SMRC AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY 2012 DECEMBER 2012
www.smrc-uk.com
Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh : Saturday December 1st
S cotti sh S al oon & S ports Car Champi onshi p Winner - King Hussein Trophy & John Nicolson Trophy (Top Sports Car): Gary Watson 2nd place - Adam Wylie Trophy Stewart Whyte 3rd place - H & G Robinson Trophy Philip Duncan
It was Gary’s third Championship in a row with his Westfield.
All the winners present at the Sheraton Hotel
Club Chairman Hugh McCaig introduced proceedings, and welcomed everyone to the SMRC Dinner and Awards Presentation. The club president Allan McNish was not able to attend but had sent his greetings by a film he had made while under a large umbrella. Allan said it had been a really strong year for Scottish Motorsport.
Hugh then gave the Chairman’s speech to the large gathering of over 400 members and guests. This is reproduced later in this issue and he noted he last stood here last 30 years ago. After his speech we then saw the new compering team. It was Knockhill commentators Duncan Vincent and Robert Johnston, who said it was something they had always wanted to do. The trophies for the Scottish championships would be presented between the courses during the meal. Hugh McCaig came back to the stage then said Grace. Dario Franchitti the Indycar star and 3 times Indy 500 winner came on stage to present the first two Championship Awards to those present.
S cotti sh Cl assi c S al oon and S ports Car Champi onshi p
S cotti sh Mazda MX5 Cup Winner
Paul Curtis
The first time we have had a separate trophy for these Sportscars.
S cotti sh Legends Cars Champi onshi p
Winner - Legends Quaich Carol Brown 2nd place - Legends Quaich Ross Marshall 3rd place - Legends Quaich Paul O’Brien Legends Rookie Award – Trophy David Allan Legends Team Trophy Kieran Murray / Darren Gaulton/ Lee Fitzpatrick / Duncan Vincent
Champions - Doune Cup: Andrew Smith (class E) and Robert Marshall (class C) 3rd - Trophy: Nic Boyes (& winner class A) Winner Class B Kieron Baillie Winner Class D Raymond Boyd Saloon Car Cup – Trophy Robert Marshall
There was an unusual situation as the overall Champion was to be shared between two drivers after they could not be separated over the course of the season. They had identical points and class pacings, all being wins. So in a light hearted moment the was a cup presented on stage which was then split in two to the audiences surprise, easy when its made of paper!
Dario presents Gary Watson with all of his trophies
Dario Franchitti with Robert Marshall and Andrew Smith
Ryan Dalziel the new LMP2 World Champion came up on stage to present Legends Cars and Fiestas. It was Carol’s 2nd Legends title and she was also runner up to Ross last year. She said on stage: “What a year it came down to the last race. I wasn’t really expecting this (title). Thanks to Stevie and Burnett Motorsport, the guys are all here.”
Wi s h i n g a s u c c e s s f u l n e w s e a s o n t o a l l o u r re a d e r s
Cel ti c S peed S cotti sh Mi ni Cooper Cup 1st Lombard Trophy 2nd place - Trophy 3rd Place Ladies Award – Trophy Newcomers Award
Ryan Dalziel with new Legends Cars champion Carol Brown
S cotti sh Fi esta Champi onshi p
XR2 Champion The Hamilton & Inches Quaich Peter Criuickshank XR2 2nd place – Trophy Wayne MacCauley XR2 3rd place – Trophy Craig Taylor The Sandy Forrest Trophy for the Newcomers Award Craig Taylor Champion – Fiesta ST Cup – Trophy Dave Colville
Peter Cruickshank received a huge cheer and lots of applause. The XR2 veteran had finally won the title. Duncan Vincent said to him: “It’s been a long, long time coming.” A very happy Peter said: “I started last century, and its finally mine, I couldn’t take the risk of defending it, as it could take another 15 years to win it again.”
David Sleigh Tim Sleigh Malcolm McNab Elaine Marshall Malcolm McNab
the mist cleared. Tim Sleigh was asked by Duncan,: “It looked like a classic year for you everything was going to plan until ...” Tim said: “You are right, unfortunately I had a massive accident. But the season started well and I was leading the Championship but my brother caught up, then bang. (The accident was shown on the TV screen behind the stage). Tim went on to say:
Winner
Raymond Boyd Porsche 911
The Mark Brennan Ol l on-Vi l l ars Quai ch
This beautiful hand made silver quaich was presented to the Club some years ago by Mark’s parents in memory of their son and is presented to the driver of the Best Prepared Classic Saloon or Sports Car.
John Cleland and Mini Champion David Sleigh
“Bruce’s taxis hooked me up with a car for the last few races.” David Sleigh who defended his title was then on stage. “He took 11 wins in 24 rounds and even won the round when it snowed,” said Duncan. David replied: “It was a great year for the team, with Tim also racing I had to let him win races to avoid mom ringing up and saying give Tim a chance!”
