Welcome to Silverstone. A damp, overcast day, with drizzle, made conditions very slippery during qualifying, and this was highlighted when Roger Cope (47 class D) spun on two seperate occassions at Copse.
1 second was all that separated the first 3 in class A, (Stuart Ulph;Howard Kirkham;Dave Bye),With Peter Dorlin a credible 4th, for his first time out, Neil Taylor in 5th, and Andy Gardner bringing up the rear, in a car he has only owned for 2 weeks, and has done well to get it on the track.
In class B, Jimmy Shea (76) has the car Andy raced last year, and is already up with pace.
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The conditions improved for the race, with track being completely dry and what a race to start the season!
The first 3 Qualifyers in class A all wanted a good start.
From the off, Howard passed Stuart, on the first corner at Copse, with Dave Bye hot on their trail. What a flyer!
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After the first lap, Howard was still in front of Dave, but Stuart had dropped back, with Andy Gardner using his driving skills,to keep up whilst the pack were still bunched together.
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By lap 3 Dave had passed Howard, to take the lead in class A.
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The next couple of laps saw Howard screeching his car round Copse, on the limit, trying to keep up with with Dave. Dave was firmly in control, though, and with each lap, the gap widened.
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Howard retired when his oil warning light came on, and it looked like a comfortable victory for Dave Bye, but Stuart Ulph was not finished yet.
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He clawed back Daves advantage, getting closer each lap, and with 2 laps to go was right up there with him and trying to get passed.
A nail biting finish saw Dave hang on to take the first Victory of the season in Class A.
A good result for Stuart in second, a comfortable 3rd for Neil Taylor, (benefiting from Howards non finish), Andy Gardner managing to come from the back of grid to take fifth, and Peter Dorlin a bit off the pace in sixth, but gaining valuable knowledge about his car after the first race. An excellent race all round.
With Dave Bye and Howard Kirkham expected to be in contention to win this years class A challenge, the first race was a setback for Howard, but a great start by Dace Bye and Start Ulph.
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Class A leader board after race 1
- 15pts Stuart Ulph
- 14pts Dave Bye
- 10pts Neil Taylor
(Point Scoring 1st = 11pt, 2nd =9pt, 3rd = 8pt, 4th = 7pt, etc to 10th = 1pt
Bonus points fastest in practice 3pt, 2nd 2pt, third 1pt
Fastest lap in race 1pt. Starting race 1pt. Finishing race 1pt).
JEC Racing - for full table and race reports .
2004 season
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The sun was cracking the flags, for this meeting, at a racetrack which is ideal for competitors to watch the action, with all parts of the circuit visible from the stands.
Howard Kirkham has had to replace his engine (the second in two meetings), but this did him no harm in practice, clocking the fastest lap in Class A, with Dave Bye next, and Stuart Ulph 3rd.
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Rockingham is a rolling start with the drivers going round the oval at turn 1, but on subsequent laps, they use a chicane which can catch drivers out as they compete for position.
This means that on the first lap they are braking hard as they turn into sports section, and still being bunched together, it was inevitable that there would be problems. An XJS near the front spun, and as the drivers behind tried to avoid an accident, Jimmy Shea swung out and Dave Bye with nowhere to go hit him, badly damaging both cars, and leaving Dave a long way behind and playing catch up in his class.
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(Spot Simon Lewis parked in the barriers)
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Howard Kirkham was in front, with Stuart Ulph second and Neil Taylor third, and neither driver troubled each other,throughought the race.
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At the back Dave Bye was doing all he could to catch up, setting the fastest lap in class. He had just caught up to Neil Taylor and was ready to pass when the race was stopped early, due to Zoe Norths car blowing an engine, and depositing oil in a dangerous position, and the result called. (As it is based on positions at the end of the previous lap this meant Zoe actually won class B!)
Despite only finishing 4th, Dave picked up a bonus point for the fastest lap, and as he beat Stuart Ulph in practice, this means that he hasn't lost any ground in the overall championship.
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This will need a bit of attention before the next race!
