2 Newport Road, Hardmead, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 9JR

Le Mans Autoparts have been wholesaling motorsport related products since 1990, increasing the range from the original list of SW Gauges and accessories to the comprehensive range of products currently available. We have also branched into a number of non Motorsport related lines.

We have been successfully selling our products through the Demon Tweeks catalogue as well as other retail supplier catalogues and will continue this in the future.

For 2000 we decided that we needed a higher profile image so that people would be able to relate more to our products, especially those that we are now branding as Le Mans (currently Gauges and Harnesses). To this end we will sponsor the AutoItalia championship. We have a trade stand at the Autosport International Racing Car Show every year and welcome Le Mans Auto-Italia competitors to introduce themselves and see our range of products in the flesh.

Our current product range is summarised below. In conjunction with wholesaling we are starting to supply other major brand products such as Mobil and the entire range of Earls pipes and unions etc.

AUTO-ELECTRICAL:- Toggle Switches/Fuse Boxes/Warning Lights/Battery Cut-Out Switches/Push Button Switches/Cable Protection/Alarm-Security Switches/Horns/Relays Waterproof Connectors/Hi-Watt Bulbs/Ignition Switches etc.

MOTORSPORT PARTS AND SUNDRIES:- Tank Tape/Boot & Bonnet Fastenings Race Numbers/Pull Cables/Sticker Sheets/Turbo Dump Valves & Fittings, exhaust heat wrap etc.

GAUGE FITTING PARTS:- Adaptors/T-Pieces/Pipelines - To suit all makes of Gauges

HOSE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES:- Petrol Pipe/Oil Pipe/Joiners/P-Clips/Stainless Hose Clips/Stainless Braided Hose & Overbraid/Fuel Taps/Silicone Hose etc.

SW GAUGES:- The complete range of gauges including Speedos & Tachos

TIM GAUGES:- The top selling budget range of gauges

CLOVAFANS:- Engine cooling fans from 8 dia to 16 dia. Complete kits & spares

KRUSS & LE MANS HARNESSES:- 3-point/4-point/5-point/6-point bolt downs or snap hooks. EU & FIA approved

PIPERCROSS & LE MANS FILTERS:- Performance air filters & oil filters

RICHBROOK & LE MANS STYLING:- Poppy Air Fresheners/Logo gear knobs/Valve caps/Door lock pins/Alloy & Stainless Nuts & Bolts etc

SPEEDWELL MINI PRODUCTS:- Dashpot covers/Grille buttons/Rampipes etc

LE MANS GAUGES:- Motorsport Gauges/Lightweight/Accurate/White or Black Dials/Red Needles

LE MANS ACCESSORIES:- Soundproofing Felt/Carpet/Adhesive/Fire Extinguishers

EARLS:- Hose & Hoseparts - Complete Range Separate Catalogue

MOBIL 1:- Oil Stockist Separate Catalogue

2 Newport Road, Hardmead, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 9JR

The 1999 championship is now concluded and a final results sheet is attached. Congratulations to :-

Class winners may receive their BRSCC trophies at the BRSCC prize giving dinner/dance on January 22nd (booking details are in the BRSCC magazine). Class winners and runners up may receive their Auto-Italia trophies at the Alfa Romeo Owners Club prize giving dinner/dance (Reigate Manor Hotel, January 15^th) The Hennessy Racing and Mistec awards will also be presented at this function (booking forms will follow, or contact Mike Buckler, tel. 01293-871155).

I appear to have one BRSCC class trophy unclaimed from Snetterton at the beginning if the year. Class winners from this race were Mike Sweeney, Alex Heynes, Giovanni Di Gennaro, Ray Ferguson, John Elbra & Graham Warner.

Race report by Peter Collins - DRYS OR WETS?

……..or how thirty-five assorted racing-drivers can’t agree which tyres to use. Silverstone was dry, then wet, then dry – then wet again. Qualifying was held on a drying track and a capacity field of 35 cars headed out for their once a year attack on the Silverstone Club circuit.Observations from Copse revealed nothing too drastic happening except for a serious gearbox problem for Oli Heynes which spelt an early bath.

Tony Soper, on 67.62 secs, led Class A cars, with the Alfa 75 of Paul Buckley 0.2 secs behind. Next Class A man was David Higgins on 68.72. Alex Heynes annexed Class B pole with a 68.38 followed by an on form Mike Watson on 71.22. Giovanni de Gennaro in the 128 was well clear of Jim Price’s Minari, the two Class C men clocking 71.22 and 74.45 respectively. Shaun Powell, armed with a Ferrari 355 was showing the Class D runners the way round with a 68.03, leading John Avery’s 328 example on 70.77. Steve Foley’s 75.06 was only 0.24 quicker than Jon Elbra in Class E whilst Brian Thorp and Colm Flanagan slugged it out for Class F, in that order with 73.11 and 73.13 – near enough a dead heat.

