The sun shone brightly but it was a bitterly cold day (-10ºC) that greeted the competitors at Selkirk Swimming Pool for the first event of 2002, and the first for HBCC since the foot and mouth epidemic. 

Twentyfour competitors brought a variety of machinery along, some by road and other, more exotic vehicles, on trailers. Four layouts with 3 runs on each formed the programme. The early start for 11:00 didn't agree with everyone, including some of the organisers, who were still recovering from the new year festivities. In the event only 9 runs were completed, due to the cold drilling into almost everyone, and the time clocks starting to go wonky with the cold as well! 

Ten of the competitors challenged the Clubsport class whilst the remaining 14 entered the Production Class. Historics were represented by Neil Morrison, Peter Humphrey and son Dougie. At 14 he is getting the hang of driving and this was his first competitive event. Dougie managed to pip Neil by over 25 seconds, using Neil's very own Sprite! Father Peter drove the big Healey 3000 to 1st in class 2 of the Production class, only 7 seconds ahead of Des Campbell in his Astra who tried to "rev" his way round the course.

Ex Scottish autocross champion, Stuart Bruce joined in with his Peugeot coming 1st in class 2 and 3rd overall in the clubsport class, behind Dave Black. Dave again brought the family with Katie driving a smooth line to secure 2nd overall in the Production class. 

Winner of the Production class, Graeme Galloway also let daughter Nicola have a go in the mini, ending 6th in class only 3 seconds behind Douglas Dodds, who was only 0.3s behind Tommy Miller in 4th place, all in the Production class.

EUMSC were represented by Guy Roemmele and James Paterson, sharing Guy's SD1 Rover or "Shed" as it's affectionately known as. Being the vitesse version meant plenty power but a bit of a barge to autotest, given the conditions. Guy took the class 3 Production class win. 

Back in the clubsport class, Robert Smith and Ian Maxwell shared the big Renault 21. Robert managed to guide the beast round to within 4 seconds of class winner Stuart Bruce. Ian was only 3 seconds behind, not bad after 9 rounds.

The event forms a round in the BECC Autotest Championship.

Jock Hislop

Graeme Galloway

Stuart Bruce

Peter Humphrey

Neil Morrison

Guy Roemmele

Des Campbell