Race Report
James Walter
Glorious Goodwood
The team are in the paddock, each in their own stable, sheltering from the sun. We have been here since the crack of dawn, fettling our steeds and polishing their flanks. Now we are checking our harnesses and tightening our chin straps. We are ready and champing at the bit as we wait for the starter’s orders.
The Qatar Goodwood Festival of horse racing is about to begin its final glorious day…
But we are here at another event taking part on the same day elsewhere on the Estate. We are at the Goodwood Motor Circuit for the Brighton and Hove Motor Club (BHMC) Eagle Sprint.
There were six Morganeers entered for this event, in the BHMC Class called ‘MSCC’.
No. cc SpeedMog Class
96 James Andrews 4/4 1599 1
97 James Walter +4 1994 6
98 Alan Clark Roadster 2697 9
198 Howard Clark Roadster 2697 9
99 Mike Meredith +8 5000 11
199 Tom Meredith +8 5000 11
After the drivers briefing at 8:30, the practice runs began at 9:00am sharp. In the ideal dry conditions we all set the marker and recorded good times with room for improvement. Unfortunately Tom found some dusty surface on the left-hander at St Mary’s and spun gently off but with no damage.
First timed runs began just before 11am. All improved their times substantially, except James W. who seemed to be stuck on 120 sec all day. To put the times into perspective, this 120 sec for the circuit of 2.367 miles is an average speed of 71 mph. The fastest Morgan driven by Mike Meredith achieved 98 sec on this first timed run which is an average of 87 mph.
There was a long break for lunch.
Steve McQueen’s famous quote came to mind:
‘’Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting’’
But the waiting did include a few take-offs and landings by a Spitfire from the Goodwood Aerodrome.
There were two more timed runs in the afternoon. Now we put the times on the SpeedMog spreadsheet which includes the handicap calculations. This showed that Howard Clark was becoming the leader, with Mike close behind. Most times were steadily improving and all agreed the conditions were the best: weather, surface, grip, everything coming together on this day. There was a notable performance from James Andrews who was emerging as a third place in his older 4/4.
Fastest time of the day was Mike with 93.85 sec, an average of 91 mph with a top speed on the Lavant straight of around 145mph.
But, on handicap, the winner’s cup was collected by Howard in his immaculate black Roadster.
Results on handicap:
1st Howard Clark
2nd Mike Meredith
3rd James Andrews
A great day out in the English countryside in glorious sunshine.
Glorious Goodwood!
