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ARK Sprite


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#1 M3Moose

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Posted 15 October 2011 - 21:51

Has anyone any photographs of the ARK Sprite that was built in 1970 by Derek Mathews of ARK Racing in Wilenhall? It was built for and raced by John Banks who teamed up with Chris Smith (now owner of Westfield kit cars) who together raced it in both UK Modsports races and also at The Nurburgring and Jarama in Group 6.

Any photos would be most welcome. Thanks

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#2 garyfrogeye

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Posted 15 October 2011 - 23:28

Has anyone any photographs of the ARK Sprite that was built in 1970 by Derek Mathews of ARK Racing in Wilenhall? It was built for and raced by John Banks who teamed up with Chris Smith (now owner of Westfield kit cars) who together raced it in both UK Modsports races and also at The Nurburgring and Jarama in Group 6.

Any photos would be most welcome. Thanks


There is a chapter on the Ark Racing Twin-Cam Sprite and some photos of it on pages 161-167 of John Baggott's book Mighty Midgets & Special Sprites (The Crowood Press) ISBN 1 86126 106 3
They showthe virtuaslly complete Ark Space frame in Dereck Matthews' workshop in Jamuary 1970. Another photo shows the car running without front bodywork on it's first test outing at Silverstone in July 1970 being driven by john Banks. The third image shows the Ark Racing team (2nd in the Birkett 6-hour relay race at Silverstone on 8th August 1970. Another image shows the car on the back of a trailer with John Banks after his 2nd in group 6 (1300-1600cc Class) at Nurburgring 6th September 1970. There are also a couple of other photos too.

I'm in regular phone contact with John Baggott and while he very occasionally pops down to the library to use the interent. He doesn't use email.
I'm sure that I could put you in contact with him if you pm me your phone number

Regards

Gary

#3 EDWARD FITZGERALD

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Posted 16 October 2011 - 08:17

Has anyone any photographs of the ARK Sprite that was built in 1970 by Derek Mathews of ARK Racing in Wilenhall? It was built for and raced by John Banks who teamed up with Chris Smith (now owner of Westfield kit cars) who together raced it in both UK Modsports races and also at The Nurburgring and Jarama in Group 6.

Any photos would be most welcome. Thanks


IIRC . CCC had pics of the car in a feature on the rimg .

#4 MCS

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Posted 16 October 2011 - 09:02

Wasn't the driver John Evans ?

#5 chriss

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Posted 17 October 2011 - 08:53

Wasn't the driver John Evans ?

You need to contact Derek Matthews
Derek has all the archive pictures taken by Jim Evans from those early days. They are all on disc. Even some pics of me. By the way I sold Westfield 5 years ago....
Chris Smith

#6 M3Moose

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Posted 17 October 2011 - 13:22

You need to contact Derek Matthews
Derek has all the archive pictures taken by Jim Evans from those early days. They are all on disc. Even some pics of me. By the way I sold Westfield 5 years ago....
Chris Smith



Many thanks for the replies.

'we' may have those pictures Chris and also the book, however,..................

We are currently trying to prep the car for the current owner. We had hoped to race at the Modsport/ Modsaloon Revival race at Mallory in August but unfortunately the engine/engine builder is delaying things considerably. I have asked the owner for in period photos but apparently there is a convoluted story regarding them and a previous owner. So I'm using the forum as another avenue to obtain some photographs so we can see what or how certain things were like originally. We have a couple of photos from Donington in the early '90's when it was refitted with a Sprite body after spending the '80's masquerading as a Reliant Kitten.

Chris, if you have any tech info or to be honest any words of wisdom would you be so kind to share them? Unfortunately the owner is a little slow in coming forward and asking questions but we need to get things moving.

#7 arttidesco

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Posted 14 June 2012 - 20:50

Wasn't the driver John Evans ?


Some info on the four vehicles that Derek Matthew's Ark Racing built here, it would appear John Evans drove the Ark Racing modsports/Gp 5 Lotus Elan and John Banks the earlier Ark Sprite.

Edited by arttidesco, 14 June 2012 - 20:51.


#8 M3Moose

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 19:19

Some info on the four vehicles that Derek Matthew's Ark Racing built here, it would appear John Evans drove the Ark Racing modsports/Gp 5 Lotus Elan and John Banks the earlier Ark Sprite.


For those interested, Derek Mathews, original drivers John Banks & Chris Smith and mechanics Ken Hobbly and Ray Concar were recently reunited with the Ark Sprite whilst it was on display during a Heritage day held virtually on the site of the original Ark Racing premises.

We are still hoping to get the car back on track to compete in the newly resurrected Modsaloon/Modsports series organised by the Classic Sports Car Club, however, we are still waiting for the engine to be completed.

#9 arttidesco

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Posted 15 June 2012 - 22:01

For those interested, Derek Mathews, original drivers John Banks & Chris Smith and mechanics Ken Hobbly and Ray Concar were recently reunited with the Ark Sprite whilst it was on display during a Heritage day held virtually on the site of the original Ark Racing premises.

We are still hoping to get the car back on track to compete in the newly resurrected Modsaloon/Modsports series organised by the Classic Sports Car Club, however, we are still waiting for the engine to be completed.


Look forward to seeing the pics and hopefully the completed car in the fullness of time.

#10 M3Moose

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Posted 16 June 2012 - 17:53

Look forward to seeing the pics and hopefully the completed car in the fullness of time.


Sneak preview -

Posted Image

As the car was before sending it off to have the engine refitted. We still have lots to do!!