THE J.C.C. BROOKLANDS RALLY

TUE 1311Q1DOIKLANIDS VAILLY

BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE DAY BY DON ALDINGTON (FRAZER-NASH-B.M.W.) W. M. COUPER (TALBOT 110) DOES 91.86 M.P.H. OVER THE HALF-MILE. Although we hold no brief for the circus type of driving test, the J.C.C. Rally which opens the season at Weybridge is an entirely different matter. Tests of the wiggle-woggle, Monte Carlo and Test Hill variety, while putting a premium on skilful driving, are also the kind of tests that allow comparisons to be made between the cars themselves, while the flying half-mile contest is certainly the

real thing. And the J.C.C. meeting is such an excellent prelude to the R.A.C.

Rally and to the season generally. In spite of an entry of 135 ears, put through seven tests, the organisation on February 27th went through in the J.C.C. tradition —faultlessly. The weather could not have been more unpleasant, a high wind and heavy rain and hail sweeping the track, but officials stayed manfully at their posts, though one unfortunate individual not only got soaked naturally, but was, in addition, drenched every time a car passed him flat out on its way to the flying halfmile.

The entry was grouped into three h.p. classes, and the individual makes were set to run consecutively–which added much to the interest of those who spectated, which quite a number did, from the shelter of the Press stand on the finishing straight if they were wise, which, like the B.A.R.C. Clubhouse, was opened to J.C.C. members. This year new or special cars were not very much in evidence, though several ‘f-type M.G. Midgets were present and Charles Follett drove a blown Lammas Graham. The vintage brigade was represented by R. Johnson-Ferguson, who had again come all the way from Scotland in his very stark, side-valve Aston-Martin, C. W. P. Hampton’s beautiful little 1i-litre MercedZs-Benz which is fifteen years old and kept Hugh McConnell himself guessing, Clive WindsorRichards’s familiar fabric-bodied 30/98 Vauxhall two-seater, and Allason’s

litre Bentley. First of all came the Easy-Starting test, with drivers out of their cars, engines silent and a line 10 yards away to cross within 10 secs, A. Percy Bradley cannot suffer from gout, because he started the first man and all that followed, clad in a light raincoat ! We stayed to see fifteen drivers do their act. 0. M. Lewin was in no way worried about the absence of doors on his Austin, and R. C. Mitchison (Austin) took a great leap in. Biddle (Ford) wasn’t so neat, but Blackford’s Ford was very good indeed, though

we don’t like his mascots. The rest were quite neat, excepting Major DouglasMorris with the Hillman.

The Parking test was said to be more difficult this year, but we went straight to see the fun at the Wiggle-Woggle.

I. D. Struthers (Ford) Was good, but Major Douglas-Morris took the wrong bay. D. T. Russell (Hillman) was neat and left his screen up for the half-mile, and W. W. Walther (Hillman) just toured round, as did W. J. Lanes (Lagonda Rapier), who also needed two reverses at the first pylon. C. M. Cooper’s big fur gloves worked hard for M.G. and his Magnette was steady but not rapid, but F. N. Crane’s blown ‘f-type M.G. Midget came in fast with locked front wheels, and made an extremely good performance. In contrast F. A. H. Frey (T-type M.(.) was slow and crunched his lower gears. Major Douglas-Morris’s Hillman saloon was slow but neat, and C. G. Gibbs’s T-type M.G. gave a nice show, using second gear for the turns. P. T. Gifford Nash (blown M.G.) was fast and very very neat, and J. E. Nuthall (M.G.), after selecting a forward ratio when he wanted to reverse, made a neat, noisy run, Dennis Parker (M.G.) was neat, C. F. H. Shepherd (M.G.) selected the wrong bay, and A. P. Squire (M.G.) and P. H. Stileman (M.G.) were extremely good, the latter with an old M-type. C. E. Taylor (M.G. Maguette) was creditable, and Lewin’s Ulster Austin most snappy, the correct hand signal being given before the first turn, but Wilde’s T-type M.G. was slow in contrast. Peter Woollett (M.G.), his exhaust flashing back, was extremely fast, and undismayed when the wind blew the hurdles down, but T. G. Woollett (T-type M.G.) went about it jerkily. W. 0. Corbett’s Morris Eight tourer with polished brake drums and aero-screen, had a poor lock, but was blipped steadily round, but George Walker, handkerchief over mouth, went along the wrong course and ended with his Riley Imp literally “cornered.” P. J. Spanjer (Riley saloon) went sedately, with flapping wing bird-mascot working overtime. Then Walker, having a second shot, pleased everyone by stopping and opening the bonnet, before trying the turns—remember that the wiggle-woggle

