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Report by James Alexander Apologies for the delay in preparing this blog but I have been on a Site Supervisors Health and Safety Course all week.... enough to drive any one insane! Prescott Hill is owned by the Bugatti Owners Club and as such is one of the old classics in the Hillclimb world. Situated in gorgeous woodland on the edge of the Winchcombe hills it really is typically Cotswold's (£4.50 a pint and £12 quid for a burger but more of that later). The weather was set fair for the weekend and the entries for this 2 day event were pretty good with the slick organisation of the Longton and District Motor Club there were over 15 for class 2B and over 9 for class 2A. Paul Morcom was there in his magnificent Merlyn historic Formula Ford with a mighty cross flow in the back end. David Birch (XTR2 turbo) was on a maiden run in his new Busa which was finished with great attention to detail at the 11th hour. Indeed, David had a 14 hour day running in the engine and setting it up on the dyno just a few hours before the start of practice on Saturday. "Rain God" Martin Harvey (Marto) arrived in his sliver bullet SEiw with well sorted Zetec towed behind the lovely VW camper (Silver again) and parked in the shadow of Phil Nichol's magnificently original chip fat burning Landrover LWB. The camp site was filling up quick with Stu Hill joining the parking zone next to me. Dinner was a few ciders and a chat round the barbeque on Friday night before I called it a day to sleep on my "air free" air bed. Conditions were near perfect on Saturday for racing and practice saw some early runs with slow times as we all had a look at the hill. For many of us it was our first time at Prescott and I can only say it is a technical hill that really requires some good car control. Bacon sandwiches were consumed early in the day and then followed scrutineering and drivers briefing. This gave us all a flavor of the day when Longton Officials asked for quick getaways from the line to maximize running time. My first impression of the hill as I drove up it in practice was surprise in how smooth the tarmac was an how much of a hill it acutally was. I fluffed gears on all the hairpins and posted a 58 second run in practice. James Thatcher in his lovely BEC whilst going fats under the bridge just touched the grass and ended up hitting the ARMC and we hope the repairs go well. Saturday Results - Class 2A Road Modified Series & Specialist Kit Replica & Spaceframed Cars with car derived engines up to 1700cc No. Name Car c.c. Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Award 66 E Chris Jones Westfield SE Vauxhall 1600 58.09 45.58 1st 63 E John Bradshaw HS Sylva Striker 1600 47.38 47.21 2nd 72 E Emma Bennison Sylva Striker 1600 48.18 48.14 48.47 3rd 65 E George Newrick SW Westfield SEiW 1699 51.46 51.06 51.95 4th 67 N James Alexander W Westfield SE 1700 51.57 51.99 51.28 71 E John Clarke Caterham 7 1600 51.72 51.78 51.50 70 E Colin Way H Westfield SEiW 1600 54.74 55.01 56.24 68 N Steve Wilson W Westfield SEiW 1700 59.39 59.92 57.83 64 E Angus Buchan S Jeffrey JS5 1498 68.18 97.60 62 E Michael Bellerby L Sylva Striker 1600 Key: L = Longton's Northern Speed Championship & Longton's Sprint Series P = BOC Cheltenham Porsche B Licence A = Austin Healey Club Healeysport Speed Championship K = L&CCC / Keyline Speed Championship Key: R = Revington TR / TR Register Sprint & Hillclimb Championship H = SBD HSA Speed Championship S = ServiceHydraulics Speed Championship W = Westfield Sports Car CluSCC) Speed Series Credit must be payed to Chris Jones in his Vauxhall engined car as he hadn’t been out in anger for 4 years. He simply tore up the hill like a terrier after a rat on his first run and posted a winning time of 45.58. Great skill to be so quick so early in the day. Chris Jones – car 66 John Bradshaw and Emma Bennison took second and third on the day with their well sorted and very fast Sylva Strikers – impressive drives in impressive cars. I always try and use Emma’s time as a target as she is consistently quick. 4th in class was pick up by George Newrick in his superbly detailed all steel, all singing and dancing Mighty Cross Flow. This cas is just stunning with swept wings and half tonneau and piloted very well indeed. 12 hundredths of a second behind Newrick was myself in the Henry Westons sponsored / Vidal Sasson “wash and go” Mighty Cross flow. I should have laid off the bacon sandwiches in the morning and I might have caught him! James Alexander / Car 67 John Clarke, Colin Way, and Steve Wilson drove consistently through the day with Wilson knocking off 2.2 seconds on his last run of Saturday – great skills. Steve Wilson – Car 68 Colin Way – Car 70 The class structures here mean that all the experts and novices are amalgamated. Class 2B 1700 – 2000 CC results below Class 2B Road Modified Series & Specialist Kit Replica & Spaceframed Cars with car derived engines over 1701cc No. Name Car c.c. Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Award 775 E Chris Howard-Harris H S Caterham Superlight 1795 47.63 46.56 46.93 1st 84 E Howard Gaskin W Westfield SEiW 1998 47.57 47.92 48.06 2nd 82 E Keith Adams W Westfield SEi 1998 47.90 47.80 49.25 3rd 789 E Chris Ford W Westfield SEiW 2000 49.94 49.24 48.98 4th 87 E Philip Nicholls W Westfield SEiW 1988 49.11 49.62 50.55 89 N Sean Baker W Westfield SEiW 2000 49.97 49.71 49.12 Best Novice 80 E Stephen Herbert W Westfield Sport 2000 2000 50.70 49.91 49.61 90 E Chris Bennett H Caterham 7 Roadsport 1800 49.71 49.71 75 E Lynn Gilbert HS Caterham Superlight 1795 50.67 49.93 51.24 85 N Mark Schlanker Westfield SEiW 1998 50.65 51.72 50.26 81 N Craig Spooner W Westfield SEiW 1796 52.16 51.38 50.98 79 N Martin Harvey W Westfield SEW 2000 51.86 51.53 52.35 77 E Michael Skidmore Westfield SEiW 2000 52.80 FAIL 86 N Christian James W Westfield SEiW 1988 53.26 55.04 60.60 76 N Dave Reed W Westfield SEiW 1800 55.28 53.59 54.23 83 N Simon Rossinelli W Westfield Wei 2000 88 N J im Henshaw W Westfield SEiW 2000 Class 2B was very competitive with awards going to Chris Howard-Harris in the super light Caterham – well done Chris. Howard Gaskin and Keith “the teeth” Adams weew in the 47’s all day with Phil Nicholls bringing up the rear in 4th. Stephen Herbert was committed as usual in his patched up Sport 2000 whilst Mark Schlanker was fastest novice in his SEiW. DAVE REED –Car 76 Sunday Results: Class 2A Class 2A Road Modified Series & Specialist Kit Replica & Spaceframed Cars with car derived engines up to 1700cc No. Name Car c.c. Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Award 66 E Chris Jones Westfield SE Vauxhall 1600 46.03 45.81 1st 63 E John Bradshaw H S Sylva Striker 1600 47.06 46.26 46.84 47.69 2nd 67 N James Alexander W Westfield SE 1700 51.02 51.09 53.47 51.40 3rd 65 E George Newrick S W Westfield SEiW 1699 52.42 52.08 51.52 51.03 70 E Colin Way H Westfield SEiW 1600 55.47 53.27 55.93 68 N Steve Wilson W Westfield SEiW 1700 5 57.68 58.22 56.42 56.98 62 E Michael Bellerby L Sylva Striker 1600 64 E Angus Buchan S Jeffrey JS5 1498 71 E Tim Richardson S Caterham Superlight 1600 Sunday at Prescott was suny and dry with slight mist in the air mid morning but many of the fastest times were posted early in the running order. In a class full of experts Chris Jones was very quick in a sickly car – winning the class with one run! John Bradshaw was very consistent in the Sylva to take second. I was happy with my runs, even fluffing a gear on run 3, but keeping 3rd in class. George Newrick was consistent all day in his lovely car and both Steve and Colin got quicker from first runs. CLASS 2B Sunday Class 2B Road Modified Series & Specialist Kit Replica & Spaceframed Cars with car derived engines over 1701cc No. Name Car c.c. Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Award 775 E Chris Howard-Harris H S Caterham Superlight 1795 47.23 47.04 1st 82 E Keith Adams W Westfield SEi 1998 47.95 47.47 47.75 47.63 2nd 84 E Howard Gaskin W Westfield SEiW 1998 48.32 47.92 47.59 47.89 3rd 87 E Philip Nicholls W Westfield SEiW 1988 49.08 48.60 48.40 47.65 4th 78 E David Birch W Westfield SEiW 1800 49.29 47.99 48.99 48.11 75 E Lynn Gilbert H S Caterham Superlight 1795 50.03 49.98 48.53 85 N Mark Schlanker W Westfield SEiW 1998 48.97 48.79 49.49 48.81 Best Novice 80 E Stephen Herbert W Westfield Sport 2000 2000 50.17 50.00 49.25 49.09 89 N Sean Baker W Westfield SEiW 2000 49.59 FAIL 81 N Craig Spooner W Westfield SEiW 1796 50.57 51.07 50.87 50.91 79 N Martin Harvey W Westfield SEW 2000 52.27 51.30 51.29 50.81 86 N Christian James W Westfield SEiW 1988 55.99 52.86 52.46 52.10 77 E Michael Skidmore Westfield SEiW 2000 58.92 53.41 52.81 52.25 76 N Dave Reed W Westfield SEiW 1800 53.72 53.20 53.37 52.52 83 N Simon Rossinelli W Westfield Wei 2000 88 N Jim Henshaw W Westfield SEiW 2000 90 E Stephen Laing H B Caterham R500 2008 2B was a class with more nip and tuck than Harley Street on Sunday with Keith, Howard and Phil pushing hard to keep with Chris in the CateringVan. Nicholls pulled off the drive of the day to snatch a place with his last run – well done Filfan! On the Sunday a Prescott Marshall of 15 years service said to me “we didn’t know what to expect with the Westfields but we have been really impressed with the pace, the driving and all of the club members here”. Nice to hear so well done one and all. James Thatcher was a non runner on Sunday following his scuff on Saturday. Sean Baker had a moment after the hairpin and damaged the car which ended his weekend. Glad it was only fibreglass and metal that was damaged. Stu Hill was consistently rapid with a 44.92 in the GGR liveried SEiW – great drive Stu. In 4B Graham Millar was within a second on every run in the 49’s – cracking car and a top driver – cheers Windy  5B and Paul Morcom gave what I think was the drive of the day in the Mighty Merlyn to snatch victory on the final run – awesome car and great peddling Paul – a joy to watch. I thought the commentator was going to have a coronary as you entered the semi circle! To conclude all I can say is that the weekend was everything that motor sport should be: Competitive – every one wanting to do better each run and win. Supportive – drivers encouraging and fixing each others cars. Social – great dinner Saturday night and more laughs than I have time to write about. Thanks for waiting for this blog, its been a long week. So from Team Toolorders/Henry Westons/Fitzpatrick racing I bid you farewell… Yours in Motor Sport James Alexander (Honorary correspondent to Lord Everall)

