The Tipster Speaks – Curborough

This weekend (Sunday, 20th Aug) sees our ‘Speed Hill Climbers’ out in force at the sprint course near Lichfield, known as the Curboroughring because of its close similarity with its lesser cousin in the Eiffel. A highly technical track, now that it is using the figure of eight format, with excellent caravan canteen that provides ‘post first practice’ bacon rolls for our drivers.

There is a quite stunning entry of 17 Ferraris (one more if Mr Prior sneaks in a late entry) that reminds us all of past large entries.  Good to see the Hitchman clan out in force with Lorraine in a Ferrari for a change, and a 360 at that.  The Goodwins will be there, Jon in his sonorous V12 and Pauline tearing up the tarmac at the start-line getting ever closer to the 2 second 0-64 ft time.  Taylor is back from the sun lounger to keep Snelson honest in their 430s and Spicer is there to taunt Pauline G on the start-line in his yellow 328.

Brian Jackson is becoming quite attached to his Califonia but it may be a little large for this twisty track – the Big Bottomed Betty may be more of a handful here rather than his faithful BOB 308.  Moreno and Wibberley are in 360s and Juan is really getting to grips with his car now and could do well, once again, whilst Mark is working on a super slippery polish to gain tenths on the straight.  Rogerson in a similar tipo will be pushing for a personal best here.  It is good to see Whitehead and Preece (F355 both) back in action, Phil after his unfortunate off at Loton may trail ‘Rain Meister’ Preece if the timed runs are in the wet.

Watson and Hargreaves are back and could take advantage of their nimble 308 GTBs and Doctor Atwood (308GT4) has supposedly bought a new pet after clearing the kitty litter out of his wheel arches post-Brands.

The track at Curborough has its challenges: the crossover can be taken at some speed but balance is essential on the curves that follow; the most difficult section used to be Fradley hairpin but the challenge is now Flagpole on the return loop.  It is very easy to run wide here and lose all speed up to the second crossover.  They need to study Taylor here for tips on the best line.

I’d better get on to some tips and stop rambling, which is possible for many entrants if the weather turns wet on Sunday.

If the weather is kind, scratch will be between Snelson and Taylor and, if he has left the grass cutters off his 430, Snelson may, or may not, take the flag from the wise old dog.  Moreno, Spicer and Jackson should occupy the top places plus Whitehead if his confidence hasn’t been dented.

If all the timed runs are wet the 430s may suffer despite the wonderful e-differentials they employ.  Agility and cautious throttle use will prevail at a slippery track with little or no camber to assist and the field could be shuffled like a deck of red cards!  Preece, Spicer, Wibberley and Attwood could surprise after a wet p.e.p. is applied.

But what if Prior turns up??

A great track for spectators, members should come along to see our Club’s Championship in action, they might even catch the bug.

For directions see here.

At the very least you will get great car action plus a good cup of tea.