News & Views
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Nightingale Racing and Dame Kelly Holmes – Brands Hatch, 13 June 2009
Double Olympic Gold medal winner Dame Kelly Holmes was the special guest of Nightingale Racing at the third round of this season’s ‘Fun Cup Endurance Race’ series.
Having the former BBC Sports Personality of the Year on hand at the world famous Brands Hatch circuit on Saturday 13 June seemed to have brought good fortune to the team.
In only its third event Nightingale Racing climbed onto the podium for a well deserved third place finish in the petrol engine class.
Michael Lockyer, Managing Partner of Nightingale Associates, the financial services arm of Mercer & Hole chartered accountants said, “It was a real thrill to have Kelly join Nightingale Racing for this showcase event. Some of her magic must have rubbed off on all the drivers because to achieve a podium finish was a superb team effort.”
Grid positions for the Fun Cup series are drawn by ballot which proved to be ironic. Acting as draw master Dame Kelly Holmes drew the grid positions on behalf of all teams in the race and promptly drew Nightingale Racing in last position out of the 26 car entry.
Michael commented, “If ever there was a day to hope luck would be on our side with the draw it was today. Starting at the rear of the field on a small and tight circuit like Brands Hatch can be a real disadvantage.”
The event lasted four hours with each driver taking two forty minute driving stints. Michael was joined by co-drivers Peter Flynn and Stuart Ramsay. It was Peter who started the race and drove a superb first stint to ensure the team moved from last place on the grid to third in class and 13th overall by the time the car was handed over to Michael. A solid second stint to consolidate the position followed.
Michael, still in only his third ever race, said,
“I felt some pressure in trying to keep the car in such a good position but concentrated on getting the basics right. The other two guys are very experienced and I’m pleased to say, I did not let them down.”The remaining rounds of driver changes and refuelling stops followed without major incident and apart from a slightly damaged front body section, which was replaced at the last pit stop, the team held its podium position to the end of the race.
Michael summed up,
“To be on the podium at the end was a fantastic reward for a hard race. To have our guest Dame Kelly Holmes presenting the trophies and sharing our success made the whole day complete.”Nightingale Racing now moves on to Spa in Belgium for a 25 hour test of endurance. Europe’s longest motor race features cars from a number of other European countries. With an expected entry of over 150 teams it will prove a real challenge for both man and machine.
Fun Cup Racing Series (http://www.funcup.co.uk)
Brands Hatch circuit http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch
Mercer & Hole Chartered Accountants (http://www.mercerhole.co.uk)
Nightingale Associates 0845 8281000 (http://www.mercerhole.co.uk/services/overview/C54)
Universal Vehicle Services 02392 595349 -
Nightingale Racing and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust in pole position
Nightingale Racing lead by Nightingale Associates Michael Lockyer will be at Brands Hatch on Saturday 13 June 2009 for the next race of the Fun Cup 2009 season. The team are thrilled that double Olympic gold medal winner Dame Kelly Holmes will also be there to support the team. Former BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Dame Kelly Holmes will be on hand to draw the teams’ grid lane positions for the afternoon’s Fun Cup race and present the winners with their trophies.
Lockyer, a supporter of the former athlete’s charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, and her host for the day, said: “I am delighted Dame Kelly is joining Nightingale Racing at Brands to meet my co-drivers, mechanics and other crew that make our entry to the Fun Cup possible.”
For further information and a timetable of the event at Brands Hatch please click here.
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Follow Michael Lockyer and Nightingale Racing on Sky Sports
Michael Lockyer and Nightingale Racing were featured in Sky Sports motor racing programme ‘Race World’ back in April and additional dates have now been released for the show and will feature the Snetterton Fun Cup race that took place on the 2 May.
If you want to tune in and watch the programme the dates and times are as follows:
Thurs 25th June: 5.30pm (Sky Sports 3), 10pm (Sky Sports Xtra)
Fri 26th June: 2am (Sky Sports Xtra), 6.30am (Sky Sports 3), 1pm (Sky Sports 3)
Sat 27th June: 7am (Sky Sports 2)
Sun 28th June: 11am (Sky Sports 3) -
Bulletin - May 2009
Mercer & Hole’s latest Bulletin is now available to view, please click here to download your electronic version.
