20th September 2020

Pete Fear Sporting Trial

Event Report

Event Winner Andy Wilks

Andy Wilks won the Pete Fear Pinford trial and didn’t have long to wait for a celebratory beer living only five minutes from the site. With unusually dry conditions, Clerk of the Course Pete Fenson did all he could to provide a suitable test for the 21 competitors; but even with 10psi tyre pressure it was going to be a low scoring day. Unfortunately the site seems to contract ever year and following the loss of the bank to the right of the track last year; some major earthworks around the lakes meant another good piece of ground was not accessible; hopefully that might return next year.

Eight sections were laid out and all bar one was cleared by someone in every round. Andy set his stall out early doors dropping just two points in round one, closely followed by Richard and Joe Sharp, and Jerome Fack a point behind. They were three of a handful that managed to negotiate Hill 3 ably marshalled by Robin and Sue Jager (also locals) where a slippery turn at the 5 gate was too much for the early runners. Further down the field George Barnes was showing his father Steve how it was done, but was still only lying in second in the rookie class behind John Firth. John has taken to the sport like a duck to water and is driving the SRB in some style; certainly one to watch in the future. In the Blue class Darren Underwood was keeping the Independent boys honest a couple of points only behind John Cole.

With little chance to make major changes for the second round the traffic had made most of the sections achievable and there were no less than 8 drivers who went clear. That included most of the leading contenders so the leader board was pretty much unchanged as we lowered our masks to eat our sandwiches.

With tyre pressures of no consequence the sections were tightened considerably for the final round and this certainly elevated the scores especially among the novices and newcomers. The final climb of Hill 7 had been moved onto a fresh piece of ground and with little or no run up over a step off the track at the bottom, the best was a 4 or 5. This was the only scores dropped by the main movers and shakers so order was pretty much maintained once more.

Richard Sharp’s 2nd o/a keeps his MSUK title hopes on track.

And so at the final reckoning Andy Wilks held onto his lead with a miserly score of 7, ahead of Richard on 9 and Mike Salton on 10. Darren and Sue Underwood achieved the lowest sore in the blue class in the well-sorted live axle Sherpa. Darren is another driver who is showing great promise and if the rumours are right that he has acquired a Crossle, will be one to watch also. John Firth maintained his hold on the rookie class, beating George into second; George did, however win the bragging rights in the Barnes household which might be more important than winning the class!

Report by Ian Veale

Event Details

The Pete Fear Pinaford has been a regular fixture at the start of the autumn season. Gentle open slopes and greasy conditions usually give rise to an enjoyable event and it’s a superb site for both beginners and post historic cars with easy access on and off all the hills.

*Update*

Despite the changing guidance regarding social gatherings, we are pleased to say that this does not affect trials which can still go ahead following COVID protocols. The Pete Fear Trial is very much open for entries so please get them in asap. Rest assured if anything does change and the event is unable to run then all entrants will be able to receive a full refund of their entry fee. We look forward to seeing everyone there, either as a competitor or an official. Unfortunately no spectators are allowed.’

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