The last rain fell some 2 hours before the start and many thought the intermediate races would create a dry line – not so !

Draft regulations have now been submitted to the BRSCC, and will shortly be posted on the championship website. Principle changes are as follows :

Alfa 33, 1998 Class F winner, many class wins, race wins and fastest laps, all the right bits, slicks, wets, fresh 1500cc engine, £offers – Colm Flanagan – Tel 01245-421917

Fiat Uno, 1300cc, Ready to race, Wets, Slicks, Alloys, Lots of spares, £3250, Niki - Tel 01536-512588 / 01536-742455

Fiat Uno, 1400cc, 1998 AutoItalia 3^rd in class, Spare wheels & tyres, £2500 ono, Niki - Tel 01536-512588 / 01536-742455

Brian James trailer, suit above cars, Tyre Rack, Jerry can holders, box, £650, Niki - Tel 01536-512588 / 01536-742455

Alfa Sud Sprint, 1700cc 16v injection, 10 x 8" slicks & wets, spares inc. engine & gearbox etc, AutoItalia or AROC class B £2500 Tel 01525-408354

2 Newport Road, Hardmead, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 9JR

Dear Competitor

I am preparing promotional material for the 2000 championship with the intention of featuring drivers and their race cars.

As a regular AutoItalia competitor you are invited to be featured in this material.

I urgently require a passport type picture of yourself, some personal details and a quality picture of your car (6" x 4" or equiv.). These should be returned to me before the end of October if you wish to be included.

Peter Collins has library pictures of many of you from this year which we can use, however if you have a new car or livery that you particularly want featured then please supply a suitable colour picture.

This promotional material should be distributed with the AutoItalia magazine and from associated stands at the AutoSport show. Copies can also be made available to drivers.

Cut ==================================================================

2 Newport Road, Hardmead, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 9JR Tel 01234-391090

Following round nine at Snetterton the Championship lead is with Alex Heynes, who played his Joker and scored a maximum 64 points. No one can now overhaul his points tally and so Congratulations to Alex, who is the 1999 AutoItalia Champion. Previous leader John Elbra scored a dnf due to ignition failure and this put paid to his Championship challenge. Keith Bisp’s Championship ambitions also evaporated after he fell off at Chorum on the 3^rd lap. Second and third places look to be between Graham Warner and Colm Flanagan (who still hasn’t played his Joker), or possibly Keith Bisp / John Rutter should major disasters befall Graham or Colm in the final round.

Several Class victories are now taken, Congratulations to the following : John Rutter wins Class A. Alex Heynes wins Class B, Ray Ferguson wins Class D and Jon Elbra wins Class E. Class C is very close between Jim Price and Keith Bisp, with Jim yet to play his Joker. Class F will go to the wire between Colm Flanagan and Graham Warner, Brian Thorp could just nip 2^nd place if Colm scores very badly.

Round ten is at Silverstone on Sunday 26^th September. The grid is now full with the maximum number of reserves. Several competitors have not yet played their Jokers – These will be applied automatically for the final round and there is no need to notify the organisers of your intent to play them.

Don’t forget the final Brooklands event of the year, Sunday October 3^rd is the Autumn Italian Car Day, call Phil Ward at AutoItalia magazine for details Tel 01462-678205.

As notified in the last bulletin Classes B and C have seen less entrants this year than other classes and will be amalgamated, so that there will be two modified classes. This could either be up to 2000cc and over 2000cc or up to 1800cc and over 1800cc – Would competitors directly affected by these changes contact me to discuss their preference.

Changes to regulations have to be submitted to the BRSCC by 30/9/99.

Alfa 33, 1998 Class F winner, many class wins, race wins and fastest laps, all the right bits, slicks, wets, fresh 1500cc engine, £offers – Colm Flanagan – Tel 01245-421917

Fiat Uno, 1300cc, Ready to race, Wets, Slicks, Alloys, Lots of spares, £3250, Niki - Tel 01536-512588 / 01536-742455

Fiat Uno, 1400cc, 1998 AutoItalia 3^rd in class, Spare wheels & tyres, £2500 ono, Niki - Tel 01536-512588 / 01536-742455

Brian James trailer, suit above cars, Tyre Rack, Jerry can holders, box, £650, Niki - Tel 01536-512588 / 01536-742455

Alfa Sud Sprint, 1700cc 16v injection, 10 x 8" slicks & wets, spares inc. engine & gearbox etc, AutoItalia or AROC class B £2500 Tel 01525-408354

Fiat Strada Abarth, 1997 production class champion "The big boobs car" Now only £1700 Phil Jones Lloyd Tel 0771-933314

2 Newport Road, Hardmead, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 9JR Tel 01234-391090

After round eight the Championship lead is still with John Elbra, but only just. With 214 points John heads Keith Bisp by only 2 points with Alex Heynes 1 point behind Keith. Graham Warner is in fourth place and Rays Fergusons non appearance at Croft sees him slide to fifth with John Rutter just behind Ray. With two rounds to go the top seven men, with the exception of Alex Heynes and Colm Flanagan, have all played their Jokers.