is timed throughout. K. T. Hall (Singer) lost his way completely, and N. A. Prince (Singer) touched the first pylon. E. W. Seabourne (Singer saloon), pipe in mouth, wasted time on the first reverse, and Stocking’s Singer, the first car to emit brake squeal, had to reverse for one of the ” woggles,” though it was calmly done. G. W. Walker’s Le Mans Singer was fiercely handled, with much wheel-twirling, and revved furiously, but seemed slow, and Ward’s Singer, hood up, went the wrong way, though either way was permissible once you found the figure-eight, as an irate marshal told all of us when we tried to direct drivers who were hesitant. Dr. Waters (Singer saloon) was slow but very neat. Singer revving was in evidence. L. M. Buffey’s open Talbot Ten, signalling for the turns, stalled its engine, but then went very nicely in second gear through the “eight,” and Proctor’s Talbot Ten with special folding head body, also stalled, but was very good subsequently, displaying ample steering lock. The l 0-1 a h.p. class was opened by the lion. ‘V arburgh-Bateson’s sporting A.C. which was slow at the first pylon, and too long in the chassis to be fast afterwards, though the gears were brutally used. I ust before this C. O. J ackson’s Austin saloon gave a champion exhibition of super-rolling with leisurely recovery. Poor Brant (A.C.)

arrived to find the marshal in charge of the ” eight ” kneeling under a gamp, and he was doubtful of the route. Andrew Fairtlough, blipping furiously, was. extremely nice to watch (or his driving. was !) in the short, yellow A.C. Ace, and. for a big car Houlding’s A.C. was rapid_ Maynard’s A.C. was steadily and sanelyhandled, with reverse crashed in unmercifully, and the Rev. W. P. ColeSheane’s Armstrong-Siddeley saloon, with. isolated passenger in the rear quarters,. was obviously fearful of being in a. built-up area, and rolling grotesquely. C. Anthony’s Aston-Martin, of trials. fame, spinning its wheels, was carefully and very expertly driven, going out of the ” eight ” in a final vivid skid, whereas. Miss Bean’s Aston-Martin nosed round at a crawl, possibly worried by oiled plugs. Johnson-Ferguson, in neat racing attire,. skidded his s.v. Aston-Martin up to the first pylon, to which he stopped too. close, but thereafter was vivid, though the timing-gears (?) seemed less happy. G. H. Goodson (Aston-Martin) approached fast, braked confidently, nearly touched a barrier, then went through very well but spoilt everything by going round

again. C. E. J. Mann’s Ulster AstonMartin, popping back, with noisy brakes,. was a model performer, and let the revs_ mount heartily on accelerating away. Brister’s British Salmon saloon asked for a reverse at the first pylon. Then came Pane with the blown Frazer-Nash sports. job. Pane was on the Sahnson’s tail on initial acceleration, and turned the ‘Nash round to save reversing at the pylon. Working hard, he tried to skid the tail, not too successfully, but was immensely fast nevertheless, and at the other pylon he nearly spun round again,, reversed quickly and accelerated to a. fine speed before the finish—an excellent

show throughout. Miss P. McOstrich had a slide at the last post but did not hit, and she just failed to obviate a reverse at the last pylon, but was extremely quick, changing up finally as she repassed our stand—applause thoroughly deserved, and she was clapped.

Peaty’s business-like, big-tyred FrazerNash was also very quick, displaying very good steering lock, though he seemed unduly harsh on the gear-lever when. finding another ratio for acceleration out of the “pen.” D. A. Aldington’s. closed-up, drop head Frazer-NashB.M.W. coupe was extremely good, with much revving and spinning wheels. H. G. Symmons managed to turn his 2litre Frazer-Nash-B.M.W. saloon cleanly round at the first pylon and was rapid,. with very spirited rolling—a run heartily clapped. He rather overslid at the last pylon. Winnicot (Frazer-Nash-B.M.W.) overdid things on the last turn. Halford’sH.R.G. was splendid—very quick, accelerating vigorously into the “eight.” and sliding and revving round the obstacles. Robins’s H.R.G. demonstrated excellent braking qualities, but made an. error on the second bend, being the first

driver to hit the barriers. After this. liquid (1) refreshment arrived for the officials. T. L. Seccombe (H.R.G.) was outstanding, blipping and sliding

to good effect. Using similar tactics, Uglow upheld the fine impression made by this marque.

Then came Eason-Gibson, last year’s winner, in the lone supercharged Lancia Augusta. He was wearing black poncho and beret and seemed to be thoroughly at ease,blipping excessively, nearly pulling off the front tyres, and judging things to a nicety, especially at the first pylon. Hampton’s Meradks-Benz was cautiously reversed, splendidly handled, and

had a fine lock. Accelerating away the siren-scream was again evident, followed by protests from the gas-works. Hampton went very fast into the halfmile, screen up and eye on rev. counter.

Baker’s M.G. was slow after a blipping approach, Macklin’s Triumph was neat, and Miss Joan Richmond, smiling happily, was driving steadily and very well in her famous blown Triumph.

Over 16 h.p.

