Lily's first trip to Castle Combe

After three busy days, we had planned a lazy Bank Holiday Monday to end Easter with, but as it dawned bright and sunny with blue skies it seemed rude not to make the most of it and head west to Castle Combe. I haven't been to the track for a few years and Kim since before Lily was born. Lily got very excited at the prospect for seeing racing cars so we all headed along the M4 for the day. Parking up the Minis were heading out for qualifying so we ran over to the barriers by Dean Straight and with Lily sat on the railing we watched for a few minutes.



We soon headed off to the paddock to see the cars up close. The beauty of a little club meeting is the access all areas nature of the place. You can look inside all the cars and occasionally get even closer.













The side paddock was a good spot for a snack stop and a look a the many Minis on display.









Back in the main area we checked out the sports racers from the local championships and one owner offered Lily a bit of seat time. She loved the chance and "brummed" for a few minutes.









Along with Minis, some MGs were also racing today. Every thing from wide arch modifieds to almost road legal stock cars,











With lunch time calling we headed back to the car for a bite to eat. As we passed the pitlane a familiar car cruised past to a stop. Being a touring car fan its always nice to see ex works cars back out in privateer hands. This is the 1996 ex Kris Nissen STW 4WD Audi A4. Raced by Abt Sport in the German championships its now run by Keith Butcher who also owns a BTCC Primera.

 



Lunch in the shade of the car ended and we scampered up the banking to the hill overlooking Bobbies chicane for the first race for MGs.









Moving along the banking a bit we were gripped by the first of several Mini races. First place was swapped many times, often on the same lap and there were a couple of spins.



























After cheering on the winners we settled in for the first of Combes own championships for Sports and GT cars.













More Minis were up next and with Lily perched on the railing we watched as the cars slithered and bumped round.











Combes Sports racing series was next, big winged prototypes and bike engined cars swapped places at high speed.













With Lily tiring we decided the Welsh Sports and Saloon race would be our last for the day. A mixed bag of cars including stock hatchbacks right up to the ex STW Audi.























With the race over I headed back to the paddock to get a closer look at the Audi. The team were chatting about the differences between the newer Primera they usually run and the current A4. 4WD wins out of the chicanes.









With several races still to go a tired, hungry and grumpy Lily was finally coaxed into the car for the drive home. Once she had chilled out she was nattering about racing cars and the like. I'm sure this won't be our last trip trackside. The rest of the photos can be found here.

Steve.