B. M. R. C. Trophy
Duncan Vincent asked John if he was happy to see another Scot Gordon Shedden on top in BTC. John said: “Last year when he nearly won it one bit of me wanted him to win but a part of me didn’t as up until then only Jim Clark and me had won Touring Cars. But he’s a deserving Champion and as long as he beat Plato I didn’t care.” The Mini racers came up on stage. Elaine Marshall said: “It’s been a good year for the Marshalls. Dad (Robert) has done well so has Ross.” Malcolm McNab said: “The team (Sleigh) has been doing a lot of work with me and having a car that’s brilliantly prepared helped. The first half of the year I was not that confident but after Croft (his 1st win)
Matt Chisholm Alex Bruce (Evo) David Allen Craig Taylor (XR2) Hamish Brandon
Winner Elaine Marshall Mini Cooper Ladies Cup winner
B.M.R.C. Trophy
Honorary Member and former British Touring Car Champion, John Cleland was on stage next to present the awards for the next Championship, Mini Coopers.
Formula Ford Saloons & Sportscars Legends Fiesta Championship Mini Cooper Cup
Edi nburgh S tudents Chari ti es Quai ch
S PECIAL AWARDS
Duncaan Vincent interviews new XR2 Champion Peter Cruickshank
S MRC Mechani cs Awards
Winner - 60pts B.M.R.C. Trophy & Cheque Andrew Smith 2nd place – 48 pts Trophy Gary Watson 3rd place – 40 pts Trophy Stewart Whyte & Carol Brown
The Border Motor Racing Club Trophy is one of the most prestigious awarded each year and is presented to the winner of the SMRC Points Championship based on overall race results. It was first awarded in 1957 and the winner that year was a 21 year old called Jim Clark.
John with Elaine Marshall
Jim Redpath the new Chief Marshall came up to announce the SMRC Driver of the Year Award which the marshals choose.
S MRC Dri ver of the Year Award Winner
Malcolm McNab
John Cleland presented it to Mini Cooper racer who was 3rd in the Championship - Malcolm McNab.
Malcolm McNab receives his awards from John Cleland
Ryan Sharp was up on stage to present the next award.
S MRC S upersports Trophy Colin Noble
Dario presents the BMRC Trophy to Andrew Smith
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A new award to a top UK Sportscar driver. The winner of the Dunlop British Radical Championship. Colin Noble. Colin said: “A big year, a big team effort, Europe next year.” Ronnie Thom representing Yokohama Tyres was on stage for the next awards.
Knockhi l l Young Dri ver of the Year Awards Single Seater Award Saloon Car Award
Alistair Dow (FF) Ross Wylie (Minis)
These awards are decided by the commentators at Knockhill.
Cal l ands Trophy
Rothmans Trophy
Dario Franchitti
This award goes to the top Scottish Driver competing in an International Championship. The winner thas collected this trophy before. This year for winning his 3rd Indianapolis 500 Dario Franchitti.
Alisdair McCaig
Ryan Dalziel presented Alisdair McCaig (right) with the Rothmans Trophy
Ronnie Thom with Ross Wylie
The Wal ter Robertson Award Peter Cruickshank
Dario Franchitti receives the Callands Trophy
Cl ai re and Ni chol asTrophy Jim Redpath
Awarded to a marshal or official whose work is often unseen but is important to the success of SMRC meetings. Winner Chief Marshal Jim Redpath.
This award is presented to the top Scottish driver competing in a UK National Championship. This year’s recipient came within a few minutes of winning the British GT championship at his first attempt. Ecurie Ecosse BMW Sportscar driver, Alisdair McCaig.
Ecuri e Ecosse Hub Cap Ross Wylie
The Patron of Ecurie Ecosse, Hugh McCaig, came back on stage to present the Ecurie Ecosse Hub Cap to this year’s winner. The wheel spinner from an Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar Dtype, affectionately known as the ‘Hub Cap’, is presented each year to an outstanding young Scottish driver who has shown enormous potential.
Peter Cruickshank (left) is pleased to receive his award from Walter Roberston
This carriage clock is given to the recipient to keep and is awarded to someone who puts a huge amount of effort in to the sport but does it entirely for the fun and enjoyment. This year’s recipient of the Walter Robertson Award also wins it for his perseverance. Walter said: “I’ve presented this for a few years and for the winner its been a long and winding road, it’s Peter Cruickshank”
Wi l l i am Lyons Trophy Ryan Dalziel
Chief Marshal Jim Redpath (right) receives the Claire and Nicholas Trophy
Duncan Fi sher Trophy John Doran
This trophy is given in memory of Duncan who competed at Ingliston in the 70’s and 80’s and is awarded to an enthusiast who is totally committed to his favourite sport of motor racing and invariably does most of his work behind the scenes. His or her efforts are usually seen by few but appreciated by many. John Doran is a Scottish Sun journalist and supporter of Scottish Motorsport.
