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Longridge, then and now...

Started by Simon Arron , Jan 26 2009 08:43

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199 replies to this topic

#51 elansprint72

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 08:49

Is that Ian Stronach in the Kincraft? [/B]

I believe it is; iirc it was a sort-of Pre F5000 car with a Ford 4.7 engine (but I'm usually wrong :lol:

).

I posted a photo of it at Aintree on another thread.

#52 Rob29

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 08:59

Originally posted by elansprint72

I believe it is; iirc it was a sort-of Pre F5000 car with a Ford 4.7 engine (but I'm usually wrong ).

Think your basically right.Was built for the 1962 Intercontinental Formula which never happened so was restricted to club libre races-driven by Robin Darlington.Don't remember it racing at Lydden where it must have been a bit of a handful

#53 Tim Murray

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 09:26

Earlier Kincraft thread:

Kincraft Formula Libre/F5000

#54 Stephen W

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 09:33

Originally posted by Tim Murray
Earlier Kincraft thread:

Kincraft Formula Libre/F5000

Thanks Tim, saved me scouring the threads!

#55 Mallory Dan

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 14:14

Originally posted by elansprint72
Chris Meek and unknown (by me, as usual) Capri.

A complete Capri guess, how about Vic Mills???

#56 Andrew Kitson

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 14:50

Originally posted by Ian Smith - Diz
Wasn't the first ever 'proper' FF2000 race held at Oulton?

Agree with Dan, it was Mallory, remember being very wet that day too. IIRC Derek Lawrence won it, a mustard yellow coloured Dulon or was it a Crossle? Not many called it FF2000 at the time, it was known as Super Ford.

#57 Stephen W

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 15:29

Originally posted by Andrew Kitson

Agree with Dan, it was Mallory, remember being very wet that day too. IIRC Derek Lawrence won it, a mustard yellow coloured Dulon or was it a Crossle? Not many called it FF2000 at the time, it was known as Super Ford.

1975 and in March the "Allied Polymer Ford 2000" championship got under way at Mallory Park on the 9th. Just a week later on the 16th the second round took place at Brands Hatch whilst on the 28th the championship arrived at Oulton Park.

At Mallory there were just 10 cars; 17 cars made it to Brands whilst at Oulton there were 12 cars but just 10 starters. Notable runners during the season were:

Syd Fox - Hawke DL14; Derek Lawrence - Crossle 31F; Donald McLeod - Van Diemen RF75; Damien Magee - Palliser P742; Ian Taylor - Dulon MP16; Roger Orgee - Royale RP22; Bernard Vermilio - Merlyn Mk 28; Frank Bradley - Elden; Phil Clacher - Alpine; Adrian Reynard - Reynard 75SF; and David Cole - MRE.

:wave:

#58 Simon Arron

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 15:51

Originally posted by Andrew Kitson

Agree with Dan, it was Mallory, remember being very wet that day too. IIRC Derek Lawrence won it, a mustard yellow coloured Dulon or was it a Crossle? Not many called it FF2000 at the time, it was known as Super Ford.

The first points-scoring Super Ford race was at Mallory, but there was a trial event at Oulton in September 1974: it was run as a separate class within an F3 race and I have a feeling only four cars turned up.

#59 MCS

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 16:27

Absolutely correct Mr Arron

Entries were as follows;

Ian Taylor Dulon 2000
Chris Pryor MRE 74SF
Bernard Vermilio Van Diemen
Richard Morgan Crossle

Vermilio failed to show, Taylor won, Pryor finished second and Morgan set fastest lap.

The F3 "section" was won by Henton's works March.

Also see the early FF2000 information thread:
http://forums.autosp...rmula Ford 2000

#60 Mallory Dan

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 16:29

My point entirely re the first 'proper' FF2000 race. I can't see how Diz reckons the first one was the Oulton trial race, that was the point of it, it was a trial before the genuine article. I think he's grumpy over the Keane fiasco in Scouseland, and when the Yanks are off...

#61 Ian Smith - Diz

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 16:30

Originally posted by Simon Arron

The first points-scoring Super Ford race was at Mallory, but there was a trial event at Oulton in September 1974: it was run as a separate class within an F3 race and I have a feeling only four cars turned up.

That's the one I was half remembering Simon. Thanks for giving me a little belief back in my memory.

#62 Andrew Kitson

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 17:50

Although fairly recent, another first for Oulton was the first ever Formula Palmer Audi race in 1998. I recall watching from the hill down towards Cascades. I remember Bjorn Wirdheim being in the field in a multi coloured car, but not much else. Who would have thought it would have lasted this long...and...the concept being developed and renamed as F2!

