The 2006 Season
Shelsley swelters and entertains
A heat wave hit the Teme Valley on the 1st and 2nd of July. Spectators were entertained by a fascinating event on Saturday with the Reg Phillips Trophy Meeting whilst on Sunday a large crowd flocked to the historic hill for the annual meeting in association with the Vintage Sports Car Club.
On Saturday the Best Time of Day was taken by veteran competitor and car preparation expert Dave Whitehead with a 28.52 in his Pilbeam MP50. Close behind him the spectators were astonished to see Land Rover Engineer Chris Aspinall in his tiny Jedi racing car of only 998cc with a 28.68. A record fell as the single wheel drive sidecar and trike record fell to the streamlined Baker F1 of Patrick and Paul Keates.
On Sunday the dominant force was Mac Hulbert with the all-time classic Shelsley car, ERA R4D, who saw off all opposition with a 34.03 BTD. Entertainer of the day was Chris Williams in the massive Napier Bentley who smoked the tyres at the start line in the most spectacular fashion. William Mahany in his HRG lowered his established under 1000cc Vintage sports car record. Also taking records competing in the same 1501 to 2000cc sports car class were Ken MacMaster and Jeremy Brewster with general and vintage records respectively as did Jonathan Cobb in his Frazer Nash SS in class 11.
Photos
24 litres of Napier Sea Lion seaplane engine. Chris Williams smokes the tyres of the legendary Napier Bentley. He also carried ice lollies on board for the finish paddock marshals!
All Photos : Edward Walder