Class A could still go to John Rutter, Paul Buckley or John Day. Alex Heynes cannot be overtaken in Class B, Class C will be very close between Jim Price and Keith Bisp. Ray Ferguson cannot be caught in Class D and Jon Elbra is secure with Class E. Class F will go to the wire between Colm Flanagan, Graham Warner and Brian Thorp.

Round nine is at Snetterton on August 30^th (bank holiday Monday). In excess of 30 cars have entered the AutoItalia race, qualifying is at 10.45am, racing starts 13.00hrs and we will be the sixth event (out of nine).

It was hot at Oulton Park by the time practice started soon after 9am and even hotter by the time of the race - so was the racing down the field, but Paul Buckley and his Alfa 75 ran away and hid from view despite a restarted race.

Using the Fosters circuit, qualification saw him lapping in 59.61 secs to take an easy pole and Class A fastest. He was 2.7 secs quicker than John Rutter in the Hawk Stratos. Alex Heynes did a 75.24 to take Class B with second man, Tony Soper, languishing 19th overall and second in class with 82.39 due to having to drive on the ignition switch and in fourth gear due to the throttle sticking.

Keith Bisp, now well wound up in the Clan was way ahead of Class C runner up, Jim Price. Keith did 73.75 and Jim, 80 seconds exactly. Ray Ferguson took the Ferrari round in 78.9 to put himself 0.37 clear of John Avery's 328 version in Class D. John Elbra's 75.8 was well clear of Ray Foley's 79.33 in Class E whilst Colm Flanagan and Graham Warner were close in Class F with 76.11 and 76.55.

John Day and Colin Artus (Stratos/Ferrari) had to qualify out of session due to delays in the scrutineering queue.

Come the race and Paul Buckley soon got clear of the pack and settled down to his own pace, but things did not go well for Graham Warner who lost control and knocked both his nearside wheels off, thus stopping the race.

The restart was in previous race order, so Buckley disappeared again, except that John Rutter decided he wasn't going to have it all his own way and gave game chase, still to be led over the line by 10 seconds.

Meanwhile, down the field, there was plenty to watch, with John Day doing his best to cancel out the disadvantage of his grid position and, in the process, getting involved in a splendid scrap which was shaping up between Ray Ferguson and a now on-song Tony Soper. Ray had it in a straight line, but Tony was the terrier at his ankles when it came to the corners. Ray beat Tony to the line in the end however.

Overall order was Paul Buckley, John Rutter, Alex Heynes, Ray Ferguson.

Class winners were Paul Buckley in Class A, Alex Heynes in Class B, Keith Bisp in Class C, Ray Ferguson in Class D, John Elbra in Class E and Colm Flanagan in Class F. Only three more to go before the Millennium!! (Peter Collins)

The weather took a turn for the worse for the championships first ever visit to Croft as seventeen competitors gathered for qualifying on a very wet track. Quickest time went to Keith Bisp (C) with Jim Price (C) less than a second behind and John Elbra (E) took an impressive fourth spot., followed by John Rutter (A) and Terry Davies (B). Class F was headed by Graham Warner. Everyone survived qualifying intact although John Day only completed two laps following a puncture.

Come the start of the 12 lap race on Croft’s 2.1 mile circuit a fully dry line had appeared, although it was still wet off line. Colm Flanagan took the lead after a scrappy rolling start lap. Further back Terry Davies seemed to be in immediate trouble, his Alfa 33 looked quite uncontrollable through the first corner, and left the circuit backwards after exiting the second chicane. John Rutters excellent start was compromised after he ran wide during lap two. This slowed Oliver Heynes and allowed Alex Heynes and Keith Bisp a free run at Colm Flanagan, and they duly overhauled him mid race. Oliver Heynes, driving a turbocharged Integrale engined Strada Abarth was showing extraordinary straight line speed until his sump plug fell out, leaving a scary oil slick which probably caught Steve Foley who subsequently crashed out of the race. Also in trouble was John Elbra who had to withdraw with mechanical problems.

John Day was getting to grips with the circuit and worked his way to fifth, however non points scoring guest entry Tony Soper with the ex-Hennessy Racing Stratos had eased passed Alex and Keith on the ninth lap and went on to win the race. Class wins went to Soper (A), Alex Heynes (B), Keith Bisp (C), Julian Birley (E) and Colm Flanagan (F). Just one Joker \was played, by Derek Jones.

