3/10/04

The first Moto 1 extravaganza took place at Donington Park at the weekend (30/31 October). With it was a whole host of Classic & Vintage support races in what proved to be an excellent way to end the season. The Vintage Pre '49 races had a good showing of Rudge machinery.

Saturday's programme was delayed a little because of mist hanging, however after just over an hour it was declared clear enough for on track action to begin. There was just one race on the Saturday for the Pre '49 bikes and this was held in damp conditions as the mist didn't really clear enough for the track to dry out. This race went the way of Paul Dobbs on the incredibly quick 640cc Moss Scott. Dobsy led home 2nd place man Emilio Toone (Triumph) by some 15.8 seconds!. The first of the Rudges was Tim 'big end' Johnson in 3rd place on the big 640cc Leigh Rudge, with Mike Farrall 4th and Merv 5th. Bill Swallow was out for a run on a 350cc Mk8 Velo from the Rhodes stable, and he took 6th place. Miki Sprosen took 7th on the '37 2-valver with Don Ellis in 10th on his '37 Ulster.

Mervyn was also in action on his Greeves over the weekend in the open 250cc class, with two races on Saturday finishing in 8th and 9th places, and one Sunday finishing in 8th also.

Sunday proved a much better day weather wise, with some sunshine and a dry track. The First of the day's two Pre '49 races was third in the programme. Merv failed to start this one as the Rudge cut-out at the start of the warm up lap and would not re-start. Later investigation showed the cause to be a whiskered plug! The race itself saw Dobsy take the Scott to victory this time followed by Mike in second place, with Swallow third. Tim Johnson pulled out after 4 laps with a suspected holed piston. The Rudges of Miki Sprosen and Don Ellis finished in 6th and 7th respectively. The final Vintage race was held in again dry conditions, but this time a little overcast. Dobsy was again the victor, although this time Mike said he managed to just about keep him in sight as he again took the runner-up spot. Merv with a new plug fitted took third, with Miki and Don in 8th & 9th.

That concludes this season's action on the track. The general consensus was that it was a very enjoyable meeting and superb way to round off the season, so lets look forward to it continuing.

RS

3/8/04

Glorious weather blessed the 5th Round of the VMCC Historic Racing season at Anglesey over the weekend (31 July/ 1st August).

The weekend proved pretty hectic for us as both the Unlimited to 1934 and 250cc races were one after the other, so it was a quick pit stop at the end of the pre '34 and then straight back out on track for the 250's. I seem to remember we had to do the same on our last visit to Anglesey!

On to the action itself, and first out in the programme was the unlimited to '34, which was run concurrently with the over 500cc specials. The pre '34 grid itself being quite sparse, with only 5 of the 8 entered machines coming to the grid. As the grid got away the bigger machines took the advantage with Ian Bain (500cc Norton) and Ian Cramp (500cc Velocette) hitting the front, Merv settled into third spot, which he maintained to the flag. Ian & Ian battled it out for the win, with Bain taking the benefit, although by only .57 of a second from Cramp. Keith Prime took 4th on his 640cc Rudge Special, with Robert Rushton making a welcome appearance on his fully Radial Ulster taking 5th. Saturdays second pre '34 outing saw a similar result only this time with Cramp taking the win from Bain. However Keith's weekend ended here after a rocker snapped just before crossing the finish line. He did cross the line to take 4th, although his machine was un-repairable for the rest of the weekends action.

In the first of the weekends 250cc outings, Merv got an excellent start from the front row of the grid, to take the lead on the opening lap. Moore on the 1963 Greeves was in second at the end of the first lap, but almost threw it away in a big way after running off the edge of the circuit, however he pulled out on lap three. Mike Smith took up the chase to come through the field on his 1962 Ducati and move into second spot at the flag. Andy Hunt took third on his 1958 Royal Enfield. The second race saw Moore back out on the '63 Greeves he took the win from 'Smithy', with Merv taking third.

Sunday's Action followed a similar programme, with similar weather!, So first race of the day was for the up to 1934 bikes. These two races took on a familiar pattern with Bain and Cramp taking a win a piece, Merv took a brace of third places and Robert Rushton a pair of fourths.

