Tour Britannia 2014

[Alan Raine]

I nipped into Oulton Park yesterday for the first Special Stage of Tour Britannia. The place was a bit manic as there was a bike Track Day in operation plus the Paddock was filling up with the Superbike Teams getting ready for this weekends racing.

The entry looked a lot smaller than last year but there was still some interesting machinery out.

Philip Dolby-Helen Whitmore, Lancia Stratos by Alansart, on Flickr

Robert Hartley-Robbie Gawthorb, Ford Mustang by Alansart, on Flickr

Jonathan & Christine Miles, Porsche 356B by Alansart, on Flickr

John & Lesley Sheldon, Lotus Elan by Alansart, on Flickr

Phil Hindley-Andy Bull, Porsche 911 SCR by Alansart, on Flickr

[gary396]

Thanks for posting Alan. I think they had just under 30 on their entry list which does seem to be a fait bit less than earlier years.

[retrognome]

I have just spent a couple of days following the event, with torrential rain at Oulton Park, and sublime sunshine on the Great Orme. With just this afternoon to go Steve Perez and Phil Hindley are sharing the lead. Yes, the entry is disappointing, but not the competition.

[retrognome]

Originally Posted by retrognome

I have just spent a couple of days following the event, with torrential rain at Oulton Park, and sublime sunshine on the Great Orme. With just this afternoon to go Steve Perez and Phil Hindley are sharing the lead. Yes, the entry is disappointing, but not the competition.

And a few more. Copyright (if such a thing exists anymore) Retro-Speed Magazine www.retro-speed.co.uk

[andy97]

Renault 5? 1988?

How is that eligible?

[Alan Raine]

Originally Posted by retrognome

I have just spent a couple of days following the event, with torrential rain at Oulton Park, and sublime sunshine on the Great Orme. With just this afternoon to go Steve Perez and Phil Hindley are sharing the lead. Yes, the entry is disappointing, but not the competition.

I would have loved to have followed it more but work and a knackered ankle stopped me. The Great Orme Stage looks fabulous. Maybe another year.

Yes, the entry was less than expected but it's still an interesting event. I really enjoyed strolling around the Oulton Race Assembly Area before the race (even if I didn't stay for it). It's very relaxed with all the drivers and crew just enjoying being there. It was the same at Mallory last year.

Drivers Briefing by Alansart, on Flickr

John & Lesley Sheldon, Lotus Elan by Alansart, on Flickr

It might have rained at Oulton but I noticed you picked the spot where you could shelter under the bridge

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by andy97

Renault 5? 1988?

How is that eligible?

There is an invitation class for post historic cars (jan '86 on). The 5 belongs to Tony and Pia Bianchi, and is thought to have been a factory development car, as it runs a Clio 16 valve engine in R5 shell. Good to see them using it!

I'm confused by Steve Perez being in an Escort- he was entered in his Stratos!

We did Great Orme in 2010 and it was a privilege to be able to drive such an iconic stage, despite a plug deciding to give up the ghost and cause a misfire! Anywhere else would have been preferable...

[Alan Raine]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

I'm confused by Steve Perez being in an Escort- he was entered in his Stratos!

Perez was entered in the Stratos and appeared on the timing charts as the same, but in reality was driving an Escort!

Steve Perez-Paul Spooner, Ford Escort by Alansart, on Flickr

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

Perez was entered in the Stratos and appeared on the timing charts as the same, but in reality was driving an Escort!

Who's he trying to kid- even I can tell the difference!

The Dolby / Whitmore Hawk Stratos looks very well put together- anyone any idea what engine it is running?

[Alan Raine]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Who's he trying to kid- even I can tell the difference!

The Dolby / Whitmore Hawk Stratos looks very well put together- anyone any idea what engine it is running?

It's a stunning car but I've no idea what the power plant is.

Philip Dolby-Helen Whitmore, Lancia Stratos by Alansart, on Flickr

[retrognome]

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

It's a stunning car but I've no idea what the power plant is.

