MG Car Club
Enter your MG for FREE in the California Cup
The California Cup Autotest and Autosolo competitions are both taking place in the heart of MGLive! this year. Noel Lindford (Tyne-Tees Centre), Secretary of the Meeting and Clerk of the Course, has designed test layouts which aim to maximise the driver experience, using all of the available space, and ensure the competition is a mix of pace and skill.
This kind of layout has been used many times by Hartlepool Motor Club (who are supporting the Tyne Tees Centre with this event), and have proved very popular with a wide range of competitors and spectators.
The California Cup Autotest is a forward and reverse event, but this year is designed to be somewhat kinder to the car’s mechanicals, yet still be a serious challenge for driver skill and pace to navigate the tests and aim for a fast clean time. It is also more than suitable for those taking part in an Autotest for the first time.
There will be a total of three test routes, the first two running side by side, and the third taking over the whole of the space available for a very dynamic final test. All competitors will have three runs at each test route, so nine tests in all.
Following extensive consultation, Noel is also proposing to revise the current and past criteria for what constitutes as a ‘modified car’.
· Any car with a change of engine type (e.g. Midget running a K series engine, or a limited slip diff, or a change of gearbox type will be deemed to be modified).
· Any car with a hydraulic or fly-off handbrake, power steering or forced induction will NOT be considered to be modified.
The revised event description and eligibility criteria will be written into the final instructions. If you have any issues with the above, please contact Noel on 07432 152095 or email noel.lindford@btinternet.com.
The Autosolo will comprise of two test layouts, with all competitors attempting a minimum of three runs at each. Again these will be expansive layouts to offer maximum driver engagement and fun, with the option to have a navigator on board. There will be two classes; Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and Rear Wheel Drive (RWD). This will be a test of car control and pace to complete the all-forward courses in the quickest clean time.
The revised event description will be written into the final instructions.
This is a chance to showcase these excellent competitive events to the watching public and demonstrate what a fantastic introduction they are to competitive motorsport and younger drivers on a tight budget. If you’d like to join in for FREE, all of the details are on the MGLive! website.
Biggest MG grids expected for MGLive! 2017
The MG Car Club is bringing its biggest ever racing grids to Silverstone for the annual MGLive!, celebration, held on 17th and 18th June, with more cars battling it out for those all important championship points as they head to the mid-way point of the motorsport calendar.
With 16 races over the two-day event taking place on the historic Grand Prix circuit and approximately 550 race entries, MGLive! welcomes six championships relating to the MG marque along with four fantastic guest championships.
MG Race Committee Chairman Ron Gammons said: “Our own Championships, such as Trophy who can always be relied upon to put on a scintillating show, you have Cockshoot and BCV8 together so will be a big grid with some quick cars. Adding to that the Equipe GTS on both days will swamp the grid with 1960s sports cars, well prepared and well driven.
“Amongst the visitors, we have Porsche on Saturday, Masters on the Sunday with the Pre-66 Saloons, and of course Radicals on both days. Expect two days of Club racing at its very best.”
The MG Trophy Championship will boast 30 entries, with Matt Turnbull looking to extend his lead over rivals Paul Luti and Jack Roberts. Turnbull is currently 12 points ahead of the pack but as the Brand Hatch meeting proved, anything can happen and it’s still all for the taking. Luti and Roberts will have their own battle as just two points split the pair currently in second and third place.
With races from the MGCC Iconic 50s Series, the Watt Electrical BVC8 Championship with MGCC Thoroughbred Sports Car Championship and Cockshoot Cup, and the Lackford Engineering Midget and Sprite Challenge, there’s no shortage of variety out on track.
The Club’s various MG championships are joined by the pre-1966 Touring cars from the Masters Series, giving visitors the chance to see BMW 2002s, Alfa Romeos, Lotus Cortinas, Ford Falcons and Mustangs battling it out against the ever competitive Mini Coopers.
But the biggest grids of the weekend will be from the eclectic mix of Equipe GTS, with a range of vehicles from Alfa Romeos to TVRs and of course MGs – with Midgets and MGBs completing a varied line-up. Such is the demand to take part, the organisers have sanctioned four races over the weekend with a total of 80 Equipe entries including two genuine ex-works MGBs.
