La Vie En Bleu 2017

La Vie En Bleu – Prescott Hillclimb 27th & 28th May

Billed as “A weekend celebration of all things French & Italian. An eclectic mix of motor cars spanning the last 100 years plus entertainment off track to keep all the family entertained.”. The event also hosted Round 3 of the MTWC Challenge Series.

From Austin Smith and Julia Perry:

La Vie en Bleu Prescott 28th May 2017

 

Many competitors arrived during Saturday to make the most of the sunny weekend, setting up camp on the Orchard and enjoying each other’s company.  Sunday morning dawned bright and early and after the drivers briefing everyone made their way up to the paddock to prepare fror their opening practice run. Typically the Morgans were in the last batch. Eventually we were marshalled by Graca Cardoso-Stewart into our running order and sent down to the start. Everyone bar, Tom Cowley, eased their way in into the groove, the only mishaps being John Scruton kicking up the kitty litter at Ettores (a feat he achieved later on in the day, much to the dismay of the Marshals). Unfortunately Tom Cowley’s season of misfortune continued as he was stricken with ignition problems, which despite his best efforts and ingenuity, persisted during the rest of the day and caused Cathy Quinn to miss out on all her runs.  Jim Edwards possibly set the slowest time of the event in his Family JAP 980cc clocking 114.15.

During second practice most people ran quicker, especially Jim who slashed almost 9 seconds off his original time.

After a stunning Spitfire fly past at lunch the temperature really warmed up, prompting Julia Perry to deploy the foot cooling spa (Paddling pool).  In addition to this many drivers opted for the Chas Reynolds bare chest look under their leathers. Not sure if this is for cooling or weight saving, but it certainly works for Chas as he set a blistering time of 54.53 on his second competitive run.

Nigel Challis was best of the rest at 57.73, pipping Austin Smith to third place with 58.05, with Iain Stewart in 4th place at 58.97.

It was nice to see some new faces to the regular crowd, with Martyn and Chris Baylis in their Super Aero Jap 1100cc enjoying  their day.  Chris took the bragging rights with best time of 63.64. Eric Bailey also settled in nicely to record a time of  73.18 in his F2 E93A 1172,cc but was outpaced by David Poplar in his similar machine, who clocked 67.43.

Tony Quinn set a slightly quicker time than last year at 62.05 whilst Tony Pearson was getting to grips with his stunning silver Super Sport Jap 1100cc, clocking a best time of 64.97.      

It was fitting to see Phil Bridge continuing to campaign Pete Clews F Super, with Becky Washington still in the passenger seat.   The duo set an impressive time of 61.21.

There was real camaraderie and laughter in the Morgan paddock, especially when a pair of lofty Gendarmes posed in a group photo with all the competitors.

Final word, however, must go to Jim Edwards and his acrobatic passenger Iain Stewert, who entertained the crowd as they raced up the hill to set a final run time of 97.44, which was almost 17 seconds quicker than their opening run.  This is what Morgan Three Wheeler racing is all about!!