CLUBS & COMPETITION
The Bert Hadley Memorial Championship is a series of Sprint and Speed Hillclimb events held each
season for the Pre-War Austin 7 Club (PWA7C) Motor Sport Section members driving Austin Sevens of virtually any suitable type.
The cars are divided into 'Road' and 'Track' classes and may include sports cars and reproduction single-seaters, inspired by the works cars, as driven before the war by Bert Hadley and his team mates
Venues in the 12 round series changes from year to year and include Shelsley Walsh, Prescott, Gurston Down, Loton Park (shown here), Boness, Harewood and the Anglesey Race Circuit, between April and October.
Check out the PWA7C here!
Or Contact:
Colin Danks
Sprint & Speed Hillclimb (Bert Hadley)
Circuit Racing (750MC)
The 750 Motor Club’s ‘Historic’ racing series is for cars built to early 750 Formula regulations.
Primarily comprising Austin Seven Specials (both pre and post war) with classes for naturally
aspirated cars (Class A) and supercharged (Class AS).
There are 12 races per season, typically contested over six ‘double-header’ race weekends. Established in 1939, 750MC has a rich history, with motor racing legends such as Colin Chapman, Graham Hill, Arthur Mallock and Eric Broadley all former 750 drivers. Formula 1 car designer Gordon Murray even developed the first ever pull rod suspension car for this formula - he would later copy this design onto his Brabham Formula 1 car!
Austin 7s should prepared with original period technology with some exceptions, electronic ignition, modern superchargers and electric water pumps are PERMITTED. A choice or road and race tyre options can be fitted.
Check out the 750 Formula series here!
Or Contact:
Lyndon Truston
historic750formula@outlook.com
Social Media links here:
Circuit Racing (VSCC)
The Vintage Sports Car-Club held its first meeting at Donington Park in 1937. Under the Formula
Vintage banner, they run a mix of scratch and handicap races, competing with an eclectic mix of other pre-war cars (grouped according to speed). VSCC aim to hold five race meetings a year with Silverstone the traditional season opener in April.
VSCC Austin 7s will require a Eligibility Document (Buff Form), if your Austin 7 doesn’t already have one of these please check the criteria here: www.vscc.co.uk/vsccMedia/1944.pdf
Austin 7s must ensure as far as possible they use pre-war technology; with that in mind electronic ignition, modern superchargers, electric water pumps are examples of a few items which are prohibited. Period racing tyres are also required, the Dunlop CR65 is the most common example of this.
Or Contact:
07785391887
Social Media links here:
European Racing
Austin 7s are fortunate to be invited to special events to race at historic venues on the continent such as French classics Angouleme and Pau. Many enjoy the thrill of racing between historic buildings, stone walls and down cobbled streets. The opportunity to take part in a street race is unique and provides another new challenge for drivers. These events are the pinnacle for many, with a unique festival like atmosphere. Also they are a great addition to the races you take part in with your usual club(s).
The events are often extended over 3 days, with most enjoying the racing as part of a European holiday. In some instances a single event licence can be obtained, meaning an International ARDS licence is not always required to compete. The events are such a spectacle and indeed many drivers attend just to spectate and enjoy the atmosphere.
Other drivers have even taken on the iconic Mile Miglia and Monte Carlo Rallies!
Check out Angouleme the Circuit Des Remparts here!
Check out the Pau Classic Grand Prix here!
Trials are unique compared to other Austin 7 motorsport competitions, whereby both the driver and passenger take part in the event. Trials are still sanctioned event by MSUK; the objective is usually to cross from point-to-point in the shortest possible time and to complete other prescribed challenges. This is the only type of Austin 7 competition which does not require any kind of licence and is often a great way for the family to involve younger children in motorsport . You can take part in Trials organised by both VSCC and Pre-War Austin 7 Club.
Competitors attempt to climb a number of hills known as ‘Sections’. The aim is to climb each Section without stopping or hitting a course marker. The Section may include twists and turns and in some cases a ‘Stop and Restart’ where the driver must bring his car to a halt, usually on a particularly steep part of the Section, and then continue to climb the hill. Typically each event will consist of between 12 and 16 Sections spread around the local area.
Check out the VSCC events page to see the VSCC trials events here!
Photos by Alan Beastall
