Goodness, it was a busy April with a massive swing in the weather from probably the coldest race meeting we have ever experienced for Howards Day on 1st April through to hundreds of motorcyclists coming out in shirt sleeve weather for the National BikeSafe Day on 20th April. So, we are looking forward to manic May which features 2 race meetings, our biggest event of the year Japfest and the slowest event of the year, the Steam Rally.
But first a quick look back to Howards Day, the opening race meeting of the year and tribute to Howard Strawford. It really couldnt have been any colder with one race driver remarking that if he found himself in 3rd place on the last lap he was going to back right off so he didnt have to get even colder on the back of the Winners Car!!!
But, with the opening rounds of our championships we can perhaps see a form guide emerging. In the Siliconhoses.com Sport & GT Championship, Andrew Shanley put in one of his usual ultra quick drives in his Radical to beat Manhol Allos who returned to the circuit after a 3 or 4 year absence. In the National Windscreens Saloon Championship order was maintained with Rob Ballard in his Class A car but just a couple of seconds behind was Will di Claudio in his Championship winning Class C car with Adam Slade and returning drivers Julian Ellison and John Barnard rounding up the top 5.
The Startline Formula Ford Championship saw a popular win by Steven Jensen, a fantastic drive through the field from Adam Higgins to finish 2nd with James Raven 3rd, it all bodes well for the season. Adam has just become a father so congratulations and if he can win round 2 it will round off a special few days for him.
The first of our Action Days attracted a record 120 clubs making it the biggest ever. Run under mainly sunny conditions some 1800 performance cars were on display with many drivers taking to the circuit. The Drifters put in a fabulous display again and a Citroen Saxo took the Car of the Show award and Salisbury based Dymanic Cruisers were awarded the Club Stand of the Show.
So, now looking forward.
Race Meeting 2 - Motors Live TV Meeting, Monday 6th May
The Club have lined up 13 races and at 15.00 admission that is pretty good value at just 1.15 per race, so not only is the afternoon full but the variety of races is fantastic. The Superkarts are always spectacular; they hardly seem to brake for Camp Corner. For British sports car fans we have got Morgans and MGs, from the 750 Motor Club we have Locost Formula bringing in over 30 identically engined cars. And, then of course we have round 2 of our own championships and 2 Fun Open Races covering our Saloons, some visiting drivers and the Sports & GTs appealing to some of those drivers not able to chase the whole championship.
Racing gets underway at 12:10, with the first of the televised races at 13:00. Regretfully we dont have the big screens this year, but for numbers of competitors and value for money, it will really take some beating.
Admission is just 15.00 for Adults, as usual under 16s are admitted free and we have concession rates for Seniors 10.00.
Japfest - Saturday 11th May
Simply Europes biggest Japanese car show with, as always lots to see, lots to do both on and off the circuit with club displays, trade sites a Drift display featuring the UKs finest drifters competing in the Drift Kings competition, childrens entertainment and power and style awards. Entry tickets are 18.00 in advance or 25.00 on the day. The police and local authorities have revised the traffic plan which should minimise hold ups. For further information log on to the Japfest website www.japfest.co.uk.
Castle Combe Steam Rally - 18th & 19th May
From the biggest to the slowest, the Castle Combe Steam Rally.
Raising thousands of pounds for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and other good causes, a great family day out with something for everyone to watch, the Castle Combe Steam Rally experience begins from the car park with a tractor and trailer ride to the event area where you will find steam engines, fair organs, vintage vehicles, vintage machinery, many working exhibits, crafts, model aeroplanes, trade stands and autojumble, old time fair ground rides and so much more.
And, it is only 6.00 per day for admission; under 14s are admitted free, with OAPs concession price at 5.00. Gate open Saturday 10:00 18:00 and Sunday 10:00 17:00.
Race Meeting 3 Monday 27th May
Our 2nd meeting of the month and this features lots of Japanese cars with MR2s and the Nippon Challenge, 125cc Open National Karts and of course Round 3 of the Castle Combe Championships for Formula Ford 1600, Sports & GTs and Saloons. Racing will get underway at 13.00 and admission charges as with all race meetings are Adults 15.00, Seniors 10.00, Paddock 2.50 and under 17s admitted free.
And, thats not all
As you would expect the Circuits in full swing in May with so much else going on.
Club Lotus Track Day Saturday 25th May
If you are in to Lotus cars then come along, entry is free, which makes it even better and if you own a Lotus and if track time is still available you can get your car out on track.
A lunch time display of historic and classic Lotus cars will add to the enjoyment or you can come along and soak up the atmosphere of an event that an event that Lotus owners have enjoyed here for some 20 or so years.
