin · 16 Jul 2007, 12:02 (Ref:1964324)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Looing forward to the reports.

Good to see you back on the forum John.

Hopefully we'll see you at Spa.

Yes Peter, all things being equal will be at Spa for Six Hours - & back there a week later for Group C & the Lotus-on-Track Elise championship. Probably better not to mention Elise's within your earshot, had I?!

rogerwills · 16 Jul 2007, 12:15 (Ref:1964341)

Just remebered that I had a spin in the Cortina in the Top Hat race which let the Alfa and 2 Minis through quite early on in the race. It happened in the right hander at the end of the pit straight where someone had dumped oil - I think an A35 that was parked up further up the straight.

amaskell · 16 Jul 2007, 21:39 (Ref:1965164)

Unfortunately, after making the trek all the way to Chimay I managed to lose the distributor drive teeth on the camshaft of my Anglia so never made the start of the Top Hat Race as a result had to resort to spectating on the Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed the race. It was a shame there were so many that didn't make it to the chequered flag.
We were parked up in the paddock next to Rowan Atkinsons Falcon and saw him after the race looking fine and still signing autographs and having his photo taken. Considering the car had been over it didn't look too bad. I think the diff had locked up which caused it.
This was my 4th trip to chimay and as usual the sun was shining, the atmosphere was superb and everyone enjoyed themselves, even those of us that couldn't race and had to settle for the joys of chimay beer instead!

johnh875 · 17 Jul 2007, 02:34 (Ref:1965313)

Fantastic reports Roger & John, thanks

**Peter Mallett** · 17 Jul 2007, 04:24 (Ref:1965331)

Welcome to the forum amaskell. Sorry to hear of your woes, but as we all know motor sport can bite at times.

Looking forward to seeing you at Spa.

**John Turner** · 17 Jul 2007, 08:14 (Ref:1965433)

Is the Rowan Atkinson Falcon, the ex Jason & Louise Kennedy car?

terence · 17 Jul 2007, 08:17 (Ref:1965439)

No it is,nt John,someone did suggest it was the ex Alan Man car,but I,m not really sure one that one!

**John Turner** · 17 Jul 2007, 08:33 (Ref:1965455)

Ah, thanks!

John Elwin · 17 Jul 2007, 09:08 (Ref:1965510)

Not sure of the origins of Rowan Atkinson's Falcon but it is in the Alan Mann red & gold colour scheme.

simon drabble · 17 Jul 2007, 09:17 (Ref:1965519)

its Richard Oldworthy's one isnt it? He used to share it with David Clark. He also owns the Elva Mk8 Clarkey and Hadfield share with great success

rogerwills · 17 Jul 2007, 09:44 (Ref:1965546)

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Turner

Is the Rowan Atkinson Falcon, the ex Jason & Louise Kennedy car?

No, that was also there and is now owned by Paul Clayson who introduced himself. Nice guy.

LAK · 17 Jul 2007, 10:40 (Ref:1965593)

Hi John - I logged on to see what happened at Chimay and saw your post. The reason for my particular interest in the event is that the new owner of our Falcon Paul Clayson had his first race in the car. Looks like he did fine with a top 10 finish. Sorry to hear about Rowan and other people's woes but it sounds like a great event as always. We've been once with Jason's Beta a few years back and had a cracking time and it's on our list of events to do again.

Roger, brilliant report - thank you. Although we haven't entered any events this year yet, it's great to catch up on what everyone else is doing.

John - we're out for our first race of the season at the Silverstone Classic in the Griff so if you're around it will be great to see you and other 10/10thers. Just taken it for it's MOT and having not raced it for 2 years myself, I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to it. The car's a beast on the road as it detests going under 70mph!

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