The 250's again saw some good racing. The first of which saw Mervyn benefit from a front row start to lead for the opening 2 laps, but as the race went on he lost a place every 2 laps to finish 4th at the flag. Moore on the '63 Greeves took the win from Smith (1962 Ducati), with Joe Butcher (1962 Ducati) taking an excellent 3rd place. The final 250cc race of the weekend, was again just as interesting. Mike Smith took to the front and went on to take a convincing win, chased on the opening laps by Andy Hunt (Royal Enfield) and Roger Mitchell (BSA). Moore came through to take second unable to challenge smith. However Merv's race wasn't as successful, having pulled up to Andy Hunt in third, he was lining up for a Pass at the Hairpin on the last lap when the Rudge expired, with a suspected broken cam follower. Miki Sprosen kept the Rudge flag flying, taking 10th place on the '37 2 Valver.

Merv is now off to the Manx GP to campaign the Premier Adhesives backed Greeves and a 'Red Devil' Seeley Goldstar, along with a host of other VMCC regulars, including Ian Cramp, Paul Dobbs, Mike Harrison, Paul Balmain, and Werner Eckel. Hopefully I will be aiming to put together a couple of VMCC club teams, particularly in the Senior Classic race.

Full Greeves reports at www.greeves-racing.co.uk and keep check on the general Manx action at www.iommgp.com

Roy

13/7/04

The VMCC Racing season moved into its 4th round at full circuit Cadwell (11th June). The meeting was also celebrating the 70th anniversary of Cadwell Park, and with this two special handicap races were held, with trophies presented by Cadwell owner Dr Johnathan Palmer.

The rain stayed away for the first half of the programme, and Merv was out first in the unlimited to 1934 race. He opted to use the No 2 machine, to give it a test, after the over 100 hours of work needed to rebuild it from its Lydden prang! The bigger machines streaked away at the start on the long straight, with Merv back in 5th. On lap 2 he got past Pat Welch (500cc Cotton) to take 4th, which was maintained to the flag. Ian Bain (500cc Norton) took the win, with Lee Moore having his first ride on injured Mike Farrell's Rudge took 2nd. However when the results were published, Bain had jumped the start and incurred a 10 second penalty, so first and 2nd were reversed. Ian Cramp (500cc Velocette) took 3rd, Merv 4th and Pat Welch 5th. Rudge mounted Stu Towner took eighth, with Werner Eckel 9th.

Merv was out in the 250's next. He was up to third at the end of lap 1, and took second on lap 2. However Lap 2 also saw him crash out, as he lost the front end at Barn corner. Luckily he was ok and the bike only sustained minor damage. Lee Moore went on to take the win on the '1962' Greeves, with Andy Hunt (Royal Enfield) 2nd and Joe Butcher (Ducati) third. Rudge 2 valve mounted Miki Sprosen and Ian Whitehead came in 14th & 15th respectively.

The first race after lunch was the Cadwell Park 70th Anniversary Handicap. Merv's handicap did not look favourable as he was on the 5th drop of the flag, 75 seconds down on the first! However the true Vintage bike line up was a good spectacle, including 8 Rudges! Werner Eckel looked as though he might make it a Rudge victory, as he held the lead up until the end of lap 4 of the five laps. He had a good handicap being in the first wave, but gear selection problems were slowing his pace throughout. At the flag John Butcher took the win on his Triumph Thunderbird coming from the final wave. Werner remained top Rudge coming in 5th. Lee Moore took Mikes 500 to 10th, Keith Prime ('34 Special) was 12th, Merv managed 13th after struggling with a misfire on the last couple of laps. Miki Sprosen ('37 2 Valve) 16th, Don Ellis ('37 Ulster) 18th, Stu Towner ('33 Ulster) 27th and Ian Whitehead ('38 2 valve) 28th. So all eight 'dependable Rudges' finished!

With the No 1 bike now a bit sick, the No 2 was again taken out for the unlimited to '34. Races were now reduced to 3 laps because of worsening weather and time running short. This time out Merv only managed 6th, Bain took the win followed by Cramp, Moore, Welch and Paul Dobbs (Scott). The Rudge's of Keith Prime, Werner Eckel and Stu Towner took 8th, 9th and 10th.

The final 250 race was in wet conditions, Lee Moore again took the win. Stu Noble took second spot on his BSA, with Andy Hunt third. Merv took a cautious 4th and  Ian Whitehead brought the 2 valver home in tenth.

More problems behold as when draining the oil from the No 2 machine, 'silver paint' was spotted, so a suspected piston fracture may behold. So more long hours in the workshop before Anglesey on 31st July/1st August.

RS

29/6/04

The third round of the VMCC Racing season took place at Lydden over 26/27 June. The Weekend showed a good turnout of entries to this popular 1 mile circuit.

