3 Works Sprite in Weslake Cup

The appearance of Julian Ellison’s newly acquired works (Donald Healey Motor Company) Austin-healey Sprite, in which Timo Makinen/paul Hawkins finished 18th at the Sebring 12 Hours in 1966 (pictured), is an exciting focus for the Weslake Cup race. Paddy Hopkirk/andrew Hedges subsequently raced it at Le Mans but retired.

The BMC A-series engine is synonymous with motorsport success, and tuning guru Harry Weslake’s work in developing its cylinder heads for competition made the accessible unit an obvious choice to power models from a host of British GT car manufacturers in a buoyant marketplace.

Much international success fell largely to Sprite derivatives from the corporation, notably the hallowed Sebring Sprites raced by Stirling

Moss, Clive Baker, Roger Enever and others. It’s no surprise that they will comprise a third of the grid. Also in the line-up are Ashley, Lenham and Speedwell Sprites, plus a Williams & Pritchard bodied MG Midget.

The pace of the Turner Mk1s should not be underestimated, particularly since Le Mans veteran Darren Turner is piloting one. Two Ogle GTS, a Deep Sanderson and a Rochdale Olympic with outright lap record holder Nick Padmore up are in the mix.