It would seem i have been a little remiss in keeping this blog up to date - but all things come to an end. So ends this blog Long story short I passed IVA on Friday 20th June Admittedly it was 2nd attempt, but not dissapointed - I trailered the car for the first appointment on Tuesday and as it passed all the safety bits i.e brakes, steering, build quality etc the opportunity to drive it up on Friday was too good to miss. Took the car up to Carlisle VOSA and was met by a very friendly team - would recommend if you are remotely close. Andrew was happy to answer any questions and demonstrate and explain the measurements, tests as he undertook his task. Minor fails on unidentified horn, padding in upper seatbelt harness covers too thin, front steering arm covers (although I did use those supplied from westfield it was considered inadequate), RAC rollbar upper mounts ( I had covered the bolt heads, but the 100mm hemisphere touched the bracket. Note - if the RAC bar is used and there is no evidence of a hood it is considered as exterior. A couple of press studs on the back of the car would have placed the bar as interior and therefore exempt....) Hand brake travel was excessive - as the brakes had not been bedded in this adjustment went off as the brake test continued. But the killer was a small fuel leak from the fuel return union that had returned to haunt me - just wet to the touch, but no point pleading for time at this point to remedy the minor faults as this was going to get messy, so took my fail sheet and went home. All the minors were simple fixes and hand brake adjusted up nicely to 3 clicks. Fuel leak required draining a full tank of fuel (topped tank needed for IVA) remaking the seal and refilling. Got some insurance on Chassis number via Adrian Flux, re booked test and drove her back up on Friday. Passed cleanly - Result. And the 200 mile round trip? Wow - fully justified the long hours, bad back, scuffed knuckles, and drained bank account. Weather perfect, all vital signs good, and with a soudtrack to die for. Can't wait to get her registered - forms in the post. http://forum.wscc.co.uk/forum/index.php/gallery/image/2192-westfield-mazda-sdv-ns/ Next trip to Blink for suspension setup and some headwork. Need a new project.