#63 alansart

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 17:54

Originally posted by Stephen W

Syd Fox - Hawke DL14;

Derek Lawrence - Crossle 31F

MRE

Syd Fox - Hawke DL14; Did that eventually become TON (The Old Nail) and was still winning several years later.

Derek Lawrence - Crossle 31F - Isn't that a bit early for a 31F?

MRE - Which became Tiga?

#64 Simon Arron

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 17:54

Originally posted by Mallory Dan
My point entirely re the first 'proper' FF2000 race. I can't see how Diz reckons the first one was the Oulton trial race, that was the point of it, it was a trial before the genuine article. I think he's grumpy over the Keane fiasco in Scouseland, and when the Yanks are off...

Veering back vaguely towards the original topic, four cars would be considered plenty for a proper race at Longridge...

#65 alansart

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 17:55

Originally posted by Simon Arron

Veering back vaguely towards the original topic, four cars would be considered plenty for a proper race at Longridge...

Nearly a full grid

Can you imagine a late 70's Formula Ford Festival at Longridge. 324 Heats, 162................It would take weeks :clap:

#66 Simon Arron

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 18:03

I recall there being considerable excitement at Longridge circa 1977, when the track permit was altered to allow maximum grids to rise from 10 cars to 12...

#67 Ian Smith - Diz

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 20:15

Originally posted by alansart

Syd Fox - Hawke DL14; Did that eventually become TON (The Old Nail) and was still winning several years later.

Derek Lawrence - Crossle 31F - Isn't that a bit early for a 31F?

MRE - Which became Tiga?

Nope Alan, The Crossle30F was the 1975 FF1600, so the 31F FF2000 would be a 1975 model. They lasted two seasons until the 32F / 33F appeared in 1977

#68 alansart

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 20:23

Originally posted by Ian Smith - Diz
Nope Alan, The Crossle30F was the 1975 FF1600, so the 31F FF2000 would be a 1975 model. They lasted two seasons until the 32F / 33F appeared in 1977

#69 Paul Hurdsfield

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 20:30

Originally posted by Stephen W

whilst on the 28th the championship arrived at Oulton Park.

Helloooo It's me again :wave:

That'll be this one then
Posted Image

Simon Arron
The first points-scoring Super Ford race was at Mallory, but there was a trial event at Oulton in September 1974: it was run as a separate class within an F3 race and I have a feeling only four cars turned up

That's not this one then, 10th August 1974?
Did the F3s come back again in September?
Posted Image

Paul

#70 Simon Arron

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 20:59

They returned on September 28.

#71 Phil Rainford

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 21:46

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Paul Hurdsfield
[B]

Helloooo It's me again :wave:

That'll be this one then
Posted Image

This was the first meeting that used Foulstons

And like today it snowed......

Kind regards

Phil

#72 alansart

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 21:51

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Phil Rainford
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Paul Hurdsfield
[B]

Helloooo It's me again

That'll be this one then

This was the first meeting that used Foulstons

And like today it snowed......

Kind regards

Phil [/QUOTE]

But it wouldn't have been called Foulstons then

#73 Simon Arron

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 22:00

I speak reasonably fluent Rainford.

He means Fosters...

#74 Stephen W

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 22:15

Originally posted by Simon Arron
He means Fosters...

Probably too much Fosters led to the confusion!

:wave:

#75 Paul Hurdsfield

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 22:24

Originally posted by Simon Arron
They returned on September 28.

Hmmmn..shuffle, shuffle, rustle, rustle....nope, not got that one in my collection ;)

The trouble is, being a Knickerbrooker (ooh err missus) they quite often ran out of programme's at the Knickerbrook entrance :

#76 Andrew Kitson

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Posted 02 February 2009 - 22:55

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Phil Rainford
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Paul Hurdsfield
[B]

This was the first meeting that used Foulstons

And like today it snowed......

Kind regards

Phil [/QUOTE]

It was also the meeting that was filmed by the BBC for 'Go with Noakes', following the LEC Mike Earle / Purley F5000 team around. I still have it on video.

#77 Phil Rainford

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Posted 03 February 2009 - 11:10

Originally posted by Simon Arron
I speak reasonably fluent Rainford.

He means Fosters...

Indeed I did....well I managed to get the first letter correct :blush:

Kind regards

Phil

#78 David Beard

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Posted 03 February 2009 - 12:53

Originally posted by elansprint72

Obvious really: it is a Lotus 23B, no wonder it was so nippy.

Getting back to Longridge, if we may...

You are joking, I take it :lol:

Can you point me at any bits that reflect that theory?

I had in mind some sort of butcherised Chevron, before a Special Saloon body landed on it...

#79 Mallory Dan

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Posted 03 February 2009 - 15:28

Originally posted by alansart

Syd Fox - Hawke DL14; Did that eventually become TON (The Old Nail) and was still winning several years later.