The first of the Unlimited to 1934 events promised a good Rudge entry, however this failed to materialise as both Stuart Towner ('33 Ulster) and Keith Prime ('34 Special) had problems in the earlier up to 1948 class, with Stuart's machine seizing and Keith's pulling out the crankcase studs! With the race away Merv was up to second by the end of lap one. However lap 2 saw the red flags come out as 2 riders from the specials class running concurrently, collided on the exit of devils elbow. With the race stopped for some time whilst the injured riders received medical assistance, the grid was sent back to the paddock. The race was re-run one race later, at the end of the eight laps the win went to Ian Cramp (500cc Velocette), 2nd went to Ian Bain (500cc Norton) with Merv third position. Cramp also picked up the Jack Walton trophy for the win, albeit with a little confusion at the evenings prize giving!

Merv was out next in the 250cc event, which proved a Rudge benefit, as he took the lead on the opening lap and went on to win from Nick Roberts on his classic eligible 1967 Ducati. Stu Noble took the VMCC second Place on his C15, with Joe Butcher (Ducati) third. Phil Betty Was out on the '37 2 Valve Rudge usually ridden by Miki Sprosen, he took 11th among the VMCC runners.

Saturday's 2nd up to '34 race was again a win for Ian Cramp, with Bain again 2nd. A good battle was shaping up for third with Merv, Rudge mounted Mike Farrell and Paul Dobbs (Scott). Lap five saw Merv take them both up the inside at Devils Elbow. However Merv got the Rudge locked up in first gear, and Dobb's took the outside. Unfortunately this left Mike with nowhere to go and he crashed out, he appeared to be ok although that was the end of Mike's weekend of Racing. Merv managed to regain third position on the penultimate lap with Dobbs finishing 4th 1.3 seconds back.

The 2nd 250cc Outing, saw Classic regular John Hynes on his 1967 Ducati also take to the grid. As the race settled out Hynes settled at the front and took the win ahead of Lee Moore ('1962' Greeves), with Merv in third, but picking up the fastest lap. Joe Butcher was again third of the VMCC runners.

Sunday's weather was very good as again was the racing. First race of the day was the champion of champions handicap. Merv decided to go out in this one on the No 2 machine in order to get a few laps of practice for the later championship events. Merv lined up on row G with the final group. As they got away Paul Dobbs (BSA Goldstar) collided with Merv, sending him down. Fortunately he was ok, although the bike is almost a write-off.

After a check up in the medical centre Merv lined up on the grid with the No 1 machine for the first of the up to 1934 races. The first two places were again repeated with Cramp from Bain. Merv was battling with Dobbs for third, and had just taken him at Devils Elbow on the penultimate lap when he had to pull out. The problem being the handlebars had almost broken in half, with them splitting three quarters of the way through!! So Dobbs took third. Stu Towner, got sorted from yesterdays problems to take fourth.

Luckily Apart from being quite bent the bars on the No 2 machine had survived the earlier crash, so we were able to use them on the No 1 bike. We Just about got them straightened enough to be usable and fitted in time for the first 250cc Race. Lee Moore took the lead on lap one, with Merv in second, positions which stayed until the flag. Classic runner Hynes took third, although Butcher was again 3rd amongst the VMCC bikes.

The final unlimited to '34 was the closest of the weekend with 3 seconds covering the first three. Ian Cramp completed his quartet of wins in this class, with Dobbs taking second and Merv in third. Bain this time being relegated to 4th, with Stu Towner fifth.

The last of the 250cc Races was Red flagged on lap five with a fallen rider at the Hairpin. The race was re-run over five laps instead of the full eight. Lee Moore again took the win from Merv in second followed by classic Ducati mounted Tim Oliver in third.

Next meeting is Full Circuit Cadwell on 11th July.

RS

25/5/04

The second round of the 2004 VMCC season was held at rather sunny Pembrey in southern Wales over 22nd/23rd May. Although the grids were slightly smaller than most meetings, the racing certainly made up for it. However with the VMCC not visiting Pembrey for a good few years, the circuit was new to quite a few people.

Mervyn's first race of the weekend came in the first of the unlimited to 1934 events. The race was held concurrently with the 350's which caused a bit of heavy traffic at times! As they blasted away the bigger machines of Ian Bain (500 Norton), Ian Cramp (500 Velocette), Paul Dobbs (640 Scott) and Mike Farrall (500 Rudge) took to the front, Merv done the same as Mallory and had the bike in 2nd gear off the line!. The race turned out to be a two way battle between Cramp and Farrall, which looked to be in Mike's favour until the last lap. On the exit from the double apex left hander of Dibeni bend, Mike ran very wide and onto the rumble strips and ended up riding a rodeo, hand standing on the handlebars!. This gifted the win to Ian Cramp, Mike unfortunately retired, the chain having come off in the progress of his cowboy experience! Mervyn managed 4th after pulling back through the pack. Ian Bain inherited 2nd place, Paul Dobbs 3rd. Keith Prime took 5th on his big 630cc Rudge Special.

