Thruxton to Netley
by John Snook, Southern Area
A total of 88 cars enterered our first Thruxton and Test Valley Run. These ranged from a Mayflower, Tr4s to 8s, Heralds,Vitesses, GT6s, 2000s and Dolomites through 1300s Spitfires and Stags to one of each model of Bond Equipe - GT2+2, GT4S and 2 litre. As well as Club Triumph members, the TR Drivers Club, TR Register, TSSC, SOC, 2000 Register and Dolomite Club were represented.
After an early scare when one of our members (who shall be nameless) bringing Thruxton's own entry passes broke down and had to phone for a lift, everything went smoothly.
During the morning the cars were parked up on display close to the grandstand while occupants were able to watch practice and qualifying of vehicles as diverse as saloon cars, Caterham 7s and trucks.
Then at lunch time we were allowed a parade lap of the circuit - unfortunately behind a pace car (not the Mayflower) - which did not exceed 40mph. I gather, however, that some of the cars were able to hang back and then have a short blast. After all Thruxton is supposed to be the fastest circuit in the country.
After leaving the track we took a scenic route down the valley of the River Test , which most people were able to follow, although it is rumoured that several cars followed someone in a Triumph who was driving home from the pub!
Our final destination was Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley, Southampton, a very attractive site beside Southampton Water, were again we had our own display area.
Winners in the various catagories were:
Our thanks go to all the entrants, without whom it would have been a non-event, and to the weather which smiled on us all day.