Few changes to the regulations are likely next year, however classes B and C have seen less entrants this year than other classes and given the similarity in performance between them* it is proposed that they be amalgamated, so that there will be just two modified classes - up to 2000cc and over 2000cc.

Production class splits and regulations will remain unchanged. It is also proposed that cars conforming to the Fulda Tyres Fiat challenge regulations be accepted as eligible for the Production Class up to 1500cc.

These changes would result in the championship having five classes instead of the current six and will widen the pool of cars able to compete.

*The Alfa boxer, particularly in 16v guise, seems comparable with the Lampredi twin cam in Fiats / Lancias - these two engines dominate Classes B/C. It is accepted that some smaller engined modified Fiats will be disadvantaged however their numbers do not really justify retaining a smaller capacity modified class.

Alfa Sud Sprint, 1700cc 16v injection, 10 x 8" slicks & wets, spares inc. engine & gearbox etc, AutoItalia or AROC class B £2500 Tel 01525-408354

Fiat Strada Abarth, 1997 production class champion "The big boobs car" Now only £1700 Phil Jones Lloyd Tel 0771-933314

News

After round seven the Championship lead has changed hands with John Elbra now heading Ray Ferguson by just nine points. Ex leader Graham Warner is down to third place after crashing out of the last race at Oulton Park. With three rounds to go the first, second and third men (Jon Elbra, Ray Ferguson and Graham Warner) have all played their Jokers. Alex Heynes, Jim Price and Colm Flanagan have scored well all year and have yet to play their jokers.

Class A could go to John Rutter, Paul Buckley or John Day. Class B is probably wrapped up by Alex Heynes, Class C will be close between Jim Price and Keith Bisp. Ray Ferguson has almost taken Class D, Class E is between Jon Elbra and Ray Foley. Class F is between Colm Flanagan and Graham Warner with Brian Thorp snapping at their heels.

Colin Artus debuted his beautiful Ferrari engined Stratos at Oulton Park and was pleased with its initial outing. Neville Simpson suffered a heavy impact in to the armco during qualifying, hopefully he will be back out again soon. Graham Warner suffered a setback to his championship challenge after losing control of his Alfa 33 on the fourth lap, causing the race to be red flagged and subsequently re-started for the remaining eight laps.

Round Eight is at Croft, Saturday August 7th. It will be 12 laps of the 2.1 mile circuit, there are some spaces available and if you fancy a late entry then Rosemary at the BRSCC will probably not charge you extra ( Tel 01526-834756)

If you are planning to enter the final round at Silverstone I would get your entry in early, this race was very over subscribed last year.

Look out for AutoItalia racers in Cars & Car Conversions, their track tester Mark Hales recently tested John Day’s Lancia Beta, Keith Bisp’s Clan Clover and Graham Warner’s Alfa 33 at Mallory Park, and these will feature in the next magazine.

July 23rd 1999 - Oulton Park

Race report to follow

Cash & Carry

The championship has an account at the Monza / ADS cash and carry outlets, and competitors without their own trade connections may find this of use. This is automotive cash & carry which normally supplies car accessory shops and carries a wide range of components (valeo clutches, mintex pads, NGK plugs, filters etc), tools & accessories etc, all at C&C prices. They have outlets at Southampton, Castle Donington & Bradford, minimum spend is £150 + vat, cash only. If you want to use this account give me a call (Tel 01234-391090)

For Sale

Alfa Sud Sprint, 1700cc 16v injection, 10 x 8" slicks & wets, spares inc. engine & gearbox etc, AutoItalia or AROC class B £2500 Tel 01525-408354

News

After six rounds the Championship race is taking shape. With four rounds to go the first, second and third men (Graham Warner, Jon Elbra and Ray Ferguson) have all played their Jokers. Still in touch are Alex Heynes, John Rutter, Jim Price and Colm Flanagan who have all yet to play theirs. Class A looked to be the preserve of John Rutter but Paul Buckley and John Day are closing him down. Class B is probably wrapped up by Alex Heynes, Class C will be interesting between Jim Price and Keith Bisp. Ray Ferguson looks strong in Class D but Ian Connell could catch him, likewise Class E between Jon Elbra and Ray Foley. Class F will be contested by Colm Flanagan and Graham Warner with John Whitbourn and Brian Thorp not far behind.

July 3rd 1999 - Castle Combe

A huge thirty two car grid assembled at Castle Combe for round six of the Championship. The day dawned with rain causing some carnage in the first qualifying session however the track was fully dry by the time the AutoItalia cars took to the revised circuit. Competitors were greeted by two additional corners, intended to reduce speeds at what was one of the fastest tracks in the country.