Derek Lawrence - Crossle 31F - Isn't that a bit early for a 31F?

MRE - Which became Tiga?

Alan, and sorry for going off-Longridge topic, Diz was correct re the Crossles, MRE did evolve into Tiga, and the TON was based on the Palliser, not the Hawke. In fact, it may have been built around the Palliser Mad Dog Magee was entered in in that prog pictured.

Back O/T, how about a Northern TNF summer meet at Longridge, some good boozers up there too, but no Fosters for Phil I fear. We could get Warren Booth up to give us a guided tour...

#80 Simon Arron

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Posted 03 February 2009 - 16:31

A guided tour of the full lap would be mildly impractical, unless somebody fancies bulldozing a dozen caravans...

#81 alansart

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Posted 03 February 2009 - 16:42

Originally posted by Simon Arron
A guided tour of the full lap would be mildly impractical, unless somebody fancies bulldozing a dozen caravans...

Get Clarkson to come. Top Gear do it all the time

#82 Stephen W

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Posted 03 February 2009 - 17:57

Originally posted by alansart

Get Clarkson to come. Top Gear do it all the time

I could just imagine the Top Gear lot let loose at Longridge! It would be mayhem!!!!! :stoned:

#83 Phil Rainford

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Posted 03 February 2009 - 18:13

Can anyone remember if there was any outcry when Longridge closed ....I seem to recall it just fading away? :confused:

Kind regards

Phil

#84 Simon Arron

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 07:32

Originally posted by elansprint72
By special request, another shot of the Lotus 23B (!), this time in mixed company.

Such idiosyncratic cocktails were not Longridge's exclusive preserve...
Posted Image

One Aintree meeting attracted precious few Modsports entries, so somebody had the bright idea of combining them with another class that was short on numbers... I suspect most of the Pre '57 Saloons were lapped at least twice.

#85 Andrew Kitson

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 08:28

Originally posted by Rob29
Think your basically right.Was built for the 1962 Intercontinental Formula which never happened so was restricted to club libre races-driven by Robin Darlington.Don't remember it racing at Lydden where it must have been a bit of a handful

I remember it at Lydden in '69, again with Jim Moore driving. Dark red, maroon at the time. It had several different paint jobs as it was pranged and consequently rebuilt so often.

#86 Ian Smith - Diz

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 11:22

Originally posted by Simon Arron

Such idiosyncratic cocktails were not Longridge's exclusive preserve...

One Aintree meeting attracted precious few Modsports entries, so somebody had the bright idea of combining them with another class that was short on numbers... I suspect most of the Pre '57 Saloons were lapped at least twice.

I was always full of bright ideas :up:

I did a much better one though.
One Special Saloon grid was full to overflowing, so I extracted the upto 1000cc class and put them in with a relatively poorly supported Vintage entry.

Big Bentley things and plastic' Minis'. I spent the time from deciding to do this until the chequered flag finally fell absolutely bricking it.

I had visions of a special saloon squashed against the barrier by many tons of Bentley. I'm sure a better job would have been done than any car crusher could have managed.

#87 Stephen W

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 11:31

Originally posted by Ian Smith - Diz
I was always full of bright ideas
I did a much better one though.
One Special Saloon grid was full to overflowing, so I extracted the upto 1000cc class and put them in with a relatively poorly supported Vintage entry.

Big Bentley things and plastic' Minis'. I spent the time from deciding to do this until the chequered flag finally fell absolutely bricking it.

I had visions of a special saloon squashed against the barrier by many tons of Bentley. I'm sure a better job would have been done than any car crusher could have managed.

In he event of a coming-together between a Special Saloon Mini and a Vintage Bentley I suspect the Bentley driver wouldn't feel a thing. Mind you he would be hard pressed to catch one!

#88 elansprint72

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 20:31

Here is an unusual view of the circuit, taken from a rocky perch. Event is a Longton & District MC sprint, 1975.

Posted Image

Image re-loaded, the link was in place but there was no image.

Edited by elansprint72, 17 November 2009 - 08:42.

#89 elansprint72

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 20:42

This shot shows the sprint start-line in the "pit-lane" :rotfl:

Longton & District MC sprint. 1975

Posted Image

Edited by elansprint72, 17 November 2009 - 08:40.

#90 Simon Arron

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 20:46

Is that an ambulance to the left in the first shot, or a dormobile-shaped portent?

#91 Phil Rainford

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 20:53

Mr Arron and I watched a terrific sprint from Weighbridge Corner ( Corner by ambulance )

This was the event that David Render was in the Lotus 76 and Jim Ravenscroft attempted to climb the quarry wall in the Token.....no doubt Steve has the year :confused:

Kind regards

Phil

#92 Simon Arron

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 21:18

Rainford half-asleep alert... Jim Ravenscroft is known to his friends as John.

