JOHN GRANT POWERS TO COMPETITION HONOURS
REGULARITY CATEGORY WON BY MICHAEL BIRCH
PAUL HOWELLS WINS OVERALL MOTUL TOUR BRITANNIA TROPHY
SHELDON & STEVENS WIN THE PRIZED PRE-1965 CATEGORY
The final leg of MOTUL Tour Britannia provided yet more spectacular action over five stages and one circuit, with mere seconds splitting crews as they fought for category honours. In the Competition category, John Grant and Charles Elwell powered the awesome Chevron B16 to victory, while in Regularity Michael Birch claimed honours in his first year in the event. He was however co-driven by former two-time winner of the category, Jeremy Haylock, who has previously navigated John Ruston to two Tour Britannia victories. The overall MOTUL Tour Britannia - based on Index of Performance - was won by Porsche driver Paul Howells, navigated by Travis drummer, Neil Primrose.
The third and final day of MOTUL Tour Britannia took competitors north from the Coombe Abbey base for two speed tests, a hill climb and races at Cheshire's Oulton Park circuit. In dry, warm late summer weather, competitors enjoyed beautiful country roads between the tests, and fierce competition at the four venues.In the Competition category, John Grant (Chevron B16) started the day with a 4.6 second advantage over Porsche driver Nick Whale, but during the first two stages at Cholmondeley, Whale slashed the deficit by four seconds heading to Oulton Park. During the eight-lap race at the Cheshire circuit, Grant managed to reel in 23 seconds from Whale - giving him a lead of 24 seconds - while Howard Redhouse (Porsche 911) trailed by a further 29 seconds in third. Although Whale and Redhouse were faster on the remaining tests at Loton and Weston Parks, Grant held on to win by 13.9 seconds.Revised Regularity results for the second leg showed Marc Vandendijk (Triumph TR4) holding a lead of just two-tenths of a second over Michael Birch's Porsche Carrera RS, with Hernaman's Porsche 911 third. However, Birch took the lead on Cholmondeley 1 this morning, and he held it to the finish, despite only winning two of the regularity tests. His winning margin over Hernaman's Porsche was just 2.4 seconds with the Vandendijk’s Triumph TR4A 10.7 seconds further behind.The overall MOTUL Tour Britannia was won by the Paul Howells/Neil Primrose Porsche 911 by a 61.4 second margin over the impressive Mini Cooper S of Harvey Death and Elaine MacLeod. Competition category winner John Grant took third, a further 35 seconds behind.The award for the highest-placed pre-1965 car went to John Sheldon and Leslie Stevens in the Lotus Elan, while the "Hardest Triers" award went to Patrick Blakeney-Edwards and Andrew Hall in the Frazer Nash - a car the crew constantly rebuilt throughout the event. They rolled into a ditch in the final test at Weston Park, but neither was seriously injured and they made it to the finish.Commenting on the success of the 2007 MOTUL Tour Britannia, Sporting Director Fred Gallagher said: “After all the hard work Alec, the team and I have put in, it is really gratifying to hear all the positive comments from our competitors tonight. Yet again we’ve had a wonderful mix of great race circuits, challenging stages, fine food, wonderful weather and some of the most enthusiastic crews one could ever hope to come across. We promise to strive to make next year even better.”The date of the 2008 Tour Britannia will be announced shortly.QUOTES FROM THE CREWS
#1 John Ruston/Rupert Bravery (GB/GB) – Talbot 105
“This year’s MOTUL Tour Britannia has come of age and is now at the same level as the top three main events in Europe - Tour Auto, Tour España and Milano Classico. It also now has an international following.”
#2 Marc Vandendijk/Stefan Vandendijk (B/B) – Lotus Elite
“Oulton Park is a beautiful circuit; I hope to have zero penalties but really I’d like to have driven the circuit quickly! The event has been very good with nice roads and lots of participants in Regularity, and good ones too. The circuits have been nice and it’s been a very satisfying event.”
#3 Robert Newton/Mark Bennett (GB/GB) – Bristol 401
“Oulton was the most exciting thing we’ve done yet; what a track! I’ve never been round it before, but it’s great. Our times were within two-tenths of a second on the two runs and although it was Regularity, it was a really exciting two laps. Overall, it’s been fabulous!”