Qualifying was dominated by Rory Fordyce with his Ferrari 355C however Paul Buckley was just 1 second off his pace. Quickest laps went to Rory Fordyce (A), Alex Heynes (B), Keith Bisp (C), Ray Ferguson (D), Jon Elbra (E) and Graham Warner (F).

Thirty two cars funnelling down to Quarry was always going to be exciting, however everyone survived the first lap and the race settled down with Rory Fordyce easing in to the lead to win. He was hounded by Paul Buckley who had improved by 1.5 seconds over his qualifying time, the pair of them pulling away from the pack. Alex Heynes, having got to grips with his brothers Alfa 33, worked his way through to third place. Chris Snowdon nearly wiped out half the field in the early stages when his Alfa GTV6 let go on the approach to Quarry, somehow everyone missed him and he recovered to take fourth place. Fifth spot went to John Day who exhibited an interesting technique through the final corner as he bounced across the grass to take the chequered flag.

Graham Warner and Colm Flanagan fought fiercely for class F honours, with Colm the victor by just 0.1 seconds. Oliver Heynes made his AutoItalia debut with an Integrale engined Fiat Strada Abarth. Class victories went to Rory Fordyce (A), Alex Heynes (B), Keith Bisp (C), Ian Connell (D), Jon Elbra (E) and Colm Flanagan (F). Jokers were played by Keith Bisp who netted the maximum 64 points (his 16v boxer engined Clan Clover in fine form) and Ray Ferguson.

For Sale

Lancia Thema 8.32 V8 (2927cc) engine & transmission complete (from 1992 car)

16" wheels 98 mm PCD - YokoHama Tyres, nearly new, 225/50/ 16" - Michelin slicks 16", nearly new

Terry Di Francesco, 64B Stanhope Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5DX

Alfa Sud Sprint, 1700cc 16v injection, 10 x 8" slicks & wets, spares inc. engine & box etc, £2500 01525-408354

6 Cromadora 8 slot alloys, 5½" x 13" £120 01525-408354

Don’t forget to register with Phil Ward if you wish to run your car at the Brooklands Italian Car Day on June 26th

David Watson maintains the Lancia Stratos Supersite, at : www.lanciastratos.freeserve.co.uk : and this site contains reviews and results from the AutoItalia Championship.

Technical Regulations

These decals will be available from Tony Soper at Mallory and subsequent races.

Cadwell Park saw a capacity grid contest a twelve lap race over the 2.17 mile circuit, on a beautifully sunny day for a change. Qualifying passed without incident, Paul Buckley (A) took pole by 0.3s from John Day (A). Quickest in the other classes were Alex Heynes (B), Jim Price (C), Ray Ferguson (D), Steve Foley (E) and Eugene O’Brien (F).

As the pack approached the base of the Cadwell mountain for the first time Jim Price lost control of his Minari (or was he pushed?), he shot across the grass and hit the tyre wall with considerable force, leaving his car in a very vulnerable position. So vulnerable was his car that the black and yellow quartered flags were shown to leader Graham Warner, who was forced to slow to 50mph and let the pack re-group whilst the Minari was moved. This was a shame, for Graham stood a good chance of an overall win such was the lead he had built in the opening lap.

After two laps under caution the green flag was shown and the race resumed. Four modified cars pounced on Graham, led by Paul Buckley. Close to Paul was Terry Davies, John Day and Alex Heynes and that was the finishing order with Graham Warner taking 5th place and a class F win.

Class wins went to Paul Buckley (A), Terry Davies (B), Giovanni Di Gennaro (C), Ray Ferguson (D), John Elbra (E) and Graham Warner (F).

For Sale

Kentish Lottery.

This is becoming monotonous. Has someone got it in for us? Will we ever enjoy a dry race meeting again? Weather conditions at Brands were, er, like Donington only with the added edge of torrential showers coming out of nowhere when least expected.

The entry was considerably different to the previous round. Gone were the front running Ferraris and, in their place, ten new or restarting cars.

Qualifying conditions were merely wet and so, after fifteen minutes of the new Brands Hatch Indy circuit, John Rutter emerged the fastest overall with 1 min 1.06 secs. In classes A, C, D and F the times were very tight. John Day was only 0.21 secs behind John Rutter with John Higgins only another 0.07 adrift.

Fourth overall and leading Class C was Jim Price who, with modifications to the Minari, seems to have found a lot of new speed this year. Close behind was returnee Giovanni de Gennaro.

Alex Heynes was ten seconds clear of his challenger, Mike Watson for Class B, whilst it was no surprise to see Colm Flanagan at the head of Class F only 0.64 secs behind Heynes. More of a surprise was that Colm had little cushion to his nearest challenger, Graham Warner, who was 0.14 secs behind.

