Classic Morgans

[Bob Bull]

Amongst the 800 cars competing at the Silverstone Classic were a few Morgans and the Marque can be proud of the results obtained. In the RAC Tourist Trophy The Kremers finished 6th. overall and in Class took second place behind a Ferrari 250 SWB just 3 seconds in arrears at the flag. A fabulous result.
Going one better were Bill and John in the Emberson car who finished a very creditable 13th overall and first in class B, John really getting a wriggle on during his stint. Standing at Copse one could see from the attitude of the car that Johnny Embers meant business. Great drive by both chaps.

Simon King took 5th. in Class C, and let us hope that he can fettle the car for the BDC, following some engine problems.
The so called Choc Ice car of Gurney and Shears and the Hubner car also finished intact.

Simon O-G had his SLR out in the Gentleman Drivers event, doubling up as 'Driver' and 'Gentleman', but somewhat outclassed by some hairy machinery.

Good to see the Techniques Mob hard at it all weekend, particularly as both the old and new paddocks were in use, meaning runnig a frantic shuttle service between events. The Bentley Drivers should be a little more relaxed.

Following a trip to the distant 'Wing' on Saturday, I found that the Media shuttle service was on strike/asleep/missing, and had set out to walk back to civilisation when I saw a Morgan four seater coming up behind, so I swung a thumb and was most relieved when the driver stopped and offered me alift.
This timely arrival meant that I have now actually sat in a Morgan, so I can now claim full membership of the Clan. It turned out that the driver was none other than Dave Sapp, a man whom I only knew 'virtually', so we were glad to make each others acquaintance. Thanks Dave. Pictures on the way.

Oh! Let us not forget the 'Celebrity Race' a number of really well know names (!) having taken an ARDS course were let loose in some borrowed Morgans.

A chap called Luther Blisset managed to barrel roll his car on the opening lap, with a spectacular four bounces into a gravel bed. Testament to the strength of the car was the fact that the guy walked away with nothing but a few bruises, while everything still worked on the car, even up to the doors still opening.
I understand he is a footballer, so I suppose it must be difficult to drive a car properly with all those studs in his boots.

Nice to see so many friends.

Pictures shortly on usual site.
Bob.

[Mark Shears]

Good to see you at the weekend Bob - only sorry we couldn't spend more time with you. As you know Philip and I were busy doing all those last minute things you need to do to an old racing Morgan!

It was the 50th Anniversary of Choc Ices competeing at The RAC Tourist Trophy and her first real race since the mid eighties which coincidentally was then the Coys Classic.

Simon and I were quite pleased with our result all things being considered. The dynamo failure on Sunday morning made for an interesting start and when I took over at the driver change she stalled and we had to be push started down the pit lane!

See you at BDC Silverstone - cash in hand!

Cheers

Mark (ice cream peddler) Shears

[Jim Mountain]

her first real race since the mid eighties which coincidentally was then the Coys Classic.

I was working at Libra Motive in the early 90's and I'm sure "Choc Ices" was raced at Silverstone by Yan Balinski (excuse the spelling) for the Coys Historic thing around 1995

[Bob Bull]

Mark,
Standing at Copse I could have done with a choc ice, but despite repeated waving you failed to stop - Trades Description Act comes to mind. Whatever, there are pictures of the aforementioned vehicle on the usual site.

I am desperately trying to recall if I have ever attended a meeting where you and Phill were racing, and you were not rebuilding a car or two prior to the race.

By the way - next time, a little less of the intimate detail of your safety arrangements would be nice.

See ya,

Bob.

[Mark Shears]

Only trying to get comfortable in the downstairs department Bob! However once we had fitted the crutch strap it was a bit like wearing cheap hotel trousers...! (No ballroom!)

You are quite right Jim - it was only after I had sent the posting and re-read it I realised it was the nineties not eighties. That is still long enough ago.

Cheers

Mark

[Leigh Sebba]

Bob – if you are lucky get Dave Sapp to invite you join him on a Classic Trial (up all night bouncing up muddy fields)

Re your comments about the shuttle bus. I wasn’t there but I asked someone I know who was racing there (not Morgans). He was most upset about the logistics of parking outside the ‘old pits’ and using the ‘new pits’ and having to use unreliable shuttle, and ending up marooned with all his kit. So perhaps that is something the organisers could look at.

I didn’t see your name in the Tour de France – are you saving yourself for the Olympic Velodrome ?

Looking forward to your smiling face at BDC meeting

Leigh

[Bob Bull]

Leigh,
I have read your message with great diligence and earnest endeavour. I will admit that I have not done so in the past when you have added your insight to the forum on various topics. The reason for this sea change is the result of riding with a certain Sunbeam Rapier owner from Buckingham to Silverstone last weekend, the experience was, to say the least, eye watering (partly due to the said owner insisting that the windows must remain open to enhance the look of the car), and has given me a profound respect for your courage, if not your sanity. 1000 miles sitting alongside the demonic driver is an act of bravery (!) unparallleled in the history of motor sport.

Hence forth I shall study your contributions in great detail in order to discern the depth of insight and wisdom they will undoubtedly hold.

In order to mark your unselfish actions I will formally present you with the missing (side view) of the S.O-G. SLR you have long sought.

Following the manic pace of the Classic and the outrageous demands on one's physical and mental resources, I too look forward the the tranquility of the Bentley Drivers Club Meeting. Be assured I will be sure to present a smiling face to yourself and indeed the whole paddock.

With utmost respect,

Bob.

Mark,
Have you ever seen the film Strictly Ballroom? I always assumed it was about dancing, but you have raised doubts in my mind. Has it anything to do with racing cars?

You may aslo care to take a look at the Autosport Nostalgia Forum, where a certain amount of discussion has taken place about Morgan SLR's. It can be found in the Classic thread. Should be just up your street!

Bob

[Leigh Sebba]

Golly Bob you were indeed honoured to be chauffeured to S’stone Classic in such a stylish automobile. All your bigwig celebrity contacts must have been suitably impressed. A pity that it wasn’t arranged for the Grand Prix so you could have shown off to Hamilton, Button, Bernie, etc

Leigh

[Bob Bull]

Leigh,
The fact that I was willing to grace the Custard Cream with my custom, should no be interpreted as an honour for me! The honour was all on the side of Mr Clarke, I would have you know that the 'Celebrities' were driven around in posh new Jaguars, whereas I gave John the great thrill of having me attracting the crowds to the car. I suspect he thought it was the Rapier that caused people to flock around it so avidly. How self dillusional can you get?
As to bouncing around in Dave Sapp's Morgan! Well there was not a lot of room for any of that sort of behaviour, as far as I could tell from the cramped front seat. Maybe Mark Shears can cast some light on the possibilities, he has turned out to be quite an expert on confined spaces judging by his earlier posts.

With regard to your previous question enquiring about my role in La Grand Boucle, I had intended to ride and win the Maillot Jaune, however, lawns needed mowing so I was held back for that more arduous task. Maybe next year.

I have some lovely pictures of Mr Sapp's car if you would like copies.

Cheers,

Bob