#4 Stanley Gold/Andy Prill (USA/GB) – Porsche 356
“Oulton was absolutely brilliant, a very good circuit. The event has been spectacular, fantastic; the best! It’s our first visit, it’s just our style and we’ll definitely be back next year.”
#5 Alexandre de Lesseps/Henry Morgan (CH/CH) – Aston Martin DB4GT
“Donington and Oulton were by far the best tracks on Tour Britannia. At the beginning of Oulton we were very careful, but the last time round we had a big attack. Great fun!”
#6 Sarah Moody/Justine Moody (GB/GB) – Ferrari Daytona
“Oulton was an absolute blast! We really enjoyed it all the way round. The event has been fantastic. On a scale of 1-10, it’s a 20! MOTUL Tour Britannia has given us the first opportunity for the Moody family in sport. It has been so safe and friendly and we’re thrilled to be at the finish. Everyone made us feel so welcome.”
#7 Melanie Coburn/Nicolas Crossley (IRL/GB) – Porsche 356B Super 90
“So far so good after Oulton, and it’s been much better generally so we’re very hopeful.”
#9 Anthony Moody/Mari Mulyani (GB/RI) – Jaguar E Type
“It’s been wonderful, fantastic, and we’ll be back next year.”
#10 Nick Gatehouse/Nicole Ponsford (GB/GB) – Porsche 911 S
“Excellent! A really friendly event. The size of the entry is excellent, so you know everyone and it’s all manageable.”
#12 Robert Frost/Lauri Frost (GB) – Jaguar XK120
“All he (Robert) wants to do is go as fast as he can! Oulton was very, very good. Overall, everything’s been excellent; it’s a wonderful event. The organisers have done an impressive job very professionally. It’s more than we could have hoped for on the marshalling front; they were all very well trained. We’ll definitely be back!”
#14 Richard Clark/Louisa Banks (MC/MC) – Porsche 356
“We’ve had a great time, wonderful and we’ll be back next year, but in Competition!”
#15 Martin Sharp/Franca Davenport (GB/GB) – Mercedes-Benz 230SL
“It was very nice to finally finish this year!”
#16 Steven Tierney/Graeme McHugh (IRL/IRL) – MGA
“Cholmondeley was a beautiful stage. Overall it’s been a great event, we’ve enjoyed it enormously even though it’s our first time and we didn’t do too well. Yesterday was lovely, with great roads. Today was busier but in general, it’s all been great, the food excellent and a very good social event.”
#17 Michael Birch/Jeremy Haylock (GB/GB) – Porsche 911 Carrera RS
“It’s my first time here and I’ve done 10 of this sort of event before, but this is definitely one of the best.”
#18 Paul Hernaman/Ray Crowther (GB/GB) – Porsche 911
“We poodled around Oulton to get the Regularity times and then had an absolute ball on the slowing down lap going really quickly! It’s been a very good event.”
#19 Ian Tandy/John White (GB/GB) – Porsche 911 RS Touring
“Oulton was terrific! Another 20 laps would have been even better! The event has been really well organised and the weather fantastic. We’ve enjoyed it enormously.”
#22 John Simister/Alona Simister (GB/GB) – Lancia Fulvia HF
“We were learning as we went along and it’s Alona’s first event, but it was great fun and we enjoyed it a lot.”
#23 Brian Wallace/Bruce Ashmore (IRL/IRL) – MGA
“It’s been wonderfully organised with a great welcome. Everyone has been exceptionally pleasant. Personally I would like to end on a high at a circuit, but that’s certainly not a criticism. It’s been a friendly and helpful event.”
#25 Brad Mottier/Bill Hoff (USA/USA) – Ford Bronco
“Driving on different tracks has been unique for us. The track time was outstanding, especially at Donington. It was cool to see the Brooklands bank, as we’ve read lots about it. All very nice, and the circuits in the Bronco were awesome.”
#26 Samuel Pearlman/Geoffrey Berg (GB/GB) – Porsche 911 Carrera RA
“Thoroughly enjoyed Oulton; it’s a beautiful circuit. I’ve never driven here before and want to again. It was the first time for both of us on the event and the organisers have done a tremendous job. The route was scenic and enjoyable and the combination of stages and circuits very good; it’s been superb and the organisers crammed a lot into three days.”
