HRDC Lydden Hill

Code-switcher Heathcote beats Jordan

“Never heard of Nathan Heathcote?  You have now,” said Historic Racing Drivers’ Club founder Julius Thurgood after the 2017 British Rallycross champion beat fellow Mini Cooper S driver Andrew Jordan, the 2013 British Touring Car champion, in both Liqui Moly Jack Sears Trophy races at the third annual Historics On The Hill event at Lydden on July 4.

Nathan Heathcote ahead of British Touring Car Champion Andrew Jordan  Photos Eric Sawyer

Run by former national Mini 7 champion Bill Sollis, Heathcote broke 50 seconds to secure pole position, but come from behind on the first lap to counter JRT’s fast-starting ace in the 1958-‘66 opener.  Once ahead, Nathan coolly opened a lead and took the chequer 1.6s ahead after 18 frenetic laps of the one-mile speedbowl, to the amazement of around 1400 spectators.

The second finish was even closer, Jordan’s orange car shadowing Heathcote’s grey one over the line.  Dan Lewis made it a Cooper S 1-2-3 in both races.  Gerard Buggy (Ford Lotus Cortina) and Richard Colburn (Cooper S) bagged a fourth place each, chased by Richard Postins’ Austin A40.

The Colburn ‘junior team’ monopolised the other races.  Ben in his rapid locally-built Lenham Sprite GT aced both Dunlop Allstars races, leading Andy Jordan’s dad Mike, taking his turn in their Mini.  Third in the opener was Porsche specialist Andy Prill in the unique Pandora-BMC sportscar raced by Roger Phillips at Goodwood in period.  Tom Sharp (BMW 1800 TiSA) completed the second podium.

James Colburn had the legs on Classic Alfa Challenge rivals in a Giulia Sprint GT,

As at Thruxton, top qualifier James Colburn had the legs on Classic Alfa Challenge rivals in a Giulia Sprint GT, forging back ahead of Chris Snowdon (GTV) before the first race was stopped.  Snowdon led the restart too, but recovered to fourth, having stopped for a door to be secured.  Alex Jupe (Alfetta GTV) took second behind Colburn.  Brother Ben (1750 Berlina) chased James home in the second outing.