Another returnee, Martin Parsons, took his 164 round 0.34 seconds better than Ray Ferguson, thus taking Class D, whilst Jon Elbra had two seconds in hand over Steve Foley in Class E.

What had seemed like a fairly safe decision to run slicks for the race as sunny intervals had developed, later turned into a nightmare as thick cloud heralded yet another downpour just as the cars were going out for the warm-up lap.

So, could John Day beat John Rutter? Would Mike Sweeney be able to make his way through the field having been donated an HT lead to cure the Panteras misfire and could Colm Flanagan beat Alex Heynes?

Mercifully, incidents were rare, but, after a tremendous battle against the wet track by John Day on slicks, his race ended in the gravel at Paddock. Meanwhile, Colm Flanagan was doing a giant-killing act at the front, leading for most of the race, before eventually being gobbled-up by the on-song Pantera of Sweeney – he still finished second overall though.

When it was all over, the rain stopped and the sun came out to shine on the class winners, who were, Class A: Mike Sweeney, Class B: Alex Heynes, Class C: Keith Bisp, Class D: Martin Parsons, Class E: Jon Elbra, Class F: Colm Flanagan.

Dry at Snetterton? Peter Collins

FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE……

A stunning early break for the front by Martin Parsons was looking as if it would pay off when a small exhaust mounting broke relegating him to the sidelines. That was the race story, but first, qualifying.

It was third time lucky as good track conditions greeted Auto Italia competitors at Snetterton on April 2nd. Mike Sweeney did all he needed to take pole and fastest time in Class A although John Day was pleased to be only one second behind, the Beta Coupe achieving its best ever time for the circuit. In Class B Alex Heynes was the only runner and fourth overall. Jim Price and Giovanni di Gennaro were neck and neck for Class C pole with times only 0.3 seconds apart and, remarkably, Martin Parsons was third overall 0.02 seconds quicker than the Heynes Strada Abarth taking Class D fastest some 4 seconds quicker than Ray Ferguson's 348. John Elbra was beaten for Class E by Neil Gardner after his Strada Abarth developed problems and Graham Warner topped Class F just under a second quicker than John Whitbourn. John Rutter's Stratos was looking particularly wayward and Ian Connell was forced to withdraw when a propshaft doughnut let go.

Lunchtime rain left a damp track off line at Russells but this didn't seem to bother Martin Parsons who rushed off into the distance once the Alfa 156 pace-car had pulled off. For five laps he maintained a comfortable lead which he looked as if he would hold for the remainder of the race despite Mike Sweeney beginning to reel him in. Sadly it was not to be, the exhaust mounting broke and Martin was forced to retire. This left Sweeney in front of a hard-charging John Day who seemed to get a bad deal when passing back-markers. Both David Higgins and Keith Bisp were forced out and Alex Heynes was having a lonely race in third place. Giovanni di Gennaro stormed along in fourth and Ray Ferguson had a good race into fifth despite the close attentions of Ron Davidson. John Elbra was busy redefining the term understeer at Russell and John Rutter visited the rough at the same location.

Welcome to Chris Chadwick who drove sensibly into 13th place in his first ever race and to Darren Carter who completed his first race distance with the ex Nigel Baker Fiat 127 GT.

Not surprisingly, Martin Parsons set a new Class D lap record as did Giovanni di Gennaro in Class C and Graham Warner in Class F.

All registered Auto Italia Championship Competitors are invited to run their cars at Britain's premier Italian car event over the weekend of June 26th and 27th.

The primary activity on Saturday 26th is to give passenger rides to readers, but drivers are welcome to carry their sponsors and guests too. TV and press reporting is anticipated. Space can be made available for hospitality if required. Brooklands have agreed to allow self contained mobile accommodation (not tents) on the southern end of the airfield site.

Entrance to the track will be through a secret gate, thus avoiding traffic congestion and Brooklands formalities. Each driver will receive a complimentary weekend pass (worth £30) which will allow access to one tow car, trailer and up to four occupants for both days of the weekend - bargain!

Cars should be in place in the paddock area (adjacent to the VC10 and Vanguard) by 10:00. Late arrivals may have to come in through the main entrance which will be crowded. Sessions will run for one hour during the morning and afternoon. Noise is not an issue at this meeting.

Full instructions, maps and event information will be sent in due course.

THE UK’S BIGGEST ITALIAN CAR EVENT

Thousands of Italian cars will converge on Brooklands over the weekend of June 26th and 27th. Developed over the last 14 years from a club event of just fifty cars, the Auto Italia Festival is now the biggest all-Italian event in the UK with over 2,000 cars being displayed in 1998.

