Rescogs resident hillclimb racer Sam Matthewman has been busy for a while, so he’s combined reports on his last three outings at Gurston Down Hill Climb, Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb and his return to Loton Park Hill Climb. So that’s plenty of racing action to inspire you… On the plus side, there’s even some handy video action to enjoy! Let’s let Sam take over…
Gurston Down Hill Climb, Salisbury June 22/23rd:
My second visit to Gurston this year, and the first time back since going from a 1200cc engine to the current 1080cc, so I was interested to see how it would compare.
As we signed on, I was handed a programme and saw myself pictured on the front cover, which was a nice surprise at what is predominantly a car event – no pressure then!
My winning time in April was a 33.37 in fairly cool conditions. This time it was a bit warmer, and despite rain showers I managed a new personal best of 33.32, just pipped by Martin on a Supermoto with a 33.18. That gave him bragging rights in the pub that evening, but perhaps I didn’t want to risk all and show my hand too soon? Particularly as Saturday was a non-championship day.
Sunday started wet but dried as the day progressed. I was managing to stay in front through practice and the time runs, with he 180 flying. Topping 108mph through Hollow, it was only 1mph down on the 1200cc engine, and it was much easier to get the power down on corner exits.
I qualified first for the Top 10 with a 33.46 on the first and driest timed run. Paul on a CR510 managed 33.55, Glyn on his CR500 recorded 33.62 and Martin on his KTM had 33.69. How close do you want it?
Last to leave the line, I was keen to get the run over, and also not to disappoint the spectators clutching their programmes. The track was the driest it had been all day, although it was still damp through the very fast hollow. Having got a good start, and managing 107mph through the hollow, the wind was blowing hard. Direction changes were a struggle, especially before the fast finish, but I managed a good clean run – although it didn’t feel anything special.
I pulled up next to the others to compare times, and the friendly marshal handed my slip over. I couldn’t believe I’d done a 32.86 to take another win, with Glyn on 33.22, Martin on 33.24 and Paul on 33.26. With just 4/100ths of a second between them, it’s a battle I was glad to be in front of!
Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, Worcester July 6th:
With the weather predicted to be stunning, I’d looked forward to Shelsley all week. In fact, I nearly even left the wet tyres at home.
After arriving around 6pm on the Friday, I dumped the bike in the paddock, parked up in the camping field and went to work on a nice cold Magners. I also managed to handicap some of the other racers by handing out crisps and death chilli sauces until they were all crying – especially when they rubbed their eyes! Ignoring the fact my championship rival Glyn was staying teetotal as he bought me pints of cider, the conversation continued in the bar back at the paddock, finally heading for bed just after midnight.
Saturday morning saw clear blue skies, despite the drums banging in my head as Glyn’s plan appeared to have worked. He was straight out of the blocks in first practice with me in second and Martin in third. In second practice I dropped into the 30s, leaving Martin and Glynn to fight for the next two places, as Glynn’s CR was down on power in the heat of the baking sun.
In the afternoon the first Timed Runs saw most people go quicker. The only mishap was Glynn clipping the backing at Crossing and having a very near escape. I managed 116mph though the final trap and was struggling to get stopped before I ran out of road!
The second Timed Run saw me hoping to have a go at the hill record, as I’d been just 4/10ths away from it already. I managed a good start but the concentration wasn’t there and I wasn’t committed enough. Reaching 114mph through the final finish trap and I hit the brakes as soon as I saw the line underneath me with my head on the tank. The front wheel was chattering as I braked, quickly running out of Tarmac and I decided to run onto the grass rather than drop it. Even that plan wasn’t great – there was a fair drop onto the grass and an even bigger one onto the gravel! Somehow I kept it upright as the bike buried itself, and I could hear the shouts of ‘Cock!’ coming from the holding area. You might hear them in the onboard video below:
With time ticking on there was a vote whether we should run again or take the results from the Timed Runs, but my plans for an easy win were outvoted. Luckily there was only 30 minutes to wait, and having led most of the day I wanted to manage a smooth run to hold onto my lead.
Glyn made a slight mistake at the start to record a 31.37, Martin pipped him with a 31.34, and for once, my plan worked as I did a 30.69 to take another win. So nice to have the weather on side for once, even if I dare say it might have been a little too hot!
Loton Park Hill Climb, Shrewsbury, July 13/14th
After repeat visit to a circuit, and I was keen to see if anything had been done to the overbanding which caused problems at our previous meeting. Nothing had changed, but hopefully the record temperatures forecasted would make it less of an issue.
Saturday was again a non-championship day. I started off with high expectations as the long and fast track is suited to the big TL, but the extremely hot weather was causing problems with rear end grip on the really soft compound inter tyre. Big sliders everywhere, especially from mid-run onwards.
Mid afternoon saw a huge thunderstorm which helped to cool us down, while one of the young lads decided to wash his hair under the water pouring off an awning.
Luckily the track dried quickly before our timed runs, and I managed to finish third, albeit two seconds behind Glyn and Martin who were flying on their slick-shod Supermotos. My plans for Sunday turned to damage limitation!
Last year my personal best was a 57.63. With Glyn and Martin already in the mid 56 second bracket, I knew I had to pull my finger out.
Sunday was again red-hot. Practice saw me drop to a 57.77 – close to my personal best and a second better than Saturday. With Glyn on 56.99 and Martin on 57.23 at least I was within a second of them now.
Due to various delays the event was running late and thee was a chance the result would come from a timed run. So for the first attempt I decided to take a chance and go for a quick one. I managed a surprising 56.82, taking a huge chunk from my personal best. Glyn was even quicker with a 56.18, but Martin only managed 56.87, giving me second place by just 5/100ths of a second.
At 6pm for the second timed run, I knew the Top10 was out and this had to count. I knew I wouldn’t find 6/10ths to challenge Glynn, but Martin could definitely clinch second. Fortunately after Glynn matched his time, both Martin and myself actually went a bit slower, leaving me relieved to take second and another 9 championship points.
Great write up. True clubman racing. Well done.