On 26th April we headed up to Bicester Heritage for their 5th Sunday Brunch Scramble, where we found a huge collection of classic cars on display on site, as well as bikes as planes. Bicester Heritage, for those that don't know, is a former RAF base, being converted into a hub for all things classic car and plane related, whilst retaining the historical buildings that provides a great backdrop for the exhibits. We had expected to see a large collection on display, but were very pleasantly surprised to find over 850 classic cars on site, with something of interest for all tastes.

Typical scene we found there, interesting cars of all descriptions parked up for us to admire.

As you can see, a very wide and diverse selection of cars, from the fast, to the gentleman's carriage!

Definitely no smoking around this immaculate Lancia.

The American metal was very impressive.

Continuing my quest this year to try different Motorsport venues that I haven't been to before, Sunday April 19th saw us heading down to the Salisbury area to the Gurston Hillclimb venue. Approached through lovely rural scenery, it really is tucked away, and so far a little known venue. Our usual early start meant that we were only the 15th car in the car park, and within a few paces were in the hub of the action.

As usual we first wandered around the paddock, which is set in the Farmyard of Gurston Farm, adding a certain rustic charm to proceedings. Here we see a 'willing' mechanic begin the process of starting a small machine for its driver.

Even standing still this Quattro looks a bit of a fearsome beast.

At these grassroots events, there are usually a huge range of machinery being used, and this day was no exception.

It doesn't seem to matter what event I travel to, there always seems to be a large collection of Austin Healeys there, either they are in plentiful supply or they follow me around!

One driver taking a moments quiet contemplation to prepare himself for the hill attack.

Those looking for a Formula 1 style paddock of giant motorhomes and corporate hospitality units, were unlucky, but then again there weren't any barriers to keep you out either!

Onto the start area, and the first thing that became apparent, was that although it was a hillclimb, the first part was downhill! This meant that there was some ferocious acceleration off the start line. As you can see the setting is lovely.

Due to the downhill start, once cars have been positioned for the timing beam, a couple of Marshals have to hold the car steady before take off.

Immaculate Austin Healey in action.

As you can see in the background, you have a good clear view close to the action.

Rolling hills, classic British car and glorious sunshine, what more could you want?

Just a trace of opposite lock to keep things neat, the cars may be old but there was still some very skillful spirited driving to be enjoyed.

There is some seriously good preparation being done to get cars looking this good.

A  Mini, full of charm, but don't underestimate it, as it was a seriously quick machine.

The purpose built single seaters, are the highlight for many. Small, nimble, powerful and with wings for the resultant downforce to glue them to the tarmac.

Some of them use engines from motorbikes, making them a high energy fizzing missile.

Not hanging around with one front wheel completely off the ground.

Even the single seaters come in many different styles and sizes, all with one aim to get to the top of the hill in the fastest possible time.

Not many sculptured curves on this one, but very purposeful all the same.

Of course not all single seaters were of the modern carbon fibre variety.

Pushing to the limits, is always, at some point going to result in track departures.

A bit of grass cutting!

The Marshals did a great job sorting out the mishaps.

A car dropping oil on the track meant that brooms were put into action, covering it in cement dust. As usual the marshals do a tremendous job at events like this.

Just about the best helmet design I have seen in quite some time.

At various points on the track, there isn't much room for error, so drivers have to concentrate very hard.

The highlight for me though were the bikes, as the riders tried to wrestle them around the course.

Fighting to keep the front wheel down, as he accelerates away from the corner.

Concentrating hard to maximize the speed.

Massive suspension movement to soak up any bumps.

As you can see, his eyes are focused firmly on the road ahead.

If you think racing a bike is brave, you should try being the passenger in a sidecar!

For some the whole day proved too tiring!

At the end of the day, as we walked out to the car, even this horse in the stable appeared sorry to see us leave.

All in all a great day out, packed with competitive action on two and four wheels, with plenty of room to move around and great viewing, I can highly recommend Gurston, it may not be as famous as some other venues, but well worth a visit. I look forward to returning.

On Saturday 4th April, we headed down to Thruxton for their Historic Easter Revival. Having never been to Thruxton before, I wasn't really sure what to expect, all I had heard was that it is a very fast circuit (Fastest in England)and tends to be very cold! The Easter Revival Meeting brought together a mix of all sorts of classes of cars that would have raced here in days gone by, but mainly '60's and '70's era. With an easy ride down and no queues to park at all, in fact we were the twentieth car in the car park, the earlyish start proved worthwhile.

Unlimited access to the Paddock, meant that we could get up nice and close to the competing machinery, as the customary unloading and fettling began in earnest.

It seemed some participant's cars needed a bit more work than others to get them race ready!

Anxious looking drivers could be found in the Scrutineering shed as they wait to find out if their cars have been passed suitable to race.

Not only in Formula 1, are tyres deemed very important!

On site tyre suppliers and fitters were in attendance if new rubber was needed.

The customary tyre pressure check to make sure all is in order.

On leaving the paddock and making our way to a suitable place around the circuit, we came across a gathering of classic cars, with a nice trio of Austin Healeys displayed on the grass.

An equally impressive MG, looking very smart.

Then it was time for the action to begin.

The first thing that was very noticeable as soon as they started, was that yes indeed it was a very fast track.

To give you an example of how fast we are talking about, this Hesketh did a lap at an AVERAGE speed of over 200kph!

The cars came in all shapes and sizes, this particular one being one of the shortest!

If only all racing cars were painted a nice photogenic orange colour, our life would be a lot simpler!

The beauty of the crowd being small, in fact for the first couple of hours of action the marshals outnumbered the spectators, was that you could freely move around the track and try out various vantage points. Viewing angles sometime being outweighed by wind shelter characteristics. 

Big 5litre V8 engines made a glorious noise at full chat along one of the straights.

Talking of noise, you can always rely on an AC Cobra to assault your ears.

We had come to see close racing and there was plenty of action out on the track to keep you entertained.

Note the heavy duty roll bar in the cockpit, in case of mishap.

The single seaters showed how agile and nimble they could be as they darted through the corners.

Although not the fastest the Classic Touring Cars (Tin Tops) were hugely entertaining, and despite the huge differences in cubic capacity, the racing was close.

Lotus Cortinas as always very competitive in this class.

A Swiftuned Mini, whilst lacking in BHP compared to the competition, more than made up for it in agility.

Leading the pack.

A certain Mr Tiff Needell, of TV fame, back in his first ever racing car, came home a very credible third in his race.

Although a Classic event it was reassuring to note that modern safety equipment was in use as can be seen here with the HANS device attached to the helmet.

The Daffodils were out so it must be Spring!

A thoroughly enjoyable day, with plenty of room to move and freedom to explore the paddock, coupled with committed driving displays means that this will not be our only visit to Thruxton. If you have never been then I thoroughly recommend a visit. The day was cold and we never saw the sun once, but in true Motorsport spirit, we still ate a 99 from the ice cream van! Many thanks to all that took part, especially the volunteers and marshals, without whom events like this wouldn't happen.