Gordon Wood’s Vauxhall saloon put up a very nice exhibition of how to swerve the ” eight,” but Maclean (Railton) was untidy, was baulked, had another shot and gave up. Mrs. Wood, working hard, dressed for a Bond Street shopping expedition, put up a very finely judged drive with a big Alvis saloon, but Birkett’s Armstrong-Siddeley went for a conducted tour all of his own planning, James Allmon’s Windrum and Garstin 4k-litre Bentley was very well handled, reverse being neatly engaged and the heavy car slung round the “eight,” Peter Robertson-Roger as passenger nearly falling out, obviously immensely bucked by the old car’s showing. Crossley put on a useful tail slide with his Bentley saloon and Ivo Peters’s Bentley scattered the spectators, the modern Bentleys all handling exceptionally well. Crockatt (Ford) earned a ” very good” in the MOTOR SPORT notebook, likewise Denton

responsive. Terry, having another run as a reward for saving the life of a straying marshal, was excellent, Miss Bacon as a crawler with a 44-litre Lagonda and T. C. Mann (4f-litre Lagonda) with passenger in the rear, nearly swung his big car round for the first pylon and drove as it should be driven. J. Sieger’s elderly Lagonda obviously had a very strong gear-lever and was silent and sedate. Charles Follett gave a fine show with the Lammas-Graham, but very nearly contacted with a hurdle, R. J. W. Appleton was neat but not very fast with a Railton, while C. H. Mann first selected a forward ratio when wanting reverse and then carried away quite a lot of hurdle.

Scenting a long delay we went over to the Test Hill. Mann (Railton) failed to restart, Lady Iris Capell’s SS., with the whole family seemingly aboard, petered out after leaving the line, but Lines (Ford) did well, and Goldman (SS.) relied on plenty of engine. E. H. Jacob (SS. ” Grey Ghost III “) and Matthews (SS.) showed us that it could be done, and Peter Smith’s SS. spun its wheels contemptuously. After this we had had enough of rain and writing and gave it up. The J.C.C. Rally is a difficult event to cover, but if those we have missed will send us a postcard, we will look out for them next year. The detailed results follow for your complete edification :— RESULTS (Provisional) Classes

Class : Cars up to 10 bp.

Maas II : Cars between 10 h.p. and 16 h.p.

Class DI : Cars over 16 h.p. Best Performance of the Day : D. A. AldingtOn

(Fraser-Nash-B.M.W.).

Best Performance by Lady Driver : Miss P.

McOstrich (Fritter-Nash). Easy Starting Test

Class I • 1, 0. M. Lewis (Austin), 71 s. ; 2, M. H. Fortlage (Ford), 71s.

Class II: 1, tie between C. M. Anthony (AstonMartin) and W. F. F. Martin-Hurst (Rover), 7s. ; 3, W. P. Uglow (H.11.0.), 7/s.

Class III : 1, S. M. Lawry (Ford), 71s. ; 2, tie bet ween G. C. Terry (Ford) and C. Sabey, Junr. (Railton), 7/s.

‘feat: Run to car, start up, and cover 10 yards in 10 secs. Parking Test

To reverse into a space proportionate to the length of car, given one reversing and one forward movement, and coining to rest with both off-side wheels not more than 9 in. from kerb. competed: 122 cars. Passed : 65. Failed: 57. Monte Carlo Test, 1938 (” Wiggle Woggle

To cover 220 yards from standing Stott, reverse round pylon, enter prescribed area and execute figure of eight, return to start, reverse round pylon, accelerate from start to finish over a distance of 327 yards.

Class I : 1, F. N. crane S.), lm. 181s. ; 2, P. T. Gitford-Nash MG., S.), lin. lgs.

Class : 1, A. F. P. Pane (Frazer-Nash, B.) lin. 10s. ; 2, J. Eason-Gibson (Lancia Augusta, S.) 1M. 131s.

Class HI : 1. B. H. Jacob (S8),. lm. 17s.; 2, Charles Follett. (Larruna,s-Graham), lm. 171s. Mo haugnilll-mile Speed Test

FlyingClass I : 1, F. N. Crane (M.G., S.), 71.43 m.p.h.; 2, P. T. Gifford-Nash (M.0., S.) 70.31 m.p.h.

Class :1, D. A. Ahlingtot (irazer-Naah-B.M.W.), 76.92 m.p.h.; 2, C. M. Anthony (Aston-Martin), 74.38 m.p.h.

Class Ill : 1,. W. M. Courier (Talbot 110), 91.86 m.p.h. ; 2, tie between ,f. H. AlLison (Bentley) and Charles Follett (LaninlILS-t;raliarn), 85.71 m.p.h. Monte Carlo Rally Test. 1937

Cover 218 yards, stop ost ride a line, reverse back over the line and accelerate again 100 yards to flying finish.

Class I : Tie between B. A. Blackford (Ford) and F. N. Crone (M.(L, S.) :31/s. ; 3, A. P. Squire (M.0). 32 Is.

Malls U :1, E. A, II Ilford (11.103.), 29s.; 2, D. A. Aldington (FrazorNash-11.N1..W.), 21)4,s.

Class M : Chartes Follett (Lammas-Graham), 28s. ; 2, E. H. Jacobs (Si, 28gs. Test-hill Test From standing start climb test hill and iliniiilifshastride a line. Rest art and climb non-stop to

122 competed. 11 failed to restart. clean, 15 failed to complete climb non-stop.