Shelsley Walsh 1 June 2014

I still haven’t found a car to replace the Van Diemen so it’s been frustrating attending events without anything in which to compete. Last Saturday I went to MIRA (no photographs allowed) and watched round 11 of the HSA championship in torrential rain and vowed not to get a Westfield.  Today I went to round 5 of the British Hillclimb Championship at Shelsley Walsh in glorious sunshine and thought a Westfield would be just fine.

Anyway, here are a few photos of today.  The first run off was won by Trevor Willis with a fantastic time of 23.11 but in the second run off he stopped (no idea why) and Tom New got it with a 23.55. However, it was a day of delays and waiting as you’ll see from the photos.

Ash Mason 1
Ash Mason had a major incident just after Kennel Bend…
Ash Mason
… but luckily walked away unscathed.  This was followed by another delay when a spectator was taken ill.  The walk to the top of Shelsley Walsh is a test of anyone’s physical fitness.
The paddock was full of colourful, expensive, technically complex machinery...
The paddock was full of colourful, expensive, technically complex machinery…
... which was a little daunting  for me thinking about what car to buy next.
… which was a little daunting for me thinking about what car to buy next.
4
No, I sold my single seater to get a roadgoing car.
Westfields looked good in the sun.
Westfields looked good in the sun. Better than they did at MIRA last weekend.
It was good to see Alex and Jenny Howells again in their Imp. A good contrast to the expense and complexity of the other cars.
It was good to see Alex and Jenny Howells again in their Imp. A good contrast to the expense and complexity of the other cars.
Tina Hawkes having a bit of a moment at Bottom S.
Tina Hawkes having a bit of a moment at Bottom S.
But nothing like Wallace Menzies...
But nothing like Wallace Menzies…

M2

M3

M4
Thankfully Shelsey’s emergency services were there in moments and  although it was quite some time before they could move him, we saw him give a ‘thumbs up’ before he was stretchered into an ambulance. We wish him a speedy recovery.

A sobering end to today’s hillclimb.

===

UPDATE.

GOOD NEWS.  The Midlands Automobile Club has issued a statement on their website:
http://www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk/clubnews/content.asp?ni=10368

“Following Wallace Menzies accident yesterday (Sunday 1st June) we are pleased to report he was released from hospital in the early hours of this morning with 4 stitches, a cracked cheek bone and bruising.

He is in good spirits and saying it felt like a rough game of rugby and asked if he could have a refund!

Wallace wishes to thank all the marshals and medical services for their quick response and for the wishes and support from everyone else. He hopes to be out at Doune and back at Shelsley later this year.”

 

 

0 thoughts on “Shelsley Walsh 1 June 2014

  1. Great write up Bob. Thanks a mill. I know that Jenny and Alex were excited about going and I see that their times were very good . Proper

  2. Hi Bob

    Are you sure you don’t want a Lotus 61?? Preferably yellow?

    Your recent videos and photography have been very interesting so if you don’t get driving again you could always switch to being a snapper!

    Very sad to see 2 badly damaged cars but hope the drivers are ok

    All the best Les

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

  3. Jeezus!!!
    That was a biggun… although spectacular, It is often better that the vehicle keeps moving because the forces are then reduced and the transition from 80-0 is over a much longer period which stops the brain getting injured as badly. Good news that he appears alright!!!

  4. Thanks for the pics Bob. I wasn’t there (marshalling at Curborough) but had heard some rumours. Good to know Wallace & Ash are OK.

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