Ryan Sharp presents Ryan Dalziel (right) with the Trophy
The Ecurie Ecosse Hubcap went to Ross Wylie
The John Romanes ‘S wi ft’ Trophy Gordon Shedden
John presents new BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden with the Swift Trophy
This trophy is given for the best performance by a Scottish driver in a Sports Car. Ryan was winner of the LMP2 World Championship.
John Cleland with John Doran (right)
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This beautiful trophy was donated to the Club some years ago by Doris Romanes in memory of her late husband, John, who was a stalwart of the Club for the best part of 50 years and ran Ingliston in its early days. The trophy is awarded to a Scot for ‘Excellence in Motor Racing’. John Cleland
presented it saying ‘for a small country the amount of proper Champions his country produces, fantastic drivers with a never say die attitude . The recipient started at the bottom he’d do anything to race, even married the bosses daughter so he’d have his own race track to play on.’ The Trophy went to new BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden. Gordon said : “It’s a shock to get this, its kinda weird to get this as I started in XR2s and managed somehow to make it up and it was always the dream to get to Touring Cars. I’ve had so much support from people in Scotland and without that support we can’t go on. We race for Scotland and fly the flag.”
The S hei l a Whyte Trophy Alistair Dow
The Harl ey Whyte Trophy
The S tewart Medal Hugh McCaig
This medal is presented by Sir Jackie Stewart and his family and is awarded for ‘Services to Scottish Motorsport’. This year’s recipient, as usual, has no idea that he is to receive this very special silver medal . Sandy Denham came up on stage and said only 6 people in the room tonight knew who has won this award. “At the AGM a rallying cry went out for one man to be Chairman with broad shoulders, commercial acumen and humour. We are very fortunate to have him and its an enormous pleasure to ask Dario to present it to Hugh McCaig.”
Scott Roberston
These two awards are supported by money given each year by the Whyte & Mackay Trust and again this year by additional money from the Club. Duncan thanked David Brown of Whyte & Mackay, who was here with us this evening, for supplying the miniatures on the tables. The awards go to two outstanding drivers competing in SMRC Championships who have started circuit racing in the last couple of years, shown great talent and ability, and could well move on to greater things within the sport. The Sheila Whyte Trophy comes with a cheque for £500 and is awarded to a driver who has impressed everyone with his single seater driving. This year’s winner is Alistair Dow.
Dario with Chairman Hugh McCaig
Hugh said that he thought he was in charge and he was quite shocked and stunned tonight, and that its not like him to be lost for words. He then said Dario wants to go to Le Mans, so do we (Ecurie Ecosse) and we’ll win it. Heather Brunton was then presented with a bouquet of flowers for her work on tonight’s event and for taking on the role of Club Secretary and assisting the new Competition Secretary. During the awards ceremony we had several on stage interviews and comments;
Commentators best moments of 2012 Alistair Dow (right) receives the Sheila Whyte Trophy from Ryan Dalziel
The Hartley Whyte Trophy went to a driver who is the third generation from his family racing in SMRC Championships, who this year won the Fiesta ST Cup class 7 times, it was 6 outright Fiesta race wins in the season and he was the winner in 5 of the last 6 races. He could have won the ST Cup if he hadn’t missed 2 rounds through work commitments at a F1 meeting. Congratulations and a cheque for £750 to Scott Robertson.
Scott Robertson won the Hartley Whyte Trophy
Robert Johnston said: “Minis, the BTC support race on the Sunday was stunning. There was one point were there were 4 Minis going down the straight together.” Duncan Vincent said: “The race I won (in Legends) bit I kinda lucked it. Then there was the Legends final with the two Burnett team mates going head to head in a winner takes all October race.”
Guests on S tage
David Tremane (Formula 1 journalist) He said that he became a journalist with luck, and that it beats working. He is writing a book on McLaren and covers F1. David said: “What we have in this club is unique, all the stars come and intermingle so well with club drivers. We come up with the Leslie’s every year and to all the racers in the room, good luck for next year.”
