This year we were invaded by a very jolly bunch of New Zealanders.  Ann Thomson and her crew were camped out in a corner of the field and were very obviously enjoying themselves hugely (I always thought that Kiwis were supposed to be a quiet lot).  Ann not only knows how to party herself, she also knows how to drive the 1906 Darracq GP, she took the fastest Edwardian award for the event. They had a terrific season in Europe with the car and gave a lot of enthusiasts a great deal of pleasure in the process.  They and the car are now back down-under, thanks to all concerned. Don’t be too long coming back!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Practice on the Saturday was a hairy affair with cars going off with alarming regularity.  Several brief showers of rain were responsible which, on top of a coating of rubber and oil have a very interesting effect on handling. Mac Hulbert in R4D ERA had one such experience but it did not deter him from fighting James Baxter every inch of the way for the Fastest Time of Day, narrowly missing out.  The Williamson Delage disgraced herself by stripping a chunk out of the gearbox cheating Simon out of the chance to contend the Edwardian section.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           For the Austin Seven enthusiast the latest competitor to take to the track this year is Amanda faine de Sallis in her newly built Austin Salamander.  An unusual and most attractive little racer with a laminated wooden body in the Way style.  It is very light as is the driver and should go very well as the driver and car get tuned!  The other new Austin is the supercharged 1930 TT car of David Howe.  Mostly replica but very nice nevertheless.  A credit to those involved in its restoration.                                                                                                                                                                                                             The pre-war Alec Issigonis Lightweight Special is a fascinating car especially as its designer became so well known with notable designs which included the Morris Minor and Mini.  It is somehow comforting to see one’s bank manager at the wheel.  The Napier Bentley is always good for an action shot and here it is taking off with the obligatory smoke screen.  Unfortunately the Internet does not yet provide a facility whereby you can hear, see and smell the combination of burning rubber and Castrol R.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     There follows two excellent action shots from the semi-circle by Christopher Scott MacKirdy.  Noel Runnells-Moss in the ex-Quartermaine Vauxhall 30-98 now owned by his daughter together with that in our opening shot.  The second picture is of Donald Day in his ERA.  Donald continues to give an impressive display driving with only one arm.                                                                                             The only gripe that I heard over the weekend was that the main car park was full and many vintage cars had to be parked in a field further up the lane.  Maybe all non-vintage vehicles other than Disabled Badge holders should be in the outer car park leaving the space for the more interesting stuff.  A lot of people spend quite a time walking around the older cars and taking pictures.  It is much more appealing to photograph the cars without a mix of old and modern.                                   Major awards were:

James Baxter	Frazer Nash Single Seater	The Mays Berthon Trophy
Brian White	Frazer Nash BMW  TT Rep	Fastest Unsupercharged Sports Car
Tom Walker	GN Special	Fastest Vintage Car
Mike Marshall	Bugatti T35B	The Peter Hampton Tankard
Ann Thomson	Darracq Grand Prix	The Sam Clutton Memorial Trophy
Frank Ashley	MG M Type	Silver Con Rod Trophy **

** The Silver Con Rod Trophy is awarded to the owner of the car which in the opinion of the scrutineers has been the best presented for scrutineering.   Another happy chappie was Gary Clare with “Grannie” this JAP engined special with Morgan Ifs and an Austin “Ulster” rear axle is not fast but obviously great fun.  Gary tells us that a new racy motor is planned for next season!                                                                                                                                                                                                         Text by Carol Corliss/John Sutton   photography John Sutton/Christopher Scott MacKirdy