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Class A leader board after race 2
- 27pts Stuart Ulph
- 26pts Dave Bye
- 20pts Neil Taylor
(Point Scoring 1st = 11pt, 2nd =9pt, 3rd = 8pt, 4th = 7pt, etc to 10th = 1pt
Bonus points fastest in practice 3pt, 2nd 2pt, third 1pt
Fastest lap in race 1pt. Starting race 1pt. Finishing race 1pt).
JEC Racing - for full table and race reports .
2004 season
After the damage to several of the cars at the last race at Rockingham, rapid repairs were carried out, and Dave had to fit a new wing, doors, and windscreen. The car has been re-sprayed in time for Euro 2004.
Howard Kirkham (and Jimmy Shea and Simon Lewis in Class B) had their cars painted with identical colour schemes. Was this a deliberate plan to confuse the opposition (and spectators)?
The weather was mixed, with cloud, heavy showers, and bright sunshine. Fortunately, the heaviest downpour occured during the last practice session, and most of the track had dried for the first race of the day, which was the XJ6's.
The class A leader, at the start of the day, Stuart Ulph, was feeling a bit under the weather, and was never seriously in contention, but held off Neil Taylor to take third in the race.
Peter Dorlin retired from the race with mechanical problems, but will be back for the next meeting.
Howard qualified ahead of Dave in practice, but Dave passed him on the first lap. With Stuart Ulph in third, Neil Taylor in fourth, and Peter Dorlin in 5th. Although the positions, didn't change during the race, Dave and Howard had to fight all the way to the finish with Dave always under pressure from the constant challenge.
A very hard fought race, with Dave and Howard very evenly matched, and although Dave took the race win, both drivers earned 15 points. This result now gives Dave the lead in the challenge, and brings Howard up to 3rd place.
Class A leader board after race 3
- 41pts Dave Bye
- 37pts Stuart Ulph
- 34pts Howard Kirkham
(Point Scoring 1st = 11pt, 2nd =9pt, 3rd = 8pt, 4th = 7pt, etc to 10th = 1pt
Bonus points fastest in practice 3pt, 2nd 2pt, third 1pt
Fastest lap in race 1pt. Starting race 1pt. Finishing race 1pt).
JEC Racing - for full table and race reports .
Report on the 2 Driver Sports V Saloon race at Snetterton
2004 season
Thruxton is is Howards home track and he is very familiar with it, but for the others it was their first time - this showed in practice with Howard posting a fastest lap some 3 seconds quicker than Dave in 2nd.
The race was shared with the faster Lotus's,which introduced an unusual element, as the start was split, (the Jags being held back), and during the race there were a lot of blue flags as the Lotus's came through.
The rain had held off for most of the day, but started for the Saloon race, and resulted in Dave Bye spinning off on the first lap and dropping to last place in the small field of 4 XJ6's.
Howard Kirkham, as expected, was away at the front with Neil Taylor and Peter Dorlin following. (How much closer will Peter be when he gets his new engine?)
Dave pushed hard to catch up and did manage to claw his way back to second place, but not wanting to settle for second, continued to push on and over cooked it, hitting the tyre wall and then going into the long grass. He managed to keep the car running but it took too long to get it back on the track and his race was effectively over, coming in 4th.
With Howard taking maximum points, this has really closed the gap in the challenge and it is now wide open. The next race at Donington will be exciting as Dave tries to re-build his lead.
Class A leader board after race 4
- 52pts Dave Bye
- 51pts Howard Kirkham
- 42pts Neil Taylor
(Point Scoring 1st = 11pt, 2nd =9pt, 3rd = 8pt, 4th = 7pt, etc to 10th = 1pt
Bonus points fastest in practice 3pt, 2nd 2pt, third 1pt
Fastest lap in race 1pt. Starting race 1pt. Finishing race 1pt).
JEC Racing - for full table and race reports .
2004 season
The weather was cloudy but almost unbearably hot for this years meeting at Donington Park.
Since the last meeting Dave has put new springs in the shockers. He was having clutch problems in the qualifying practice, but still felt he had done well, until he saw the times and had only qualified 3rd in his class behind Howard Kirkham and Stuart Ulph. A comparison with last year showed that they were all 2 seconds a lap faster – perhaps as a result of the resurfacing.