Dario Franchitti Duncan interviewed Dario saying it was good to have him here and also at the Go Motorsport night a few days earlier. Dario said: “It was great to support the club, I was also at the October race meeting. I got into racing as I spent a lot of my childhood following my dad and Louis (Di Resta) at Ingliston. At Knockhill (in October) it was really good to see the races, they were really intense and there was lots
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Dario Franchitti spoke about his Indycar racing
of good racing.” Duncan asked about the car he had on display in October a Team Cool Green Reynard Indycar. Dario said: “It was actually sitting in a barn for a while and I like that car. I was going to come and see my friend Jim Boyd race but thanks to Graham and Heather Brunton’s enthusiasm (we got the Indycar). Graham showed up at my house to collect the car but it wouldn’t fit so he got another bigger trailer.” Dario said he‘d thought about racing at Knockhill when he retired but the racing was tough. Then Dario said he had a contract with the Target Chip Ganassi team for 2013 so he would definitely be racing Indycars. He hoped to race Indycars for a couple more years, then perhaps go to Le Mans as he had fun racing Sportscars with his brother Marinio this year. “He’s quick so I had to pedal hard,” said Dario. When asked about his win at Indianapolis this year he said: “I was facing backwards after 15 laps, it was not in the plan. My strategist came on the radio and said, all right man it happened early we’ve a long way to go and I said what **** film are you watching. But he was right 60 laps later I was back in the lead.” Duncan asked about the final lap of the race, were Dario was under pressure from former GP racer Takumo Sato. “As I started to block him he moved down to the inside going into turn 1 at 230 mph. If you go off line there’s marbles and at Indy it’s flat in turn 1. I started to move up (the banking) and found grip, then he started to spin. I’ve got my spotter on the radio shouting inside, inside, then the other car hits me and the spotter says keep going. So I did and didn’t stop shaking until I got to victory lane.” He then went on to say: “The biggest achievement is I get to do something I love and still do it and I really appreciate it. It’s also true McNish & I did deliver some Pizzas (when they were young) in a Fiat Punto.” BBC F1 commentator Leigh Mackenzie was present at the dinner and it was her birthday. She came up on stage when Dario was there. Dario said: “I went to Austin (Texas)to see Paul (Di Resta) race and half the F1 paddock is Scots.” The room then sang Happy Birthday to Leigh. She then made the draw for the raffle prize which was a barbecue set made from the front of Tim Sleigh’s rolled Mini Cooper! Duncan asked Leigh who was her favourite F1 drivers to interview. She said: “Seb Vettel, he’s very aware and naughty and says inappropriate things. Seb is always fantastic so is Jenson Button. Eddy Jordan is the worst person to interview, he takes his ear piece out just before you are going on and says what are you going to ask and what am I going to say!” Gordon Shedden then made his entrance having been at his brother in law Rory Butcher’s wedding that day. The room rose as one to applaud the new BTC Champion. Gordon said he’d heard a rumour that Dario was buying so he thought he’d better come along.
Dr Robert Johnson interviews Gordon Shedden (right)
Robert Johnston asked if he had learned a lot from last year (when he was runner up). Gordon said: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind and heart breaking at times, but it kept me in a job to do it this year.” He was reminded there was scope for disaster at the final BTC meeting with rain. Gordon said: “I’m happy driving in the liquid sunshine.” He also said of the final race when he had already won the title: “It was strange, Every time I’ve sat in a car its had
some meaning but that last race was quite surreal, but I had a job to do to get my team mate as runner up.” When asked if life has changed Gordon said: “No, Gillian had be back at work on Tuesday, but I’m very privileged and very proud to be only the 3rd Scot to have done it. John Cleland was a hero of mine, going to watch him in 1994 was the catalyst for it all.” Ryan Dalziel Ryan talked about his racing and an early incident at Knockhill in single seaters, Ryan said he was trying to pass when the car went up in the air. This year he has been very successful in both Europe and USA and said: “I’ve only had one on track caution in the last 4 years, it was with Montoya (ex F1 racer) and he still can’t pronounce my name.” Ryan said he and Dario go way back and that Dario used to pick him up from school in his Ferrari then it wouldn’t start so they had to push it. Ryan said: “No matter how far Dario and I live our roots are still here. The last Scottish World Champion was Colin McRae, but this was a team championship we won. Last night I went to the Larkhall dinner and it doesn’t matter how big or small the stage is.” When asked what it
was like driving prototypes Ryan said: “For me the biggest difficulty going from single seaters to Sportscars was the windscreen, then the dimensions of the car.” He also said Dario helped him. “I came in at the end of the Leslie’s and met this guy who is the Rod Stewart of motor racing. Most of my advice from John Cleland was just hit everyone, but it’s not so good when you are in single seaters.” He also added that it was great to be back here and be part of this event. John Cleland former BTC Champion said: “In all my time racing the only person I’ve taken off was at Oulton Park and it was Anthony Reid. I got fined for putting him in the barriers, but it was worth it.” John asked Dario why he didn’t get on with NASCAR saloons when he raced them. Dario said: “I didn’t enjoy them.” John then said: “I went over to the US to drive one and it was the only car I’ve driven that looked like it had been in an accident. It was the most horrendous thing I’ve driven but I would have paid money to drive one.”
Kevin Pick
VW chooses Scottish Mini star SMRC on TV Wylie to compete in Scirocco R-Cup After a successful maiden season in the Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cup, Ross Wylie has been invited by Volkswagen to race in its hugely popular one-make series. The 21-year old former karting champion made an impressive impact on his debut at Knockhill, taking a podium in his first ever race and concluding the season with a brace of victories. This quick success prompted the Scot to consider a switch to the British Porsche Carrera Cup - but a chance meeting with Porsche Scholarship winner Daniel Lloyd led Wylie to turn his focus to Germany. “The first time I heard about the Scirocco R-Cup was whilst chatting with Daniel at Knockhill. He raced in the series last year and his positive experiences inspired me to apply to race in the 2013 championship. Over 100 other drivers did the same but I was fortunate to be one of 30 invited to a shootout at Oschersleben (29/30 October),” explains Ross, adding: “We were initially assessed in a Polo Cup car and the top fifteen were invited back to take part in day two. Thankfully I was in that group.” The second day involved Ross getting to grips with a Scirocco R-Cup racer, with further on-track
Ross Wylie enjoyed success in his Mini Cooper
All of the SMRC Championships had an end of season review on Motors TV. Each review was 48 minutes long.
