Throughout the Westbourne Motorsport travels this year, the team had not yet visited Thruxton Race Circuit as part of any championship. With this in mind, we were excited to take our collection of classic cars to the track to participate in another round of the HRDC.
James Dorlin left his Austin A35 (known for winning the St Mary’s trophy the following week at the Goodwood Revival) and instead entered the weekend with a Mini Cooper S.
The team had worked tirelessly over the last 6 days to restore the Austin A35 that belongs to Ben Colburn after a spectacular roll at the Goodwood Revival that went viral following the event. Despite the struggle, the mechanics once again showed their skills and abilities as the Austin was able to enter the race weekend.
Ben would be joined on the track with big brother, James Colburn to compete against each other for a podium finish. Another family connection as James Dorlin’s father, Pete Dorlin teamed up with Glenn Pearson to drive a jaguar M1. Although racing in different championships, there was a brilliant family atmosphere in the paddock which meant the whole team were enjoying themselves.
With an autumn chill in the air, the team prepared for the morning qualifying session. Following their success at the Goodwood Revival, there was a high expectation for our drivers.
Thruxton is a well known circuit and did not disappoint with its reputation for being the fastest track in the UK. Flying from the pit lane and onto the track, the drivers sped into action trying to get on pole position for the race in the afternoon.
All our drivers were in different classes except from Ben Colburn and Bruce Chapman so they would be entering the track with no knowledge of their competitors driving abilities. Despite this, James Colburn and James Dorlin finished the session in pole position within their classes and Bruce Chapman in P3.
A great result from qualifying and putting everyone in the perfect position for the race.
Heading into the race, the team were keen to continue their success from Goodwood so made small adjustments to the cars following feedback from the drivers to ensure they were in the best possible form to take numerous podium positions.
With the sunshine begun to peep around the clouds as the drivers lined up on the grid for the race to start. James Colburn had a great start in the race along with James Dorlin as they took a comfortable lead in their class. James Colburn also managed to get fastest lap! Chapman battled with other competitors but was able to maintain a steady lead.
It was a race of champions for Westbourne Motorsport as all the drivers were in podium positions ahead of the checked flag. Unfortunately, Ben Colburn continued to have mechanical problems from qualifying and had to retire from the race.
Meanwhile, brother James was having challenges too as a car rolled in front of him as he tried to control the car to avoid a collision. Safely back in the racing line, James managed to defend his lead until the end of the race; one podium in the bag!
James Dorlin was battling with another mini cooper S but unfortunately could not match the pace of the car. Dorlin crossed the finish line in second place closely followed by Chapman who took the lead in his class.
A total of 3 podiums for Westbourne; a brilliant achievement!
The HRDC drivers will be attending their next event at Castle Combe race circuit on the 8 October 2016.