#27 Julian Taylor/Adam Taylor (GB/GB) – Ferrari Dino 246GT
“We’ve enjoyed it all; had a ball!”
#28 Mark Humphries/Matthew Humphries (GB/GB) – Jaguar XK120
“It’s been very, very good and we’ll be coming again.”
#29 Gareth Burnett/Maurice Hamilton (GB/GB) – Talbot 105
“We’ve really enjoyed ourselves and beating the Porsches at Oulton Park was a real bonus. It’s a wonderful event.”
#30 Patrick Blakeney-Edwards/Andrew Hall (GB/GB) – Frazer Nash
“It was a great race at Oulton Park, very enjoyable.” The crew rolled in the last test at Weston Park, but fortunately only sustained bruises. “I would like to thank everyone who has stopped and helped us when we broke down over the last few days. It gave us the will to carry on. I would like to say, on behalf of everyone, a huge “cheers” for the Tour Britannia team; it’s a fantastic event, thank you very much.”
#33 Michael Strasoldo/Ed McDonough (D/USA) – Talbot 105
“Wonderful, brilliant! We’re glad to be at the finish and all in one piece after a very testing rally.”
#34 Harvey Death/Elaine Macleod (GB/GB) – Morris Mini Cooper S
“Cholmondeley 2 was extremely exciting because Elaine called the bridge flat, and it wasn’t! So we had quite a moment. During practice at Oulton, the reverse gear lock broke, so we did the race with the gear change mechanism held together with a mole grip. But we still beat our nearest competitor.”
#36 Kim Taylor-Smith/David Cooke (GB/GB) Ferrari 250GT TdF
“As I said before, it’s the best fun you can have with your clothes on! It’s been very lovely, we’ve had a very, very great time.”
#42 Richard Frankel/Peter Flood (GB/GB) – Alfa Romeo GTam
“Cholmondeley was marvellous. Everyone said we wouldn’t get past Brands Hatch with this car! We broke the gearbox this morning and were left with first, third and fifth; there are lots of gear teeth coming out with the oil. We still only had three gears for the race, but won our grid! I’ve only raced here twice before; once earlier this year and once 10 years ago. The event’s been fantastic. The car, my co-driver and the mechanics have been excellent, all I do is drive the car. I don’t see how the organisers could improve this event. Everyone has been helpful; it’s been terrific.”
#46 Rob Williams/Steve Winter (GB/GB) – Porsche 911
“Over the bridge at Cholmondeley we went wide onto the grass and hit a post. The car was also then stuck in gear for the whole of the Oulton race. It’s been a very good event with a good mix of stages and circuits and a great variety of cars. More cars this year has made it more competitive.”
#47 Oliver Harris/Bobby Bell (GB/GB) – Austin Healey 100/4
“We’ve really enjoyed it. It’s better than France, the food was lovely and the atmosphere was great.”
#49 Tony Fall/Yvonne Mehta (GB/GB) – Datsun 240Z
“It’s been super! A lovely event, great scenery and the Road Book was done by an excellent professional co-driver; a stunning Road Book. Overall, it’s been very, very good, nice locations and we’ve seen more of England than ever before.”
#55 Mike Anderson/Alan Brown (GB/GB) – Porsche 911S
“What a cracking event!”
#57 Caroline Betts/Celia Drabble (GB/GB) – MGB
“We got a bit enthusiastic at Cholmondeley, went off, spun and hit a fence. Oulton Park was wonderful, I loved it. There were lots of little battles, and it was excellent. We can’t wait for next year!”
#59 Jonathan Turner/Rupert Bullock (GB/GB) – AC Ace
“Tour Britannia has exceeded our expectations, as did our own performance! It’s been great fun, great food and fun people.”
#60 Jeremy Cooke/Robert Rawe (GB/GB) – Porsche 911 RS
“We had two scary passes through the gate at Cholmondeley, but managed to get through it 45 degrees sideways. In the race at Oulton we had a great run, started fourth and finished second, so we’re pretty happy in a car I am going to drive home in and could take to the shops!”