DVDs of each Championship’s 2012 season are available from Kim at AJK Televison Productions Ltd. Cost of a set of 4/5 DVDs per championship is £25. The 2011 DVDs are on offer at £12.50 per set. Log on to www.ajktv.co.uk or email info@ajktv.co.uk for full details.
Scirocco R-Cup at Brands Hatch
assessments conducted alongside his media skills being tested. Despite having never seen the circuit before and no experience of driving a slick-shod race car, Wylie received a telephone call just a few days after arriving back at his home in Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, offering him a place amongst the 30strong field. “It’s great to be part of a manufacturer-supported series but this is seriously cool. The Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup is part of the DTM (German Touring Car) package and everything is looked after by VW Motorsport. The cars have limited set-up options, so changes can only be made to things like the tyre pressures and anti-roll bars. Fans love the racing because it is so close and the addition of legends – former F1, DTM and drivers from other disciplines of motorsport, plus ‘celebrities’ like Sebastian Vettel’s dad – means that I’ll be performing in front of crowds of over 65,000 people.” “I am delighted to be asked to take part in the championship. When I first went over to Germany for the assessment, I didn’t quite know what to expect, as there was a lot of talent over there. The Scirocco R-Cup will be a great launch pad for my career. It is a great opportunity and I intend to grasp it with both hands.”
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Pre season testing at Knockhill
For those drivers who wish to fine tune their cars or take their new acquisitions out for some important track time, Knockhill has arranged two provisional test dates: Saturday 16th February: 12noon - 4pm Saturday 16th March: 1pm - 5pm
Book your session in advance for £70 or pay £75 on the day. Tel: 01383 723337
• LETTERS •
Dear Kevin At the 2012 Scottish Classics dinner three awards were voted for by the classics drivers. These were presented to: Best Driver - Robert Marshall Most Improved Driver - Raymond Boyd Spirit of Classics - Ian Morton Around 40 people attended the dinner at the Riverhouse, Stirling and the awards were again kindly sponsored by classics driver Peter Holdsworth of Braveheart Motorsport. Kind regards Ian Morton
THE CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH Hugh started with a joke which he told very well judging by the applause and laughter he got. Hugh said: “Sounds a bit like an Oscar winning movie. Well as you can see I’m not Colin Firth, and I don’t have a stutter. At least I didn’t before this evening. Which reminds me of the ceilidh once in the Kyle Village hall. As at all these village dances the boys are all lined down one side of the hall with the girls all lined down the other. The music starts and as always, there’s a big rush to get a convivial partner. Inevitably there is one boy and girl left and they’re no the bonniest pair o’ chookies. The lad shyly wanders over to address the lassie and says, ”Hullo wid ye lllllll like tttae ddd dance, my name’s JJJJJJ Joseph.” She smiles back at him coyly, as they do in these highland communities and says: “That’s a ccccc coincidence my name is MMM Mary, But I’m nnnnno a vvvvv very good dancer! “ What a turn out. Over four hundred people here tonight. It really does give the people who put enormous effort into the day to day running of the Scottish Motor Racing Club a huge boast when you guys turn out for a great show of support such as this. Thank you.. A club that was first registered in 1946 and whose first President was Reg Parnell……and has had the Who’s Who of Scottish motorsport as their membership over the last sixty years We also had a great motorsport evening on Thursday at Noble’s Nissan dealership at Straiton, on the south side of Edinburgh. We had a superb turn out with over 200 members of the public coming along. And thank you to Dario, Louis Di Resta Gordon Shedden, Johnny Adam, The Knockhill guys, all the racers who brought cars and Karts along, Radical and the Nobles who emptied their smart modern showroom. All the enthusiasts who turn out to help. Thank you all. I last stood here in this room as Chairman thirty years ago and a year ago I certainly didn’t expect to be standing here as Chairman tonight. We have apologies from some of our Honorary members. Our Honorary Patron Sir Jackie Stewart. Our President Alan McNish who failed the height test on Ryan Air. His father Bert was still trying to get him on as a juvenile…. David Coulthard, Betty Craig, Doris Romanes, and Ian Scott Watson. Paul Di Resta also sends his apologies, due to his current formula one sponsorship commitments. We have several of our honorary members with us tonight. Three times Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti, Double British touring car champion , Jaguar tamer ,and Melrose Meteorite John Cleland, Bernard Buss the Club’s long time anchorman our Sergeant Wilson and all round great guy and last but not least my old friend and Navigator. In fact I am surprised he found his way here tonight, Graham Gauld motoring writer, author, biographer ,indeed a multi faceted talent. There are also among us many people who have come to support us from all over the world .Gordon Shedden,2012 British Touring car Champion…Ryan Daziel The FIA WEC LMP2 champion. Colin Noble, who won the British Radical championship outright, beating all the more powerful class cars and the big guys with big budgets. And John Clark, former BTCC racer, who finished third in the Spa six hour race. A huge Scottish Motorsport Supporter and sponsor over many years. Most of the Ecurie Ecosse team are here. In fact I think they’ve drunk most of next year’s tyre budget already.