There will also be action from the single-seater Radical Challenge Championship, with its 30-35 strong grid featuring previous Radical champions including 2016 Radical Challenge victor Steve Burgess, multiple Radical UK and European champion Bradley Smith and current reigning European Masters champion Marcello Marateotto.
The all powerful Petro-Canada Lubricants Porsche Club Championship with Pirelli joins MGLive! with around 25-30 cars on the grid. With former champion and father Mark McAleer and his son Jake both leading their classes, Mark in the 996 C2 and Jake in the Boxster S, both will be looking to keep their rivals at bay.
For those who prefer to be part of the action rather than just spectate, MGLive! invites owners to compete in the California Cup Autotest, the MGLive! Autosolo and a Sprint held on the Stowe Circuit. There’s also passenger rides and a chance to take to the GP circuit in the lunchtime parade lap.
Away from the track, around 3,000 MG models spanning over 90 years of motoring heritage will be on display from the Club’s various registers, along with a collection of models that have all made their mark in motorsport.
There’s also the SmartdriverClub Live Arena hosted by Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, with plenty of fun and games as well as stunt driving legend Russ Swift’s only UK performance this year, marking 30 years since his first appearance at Silverstone.
MGLive! is as much a social event as a haven for motoring fans, with the new Village Green area offering live musical entertainment through the weekend so people can relax and enjoy the festival vibe.
Sponsored by Peter Best Insurance, MGLive! ticket prices start from just £18 for MG Car Club members, £25 for non-members for a one-day pass when booked in advance. Weekend tickets start at £28 for members, £40 for non-members, and children aged 15 years and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Camping pitches available. For more info, visit wwww.mglive.com
MG Trophy Championship highlights now online
Round one highlights of the MG Trophy Championship from Donington Park are now online and can be watched on the YouTube link above.
The highlights come courtesy of Digitex TV and Motorsport.tv – the rebranded version of Motors TV. The channel shows highlights of motorsport from around the world and once again in 2017, they’ll be broadcasting the MG Car Club’s MG Trophy Championship and Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup. The two Championships compete at a variety of circuits throughout the UK, and Motorsport.tv will be the only place to see exclusive highlights of each round.
Motorsport.tv is available on Sky channel 447 and Virgin Media channel 545. Round two highlights of the MG Trophy Championship will be shown live on Motorsport.tv at 4:20 pm today (Wednesday 24th May), with YouTube highlights coming soon.
The MG Trophy Championship Round 1 report from Donington Park on 9th April – Leanne Fahy
“With a 33-car grid, including 10 newcomers, the MG Trophy was set to provide another entertaining performance, and we certainly weren’t disappointed.
Doug Cole scored a winning start to his 2017 MG Trophy campaign, after a thrilling season opener. Despite losing out on his front row start, Cole managed to claim top spot, as he and Graham Ross began their final lap.
Familiar MG Trophy face, Ross Makar, led the way, however it wasn’t long before chief challenger Graham Ross surpassed him for control.
Before long, Cole was hot on the heels of Makar, before demoting him to third place. With Ross in his sights, Cole mounted a challenge, which saw him make it a two-way battle for honours. As the pair began their final lap, Ross missed a gear as they lapped a backmarker, allowing Cole to pass for the lead.
Despite landing just inches behind him, Ross was unable to disrupt the result, to claim second place. Makar held on for a third-place finish.
Jack Roberts and Paul Luti continued their close qualifying performance, to finish first and second in Class B, whilst Matthew Turnbull dominated Class C. Doug Cole was awarded Driver of the Race.
Ross left race two victorious, after denying Cole and Makar the spoils. The better start fell to Makar as the race began, who led the way for a number of laps.
With top spot in their sights, the lead trio swiftly left the rest of the field behind. Makar’s lead suddenly came under threat, when Cole and Ross made a bid for glory. As Ross leapt ahead, Cole and Makar endured a slight coming together before racing towards Redgate, side by side.
After a few laps, the top three separated, for a relatively calm end to the race. Paul Luti claimed Class B honours, after a frantic outing, to finish some way ahead of Andrew Rogerson and Jack Roberts.
