Tag: John Parsons

John Parsons

Rally Driver, Trials Competitor and Organiser, John passed away on 20 May after a short illness. He was 79 years old.

A Motoring Tribute by Michael Leete.

JohnParsons
John at the start of the 2000 Allen Trial in his Westfield

I first met JP around 1970 at a Sporting Owner Drivers Club Trial at Brickhill, although I only really got to know him in the mid 80’s when I returned from my time living in the North East.  He was a keen member of the Dunstable based Sporting Owner Drivers Club, joining neighbouring Falcon when the SOD’s disbanded and I spent many happy hours listening to tales of his motoring exploits at club nights. My favourite was when he visited the TT and Florian Camathias needed a passenger for a couple of laps in practice. Ever the adventurer it was JP that stepped forward. Continue reading “John Parsons”

John Parsons Allen

JP’s Edinburgh

OS2Haven HillOn time, no delay/problem. Clean
 
OS3Clough WoodOn time, long delay (1.30mins) Marshals had no contact with section end. Deep rutted but plenty of grip. Clean.
 
OS4Deep RakeNearly back on time. Section no problem. Clean.
 
ST1Deep RakeFirst chance to try out improvement to engine performance. Felt great. 11.6 secs.
 
OS5Litton SlackArrived on schedule. Longest delay (2 hours) Fails were not being returned down side of section and so next car not on start line till section was clear. Spectating/observing, it appeared that the best climbs were by trickling off start without wheels spinning up to the restart box, just in with all four wheels, get traction then give it everything you’ve got trying to keep in the tracks. I got bounced onto the grass but managed to power it back onto the track right up to the top bend where I arrived sideways on, grabbed 2nd and floored it. Flew out of the top. Found later reason for erratic ascent was due to a punctured rear n/s tyre. Clean.
 
OS7CaltonNo problem. On route to Bull I’th Thorn fell foul of homosexual Marlin reversing onto my bonnet-not too much damage I think.
 
 Bull I’th Thorn 2 hrs 27 mins late.
 
OS8HaydaleRuts after start. Deeper and rougher than last year. Restart lower and not so slippery. Clean
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OS9HaggsideArrived 1hr 30 behind schedule. Queuing out to road. A competitor lost ignition just after starting the section. Usual bumpy, kinder restart position, no problem. Clean.
 
OS10BamfordOnly 2 cars waiting at start. It can’t get much rougher, dry, bags of grip. This year restart almost at end of section on the level. First time clean in six years.
 
OS11Great HucklowIn 1980 Laurie Knight, Tom Goggin and I led a working party to make the deviation for classes 7 and 8 with no re-start.In all the years since I have never managed to clean it. This time I just put my front wheels in the restart box, tried to trickle out, no good, floored it. Dot bounced her socks off and out we went. Villagers in Gt Hucklow must have heard me shout over the engine noise.
 
OS12King SterndaleNow only 1hr 30 behind schedule. No problem.
 
OS13Rakes HeadStill 1hr 30 behind. Jonathon Toulmin running start. No problem.
 
OS14ExcelsiorThis is the section I had been dreading after last year. It had been so rough and slippery I couldn’t even get to the restart. Pleasant surprise, it’s not the same section as previous year. Restart on bend, bit slippery, ease off throttle wheels bite and we clean it.
 
SS2MoneystonesLittle cautious on muddy track, didn’t want to throw a gold away by overrunning the astride lines. OK.
 
FinishBull I’th Thorn 5.28PM. lhr 10mins behind schedule. Claim Gold
 

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