Castle Combe Test Day

Saturday 26th July 1997 - By Kieron Winter

Driving up the M4 in early morning sunshine I thought how wrong the Weatherman had been about his predictions, however at 8.30 a.m. the first rain started falling on the circuit and it kept falling until 3.00 p.m.

Once again we had a full entry for the event and soon the early runners were out in the slippery conditions. Giles helped me out by collecting tickets in the Paddock, his Cossie would only take to the track when the Sun came out. During one of the morning sessions, one Mini Cooper was going much faster than the rest of his group, the driver did not see the Chequered Flag, he went around for another lap and lost it at Quarry Corner - the Tow Truck brought back one bent car. Several other cars took to the grass resulting in two bent front spoilers.

The wet weather did not put off the Morgan drivers who were in Bath for their National Rally, however one driver confessed that it was only on his third session that he noticed the large puddle that was making his car jump to the left of the track, in fact he had been aquaplaning.

At about 3.30 p.m. I noticed a Toyota MR2 in the queue, knowing we did not have one entered I assumed it was a driver who had changed a car, I went to remind him that it should be scrutineered. When I asked him what number he was, he said he did not have one. When we went into the Office he produced paperwork for the VW Golf Action Day to be held the following Saturday. I didn t find out how far he had come, but he had to set off for home again.

Thanks to all competitors and those who helped in running the event.