Matthew Turnbull doubled his success, with a Class C victory in race two, ahead of Andy Spencer and MG Trophy debutant John Booth.
Our commentary team rewarded Graham Ross with the Driver of the Race award for the second outing.”
Midland Centre enjoy Taster Trial success
Following on from the Midland Centre’s ‘Taster Trial’ at East Lodge Farm in Bromsgrove on Sunday 30th April is an event report from Tony Lake, the Trials Secretary for the Centre. Tony reported that the Trial was a great success, with everyone getting involved and having fun.
The Taster Trial was used to encourage more participation for members in the Midlands to get involved in grass roots motorsport, particularly the younger generation. 16-year-old James Young was a standout performer in his parents Austin 7 whilst Marie McCance was awarded most improved driver.
Some competitors took part in their MGs but other cars were also included so newcomers could get a feel of the sport. For those that fancy having a go in the future, please keep an eye out on the Midland Centre website, and their Facebook page.
“Well, weren’t we lucky with the weather! The venue wasn’t too bad either with a stunning view down into the bowl as cars rushed around the two fields. Everybody owes a debt of gratitude to ace C of C Adrian Tucker-Peake, Katy Tucker-Peake, Brian Osborn and John Fry for laying out such a well-balanced challenge for so many first timers. Heartfelt thanks to the coaches who gave so freely of their time and experience and made sure that everybody had a good introduction to the noble art of production car trialling. Our marshals, as usual, are the unsung heroes, wielding the best tradition of trials, standing out in what became quite a strong wind, so many thanks to them.
It was good to see the ladies to the fore in the results. Helen Skelton and passenger Nicole Kosmorova ran away with the best novice award not dropping any marks all day, a formidable pairing. Helen drove father Don’s new Austin 7 Ulster Replica, it had a tough baptism on its first time out, looking the period part in its new paint job. They won a free entry to the Autumn Trial in September. John Croxton and Steve Authers came second on 3 marks lost in Dave Sullivan’s VW Beetle. Pat Woolford/Barrie Parker in Barries’ Toyota MR2 just pipped Philip and Karen Traynor’s Rover 45 for third on the special test time both having lost 9 marks.
Congratulations also to Marie McCance driving Lindsay Clarke’s MG ZS, she was really nervous before the start but gained massive confidence as the day continued and won the award for the most improved driver. And so rewarding to see the next generation coming out amongst all the adults – 16-year-old James Young coping well with gradients and gears in the family’s Austin 7.
One could have cut the atmosphere with a knife as the kick-off briefing was given, if it were possible to harness the energy of nerves and tension I reckon we could have lit a small town.
Thanks to all of you for supporting the event, that’s about as much fun as you can have in a motor car, well at least while you’re driving! See also below some of the comments from the participants.”
You can find a full gallery of pictures from the day on the Midland Centre Facebook Page.
MGLive! race entries are now open
We’ve got some great news for all of our MG Car Club motorsport drivers – you can now book your place on the Silverstone Grand Prix grid at MGLive! on the 17th & 18th June.
Throughout the weekend we will be hosting a jam-packed schedule of racing that will appease both drivers and spectators alike. The Club’s various championships and series will be on display, providing an eclectic mix of MGs from down the years.
Those interested in classics will enjoy the BCV8 championship, which focuses solely on modified as well as road-going MGB V8s and MGCs. The Midget and Sprite Challenge is the only exclusive ‘Spridget’ race series in the UK, making it very unique to the MGCC.
The Iconic ‘50s Series is exactly that – Iconic ‘50s sports cars. Here MG T-types are popular, alongside a wide selection of other car marques including Lotus, Austin Healey and Lancia.
Others might be drawn to the newer models of MG, and the Trophy Championship doesn’t disappoint in that department. Three different classes of MG ZRs make up this exciting grid which has seen previous drivers such as Jack Goff graduate to the British Touring Car Championship.
Equipe GTS is the largest series that races with the Club and is becoming increasingly popular each year. It’s available to a range of vehicles, from Alfa Romeos, right down to TVR’s and of course MGs – with Midgets and MGBs completing a varied grid.
For those wishing to book their place at Silverstone, click here to be redirected to the motorsport page.