4 minute read
MAC Clee Hills Trial
Paul Merson burns rubber on the way to the overall win
2022 MAC Clee Hills Trial
Advertisement
23rd January 2022, By Syd Wall, with additional photos by Peter McFadyen
Best MAC member and Best Cinematography went to Mike Henney & Philip Stader
The Midland Automobile Club’s Clee Hills Trial made a welcome return from the 2021 Covid sabbatical with a large entry of around 70 cars and bikes gathering at The Squirrel in Ludlow to attack up to 12 hills over 80 miles.
Entries ranged from classic and modern bikes to classic trials cars and modified road cars to a Reliant Robin Special.
Mark Gregg’s Austin 7, 2nd in Class 5
© Syd Wall
Simon & Charlotte Lewis Suzuki X90 4th in class
Suzuki X90s were the most prolific entry. When they first went on sale in the mid-90s, they were ridiculed for their ridiculous look and poor driving experience, but the remaining examples have found a home in trialling. In fact, they are so popular that they have their own class. The oldest cars included a group of 1930s Austin Sevens, right back to a 1928 Ford Model A and a 1926 Frazer Nash Super Sports, with many Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) members taking part.
After a long day or competition, first overall were Class 8’s Paul Merson and Nick Sherrin in the 1600cc Shopland Mk2. They cleaned every section except the tough Jenny Wind, where they scored a 2.
As usual with these type of events, the entry was split in to many different classes to allow competitors an equal opportunity for a victory. The class winners were:
Class 0 Novices: Michael Dorsett & Mary Grimmett scored 28 in a Suzuki X90
© Syd Wall © Syd Wall
The 1928 Ford
Model A of Steve
Hill performed well throughout the day
Classic and Competition Car Classic and Competition Car
Class 2: Roger Ashby & Alan Wibberley scored 15 in the Coates Orthoptera
Class 3 & 4 combined: Sam & Mick Holmes scored 12 in a VW Beetle Class 5: George Houghton & John Harris scored 28 in a Dellow Mk 1
Class 7: Richard Houlgate & Ian Webb scored 16 in a Marlin Roadster
© Syd Wall © Syd Wall
© Syd Wall Class 8: Charlie Knifton & Martin Freeman scored 7 in a VW Scorpion - class win as overall winner was from the same class Class E: George Osborne & Ian Benfield scored 63 in the Reliant Super Robin Special
Class 90: Nick Deacon & Ben Wear scored 5 in a Suzuki X90 of course
© Peter McFadyen © Peter McFadyen
Joe Stollery & Garry Plummer Wolseley Hornet, Best VSCC member, 2nd in class.
Stewart Green’s Gruffalo was a contender in Class 8 but retired Peter Kite in the field’s oldest car, the 1926 Frazer Nash Super Sports Retired
Mark & John Sandford Sylva Enigma Retired
© Peter McFadyen
Despite struggling early on the stage, Matthew & Michael Wills (MX5) made it to the top
Jonathan & Pat Toulmin Suzuki X90 8th in class
© Peter McFadyen © Peter McFadyen
© Syd Wall Russ Clark’s Troll T6B - 3rd in Class 8
Nicola Butcher jumped her Beetle to 2nd in combined Class 3/4
© Peter McFadyen
The Suzuki X90s leapt higher than the rest on this section. This is Brian Hampson’s example
Stuart Highwood & Mark Ensoll Scimitar SS1 Retired Colin Bromley & Louise Anson Citroen 2CV - Did not sign off.
Ed Wells and his Dutton Melos claimed 2nd in Class 7
© Peter McFadyen
© Peter McFadyen
Kev Stannard GasGas Pampera 1st Overall Bikes.
Charles Whitaker Beta Alp 200 3rd in class.
Motorcycle section. There were sixteen motorcycles taking part in the MAC Clee Hills Trial. Overall Winner was Kev Stannard on a GasGas Pampera
