Castle Combe Autumn Classsic - 7th October

JEC Pre '66 Jaguar Saloon Series 2018

An excellent mixed grid of Pre ’66 Jaguars entered this year for the prestigious Norman Dewis Trophy race, celebrating the legendary Jaguar test and development driver. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, Norman was unable to attend but Nigel Webb, who commissioned this trophy was on hand to award it to the recipient.

The 22-car grid consisted of 8 Jaguar XKs, 8 assorted saloons & 6 E Types to entertain the many spectators. Such is the attraction of this event that it brings out entries from drivers who only compete in 1 or 2 races each year. 2 such beautifully prepared cars were David Churchill (XK140) & Robert Salisbury (MKI). Robert had not driven the car for 2 years, since its conversion to RHD.

Additionally, the JEC had a club stand with around 80 cars, supporting our drivers.

Paul Kennelly opted to bring his E Type, giving his XK150S a rest after its outing at Silverstone last weekend. Graham Love entered the magnificent MKVII , which seems to tower above the other cars but is deceptively quick. Late entries included Grant Williams, always good value to spectators, in the Invitation Class and Andrew Wenman’s XK120. Welcome returnees Steve Skipworth (E Type) & James Dean (XK120) couldn’t resist the lure of this event.

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Introduction

An excellent mixed grid of Pre ’66 Jaguars entered this year for the prestigious Norman Dowis Trophy race, celebrating the legendary Jaguar test and development driver. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, Norman was unable to attend but Nigel Webb, who commissioned this trophy was on hand to award it to the recipient.

The 22-car grid consisted of 8 Jaguar XKs, 8 assorted saloons & 6 E Types to entertain the many spectators. Such is the attraction of this event that it brings out entries from drivers who only compete in 1 or 2 races each year. 2 such beautifully prepared cars were David Churchill (XK140) & Robert Salisbury (MKI). Robert had not driven the car for 2 years, since its conversion to RHD.

Additionally, the JEC had a club stand with around 80 cars, supporting our drivers.

Paul Kennelly opted to bring his E Type, giving his XK150S a rest after its outing at Silverstone last weekend. Graham Love entered the magnificent MKVII , which seems to tower above the other cars but is deceptively quick. Late entries included Grant Williams, always good value to spectators, in the Invitation Class and Andrew Wenman’s XK120. Welcome returnees Steve Skipworth (E Type) & James Dean (XK120) couldn’t resist the lure of this event.

Kevin Zwolinski Ahead Of Derek Pearce Cg
Rob Pinchbeck Robert Salisbury Rg
Tom Butterfield Rg
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Qualifying

Qualifying – Rain/Wet

It initially appeared as if the weather would replicate last years as qualification started, however conditions improved as the day progressed. The wet suited last year’s winner Kevin Zwolinski in his standard XK140, who took pole with a 1min. 37.614, a full 2 seconds faster than a gaggle of saloons. 2nd was the Pete Dorlin MK2 from the similar car of Richard Butterfield, who headed son Tom in a MK1. The more powerful cars struggled in the very wet & slippery conditions, with the Williams E Type next fastest. Showing how slippery conditions were, Rob Pinchbeck spun the XK120 on the grass at Camp to entertain spectators. Rob Newall suffered a misfire, which needed to be resolved before the race.

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Race

Race – Cloudy/Dry

The Zwolinski prayer for more rain did not materialise & it was expected that the faster cars would be able to use the extra power on a dry circuit. Williams made a lightning start to move into the lead on lap 1 as the other E Types made their way past the less powerful grid. Harry Wyndhams E Type jumped from 9th to 2nd by lap 2. Chris Milner & Jamie Boots E Types also made their way through the pack, eventually disposing of the trio of saloons, who were having a great battle, to put the E Types in the first 4 positions. Boring? Not at all as Wyndham reeled in Williams to pass on lap 5. Williams was having none of that and fought back through the lapped cars to finish just 2 seconds apart when the race was red flagged 1 minute before its scheduled end. In the saloons, Dorlin held off the Butterfields for 5 laps until Richard got past but son Tom retired on lap 12 with broken syncromesh. The saloons looked spectacular, drifting around Camp Corner. Wenmans XK120 fought a race long battle with Roger Copes MKI, before passing but then unfortunately going off on lap 17. Team members Derek Pearce (MK2) & Tom Lenthall (S Type) were also never far apart until they tangled, bringing out the red flags & ending the race. James Dean led the XKs home from Newall & Marc Gordon. Gordon was a worthy recipient of the Norman Dewis Trophy for an outstanding drive, holding off more powerful challengers.

Results:

Winner - Harry Wyndham, Runner Up - Grant Williams, 3rd Chris - Milner (E Types)

Class A – Jaguar XKs

Winner - James Dean, Runner Up – Rob Newall (XK120s), 3rd Marc Gordon (XK150S)

Class B – Saloons

Winner – Richard Butterfield, Runner Up – Pete Dorlin (MK2s), 3dr Roger Cope (MK1)

Class C1 – E Types

Winner – Harry Wyndham. Runner Up – Jamie Boot

Class C2 – E Types

Winner – Chris Milner, Runner Up – Paul Kennelly, 3rd – Steve Skipworth


Race Results

Fastest Laps

Fastest LapDriverClassRace Time
Class

Results for Class

PositionDriverTotal TimeFastest Lap
1st