The sprint took place on March 20 1977. Render and Ravenscroft apart, notable entries included Len Cartmill and David Flanagan (who shared a Chevron B28), Hale resident Peter Kirkby (Lola T142), Alan Newton (F2 Huron), Paul Edwards (Brabham BT38), Richard White (McLaren M10B), Terry Smith (McLaren M14D), Dave Harris (McRae GM1) and Peter Nelson (Ford Anglia 3.0 turbo)...

#93 Ian Smith - Diz

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Posted 04 February 2009 - 23:33

Was Peter Kirkby the same bloke who sponsored Alo Lawler through LEP?

#94 Simon Arron

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Posted 05 February 2009 - 08:06

I believe he is one and the same. The T142 often used to be parked in front of his house on Park Road, Hale.

#95 Stephen W

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Posted 05 February 2009 - 10:04

Originally posted by elansprint72
This shot shows the sprint start-line in the "pit-lane"
Longton & District MC sprint. 1975

The car accelerating out of the "pit-lane" is that of Simon Riley (McLaren-Rover M10A/B) who came second in the run-off.

Do you by any chance have the results of the run-off? In particular the list of runners and their times?

:wave:

#96 Stephen W

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Posted 05 February 2009 - 10:05

Originally posted by Simon Arron
Is that an ambulance to the left in the first shot, or a dormobile-shaped portent?

Certainly looks like an ambulance! :cool:

#97 Stephen W

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Posted 05 February 2009 - 10:08

Originally posted by Phil Rainford
Mr Arron and I watched a terrific sprint from Weighbridge Corner ( Corner by ambulance )

This was the event that David Render was in the Lotus 76 and Jim Ravenscroft attempted to climb the quarry wall in the Token.....no doubt Steve has the year

Kind regards

Phil

20th March 1977 - Dave Harris in the McRae won from David Render Lotus 76.

www.britishsprint.org for fullish results.

:cool:

#98 Stephen W

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Posted 05 February 2009 - 10:09

Originally posted by Simon Arron
Rainford half-asleep alert... Jim Ravenscroft is known to his friends as John.

The sprint took place on March 20 1977. Render and Ravenscroft apart, notable entries included Len Cartmill and David Flanagan (who shared a Chevron B28), Hale resident Peter Kirkby (Lola T142), Alan Newton (F2 Huron), Paul Edwards (Brabham BT38), Richard White (McLaren M10B), Terry Smith (McLaren M14D), Dave Harris (McRae GM1) and Peter Nelson (Ford Anglia 3.0 turbo)...

You don't happen to have the results of the Top Ten run-off do you?

:wave:

#99 RickT

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Posted 05 February 2009 - 12:59

Hi Guys

A few more Longridge photos for you :

Dad probably at the same 75 Longton sprint in his Lotus 69

[IMG]http://img26.imagesh...69long2cgs3.jpg[/IMG]

77 Sprint with his Ensign

[IMG]http://img444.images...enlong77sj1.jpg[/IMG]

78 Sprint with the Ensign, now Stein backed and shared with David Ward

[IMG]http://img266.images...nlong782in6.jpg[/IMG]

Keep them coming guys, good to see the sort of stuff that used to run there.

Cheers
Richard Taylor

#100 Simon Arron

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Posted 05 February 2009 - 15:15

Originally posted by Stephen W
You don't happen to have the results of the Top Ten run-off do you?

Programme (well, a couple of sheets of A4, distributed free of charge)? Check. Photographs? Check. Top Ten run-off results? I suspect not.

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Longridge, then and now...

#51 elansprint72

#52 Rob29

#53 Tim Murray

#54 Stephen W

#55 Mallory Dan

#56 Andrew Kitson

#57 Stephen W

#58 Simon Arron

#59 MCS

#60 Mallory Dan

#61 Ian Smith - Diz

#62 Andrew Kitson

#63 alansart

#64 Simon Arron

#65 alansart

#66 Simon Arron

#67 Ian Smith - Diz

#68 alansart

#69 Paul Hurdsfield

#70 Simon Arron

#71 Phil Rainford

#72 alansart

#73 Simon Arron

#74 Stephen W

#75 Paul Hurdsfield

#76 Andrew Kitson

#77 Phil Rainford

#78 David Beard

#79 Mallory Dan

#80 Simon Arron

#81 alansart

#82 Stephen W

#83 Phil Rainford

#84 Simon Arron

#85 Andrew Kitson

#86 Ian Smith - Diz

#87 Stephen W

#88 elansprint72

#89 elansprint72

#90 Simon Arron

#91 Phil Rainford

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