Four 500 Owners Association Members entered the MAC sprint at Curborough, two big-twinned engine Coopers and two 500s.

John Bennett brought his 1132cc Cooper Nor/Jap, the engine originally built by Robin Jackson, using a racing JAP twin bottom half and two SOHC Manx Norton cylinder heads and barrels, supercharged in period but now breathing through two large Amal G.P. carburettors. Andrew Bennett’s 1098cc Cooper Mk.5 relying on pure JAP power – the engine of which is sometimes fitted to his Manx Norton motorcycle for hill climbing and sprinting – both cars were turned out for the event immaculately. Darrell Woods first time out in a 500, brought his recently acquired and freshly rebuilt Kieft, and myself first time out this year with The Staride after some modifications to the gearbox and engine made during the winter months. John Bennett’s Nor/Jap sounded wonderful but unfortunately started to misfire during his practice runs – the front cylinder finally giving up altogether – after some attention and checking over it was wisely decided that the workshop was the best place to strip and repair the motor. Andrew Bennett put in some quick laps his motor running very well.

Three generations of the Bennett family.

Darrell and Carol Woods' Kieft

Darrell Woods suffered clutch problems – with that sorted out – he started to enjoy the handling of the Kieft, with the modifications I had made to The Staride working, I was happy too.
During lunch we were joined by Mike Lawrence who came over to watch and lend support. Our first timed competitive runs were made in the dry, just, Andrew Bennett easily the fastest with 36.95 and Darrell Woods soon down to 43.97, and I did a personal best of 40.33, so my mods were working! Andrew and Darrell both managed to improve their times on the second timed runs despite a light shower earlier. Many thanks to three generations of the Bennett family for being so helpful, especially in push-starting the cars.

Classified Finishers 500cc