The 250cc races were also run concurrently with another event, this time the unlimited to '48. This again proved difficult for some of the 250 runners, with some of the bigger bikes causing traffic problems. Again as the race got away the bigger bikes took to the front leaving the 250's to pick there way through the pack. Lee Moore (Greeves) took the advantage, with Merv chasing hard in second. Lee held the advantage to take the win from Merv by 3 seconds. Andy Hunt (Royal Enfield) and Stu Noble (BSA) rounded out the top four although some 17.6 seconds behind the leaders. Other Rudge interest in the 250's saw Miki Sprosen and Ian Whitehead out on 2 Valve machines taking 11th and 15th respectively.

Saturday's second unlimited to '34 event saw a closer finish than the first. This time Ian Bain took the win from Ian Cramp, with Merv one place higher than before with 3rd, and also taking the fastest lap. Both Mike Farrall and Keith Prime failed to finish, retiring after just one lap.

The second 250 outing saw a repeat result for Mervyn, again taking second to Lee Moore. This time though Mike Smith got his Ducati ahead of Andy Hunt to take fourth. Rudge Mounted Ian Whitehead took 14th.

On to Sunday's action with more glorious weather. First Race of the day was again for the Unlimited to '34. This turned out to be quite a close race between Merv, Ian Bain and Paul Dobbs. Merv once again had to fight his way through the field to catch the larger machines. However after the six laps the win went to Bain by .99 of a second to Merv, with Dobbs .73 of a second further back in 3rd. Mike Farrall took fourth although 17.42 seconds adrift of the winner, with Rudge mounted Keith Prime rounding out the top five. Merv took the fastest lap on his penultimate lap in 1m 12.76.

Both of Sunday's 250cc races saw repeat top threes of yesterdays second race. Lee Moore took the wins, with Merv second and Mike Smith third.

The last of the weekends unlimited to '34 races saw one of the best and closest races all weekend. As the pre '34 boys got most of the 350cc runners out of the way early on the race turned out to be a four way battle between Bain, Dobbs, Stratford and Farrall. By the penultimate lap Merv had got past Bain to take second with Dobbs in the lead. However on the last lap Merv out braked himself at the hairpin allowing Bain to slip back past. Merv retook second up the inside at the double left hander of Dibeni, and then proceeded to chase down Dobbs. However he could only manage 2nd with Dobbs taking the win by .19 of a second, Bain third 1.54 seconds adrift of the winner and Mike Farrall taking fourth only 3 seconds back. Merv again took fastest lap with a 1m 12.64.

Although no race wins were taken, it proved a satisfying weekend with Mervyn maintaining his lead in the 250cc championship and moving up to second in the Unlimited to '34 (1st Bain 90, 2nd Stratford 76, 3rd Cramp 56)

Merv is now off to ride the Greeves at the Pre TT Classic in the Isle of Man, full report of the Greeves action at www.greeves-racing.co.uk after the event.

Next VMCC meeting at Lydden 26/27th June.

RS

12/04/04

The first round of the 2004 VMCC Racing season took place at Mallory Park 11th April, for the traditional Easter Sunday meeting. The weather was much better than last months practice day, as it stayed dry all day.

Mervyn's first outing of the day was in the first of the unlimited to 1934 races. This had all the usual contenders out in force, Ian Bain on the 500cc Norton CS1, Mike Farrall on his 500cc Rudge and Ian Cramp on the 500cc KTT Velocette. Merv had pole position for this one, but didn't make use of it as he pulled off the line in 2nd gear!. The race turned out to be a battle at the front between Bain, Cramp and Farrall. At the end of the five lap dash Bain took the win followed by Farrall in 2nd and Cramp third. Merv took fourth followed by Pat Welch (Cotton) in fifth. Mike Farrall also scooped the Tyrell Smith trophy for the first Rudge home. Also Rudge entered but absent from the meeting was Keith Prime.