Sadly Nicol Cuthbert passed away earlier this year. Nicol was a member of the BRDC and he ran Eric Lidell, Robin Lidell’s father, in Lotus Elans and Ford GT 40 in the 1960’s We have lost some committee members who have resigned over the year and we have gained some new faces. Heather and Graham Brunton, who have taken over the post of Club Secretary and Competition Secretary respectively and have put an enormous effort into the reorganisation of the Club business. Including the introduction of a new website with on line race entry and payment. There are still a few glitches on the website but they are getting there with it. We also have Nic Boyes, Andrew Morrison and Gareth Davies new to the committee. For the first time in a number of years I feel that we have a group of people running this Club who are all going in the same direction, who are all contributing, who have the same goals and are prepared to listen to reasoned argument with some sound business sense. This has been a difficult season,….. however we have fought on,………. undaunted in spite of many potholes on the track . We have seen a lot of angst, and a degree of selfishness. People have sometimes been quick to point the finger of blame at others to cover their own shortcomings and mistakes. The Way Forward It may be that we will propose some changes to the Club’s constitution at the next AGM to bring it more into line with a twenty first century business. The Club is here to run and promote race meetings for all the club members not just those who run at the front. We are also trying to encourage the marshalling strength to integrate more with the Club and are offering Club membership free to those who commit to marshal at the majority of Club events. We have had a fantastic attendance of qualified marshalls over the years, who donate their services free to our events and execute their tasks with consummate professionalism. I would like to mention Jim Redpath who is with us tonight. He has taken over as chief marshal from Nick Clarke who was in that position for many years. Nick remains an MSA Clerk of the Course . The club has purchased HD video cameras for next year, so that we can monitor not only driving standards but compare observer reports with incidents. Subjects that have been a constant thorn over a long period and have featured strongly in track disputes over this season . We will introduce next year a new one make class, BMW 1600 Compacts. These should be able to be put on the grid for £5,000. Complete with roll cage, uprated suspension and a control ECU. Also we are continuing with iMazda MX5’s as a budget sportscar class that has a similar technical format to the BMW Compacts and a similar cost. Thirty years ago we had Minis and Formula Fords, well we’ve still got Mini’s and we’ve still got Formula Fords. But all round things have changed a lot in thirty years. We’ve got simulators now. RPM, Russell Paterson’s Company have installed a new state of the art Simulator at their Perth premises. Let’s hope it’s a bit more state of the art than the Morgans and Royal Enfield motor cycles they also sell!!...Will we need circuits in thirty years time!!!? What is more to the point will we have carbon emitting cars in thirty years time? Competitors and enthusiasts expectations have risen enormously and the SMRC is having to change to keep up with these expectations. At the same time we have to cater for
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SMRC Chairman Hugh McCaig
the needs and requirements of everyone of mixed ability and financial means and see that everyone is treated fairly and make sure that our sport is affordable and thrives for the future in what is an ever challenging economic climate. Every competitor is vital to the success of every event, not just the guys at the front. We have to be profitable to bring in and pay for new developments, regulations, equipment and training and ensure the future of our sport in Scotland whatever form it takes. It is important that entry fees are affordable ,and to that end we have given the task of finding and looking after sponsorship to Vic Covey, Most of you will know Vic and he has a good understanding of motorsport and the Scottish Motor Racing Club. We have a great amount of motorsport talent here in Scotland, a lot of it is here tonight, past and present…Those that have been successful have had to get off their backsides and head off to the South or even further. It is great for some of them to take some of their valuable time, at the peak of their careers, and with loads of other major pressures on them, and spend it with us in supporting us here tonight. Thank you all very much. The unsettled political future of Scotland is having a marked effect on Industry .That in turn filters through the financial food chain with companies cutting back on non essentials. Motorsport runs on money. It is our mission as a club to be modern and affordable for our members and promote new talent. To improve the communication and progress from Karting to frontline Motorsport. What better example of that do we have than Gordon Shedden, the new BTCC champion who started karting in Scotland, progressed to the SMRC XR2 Fiestas and pushed himself to what he has achieved this year as British Touring Car Champion. A brilliant effort and a great ambassador for Scotland. I would like to lastly thank our commercial partners for their help and sponsorship • Tommy Dreelan and Celtic Speed • Yokohama Tyres • TMS Motor Spares • Adrian Hamilton and the Garage Door company. • Waterevolution Ladies and gentleman I thank you again for your support and your indulgence in listening to my ramblings. Here’s to a great night and a successful 2013.
