Cornish racers

The 5th of March is St Piran’s Day – the national day of Cornwall – St Piran famed for his discovery of tin. The county has plenty of fast drivers competing in the South West's speed events of hillclimbing and sprinting.

Andrew Dinner has been competing for over 30 years. He has owned his stunning Pilbeam MP82 since 2008. Powered by a 2 litre Vauxhall engine (ex BTCC) it was originally MP62/5 owned by Peter & Margaret Blankstone. In the late 90’s it was upgraded by the factory with MP82 suspension. Andrew believes it is probably now the most original Pilbeam currently in action on the hills.

Also favouring a Pilbeam chassis, is Paul Crute. He has MP58/1 fitted with a 3 litre Jaguar engine. This chassis was originally owned by the great Roy Lane and fitted with a Cosworth DFL. Roy sold it as a “roller” and many years later, it came into Paul’s ownership.

Another Cornishman who is in the “30 years plus club” is Roy Bray. A fan of fast Ford’s, he campaigned a very rapid Mark 1 Escort during the 80's - this was then replaced by an equally rapid Escort Cosworth. Always highly entertaining to see him hustling the Cossy around the tight confines of Wiscombe.

The Kessell’s, Derek and Lee, are big fans of Mini’s. Derek’s highly modified Maguire Cooper S is legendary and is about to start its 33rd season on the hills in Derek’s hands. Lee prefer’s a more standard looking 1981 Mini fitted with a 1275cc engine.

Alan Bond races his Stretta R6 Yamaha R1 998cc, a single seater which he designed and constructed himself.

Promoting Blackpool’s finest product is Ian Harrison, a Wiscombe regular, and his beautiful 1968 TVR Vixen.

A Happy St Pirran’s Day to you gentleman or Gool Peran Lowen!

This article together with additional photo's has been published on the Wiscombe Park FB page https://www.facebook.com/WiscombeParkHillclimb/posts/1926605474158361