Coming Around Again

Early season practice at Harewood Hillclimb saw the first of the latest batch of OMS 28 cars break cover.

The new supercharged 1300cc Hayabusa powered 28 turned a wheel for the first time in the hands of its owner John Chacksfield.  A triple BARC Harewood Speed Hillclimb FTD Champion, John won his titles in 2010, 2011 and 2013 in the ex-works OMS Vauxhall 2 litre CF04. This new car is the third of the OMS marque that John has campaigned, his first was chassis number 84, an 1100cc Kawasaki ZZR powered OMS 2000M.

Having taken a season off last year whilst the new car was being built, John used the test day to acquaint himself with the new car and reacquaint himself with the hill. His next event will be the Harewood Spring National meeting in April.

John Chacksfield in OMS 28 talking with Steve Owen

Joining John at the test session was another OMS driver who took a season out last year, Lee Griffiths. Following a number of years competing in the 1600cc racing car class with his OMS 25, he too has switched to the 2 litre class, only Lee has followed a turbo charging route. OMS Racing has installed a 1300cc Hayabusa with turbo into Lee’s OMS 25 chassis.

Lee also used the practice session to settle himself into the new engine/car configuration. He commented that he had enjoyed being back in the car and that the engine is powerful and will take him a few meetings to adjust to.

Lee Griffiths in his OMS 25 1300t

Defending BARC Harewood Speed Hillclimb FTD Champion Paul Martin also shook down his 1300cc OMS 2000M at the practice day. The 2014 champion has further developed his car over the winter months. One new feature is his self-built air operated gear change which proved to be a great success. Like John Chacksfield, Paul will be at the Spring National meeting.

OMS 2000M

An unexpected visitor was seen accompanying a spectator, possibly a first at a hillclimb meeting.

Date: 23/03/2015 | Author: L.Owen