For full details log on to clublotus.co.uk.
Action on the track is from 09:00 17:00.
Car Boot Sale 3 - Sunday 12th May
Another Castle Combe Car Boot sale. The last, a couple of weeks ago was a major contrast to the first which was run in Siberian style weather. But last time, the sun came out and with it the crowds and the benefiting charity, Yatton Keynell Recreation Association was able to raise just over 1,500 through your generosity. As always with our boot sales, if you want to clear the loft and garage and sell to raise some money, enter via the Quarry Gate from 07:00 and pay 8.00 for a car, a little more for a van. If you are coming to find that bargain then arrive from 09:00, park in the Chippenham Road or Camp Corner car parks and enter via a 50p donation to the on the day charity which is Castle Combe Colts.
Bike News
May is also a busy month on the 2 wheel front. We have just had our annual visit from the Honda TT Legends Team in preparation for their trip to the North West 200 and, more importantly to the TT.
As always it was fantastic to see John McGuinness and his 2013 team mates Michael Dunlop and Michael Rutter putting their TT bikes through their paces and we will all have our finger crossed that John will get closer to Joey Dunlops all time 26 TT wins. In addition to the three TT Legends riders, Bruce Anstey and Simon Andrews also lapped on various bikes. We wish them all a successful and safe TT.
It is also a busy time for our team of bike instructors, having ran the track at the National BikeSafe Day, the biggest yet, two weeks ago, they now have a Motorcycle Track Day on 7th May a few places remain if you are quick, the Rider Performance Safety Day on Wednesday 8th May, before some of them then start thinking about racing at the NG Road Race Meeting on Saturday 8th June. More details next month, but backed by Motorcycle Direct, Fowlers and Simply Saab, we will see a welcome return of the Past Masters Classic Parade as well as races for just about every solo class plus F2 Sidecars.
Other Charity News
Regular track user, Christopher Darwin as we have remarked in the past runs his track day in a completely different way to anyone else and raised an amazing total of a little over 3,000 for his last event here on 14th March for the Combat Stress Appeal. Not only is it always a pleasure to see Christopher here but we are amazed by the generousity of his customers. He is back later in the year and we look forward to it.
Richard Edmonds Auctions - Friday 24th & Saturday 25th May
The second of 2013, Richard Edmonds Auctions are here at the end of the month and it should be one of the biggest with an amazing collection of motoring memorabilia. Saved from the skip and restored to its former glory it is expected to make its current owner a millionaire with some 800 items going under the hammer put up for auction by current owner Robin Barnard who has spent some 40 years collecting and restoring classic petrol pumps, enamel signs, motorbikes and much else. Have a look at the Richard Edmonds website to register your interest at www.richardedmondsauctions.com.
Castle Combe Cycling Festival - Sunday 2nd June
Castle Combe Cycling Festival on Sunday 2nd June 2013 is set to be one of the great cycling events of 2013 and its being held here at Castle Combe Circuit!
The event is a celebration of all things bicycle for all the family! From grass roots cycling to the Toddlebike Try Outs and Strider Adventure Zone through to the Severn Bridge Sportive offering 100 km or 100 mile routes for the more dedicated cyclist.
Savage Skills, the UKs leading freestyle mountain bike stunt team will be making regular appearances throughout the day as will Matti Hemmings, a professional Flatland BMXer and Guinness World Record holder who will be providing amazing BMX tricks on the flat.
The Circuit Challenge offers pure cycling fun for all the family. Taking place on the international race circuit, this is your chance to cycle as many 1.85 mile laps as you feel able.
Add in plenty of have-a-go opportunities with Wacky Cycles, Go Ride, Cycling Projects and more and you really do have something for all the family!
Full details at www.castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk PLUS 25% discount on the Family Cycling Festival (2 adults and 3 children) for tickets purchased online by Monday 27th May 2013!
Why do winners win?
Interesting to see examples of what makes a winner in both main motorsport disciplines here this week. On 2 wheels John McGuinness, fastest man around the TT circuit and the first rider to lap the 37 mile circuit at over 130mph was still trying settings on his Supersport bike when we put the flag out at 17.00; he was the only Honda TT rider still testing by then.
On 4 wheels, Jamun, the championship winning Formula Ford team were here in preparation for the Thruxton BTCC meeting. There are many similarities between the circuits so Jamun, leaving nothing to chance tested here to gain a potential advantage over their rivals so they could arrive at Thruxton with the cars set up and raring to go. This is the first season with the new look cars with the Eco Boost engine and the team wanted to tick every box.
Both winners and both working to the old saying of the harder you work the more successful you are.
FROM THE CASTLE COMBE CIRCUIT TEAM
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