In the race itself, the first few laps saw the drivers jockeying for position in Class A, with several changes. By the time the drivers reached the Old Hairpin just after Craner Curves, on the first lap, Stuart Ulph had taken the lead, with Howard second, and Neil Taylor passing Dave as he had to brake in traffic, for third, but there was nothing between them.
A lap later Howard was in front, Neil was second, Stuart had dropped to third, but was then overtaken by Dave Bye at the Old Hairpin, to drop further back to fourth.
It was all change again on lap 3 with Dave moving into second, and Peter Dorlin now up into to fourth. Stuart continued to drop back, his car not sounding too healthy and misfiring. He continued for a few more laps before eventually retiring.
By this time Dave was losing grip and thought his tyres had gone off early, but his engine was leaking oil, and getting onto the tyres. He was still in second behind Howard, but not close enough to mount a challenge.
Neil Taylor had a coming together with Nick Gwinnut (class E) at Hollywood. He tried to continue, but had to pull off at McLeans. This meant that Peter Dorlin moved up a place to take 3rd.
It went Howard’s way (didn’t that used to be TV programme?) today taking maximum points, but Dave made the best of it to come second, and Peter had another third place finish.
The next two races are at Lydden Hill next weekend. It’s still all to play for between Dave and Howard.
A special congratulation must go to Jimmy Shea in Class B. Not only did he qualify in pole position, but in a thrilling race, with positions changing several times at the front, he eventually took his first race win. An excellent achievement for a Class B car.
When interviewed by the race commentator who asked "What does it take to win?" Jimmy's reply, which could be the quote of the season, was "Liquid proof underwear helps!"
Class A leader board after race 5
- 68pts Howard Kirkham
- 64pts Dave Bye
- 43pts Neil Taylor
(Point Scoring 1st = 11pt, 2nd =9pt, 3rd = 8pt, 4th = 7pt, etc to 10th = 1pt
Bonus points fastest in practice 3pt, 2nd 2pt, third 1pt
Fastest lap in race 1pt. Starting race 1pt. Finishing race 1pt).
JEC Racing - for full table and race reports .
2004 season
An absolute scorcher for this weekend event. There was 1 qualifying practice to cover both the races, so it was important to get a good start, especially with the championship so close between Dave Bye and Howard Kirkham, with Howard 4 points in front after the last meeting.
Dave hasn’t raced here in previous seasons, and spent a few laps learning the circuit, so was pleased to qualify 2nd on the grid. He was surprised that, unusually the pole qualifier for class A wasn’t Howard, who came in 3rd, but Neil Taylor who took to the track and drove really well the whole weekend. Dave was only 0.2 of a second behind him.
In the first race, Dave was on the best side of the grid and got a good start, to immediately take the lead from Neil Taylor. It was a hard fight but Dave kept Neil at bay for the whole race, to take the win by 2 tenths of a second. He also picked up a bonus point for the fastest lap.
Back in third place, Howard was having his own battle, with Peter Dorlin all over him in an underpowered car, showing what a good driver Peter is. When his new engine is ready, which Andy Gardner is preparing for him and Dave will fit, the leaders had better watch out!
Howard a bet pre-season that Neil Taylor that he wouldn’t beat him in any race this season – time to pay up!
Congratulations to Simon Lewis, in class B, who took his first race win, holding on when his car developed a problem with the brakes near the end of the race. Unfortunately this had a knock on effect for race 2, as he couldn’t start the race. As a result the class A cars who were behind him on the grid, were now shuffled, meaning that Dave no longer had the best side on the track.
Dave got a good start again, but this time Howard got a better one. As they were coming out of the long first corner, Howard came across Dave as they both went for the same bit of track. Dave had two wheels on the grass and neither driver was going to give way for the other, with Dave trying to defend his line and Howard attempting to take it. Inevitably there was a bit of metal to metal, and Dave came out in front.
