The big interest in this fabulous finale was all about winning the Tillicoultry Quarries Wiscombe Park Championship.
Taunton’s Rod Eyles had been at the top of the table since the first event in April, driving his stunning Alfa Romeo 4C. Rod has been involved in motorsport for over 40 years and in that time has won numerous British speed championships. His main challenger was Steve Wareham in his classic 1970 Mini – Steve holds a number of Class records across the South West, including at Wiscombe.
Saturday was a very challenging day with the hill being deceptively greasy for the morning practice run. Illustrating just how tricky the conditions were, the very experienced and quick Simon Clemow – Radical SR1 - had a very big “off” at top Esses on the entry to Sawbench Hairpin on his first timed run.
Fortunately, Simon was unhurt – the same cannot be said of the car, and Simon could take no further part in the meeting. The day ended with Rod Eyles and Steve Wareham winning their Classes, meaning that the Championship went down to the wire on Sunday.
Sunday produced much kinder conditions and there were a number of drivers that set Personal Best times - a perfect way to finish their season. Again, both Rod Eyles and Steve Wareham won their Classes....so they had an overnight wait for the decision from the Wiscombe officials on who would be crowned Champion.
Because the Championship is open to all cars, there is a handicap calculation performed so that they all compete equally. By mid morning on Monday it was confirmed that Rod Eyles was the 2021 Champion – another title to add to his long list.
In the battle of the quickest cars for the Fastest Time of the Day (FTD), it was Blandford’s Andrew Forsyth – OMS CF04 - who made it a memorable double – FTD on Saturday too - with a 36.62s final run – two tenths quicker than his Saturday FTD.
The cars were again joined by the members of the National Hill Climb Association on their bikes and sidecars. Peter Short was fastest on both days on his KTM, followed closely by multiple British Champion, Pauk Jefferey on his Honda CR.
To keep up to date with events at Wiscombe, and the dates for the 2022 meetings check the website www.wiscombepark.com and Facebook page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here