Hugh McCaig
• NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS •
SMRC MEMBERSHIP - NO INCREASE IN FEES Join now, application form on the club web site. There is no increase in membership fees for 2013.
ONLINE RACE ENTRY
Online entry via web site – this is being worked on so that credit cards can be used. It should help reduce the amount of late entries the club has to deal with.
RACE ENTRY FEES 2013
No big increase for SMRC meetings at Knockhill, the standard SMRC fee for most classes will be £250. The late entry fee will be strictly imposed. There will be £20 added to all late entries. The closing date is 10 days before each SMRC meeting. The regulations will allow persistent late entrants to be charged up to £50.
CHAMPIONSHIP REGISTRATION FEES Minis and Legends only as in 2012.
FEATURE RACES
At 6 of the 7 meetings in 2013 one championship will be the featured class and will have an extra race, or in Legends case an additional round of 3 races. Fees will be in the regulations. Dates for additional race will be in each championships regulations.
TRACK TIME
24 racing laps minimum for all Championships at SMRC meetings, plus 6 laps or 10 minutes qualifying. FF1600, Fiestas, Saloons & Sports, Classics will all have 2 x 12 lap races, Minis 3 x 9 laps, Legends 8, 8 & 10 laps .
KNOCKHILL SMRC RACE MEETING DATES
The following dates are provisional - April 7th, May 11th (Saturday), June 23rd, July 14th, August 11th, September 15th, October 7th. There should be 7 SMRC meetings.
AWAY ROUNDS 2013 (provisional)
Oulton Park, Cheshire this superb track should have races for SMRC Championships; May 25th (Sat) Mini Cooper Cup, Classic Sports and Saloons August 31st (Sat) – Fiestas (shared races with BRSCC XR2s) Legends Cars Double header - to be confirmed. BTCC Knockhill August 24/25 – SMRC involvement to be confirmed.
RACEIVERS
These one way radios continue to be used in Legends Car only. They are no longer mandatory in Fiestas or Saloons and Sportscars in 2013.
COM P E T I T I O N
REGULATIONS UPDATE
(Provisional) Minis – rear fog / rain light to be placed inside the rear window, fibre glass bonnets permitted though not mandatory. (Minimum overall weight of car unchanged). Drivers door window nets recommended. Fiestas – ST & XR2, no weight penalties for race wins, Yokohama tyres continue. No major technical changes. No shims in suspension. Drivers door window nets recommended. FF1600 – Tyres - increase in the amount of dry tyres allowed for the new season. This is up from 12 to 16. Legends Cars – no change to tyres. Grid draw may be replaced by qualifying from practise times and top ten reverse grids for races 2 and 3 if grid draws are not available. Rookies continue to start at back of the grid for 6 races, as do guests in any race they enter. Legends regulations to be updated in line with nationals as much as possible. Three engines allowed as in nationals. Classics – classes as 2012 A to F. One year notice that shock absorbers with remote reservoirs are not allowed in 2014. Engine limit of up to 1800cc for Specials and Kit cars. This championship is primarily for road production saloon cars. Caterhams and Lotus 7s are allowed. All cars should have had space for two front seats. Saloons & Sports – New Class for Scottish BMW Compacts. This should be run as the MX5 Cup, a separate competition within the Championship. In 2013 the Championship will have two categories A and B. Class A in two sections as in 2012 but Class B is now split into 4 classes. B4 - up to 1600cc; B3 - 1601 to 2000cc; B2 - Caterhams and Kit cars over 1400cc and B1 - saloons and sportscars over 2000cc including all 4 wheel drives and turbo charged engines. Invitation class introduced with a maximum amount of meetings that a car can be entered as a guest set at 3. This class scores no points. BMRC – Legends score based on overall positions after 3 races (1 round) at each meeting nominated. There should be 7 qualifying meetings, an increase from 2012 of one meeting. Regulations should be on club website by early February.
NEW FIESTA DRIVERS REPRESENTATIVE
Dave Colville who has raced XR2s for years and was runner up in the XR2 Championship in 2011 and won the ST Cup in 2012 is the new rep. E mail davecolville@hotmail.com.
Scottish Formula Ford Championship supported by CRS and the Garage Door Company (Provisional) 1st Place John Romanes Quaich & The Jock McBain Trophy Ross McEwan 2nd place - John Romanes Quaich - Alistair Dow 3rd place - John Romanes Quaich - Ian Munro Classic Formula Ford Cup - Trophy - Ivor Mairs Newcomers Award - Jordan Gronkowski
Last issue we had two cars and two drivers. The leading car was a TVR Tuscan driven by Olly Ross and the 2nd a Toyota Starlet powered by a Turbo charged Cosworth engine driven by John Muir. The bonus question was name another car Olly has raced. This was given as a Lotus Europa in Classics (you could have had, Davrian, Radical, Escort Estate road saloon etc). The winner with it all correct is new XR2 Champion Peter Cruickshank. This issue we are back to Road saloons from the early 90s at Knockhill. What is the lead car and who is driving it. Entries to your editor on ansaphone 0131 332 8287 or email k.pick@smrc-uk.com. The editors decision is final. Closing date January 31st 2013.