#62 Paul Howells/Neil Primrose (GB/GB) – Porsche 911
“We have to thank Dirk Layer and Robert Grosse, who gave us a distributor on Sunday to enable us to start. It’s been a real battle to get the car working. It’s been great with lovely competitors, staff and marshals. Thanks also to Phil Clark and the Richard Burns Foundation; for me (from Neil) this win is for Richard (Burns) and Robert Reid.”
#63 David Betts/John Whitley (GB/GB) Shelby Mustang GT350
“We’ve both really enjoyed it and it’s nice meeting new people.” The crew retired at the start of the leg with a broken alternator. “If you break down, it’s one of those things. We had a spare reconditioned alternator, put it on but it was faulty, so we were out.”
#64 Paul McMorran/Roy Darragh (GB/GB) – Crosslé 7S Oldsmobile
“I’ve never raced at Oulton before, but thoroughly enjoyed it. The engine should be revving at 6500 rpm, but it’s only running at 3000 rpm. It’s a lovely circuit though and lunch was another highlight! Considering we thought we were out on day one, we’re pleased to be running still, and we’re still on the original tyres!”
#65 Ted Williams/Chris Clarkson (GB/GB) – Chevrolet Corvette
“I was pushed off the circuit and spun. I managed to get back up to my original position, so it was okay, very competitive and a good bit of dicing.”
#66 Richard Lloyd/Alan Rivers (GB/GB) – Chevrolet Camaro Z28
“Oulton was going quite nicely until the car threw the power steering belt off. I’ve never changed one of those on this car before!”
#67 Kurt Engelhorn/Raul Contreras (GB/GB) – AC Cobra 289
“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t get lost! It’s been good driving and Kurt got quicker and quicker every time.”
#69 Dennis Singleton/Charlot Singleton (USA/USA) – Ferrari 275 GTB
“It was great; we’ve had a wonderful time; a lovely event and everyone very polite.”
#70 Steve Tandy/Mariella Tandy (GB/GB) – Jaguar E Type Lightweight
“It was a steady race for me, it’s the last day and we’re looking to the finish. I was also mindful of what happened here at Oulton last year when we went off in the Ferrari 275 GTB.”
#75 Tim Bryan/Angus Archer (GB/GB) – Porsche 911S
“It’s been stunning. It’s our first time on MOTUL Tour Britannia and we’ll be back next year. As first-timers, and rally people, we would prefer more rally miles, but we’ve enjoyed every bit of it.”
#77 Joe Twyman/Oliver Bryant (GB/GB) – Lotus 7 Series 3
“Great event, good racing and we thoroughly enjoyed it.”
#79 Geoff Lister/John Davenport (GB/GB) – Porsche 911 RS
“We’ve had a fantastic few days. It was belting good fun, although I scared myself on the gravel this afternoon. This is the fun you want to have with your old car and we’ll definitely be back.”
#81 Howard Redhouse/Richard Shaw (IRL/GB) – Porsche 911 Carrera RS
“We had a great battle with Nick (Whale) at Oulton Park and eventually got past him and held him off to the finish. It’s been another fantastic year for Tour Britannia, better again than 2006. Windsor and Longcross were real highlights; it’s been fantastic and we’ll be back again next year.”
#82 John Grant/Charles Elwell (GB/GB) – Chevron B16
“The boys put in a new clutch last night so the car’s fine, but the Porsches are much quicker on the stages than the Chevron, so they’re taking time off me there. I had to be absolutely flat-out at Oulton to try and maximise the advantage I have on the circuits.” At the end of the event: “This is a bit of a result! A great event, and great for me too! The Porsche guys are very serious competitors but this result goes to show the Chevron is better! The formula of the event worked very well with a great variety of cars competing. Above all, it’s lots of fun, which is what we came for.”
#83 John Sheldon/Lesley Stevens (GB/GB) – Lotus Elan
“It’s a great event. The circuits were testing and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s been so competitive, we’ll be back next year!”
#99 John Evans/Jeff Moyes (GB/GB) – Porsche 911
“Tour Britannia was worth every penny, if only for the race at Oulton! Until the event last year I hadn’t raced for 20 years, but I’m getting the hang of it now and I’m really enjoying it.”
