Based at the Wheatsheaf Inn in Low Lorton; the Vintage Sports Car Club’s long-established, annual Lakeland Trial hosted a capacity entry of one hundred pre-war cars and crews on Saturday November 7th – all focused on winning the events overall prize – the Bridge Hotel Trophy.
       
       
A bumper day of thirteen sections awaited; with the famous 'Drumhouse' section at Honister Slate Mine, the undoubted highlight for many. The long, steep quarry road leading up the side of 2,126ft Fleetwith Pike, is often regarded as the ultimate test of pre-war machinery, with its steep inclines, rocky terrain and hairpin bends.
With early morning rain, giving way to overcast, but drying conditions…crews were able to tackle the stages in an order of their choosing. Many chose to leave Drumhouse until much later in the day, by which time hazy sunshine had given way to heavy rain and at the top of the slate mine…..thick fog.
Most competitors successfully climbed the tortuous stage - a Vauxhall 30/98 proving no less capable than a Ford Model A or an Austin Seven Top Hat.
For those who like their motorsport competition varied, al fresco and don't mind packing the waterproofs – the annual VSCC Lakeland Trial is an excellent annual event, not to be missed.
Just enough time to dry off, post this and head South to one of Europe's best attended collectors car show's..at the NEC Birmingham this weekend.
Results (pdf)
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