7
Go Motorsport Night
Thursday 29th November at Alex F Noble Nissan dealership near Straiton, Edinburgh The cl ub wi s hes to s ay a hug e thank y o u to al l tho s e i nv o l v ed i n o rg ani s i ng the ev eni ng , es peci al l y Graham and Heather Brunto n pl us Co l i n No bl e who al s o had two Radi cal Spo rts car o n di s pl ay, i ncl udi ng hi s Bri ti s h Champi o ns hi p wi nni ng car.
(L to r) Hugh McCaig, Gordon Shedden, Colin Noble and Dario Franchitti
The Motorsport night inside Alex F Nobleʼs Nissan dealership
The main showroom was turned into a motorsport display with cars from Legends, Classics, Saloons & Sportscars, Formula Ford, Fiestas, Mini Coopers and a BMW Compact, plus a racing kart. On hand to answer potential new drivers questions were drivers and team race preparation experts, club committee members including Chairman Hugh McCaig and Competition Secretary Graham Brunton, Vice Chairman Russell Paterson, Classics racer Nic Boyes, Gareth Davies, Mike How, Kevin Pick and Sandy Denham. As well as Andrew Morrison who also had his Seat on display.
Duncan also interviewed Louis di Resta, Father of F1 driver Paul. Louis, himself an ex top Scottish Formula Ford racer, said about Paul, “The plan is he stays there (in F1) for a long time. We are all proud of him. He had a good start to the year and scored double the points of last year (2011).” Knockhill had a stand manned by Stewart Gray and Ian Forrest and publicised ARDS courses. Local press, radio and STV were also present. Vic Covey was there, as were new Scottish Champions Carol Brown and Dave Colville. Dave has also taken over as the Fiesta drivers representative. Carol Brown, the new Legends cars champion and a fomer kart racer, said while being interviewed: “I raced karts and it was just me and my dad in the van. It was really competitive but we won two championships. Karting really helps you.” Later in the evening Caroline McMurdo and her daughter Stephanie were interviewed. Caroline said: “I got into racing (Legends Cars) because my husband had started.” She now races in Classics and continued: “The atmosphere at the track is fantastic. The Classics has such a lot of different classes so there are races within races.”
Andrew Morrison with his Seat
Hugh McCaig spoke about how easy it is to start racing and also said that Ecurie Ecosse were back in 2012. “It’s been an interesting year and we’ve had a few crashes but we finished every race.” Duncan Vincent compered the evening and we had two special guests. Dario Franchitti and Gordon Shedden both doing interviews and stressing you have to start somewhere and that its easy to get into motorsport. Dario also said that it was great to be at the SMRC meeting at Knockhill in October and he was surprised at how intense the competition was.
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SMRC COMMITTEE
Hugh McCaig
019686 76406
(Chairman - email: h.mccaig@smrc-uk.com)
Russell Paterson
07979 911 111
(Vice-Chairman - email: r.paterson@smrc-uk.com)
Graham Brunton
07778 169512
(Competition Sec - email: g.brunton@smrc-uk.com)
Kevin Pick
0131 332 8287
(Wheelspin Editor - email: k.pick@smrc-uk.com)
Mike How
0131 339 3876
(Club Clothing - email: m.how@smrc-uk.com)
Sandy Denham
email: s.denham@smrc-uk.com
Nic Boyes Bernard Buss
0131 334 2000
n.boyes@smrc-uk.com 01361 882322
email: b.buss@smrc-uk.com
Gareth Davies Kate Haston
g.davies@smrc-uk.com 01324 556541
email: k.haston@smrc-uk.com
Andrew Morrison a.morrison@smrc-uk.com
switching to cars this year aged 14. He raced a Ginetta in the BTCC package and said: “The cars are quite underpowered for the grip they have and it is totally different from the karts.”
Duncan Vincent interviewing Carol Brown with Caroline and Stephanie McMurdo
Stephanie McMurdo added: “One day I just decided to go racing. It looked like a lot of fun and it is! It’s also easy to get into,” added the Mini Cooper racer. We had lots of potential new drivers and several young under 14 year old racers, who were also interviewed. These included Elliott Paterson who had raced for two years in karts before
Duncan Vincent interviews some of the younger drivers
Visit our website on www.smrc-uk.com Editor: Kevin Pick: Email k.pick@smrc-uk.com Photos by Jim Moir Tel: 0131 552 8817 Wheelspin designed by Vince Towns Graphic Design Tel: 0779 2050 786
Kev i n Pi ck