VSCC LAKELAND TRIAL

THE LAKELAND Trial saw a change in the administration this year because Dick Smith, the Clerk of the Course since the series started, elected to become a competitor driving Mark Joseland’s Frazer Nash, whilst Mark became Clerk of the Course. Dick might just have got an award had not his bottom gear chain come off whilst he was climbing Drumhouse (note that it came off — Frazer Nash chains never break, of course). Whilst replacing the chain in the light of a match, for darkness had descended at the end of the trial, Dick remarked that the late John Grice always replaced the spring link with his nail— but then John Grice used to check the plugs for a misfire on his racing Maserati by putting his hands on them with the engine running. In view of the fact that Dick is a dentist, it was a relief to note that his hands are evidently more sensitive.

The winner of the trial was Geoff Winder, for the second year running, in his very smart grey Ulster Austin whilst the runner-up, only two points behind, was his fellow Yorkshireman, Harry Spence, in his Lea-Francis Special. David Uglow and Richard Clarke who came close behind in their HRGs are no strangers to first class awards, but John Blake, quite used to them in his 12/50 Alvis, secured one for the first time in the Frazer Nash he has rebuilt and campaigned in recent trials in place of the Alvis. David Marsh got a third class award in the Brescia Bugatti he has recently constructed (most of the parts are from one car he proudly said). This beautiful little machine was positively gleaming in its black paint at the beginning of the trial, but after a couple of hills it was as covered in mud as its occupants. The only heavy metal to get an award in the short chassis class was Ivor Phillips’ Silver Eagle Alvis Special.

In the other class for the longer chassis cars the Stars and Stripes were triumphant when VSCC President Tom Threlfall’s Model A Ford saloon — or is it a sedan? — won from Jack McEwan’s Riley 9 tourer and Brian Gray’s 30,98 Vauxhall Velox by some ten points. Tim Llewellyn’s 4 1/2 Bentley had a puncture whilst climbing Lothwaite Side which put it out of the awards list, and later Tim managed to buy a 19″ tractor tube in Keswick so he could have a spare for his run down south in the evening in order to take part in the Brighton run the following day. This open Bentley was playing tunes at lunch time outside “The Pheasant” by Bassenthwaite Lake as it is equipped with a cassette. This led to a discussion as to whether it could possibly be considered to be a vintage car with such an accoutrement, which Tim countered by pointing out that it was playing vintage music.

The VSCC is forever grateful to the local landowners who make this trial possible in such beautiful surroundings. Between 60 and 70 cars took part, and the new proprietor of the slate quarry on Drumhouse at the top of Honister Pass was there to welcome members as they came through the gates — a gesture which was much appreciated. — Peter Hull.

RESULTS
Kirkstile Trophy, RP 1951 Cup and First Class: R. G. Winder (1930 Austin 7)

Kirkstile Plate and First Class: T. J. Threlfall (1928 Ford Model A).

First Class: H. Spence (1930 Lea-Francis), W. D. Uglow (1937 HRG), J. F. Blake (1928 Frazer Nash), R. J. Clark (1937 HRG), A. McEwen (1930 Riley), B. Gray (1924 Vauxhall).

Second Class: B. M. Clarke (1920 Austin), J. N Fenner (1929 Riley), D. Johnson (1933 Frazer Nash), J. I. Phillips (1929 AIvis), J. Ghosh (1924 Vauxhall).

Third Class: S. G. White (1933 Riley), S. I. Mann (1926 Austin), D R. Marsh (1925 Bugatti), J. P. Evans (1928 Austin), B.S. Downes (1928 Austin).