Philip Dolby-Helen Whitmore, Lancia Stratos by Alansart, on Flickr

Looks like Paul Lawrence is asking the same question. The Perez Stratos blew it's engine last week. Final results, Phil Hindley took yet another win with Perez second. Someone needs to grab the event by the throat and sell it properly, it's got all the ingredients.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

It's a stunning car but I've no idea what the power plant is.

From memory they use a 4cyl Fiat / Lancia twincam, but am sure can also use the proper V6 Ferrari Dino engine. The noise would give it away......

[andy97]

Originally Posted by retrognome

.......someone needs to grab the event by the throat and sell it properly, it's got all the ingredients.

Agreed. I can't understand why this isn't a "must do" event in the historic calendar. I just wish........

[Lancsbreaker]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

From memory they use a 4cyl Fiat / Lancia twincam, but am sure can also use the proper V6 Ferrari Dino engine. The noise would give it away......

The Alfa Busso V6 is quite popular, too......

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Lancsbreaker

The Alfa Busso V6 is quite popular, too......

Cheers Richard- useful that we have someone who knows about Italian oily bits in our midst!

[andy97]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

The Dolby / Whitmore Hawk Stratos looks very well put together- anyone any idea what engine it is running?

So kit cars/ replicas are also allowed?

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by andy97

So kit cars/ replicas are also allowed?

Well, I guess they fit in the invitation class, if nowhere else. I can't see any mention in regulations of HTPs being required.... Maybe as TB is run under a MSA Historic Stage Rally permit that changes things, especially if a replica already competes in historic rallies?

[john ruston]

Anything that is reasonable and pays money!

Had a superb entry four years ago but unfortunately it was probably the worst route they have had.

The regularity was run by people who had their own ideas rather than TA formula and although I won it haven't been back.

[John Turner]

I used to enjoy catching up with you somewhere along the route John; it was a lovely event, but lately it doesn't seem to have come East much, so not been able to catch it anywhere.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by john ruston

Anything that is reasonable and pays money!

Had a superb entry four years ago but unfortunately it was probably the worst route they have had.

The regularity was run by people who had their own ideas rather than TA formula and although I won it haven't been back.

Yes, anyone waving £3.5k and having a reasonably appropriate motor should be OK! Must have been 2011 when TB had the good entry, as 2010 when I did it was not so big.

[brands]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

Must have been 2011 when TB had the good entry, as 2010 when I did it was not so big.

There were 60+ cars running in the 2011 event. (R-29, T-4, C-34)
A friend and I spent a couple of days in Wales and the West of England photographing them at many of the stages. Lots of rain, lots of pretty cars.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by brands

There were 60+ cars running in the 2011 event. (R-29, T-4, C-34)
A friend and I spent a couple of days in Wales and the West of England photographing them at many of the stages. Lots of rain, lots of pretty cars.

That was the year they visited Epynt, then?

[brands]

Originally Posted by Mike Bell

That was the year they visited Epynt, then?

Yes.

Based at Celtic Manor, they did stages at Cwmcarn, Pembrey, Epynt and one other. Following day was Castle Combe, Badminton, Combe and Caerwent.

[Phil Dolby]

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

It's a stunning car but I've no idea what the power plant is.

Philip Dolby-Helen Whitmore, Lancia Stratos by Alansart, on Flickr

Hi Alan
My first reply to a post !
Thanks for your comments on our car... It is a Hawk HF3000 (Alfa 3000 V6 12V with approx 210/220bhp and as John Rutter says about 900kg)... this engine is a little "lazy" but shove's you along quite nicely.
This was my 5th entry on TB.... we finished 1st in Post Historic and 7th O/All
which was a good result as we were unsupported.

I have another Hawk in the garage with a 3.7 Alfa on TB's with brakes and suspension to match.... hopefully it will be out and about next year.

Cheers

Phil

[John Turner]

Welcome, Phil. Great looking car.