The latest attraction at historic Brooklands is the Corse Giordanelli, a demanding circuit laid out on the Vickers runway by Auto Italia magazine’s Chief Test Driver, Roberto Giordanelli. So popular was the return of live, high speed action to the world’s first racing circuit, that 7,000 people attended the Brookland’s Motor Sport Day and Festival Preview in February. Among the cars demonstrated where the ex-Chris Amon 1969 Ferrari 312F1, competition Lancia Stratos and Group B rally cars. The good news is that the circuit will be open on both days of the Auto Italia Festival in June and that the historic Grand Prix car and supercar demonstrations will be accompanied with Italian car and motorcycle club parades. There will also be increased opportunities for visitors to ride in Italian competition cars driven by experienced racing drivers on Saturday, and the infamous ?test hill will be open for selected vehicles on Sunday.

Honoured marques for 1999 include Fiat, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary, and Abarth who are 50 years old. Concours events and special demonstrations will be held involving vehicles from both the UK and Europe. Cars in action range from the fourth Fiat ever built, the 1899 3.5 hp, to sports prototypes like the Italian Hillclimb Championship winning Abarth 2000SP. Owners of concours or special Fiats and Abarths are invited to contact the organisers for a package of special privileges.

Supercars, superbikes and rare Italian exotica are now standard features of the Festival and visitors can expect to see - and hear - special cars from the Ferrari Owners and Maserati Owners Clubs, a competition Iso Grifo A3/C, MV Agustas, De Tomasos and an exclusive gathering of front-engined V12 Lamborghinis.

By expanding the Italian car club and trade displays onto the airfield area, Brooklands are able to accommodate more visitors and provide extended car parking and improved access over the entire weekend. The Festival organisers were delighted by the popularity of the event last year and have arranged with Brooklands Museum to ease traffic flow into the site by opening a special entrance. This priority, fast track access will be available to visitors who pre-book their tickets. A special weekend ticket offer allows fast access on both days for one car and up to four passengers for just £30. This represents savings of up to £34 on daily admission prices. There is also a single day pre-booked ticket offer of £8 for adults, £7 for OAPs and £6 for children. All offers end on June 8th.

For further information and special weekend pre-booking (non AutoItalia competitor) contact:

The AutoItalia Festival, Po Box 7, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 3XG

Fax on the booking Hotline: 01462 678205.

E-Mail: autoitalia.demon.co.uk

For one day pre-booking contact:

The Auto Italia Festival, Brooklands Museum, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0QN.

Fax 01932 855465

E-Mail brooklands@dial.pipex.com

Donington Drencher.

Conditions simply couldn’t have been much worse for the opening round of the Auto Italia championship at Donington on March 7th. The beginning of the last season before the Millennium dawned with rain and then more rain.

Practice wasn’t too bad, but by the time of the race, the track resembled a skid-pan with a sort of oily emulsion clearly visible, especially at the chicane.

Six Ferraris turned up to grace the big-class and put on a good show, taking most of the fastest places in qualifying.

In class A, Neil Woodford in his F355 Challenge went round in 1min 31.84 with David Higgins’ 308 second and John Seale’s F355 F1 third. Class B was Alex Heynes’ 130TC all on it’s own, as was Jim Price’s Class C Minari. Ray Ferguson was 2.5 seconds quicker than Ron Davidson in Class D and Jon Elbra was over 2 seconds clear of Charles Neale’s similar 130TC to take Class E. Colm Flanagan was a whole 6 seconds quicker than Graham Warner in Class F.

After it was over, Ian Connell had been uncharacteristically slow and thought that his rebuilt 75 was overweight. The Heynes equipe reckoned that conditions were so miserable that the front tyres of the 130TC were no warmer at the end of qualifying than when they started.

For the race, track conditions meant that nobody was going to make a heroic break for the front on the first lap and the field was led onto the second lap by the smaller capacity runners. Ferraris, in the shape of the 355C of Neil Woodford and 355 of John Seale, made their move on lap 2 and the former took a lead he was never to lose, although John Seale looked threatening during the early/middle laps. Unfortunately, he was less lucky with back markers and was never in a serious position to make a challenge.

Alex Heynes took over third place and looked like holding both it and some never-ending under-steering slides at the chicane. Bubbling-under at the beginning then suddenly turning on strongly as the race developed was John Rutter in the Hawk Stratos. Into the last lap he took over that third spot and demoted Alex to fourth. Ian Connell confounded his qualifying attempts and headed to a Class D win.

Jon Elbra battled the conditions in a seriously over-steering Strada 130TC, being over the limit at the chicane more than once but bringing home a class win to repay his efforts.

Colm Flanagan edged out a Ferrari or two more than once at the approach to the chicane and, as ever, headed his class home.

