RACE THE MG - MG Trophy Championship 2011

A disappointing 12 drivers made the long trek to Knockhill, our worst entry for some time. Both Barnard and Wetton’s wives were expecting their first child so a reasonable excuse from at least two of our regulars! Budgets (the lack of) and the distance were the other reasons for non appearance despite the overall championship and certain class positions still being up for grabs. With our 3 regular Scottish drivers being able to sleep in their own beds for a change it was good that the other 9 drivers realise what stalwarts the Scots are for the distance they travel to every other race meeting, it sure is a long way! Once again Robertson spent the money he saved on not having to travel by sponsoring both rounds, big thanks to the Burnbrae Garage owner for that. Luti Snr and friends did us all proud with an excellent BBQ on the Friday night which was enjoyed by all.

 

The Friday open test session was from 4-7pm when all except Luti familiarised themselves with the wet twisty Knockhill circuit. Unfortunately Walker was on the naughty step for spreading the contents of his gearbox all around the circuit which held up proceedings for some time, much to the annoyance of the circuit staff and the other drivers. The lost time resulted in the remaining sessions being rejigged which caught out some drivers who only managed a couple of laps. Makar’s engine expired early and Montgomery set about replacing it. Tyre choice was tricky, some on wets all round some mixing slicks/wets. As the track dried slightly both Streather and Cole posted 1:04.8’s and Robertson did a low 1:05 before a cracked exhaust manifold became evident, Bray reaquainted himself with the gravel at the hairpin.

 

The Trophy quali session was first at 08:30 on a damp and dismal morning. The Knockhill circuit doesn’t use TSL timing and for some unexplained reason the quali times were not being shown in descending order which confused a lot of people including me initially. This made it very difficult to see the correct order at any one moment in time, however at the mid point of the 20 minute session the order was Luti on a 1:04.68, Bray, Ross, Cole and Robertson. Robertson could have gone faster but because of the confusing timing screen he was being shown a better position. Several drivers called a halt to proceedings as the rain started and it was clear that their fastest times had already been achieved, most posting these around lap 10. At the flag it was Luti not bettering his 1:04.68 from Bray, Ross, Robertson and Cole. Makar got the class C pole running on 17” wets (and a new engine) with a 1:07.823 on lap 12, 0.3secs in front of Evans who posted his best class C grid position to date.

 

The first of the two Burnbrae sponsored Trophy races started at 10.41 however Walker was pushed off the grid before the start with his engine dead, this was to have ramifications later on with just 11 cars taking the start. Luti made an expected good start with the rwd car biting into the damp track better than the fwd cars. At the end of the first lap it was Luti, Bray, Robertson, Ross, Cole and Streather, Makar next up leading class C. Ross passed Robertson on lap3 moving into P3, these positions then held for the duration of the race with Luti pulling out a good lead on Bray. Towards the end of the race back markers came into play and Luti was held up going into the Hairpin which allowed Bray to get very close before going off but rejoining still in P2. Luti maintained his position to win by 5.6secs at the flag from Bray, Ross in third, Robertson took the flag in fourth with a blown exhaust.

In class C Makar held his pole position to the finish fending off Campbell who got past Evans on lap 1. Penfold made 1her move on Evans on lap 5 to move into 3rd in class, Evans retiring on lap 13 with a blown engine handing the place to Williams following a close dice. Campbell lost it at Scotsman near the end of the race but retained his 2nd in class. Penfold took avoiding action as Bray went into the gravel at the hairpin and lost her place to Williams handing him P3 at the finish.

Fastest laps Class A/B, Luti 1:04.196 on lap 13; Class C, Campbell 1:06.784 on lap 12. Driver of the Race went to Luti.

 

Robertson replaced his exhaust and Walker found the reason for the blown fuse that scuppered his first outing. For race 2 at 14:38 everyone was on wets with all 12 cars making the start. This race was very similar to the first one with Luti holding his pole position closely followed by Bray, Ross, Cole and Robertson. Robertson moved up to fourth on lap 3 taking Cole at the hairpin and oudragging him up the start/finish straight. He then moved up to third on lap 13 at Seat after tailgating Ross for several laps just inches apart. Luti’s race at the front was over on lap 12 as he pulled off with gear selection problems handing the lead to Bray. On lap 16 the hard working Cole passed Ross after some very close racing to take a well earned third making it Bray, Robertson and Cole to take the podium. Class C was again dominated by Makar who was on form again in race two swapping places with class B runner Walker as he had a moment at the hairpin. Campbell, Penfold and Williams stayed in formation for the race duration holding these positions.

 

Fastest laps Class A/B, Bray 1:04.357 on lap 11; Class C, Makar 1:06.888 on lap 7.

Driver of the Race Robertson.

2011 Final Championship Results Overall 1st Oliver Barnard, 2nd Chris Bray, 3rd Ross Makar

Class A 1st Paul Luti Class B 1st Chris Bray, 2nd Doug Cole, 3rd Paul Streather Class C 1st Ross Makar, 2nd Andy Campbell, 3rd Julia Penfold Class D 1st Marc Koskela