Caithness autocross competitors get the buzz back as Elder wins at Towerhill
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Local autocross drivers are again enjoying the buzz of competition after turning out in force for the first event of the season.
There were 34 entries in the closed event on Sunday at the Towerhill venue at Thurso East, with Gary Elder taking fastest time of the day in his powerful Mini Special.
Caithness Autocross Club's vice-chairman Gordie Donn said: “It was a fantastic day and there was a big turnout."
He is especially pleased to see so many female drivers and juniors coming through and making their mark.
The level of interest overall is very healthy and Gordie says there is a great spirit within the club.
“The numbers are kind of high now," he said. "We're just basically at a point now with numbers that we nearly have to cap them.”
Asked about the main attraction of the sport, he explained: “A lot to do with it is just the fact that you can drive a car safely and fast on a grass track, and everything changes. Even throughout the day your practice lap and your competition lap is completely different, so the concept of driving changes all the way through the day.
"It's just exciting, and right now with the club we have a good camaraderie – it is a very social event.
“It's one of those things that gives a buzz. I've been at it for years but I know that for young people the butterflies will start and they'll be pumping and then they get going. It really is quite intense for them.”
Elder, competing in the Tin Top Special Unlimited category, posted the fastest time with 1.13.08. Jake Anderson (1701cc-unlimited, male – closed diff) took second position overall in his MG Honda with a best time of 1.22.94.
Jonathan Rae (1401-1700cc) was third fastest on the day with 1.23.31 as his best time in the Polo GTI.
Ben Swanson (also 1401cc-1700cc) was fourth in a Fiesta with a best time of 1.23.93, and fifth went to David Durrand (1.23.96), driving a Corsa in the same section as Jake Anderson.
Other category winners were Jack Ryan, Nicola Donn, Angus Manson, Sarah Donn, Olly Scott, Ronald Gunn, Johnny Omand, Shirley Omand and Michael Cragg.
Sunday's event was held at Towerhill by permission of James and Tracy Anderson.
While there were no spectators on Sunday, the next autocross club meeting – also at Towerhill, on Sunday, May 16 – will be open to the public.