So the class spoils were taken by: Class A, Neil Woodford, Class B, Alex Heynes, Class C, Jim Price, Class D, Ian Connell, Class E, Jon Elbra, Class F, Colm Flanagan. Overall this was a good race and a testimony to everyone’s ability to get the job done safely in such atrocious conditions. Peter Collins

NEWS

AutoItalia Championship is now on-line and has a website administered by John Rutter, at " www.olb.co.uk/auto_italia "

Cars For Sale

Fiat Uno 1400cc, 1985, C Reg, Reliable and Competitive, Spare wheels and tyres included, 3rd in class 1998, £2500. Also Trailer, excellent condition £750 - Ask for Niki, Days 01536-512588 / Eves 01536-742455

Serious offers are invited for the Hennessy Racing Stratos Replica, including trailer, wheels and comprehensive spares package - Call Lionel Gooch 01202-748336

February 1999

During 1998 the Championship enjoyed support from AutoItalia Magazine, Mistec Fire Extinguishers and Hennessy Racing / Agip. This will be repeated during 1999.

The following prizes were presented at the Alfa Romeo Dinner Dance, held at the Reigate manor hotel on January 30th :

Spirit of Intermarque - Awarded to John Rutter, in recognition of his achievements during his first year of racing

Overall Champion and Class E Winner - Scott Winnard

News

Enclosed with this news letter is an entry form to the first race, Donington 7/3/99. Closing date for entries is 14/2/99. If you have not re-registered for 1999 this newsletter will be the last communication that you will receive. Technical regulations are not yet available, they will be sent to all registered competitors in due course.

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1999 AutoItalia Championship registration form

2 Newport Road, Hardmead, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 9JR Tel 01234-391090

NAME...............................................................................................................................................................

ADDRESS........................................................................................................................................................

TELEPHONE(H).........................................................................(W)..............................................................

MODEL..................................................................................CC...............TURBO..............CLASS.............

CHOICE OF RACE NUMBER (between 1 & 150) a)............................b)..........................

Preference will be given to drivers wishing to retain a number used in 1998.

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The BRSCC AutoItalia championship is organised and administered by the BRITISH RACING & SPORTS CAR CLUB [BRSCC] (in association with Italian Intermarque Racing Ltd).

Co-ordinator :- Anthony Soper

2 Newport Road

Hardmead

Newport Pagnell

Bucks MK16 9JR

Tel. 01234 391090

Entrants must be registered for the championship with Italian Intermarque Racing Ltd and be in possession of valid current RACMSA entrants licences.

Drivers and entrant / drivers must be fully paid up racing membership card holding members of the BRSCC and be in possession of valid current RACMSA competition (RACING) national B or above grade licences, or be in possession of a valid licence and medical, issued by the ASN of a member country of the European union (E.2.22.4).

All drivers must register as competitors for the championship by returning the registration form with the registration fee to the co-ordinator prior to the final closing date for the first round being entered.

The registration fee is £55 - made payable to: Italian Intermarque Racing Ltd.

Championship points will be awarded to five competitors for the fastest laps in each class in the qualifying practice:

10 - 6 - 4 - 2 - 1

Points will be awarded to Competitors listed as classified finishers for each Class in the Final Results as follows:

20 - 18 - 16 - 14 - 12 - 10 - 8 - 6 - 4 - 2 .

An additional 2 points will be given in each class for the fastest race lap provided there is more than one starter in that class.

At any one round during the 1999 championship competitors may play their "Joker" and compete for double points (including those awarded for fastest race lap and fastest qualifying lap). Competitors should notify the organisers of their intention to play a "Joker" at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the race. Boards signifying the deployment of the "Joker" will be displayed on the assembly grid.

The totals of the best scores from all qualifying rounds less 1 will determine championship points and positions, unless any RACMSA regulation O.3.3. penalty provisions apply.

GRID ORDER

For rolling starts the grid will be assembled with class F at the front followed by class E, D, C, B and class A at the rear. Within each class grouping the cars will be assembled in order of practice times with the quickest practice timed driver at the front.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The BRSCC AutoItalia championship is for competitors participating in any series production or production based car of Italian manufacture.

Kit cars and replicas of Italian production cars utilising engines, transmissions and running gear that were originally fitted to a production car of Italian manufacture may compete in the championship at the discretion of the technical panel.

The donor components fitted to kit cars and replicas should conform to modified car regulations. Kit cars and replicas will compete in the modified classes A, B and C according to engine capacity.

The Championship will be run in six classes as follows:-

Class A Modified over 2000cc.

Class B Modified 1601cc to 2000cc

Class C Modified up to 1600cc

Class D Production over 2000cc

Class E Production 1501cc to 2000cc

Class F Production up to 1500cc.