Autotest and Various Competitions at the South Wales Police Club, Sunday 18th August 2002

This day had come from an idea last Winter when we were looking for events. It wasn't until we got closer that we realised none of us knew how to run an Autotest (or Gymkhana). Anyway eventually Mark came up trumps and we had a course sorted out. Then we had the venue courtesy of the South Wales Police Sports and Social Club near Bridgend (free of charge!!).

Then Mark decided we should have a few more things to keep us going, so we decided to add the "Best car in region", Spark plug challenge" and "Average speed" contests to the mix.

After a ropey start, the weather was very kind to us, and we finished all the competitions in hot sunshine (lots of red faces). Several "new" people came along and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The day finished off in the club house for a meal followed by a presentation from Sergeant Clive Jones of the South Wales Police Driving Instructors' School. This was a very informal session with "no holds barred" questions from the floor and frank and honest replies from Sgt. Jones.

The day

Autotest

Mike Takes it easy as befits a man of his years. Michelle's hair blows under reckless acceleration The Gentleman's group was won by Mike (Paddick) and the Lady's by Michelle (Paddick) FIX!!

Phil tries to save face after Helen put in a great run in his car. Honourable mention must go to Helen who had never driven Phil's MX-5 before and came in third place with an excellent run.

Spark plug challenge

Mark plugs Mike Ros shows she definitely knows one end of a plug spanner from another  Gentlemen's winner was Mike  and Ladies, Ros .

Average speed

An event where drivers drove a set distance with no previous idea of its length and had to average exactly 40mph. This proved to be a lot more difficult than it sounded.

The secret is to actually do 40mph all the way. Including around all the corners!! So you do 120 for the first half mile, then compensate for it the rest of the way. Gentlemen's winner was Steve May  (Dave to his friends), and the Ladies winner was Sam . 

Welcome guests from the MG club (the only ones who came). Sam should get an extra mention as she and Hiw  were the sole representatives of the MG owners' club (whom Mark had invited) to attend the day.

Best car in Region

This was decided totally democratically with each attendee having a voting slip to list their 1st and 2nd choices.

A well deserved prize for The Magpie. Cleaner than clean engine bay, bodyworkand wheels. Beautifully appointed interior. The Winner was Paul with his massively shiny BRG MK-II. We were all so sure Paul would win that his certificate had been printed in advance!!

Not another prize. Second place went to Mike and Michelle for their Silver '93 Wanos.

Not bad for her age is she. And the car's pretty good too. Third place went to Mark and Chris in their '90 all Original, Classic Red UK MK-I.

Special Award

I took my wheels off and cleaned the insides too. So how come you won? The special "Paddick Cleanest Wheels" Award also went to Paul.

Loads more pictures

Paddick MK-II - Cars, cars, cars, cars, cars, cars, girls. But Dad. Mam always uses the handbrake like that when she parallel parks. MX-5, MX-5, MX-5, MX-5, MX-5, MX-5, MGF? Hey Ros, how does it work again? 

Nice car Mark, now please get off my foot. The hip bone's connected to the shoulder bone... Mark, Mark. Where are you? Steve and Marilyn swap top speed stories. 

 

Thanks to Ray and Ros for picture contributions.

Last updated, 20 August, 2002

"Hi Ho Silver"