Sounds like a good explanation! Maybe we are also addicted to fibreglass and aluminium...

Ying and Yang - the last week of May I was away in my caravan in Brentwood!!!!

http://forum.wscc.co.uk/forum/index.php/gallery/album/412-mcwestie14/ Some images you might like

nearly fell asleep reading the first post

Thanks Andy, Julian. Gives me something to think about and is good to know. Probably should get the engine back in before I start worrying about defusers Cheers Ian

As others have said, what's a fantastic weekend!!! Has to have been one of the best yet, always great to meet loads of new faces and experience some new roads. The banter flowed as much as the drink A big thanks to Ziplop for organising once again and making everything happen, excellent stickers too Off to catch up on my sleep. Kev

Great weekend, great company, great roads. Big thanks to Bob for all the work in making it a success.

Home safe too! Here's a few quick pics but watch out for our full report in the next issue of Westfield World .. much to be revealed and derring do! Coming down the Pass away from Applecross - one of numerous epic views! The gathering of Clan McWesty! Drinkies after Skye run on Saturday at the Applecross Inn - with a view!

That's me home safe an hour later than planed, due the nice man with yellow flashy lights having re wire my alternator. Again the best applecross ever for me, thanks for a great week end to all.

Just back too and what a brilliant weekend again! Almost completely dry run back too. Now, engine issues await.....

its been in the pipeline for about 8 months just loads of red tape , but finally sorted no still plan on packing in at the end of the year wuv , ray is running the mot and servicing next door so that will still be going