Garry Watson wins prestigious Dave Simpson Trophy at Oulton Park 04 Sep 16

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The Dave Simpson Memorial Trophy was presented to the North Western Centre by Margaret Simpson in honour of her husband Dave. It remembers a man who was a pioneering member of the North Western committee many years ago. Dave was our Chief Marshal and put a lot into his official activities as part of that bedrock of motor racing made of totally devoted, enthusiastic and skilled amateurs.

Dave used some of his business skills to improve the race official’s lot, being the first to use a photocopier for reproduction of paperwork and one of the group in the North West that were first to bring along a computer to deal with the organisation and administration of the meetings. He is therefore a significant figure in the history of the growth of the BARC. The presentation of the trophy was made, as is always the case, by his wife Margaret who has reflected his enthusiasm for many years in her role as our present Chief Marshal.

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Garry Watson receiving the Dave Simpson Trophy from Margaret Simpson (Photo : Marvin Hall)

The trophy is fought out by all the class winners at a specific race meeting each year, usually the August meeting at Oulton Park, this year was no exception. In the past the winner was the CNC Heads driver who won their class by the greatest time margin at the relevant meeting. However this year it was agreed that because of the problem when lapping occurs and there is difficulty in working out the actual winner the process would change. Now it is decided by the greatest difference in average speed between first and second in each class. The result is the same as with greatest distance but it is much easier to calculate!

This year four of the classes were quite close but classes B and F were won by a considerable margin, in fact a very similar margin. However, by the margin of just less than 1mph Garry edges out Clive Dix. Garry was about 9mph faster than Patrick Smyth with Clive being about 8mph faster than newcomer Natalie Norman.

On hand at this meeting were several Chairmen from the past, Ken Mitchell and Dave Blundell and stalwart of the Centre and previous vice-chaiman Wilf Cockbain. Wilf was officiating at our first meeting 50 years ago and is now 101 years young. Ken and Dave kindly presented the class awards and are seen below with Garry and Margaret. Wilf at this point had decided to explore the outer reaches of Oulton Park so was unavailable for the photograph! He was eventually 'captured' at Druids by track security and was reminiscing with the staff.

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Dave Blundell (left) and Ken Mitchell (right) join Garry and Margaret (Photo : Marvin Hall)

Garry will be re-presented with the trophy at the Real Night Out in January 2017 and be given a replica to keep for ever.

John Leck