From here Dave pulled away, leaving Howard second and Neil Taylor in third. Peter Dorlin had a mechanical problem, and was unable to finish the race. The battle for second was another hard fought race, with Howard eventually taking it from Neil Taylor, who had a very good weekend.
Dave was well in front in class A, and had to keep his concentration, as he was racing on his own. In the past when Dave had a bit of a gap he has tended to play safe and let others catch him. This time he just kept his foot down to try and catch the people in front in the class B. He was the only class A car not to be lapped by the race winner, Sean Collins, who knew the track very well, having participated in 6 different races, in different cars this weekend, and was outstanding in the Class E car.
An excellent weekend for Dave, who took near maximum points, only dropping 1 to Neil Taylor in qualifying. This now takes him back in front of Howard, and with only 2 races left, it looks like it will go to the wire.
Class A leader board after race 6/7
- 94pts Dave Bye
- 90pts Howard Kirkham
- 67pts Neil Taylor
(Point Scoring 1st = 11pt, 2nd =9pt, 3rd = 8pt, 4th = 7pt, etc to 10th = 1pt
Bonus points fastest in practice 3pt, 2nd 2pt, third 1pt
Fastest lap in race 1pt. Starting race 1pt. Finishing race 1pt).
JEC Racing - for full table and race reports .
2004 season
Here we are for the penultimate race of the season. Dave Bye leads Howard Kirkham by just 4 points, going into this race, so it is all to play for.
The excitement started before Dave reached the race track. A tyre shredded on the trailer, but he was able to pull up safely and change it – not the best way to get your mind in focus for a race.
The day is dull but dry, with rain threatening. Practice was dry. Stuart Ulph took first in class, comfortably ahead of Howard and Dave who had almost identical times. Peter Dorlin is having a bad run of luck. This is the first race since having his new engine fitted. The car was going well but developed a problem in practice and he was unable to come out for the race.
Sean Collins had brake problems at the hairpin, Shaws Corner, and hit the tyre wall – he is in contention for the overall championship, and it is a testament to his determination that he patched up the car enough to get it back out for the race, and pick up some valuable points.
The rain threatened and it struck with a vengeance as the Jags were lining up for their race. The race in progress was stopped, as spectators ran for any cover. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was like having a hose pipe aimed at you, when fully dressed.
Though the rain had stopped, the track was extremely wet as the XJ6’s lined up on the grid.
From the off, Dave tried to pass Howard, but couldn’t and Stuart Ulph sped off into distance. Lap after lap they were having their own private race, Dave failing to get past, but keeping Howard in sight. Stuart looked like he would have no competition. He reckoned without Neil Taylor. On behalf of the club he was testing some different control tyres that may be used next year.
After a few laps Neil came into his own, first picking off Dave, and then Howard. He started passing the cars in other classes, until he came to Zoe North, who was just behind Stuart Ulph. She held him up for a while, but once passed he quickly caught and overtook Stuart and left him way behind as he continued to press on – the conditions weren’t ideal but his continuing improvement as a driver, coupled with the tyres which worked well gave Neil a well deserved first victory of the season.
Stuart was a comfortable second.
Meanwhile the two class leaders were having a battle and a half for third place. Dave hadn’t been able to get past Howard, and on the penultimate lap nearly lost it at the Dunlop Esses. He lost a bit of time but quickly caught Howard again. Howard had been doing a good defensive driving job through the race, but as they approached the Dunlop Esses on the last lap, Dave took a different line, taking him round the outside, and by keeping the power on got the inside line for the next corner, and with only the hairpin at Shaws Corner, and Devil’s Elbow bend left, there was no way for Howard to fight back.
The (Dave Bye Appreciation Club) crowd went wild. It might only have been third place but the result keeps Dave 4 points in front of Howard with only 1 race to come at Cadwell on the 12th September.
Faster, faster,
Drive harder, try
You’re going to win
You’re Dave Bye!
(Cheerleaders required to perform the Dave Bye chant at Cadwell– be there or be square!).
