| John
Cooper Memorial Trophy, Snetterton 24th April 2005 |
| The 2005 season got
underway with the fifth running of the John Cooper Memorial Trophy at Snetterton,
organised by Richard Culverhouse’s CSCC. It was good to see Richard Fry back in the
paddock with his motorhome and our thanks go to Richard and Kevin for their hospitality,
the “over-nighters” all enjoyed their paddock barbeque. We hope to arrange more
of these through the season. |
| Against expectations, Sunday dawned
warm and dry. Qualifying turned up the usual first race problems and was interrupted by
red flags when Shirley had a spin at Esses, caused by the carburettor detaching itself.
James Culver dominated the timesheets but behind him, there were indications that we might
be in for a very competitive race, with Mike Fowler completing the front row and Neil
Hodges just a fraction behind. Bob Culver set a slow time, but was confident of being back
on pace in the afternoon. As was Geoff Gartside, whose times were compromised by a rear
shock absorber breaking loose. |
Steve Jones, Cooper Mk IV
|
Shirley's moment
|
In the race, ten cars got away
cleanly from the grid. James Culver surged ahead from pole, but as he reached for third
gear, found nothing. This dropped him to the back of the field and slightly baulked a
couple of others. Bob and Geoff had made superb starts, and as the cars rounded Sears onto
the straight we had a six car battle for the lead. Into the Esses for the first time, a
very determined Geoff moved to the front. The cars completed the first lap four abreast,
with Bob sneaking into the lead. Meanwhile, James had collected himself and was beginning
his charge back to the front, albeit at a reduced pace. Still without third gear, he would
set the fastest lap fifth time around. Shirley was caught out by the borrowed (from Paul
Hewes) Cooper and spun into retirement at the Russell chicane first time round. The battle
at the front continued, with Bob, Geoff, Mike, Richard Utley, Paul and Neil swapping
positions regularly, and James catching quickly. Paul would retire on the third lap with a
thrown chain, and Geoff slowed when his inlet trumpet had worked loose, costing him power
He kept going, eventually finishing a distant sixth. |
| Further back, John Chisholm would
retire with a burnt piston. John had lost first gear in qualifying, losing him time at the
start. But with his JAP engine running cleanly at last, he was able to show the pace of
the Arnott, staying close to Steve Jones Cooper MkIV. Steve continued comfortably ahead of
Geoff before retiring.Up ahead, Bob had eked out a two second advantage over Mike, who was
coming under pressure from James. After one grassy moment at Russell, he got past for a
Culver one-two. But the missing third gear caused James another excursion, allowing Mike
back through. James fought back but ran out of laps, finishing a fraction behind for third
place. |
Mike Fowler on his way to second in the
Mk V Norton
|
| A few seconds back, Neil
Hodges and Richard Utley were in battle royal for fourth place. Repeatedly appearing
through Coram side-by-side, Neil was trying everything to find a way through, and took a
couple of grassy detours along the way. He finally squeezed through at Russell on the
eighth lap, and only just held off the JBS-Norton’s power on the run up Senna
Straight. Richard tried to fight back on the final lap, and missed out by just one third
of a second. |
Neil tries one side, it doesn't work.
|
Then the other.....
|
| But it was Bob Culver
who deservedly took the flag after a fine drive to ensure that the John Cooper Memorial
Trophy went to a Cooper driver. ‘Pensioner’ Bob took great delight in putting
one over on son James and the other “youngsters”. An excellent race to kick off
the season |
Bob on his way to victory
|
The winning car
|
| Classified
Finishers |
| Pos |
Name |
Car |
Time |
Laps |
Best |
Fastest lap: James Culver 1:36.898 Not classified: Steve Jones, John
Chisholm, Paul Hewes, Shirley Monro
Photos courtesy of Kevin and Richard Fry.
Championship Positions |
| 1 |
Bob Culver |
Cooper Mk VIII |
15: 27 |
9 |
1:41.13 |
| 2 |
Mike Fowler |
Cooper Mk V |
15:33 |
9 |
1:40.82 |
| 3 |
James Culver |
Cooper X |
15:33 |
9 |
1:36.89 |
| 4 |
Neil Hodges |
Cooper Mk VIII |
15:49 |
9 |
1:43.10 |
| 5 |
Richard Utley |
JBS |
15:50 |
9 |
1:43.10 |
| 6 |
Geoff Gartside |
Cooper Mk VIII |
16:19 |
9 |
1:43.91 |
|
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