The 250cc races had one of the largest grids of the meeting, so these promised to be an interesting couple of races. Merv again had pole position in the 250 opener, but wanted to make good use of it this time! Other contenders on the grid were last years champ Ray Hemming (Royal Enfield), Mike Smith (Ducati) and Lee Moore on Paul Atkins 1963 Greeves. Another Greeves man, making a return was Tony Webb on the ex-Martin Hazelwood machine. A couple of front runners absent from the grid were Stu Noble (BSA), and Andy Hunt (Royal Enfield). Stu had machine problems and Andy was unfortunate to crash in an earlier race and sustained a broken collarbone. So best wishes to Andy for speedy recovery, and hope to see him fit enough in time for Pembrey. As the the race got away Merv got the start right this time and took full advantage of his pole position grid slot, taking the lead off the line. He was never headed throughout the five laps and took a convincing win 10.82 seconds ahead of Lee Moore. Nick Roberts on a 1965 Ducati took 3rd, with Ray Hemming 4th but 2nd on corrected championship scoring positions!, followed by Michael smith. Other Rudge interest in the 250's was Miki Sprosen on a 2 valver who took 17th (14th Corrected).

The 2nd of the unlimited to '34 races saw a similar outcome to race one, only this time Merv had a better start from the second row of the grid and stayed with the pack off the line. The win again went to Bain, but this time 2nd and 3rd were reversed with Ian Cramp getting the advantage over Mike Farrall, Merv was again 4th this time followed by Paul Dobbs on Roger Moss' 640cc Scott.

In the second of the 250cc outings Merv had a lower grid slot, this time on the fourth row in 16th. However he had another good start and took the lead by the exit to Gerrards. He maintained a comfortable gap over Lee Moore throughout to take the win by 3.99 seconds, and the Milnes Mallory 250cc trophy. Roberts again took third, Mitch Steel (BSA) 4th, and Stu Noble took 5th taking over Andy Hunt's Royal Enfield for this race. Ray Hemming rounded out the top six. Tony Webb failed to show in either of the 250cc races, so mechanical gremlins obviously at work on the Greeves. Rudge mounted Miki Sprosen was also a retirement in this one after only completing 2 laps.

Other Rudge interest was in the unlimited to 1948 races where Mike Farrall again took another 2nd and third place again narrowly missing out on a win. Also in action was Dave Downer on a 1938 Ulster, he took a ninth place in the second of the races. Tim Johnson had Derek Leigh's big 640cc beast out in the over 500cc specials class, but as yet I haven't seen the results to see where he finished!

Next meeting is at Pembrey 22/23 May. Championship tables on the site soon!

RS

19/03/04

The VMCC practice day at Mallory Park was held in mixed weather conditions, which no doubt turned a few people away from testing their machines, but there was still a good turnout with a fair mixture of both vintage and classic machines.

Merv had both the Rudges out testing a few mods and bedding in new brake linings etc. The day was trouble free apart from the weather which did dry out over lunch to allow a few dry sessions. Merv seems to think we have ironed out the handling problems encountered at Cadwell at the end of last season, these could only be traced to a slightly out of line back end and a bit of side play in the forks. However the real test will come in race conditions.

There was a fairly good showing of Rudge machinery out on track, Miki Sprosen was out on a 2 valve 250, as was Ian whitehead. Don Ellis had his 1937 Ulster out for a run, and Dave Downer was out on another 37-39 machine.

Current 250 champ Ray Hemming had a few problems in the first session with water in the works. Another 250 contender out was Merv's old rival Tony Webb, once again Greeves mounted. He now has the ex Martin Hazlewood machine, but with the Arthur Summerscales prepared engine installed. However he seemed to have a few teething problems in the first couple of sessions with the bike coasting to a halt after one lap first time out. Other 250 contenders Stu Noble and Andy Hunt were seen surveying the competition in the paddock, but not bringing their machines out, obviously electing to have a 'private' testing session at another time.

So not long now until the season opener at Mallory Park on Easter Sunday 11th April.

see message board for details of practice day photos!!

Roy

14/02/04

Just over 4 weeks to go until the start of the 2004 VMCC Racing season with Practice day at Mallory Park on 18th March.

Last weekend saw the Annual awards presentation and dinner take place. Mike Farrall picked up his awards for 2nd place in the pre '35 and pre '49 classes, keeping the Rudge flag flying. He also picked up the Tyrell Smith Rudge trophy from Mallory Park. New 250cc Champion Ray Hemming also picked up his trophy, together with a rather smart model Lorry from the championship sponsors Palletforce.

Merv's Preparations for this season are well underway, and he is hoping to compete at a few more rounds this season after last years relatively sparse programme due to injury. He has the Greeves lined up for two trips to the Isle of Man this year for both the pre TT Classic and the Manx Grand Prix.

I hope to be bringing you full championship tables of the 250cc Pre '35 and Pre '49 classes this year as in 2002, and hopefully in a printable format.

Roy