Class A leader board after race 8
- 105pts Dave Bye
- 101pts Howard Kirkham
- 81pts Neil Taylor
(Point Scoring 1st = 11pt, 2nd =9pt, 3rd = 8pt, 4th = 7pt, etc to 10th = 1pt
Bonus points fastest in practice 3pt, 2nd 2pt, third 1pt
Fastest lap in race 1pt. Starting race 1pt. Finishing race 1pt).
JEC Racing - for full table and race reports .
2004 season
The final race of the season. Dave Bye goes into this one 4 points ahead of Howard Kirkham, in Class A. This is a slender lead, which could be overturned if Howard has a good day. In addition, Neil Taylor is racing on the potential new control tyres again, but won’t be scoring points, and means that anyone finishing behind him will effectively be promoted a place. Will this be good or bad for Dave?
Although the track is only a couple hours away, we decided to stay at a motel near to the track, so Dave wouldn’t have too early a start on Sunday. On Saturday night we went into Skegness with the kids, an evening spent on the rides, a huge firework display, then back to Norman Bates’s motel, and a late night, and a late breakfast, probably wasn’t the ideal preparation.
Back at the track the tension was intense. There were battles to be fought in all the classes. In addition, there is an overall award to the Class leader with most points at the end of the season, and with the scoring being so close, anyone of about 5 drivers, could win this. This was going to be a big race for a lot of reasons, but as always I’ll concentrate on the Class A cars.
Earlier in the week rain had been forecast, but this fell overnight, and it was dry, though windy, for both the practice and the race.
Tactics came into play immediately, in the qualifiers. Howard went off at the front, with Dave dropping back behind the others, to get some clear track. The pack then closed up behind Howard, and he looked to be holding everyone up. Has he put in a fast time, then slowed the others? Hard to tell. Dave had dropped back and caught the pack twice, and decided to try to get past, resulting in a bump with Neil Taylor, and a bit of cosmetic damage to Neils door.
The times came in and they were close but Stuart Ulph was fastest, Dave Bye 2nd, Neil Taylor 3rd, and Howard Kirkham 4th. With Neil not scoring Dave increased his point lead on Howard to 5. Barring a non-finish, this should be enough to clinch the Class A title, but anything can happen.
"Qualifying - Dave catches up, then tries to pass at the hairpin"
Cadwell is a narrow track, and overtaking is difficult, so a good start is essential. Dave got off to flyer, passing Stuart Ulph from the off. Neil Taylor soon came past them both though, and went off in the distance to easily win the race in Class A.
The real battle was between Dave Bye, Stuart Ulph, and Howard Kirkham, who would be awarded points for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Lap after lap, bumper to bumper, with Dave leading, Stuart 2nd then Howard in 3rd. Howard then passed Stuart, to go second, but there was still nothing between them all.
No one was giving up, and Howard was pushing to get passed Dave, and then the tannoy blares out, “Howard has spun, but is still going!” He had lost a bit of ground, but had the peddle to the metal and his car was all over the place as he tried to make up lost ground.
It looked like Dave had won this, but now Stuart was pushing him, and on the last lap, Dave finally made the mistake, locking up, and Stuart grabbed the opportunity, to go past and take the points for first place. Neil Taylor, whilst not scoring, drove a great race and was also awarded a trophy for first place.
Dave had done enough to clinch the Class A championship. A great season, but it’s funny that immediately after the race, there was still a disappointment that he didn’t win on the day.
Still a great result overall, and you can’t do better than winning your class, over the season.
Congratulations to Dave on winning, and the rest of the drivers, for a good season of racing and taking it to the wire.
"Race - Neil already through;Dave leads Stuart and Howard; Stuart through to win"
Class A leader board after race 9
- 118pts Dave Bye
- 112pts Howard Kirkham
- 81pts Neil Taylor
(Point Scoring 1st = 11pt, 2nd =9pt, 3rd = 8pt, 4th = 7pt, etc to 10th = 1pt
Bonus points fastest in practice 3pt, 2nd 2pt, third 1pt
Fastest lap in race 1pt. Starting race 1pt. Finishing race 1pt).
JEC Racing - for full table and race reports .
2004 season
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