9 replies to this topic

[alpinemauve]

Is Geoff still around? I believe he came from Bristol. Was prominent in the 1960's

[PMac]

Is Geoff still around? I believe he came from Bristol. Was prominent in the 1960's

Not aware of his current situation, but, I guess, he must have somehow 'christened' Mabbs' Bank' at Lydden Hill, or am I way off the mark?

[EDWARD FITZGERALD]

Not aware of his current situation, but, I guess, he must have somehow 'christened' Mabbs' Bank' at Lydden Hill, or am I way off the mark?

gave it the name after a spectacular exit from a rallycross in the early days of the sport IIRC.

[Richard Young]

I seem to recall a monster accident in a Mini Marcos at the Weston Super Mare speed trials too.....

[776VDE]

Geoff died a good few years ago - could be as many as 20? - he was from Keynsham.

[rx-guru]

Mabbs’ Bank was just a tiny mound of earth beside Paddock Bend of the Rallycross track at Lydden. It was frequently used during RX events to wreck cars. As long as Bill Chesson († 1999) ruled Lydden it was never in danger, Bill kept his hands over the hillock. However, it was removed some time after Bill sold the venue. AFAIK Geoff Mabbs was its first victim. I was told that Mabbs planted an Austin Landcrab on its top.

[bill moffat]

Mabbs’ Bank was just a tiny mound of earth beside Paddock Bend of the Rallycross track at Lydden. It was frequently used during RX events to wreck cars. As long as Bill Chesson († 1999) ruled Lydden it was never in danger, Bill kept his hands over the hillock. However, it was removed some time after Bill sold the venue. AFAIK Geoff Mabbs was its first victim. I was told that Mabbs planted an Austin Landcrab on its top.

Geoff also circuit-raced the Austin 1800, seem to remember him setting some spectacularly slow lap times at Llandow - but I think this was a reflection of the car and not the driver...

[RS2000]

Geoff Mabbs' grandson was recently researching GM's old Minis on a more specialised forum. If anyone knows details about them, you can be directed there or he can be directed here.

[Morris S]

I have lots of photos of Mabbs in his various Minis, the Janspeed Marcos and the Janspeed Unipower GT if his grandson would like to make contact here , he was a highly respected driver in his day.

[Geoff E]

Geoffrey James Mabbs: 1933-83