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Fun Cup 2009, Snetterton - May 2, 2009
Nightingale Racing continued its 2009 campaign with the second round of the Fun Cup endurance race series held over the early May Bank holiday weekend at Snetterton race track in Norfolk.
Michael Lockyer, Managing Partner of Nightingale Associates, the financial services arm of Mercer & Hole continued his racing season as lead driver. Ably supported by fellow team mates Stuart Ramsay and Peter Flynn, Michael was competing in only his second race following an impressive debut earlier in the season at Rockingham.
Michael commented, “When we created Nightingale Racing the aim was to be competitive from our first outing and ensure we fought hard for the best results possible.”
Unfortunately throughout the Friday practice sessions the car was plagued by a minor electrical problem, which ultimately appeared to have been remedied for the race.
Michael goes on, “It’s the first time I have seen the Snetterton circuit, let alone driven on it, so it was important that we had a decent practice session. Sadly the electrical gremlins crept in and we only managed a handful of laps. However, the car ran well in the qualifying session, which raised our hopes for Saturday’s race.”
Grid positioning for the Fun Cup series is decided by ballot, not times, so the car can be placed anywhere for the start. As luck would have it Nightingale Racing drew 24th out of the 27 car field! With a bright sunny afternoon in prospect for the five hour event, Peter Flynn started the race. After just four laps the electrical gremlins crept back in and Peter was momentarily stranded on the circuit. With some luck the car was coaxed back to the pits, where thankfully the problem was cured once and for all. However, the team rejoined in last position.
Michael explained, “Electrical problems can be extremely hard to trace and we owe a big thank you to our race engineers, who managed to cure the problem within ten minutes. It meant we could continue to race, albeit ten laps down.”
Despite the handicap, Michael and his team mates drove with real commitment and finally finished the race in 16th position. Given it was Michael’s second ever race, his last stint saw his pace and confidence improve considerably.
Michael appeared happy with the weekend’s efforts and summarised, “Despite our problems, the weather was good, we had some real fun playing catch up and our guests had a unique insight into how a race team is run.”
Nightingale Racing will continue to compete in the Fun Cup series with the next round at Brands Hatch on Saturday June 13th. Highlights of the Fun Cup series are shown on Sky Sports and Motors TV.
Fun Cup Racing Series (www.funcup.co.uk)
Snetterton Race Circuit (www.motorsportvision.co.uk/snetterton)
Mercer & Hole Chartered Accountants (www.mercerhole.co.uk)
Nightingale Associates 0845 8281000 (http://www.mercerhole.co.uk/services/overview/C54)
Universal Vehicle Services 02392 595349 -
Practical tips for recession and recovery - a presentation by Robert Jamieson
There has been a considerable rate and depth to changes made by the Government on tax and business issues over the last 12 months. Our view at Mercer & Hole is that this activity signals the Government’s intention to alter significantly the way UK tax operates and the Chancellor’s Budget statement on 22 April 2009 confirmed this.
With these changes in mind and during this period of challenging economics, Mercer & Hole in association with the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a business seminar titled, ‘Practical tips for recession and recovery’ on Tuesday 30 June 2009.
Our principal speaker will be Robert Jamieson MA FCA CTA (Fellow), partner with Mercer & Hole and past President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Robert is an expert on tax planning issues and a respected lecturer on this topic, well known for his informative and entertaining lectures to business audiences. His presentation will explain the ramifications of the Finance Bill 2009 on businesses and their leaders, and will offer tips to mitigate the impact of the new regime.
The evening’s event, which will include presentations, an opportunity for delegates’ questions and networking, will conclude by 8.00 pm. Robert and his fellow Mercer & Hole partners will be available to answer questions over drinks, following the presentation.
BOOKING INFORMATION:
To book your free space, please send an email including your name, company name and contact details to
DETAILS:
Practical tips for recession and recovery
Jurys Inn Hotel
Tuesday, 30 June 2009, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm -
Practical tips for recession and recovery - a presentation by Robert Jamieson
There has been a considerable rate and depth to changes made by the Government on tax and business issues over the last 12 months. Our view at Mercer & Hole is that this activity signals the Government’s intention to alter significantly the way UK tax operates and the Chancellor’s Budget statement on 22 April 2009 confirmed this.
With these changes in mind and during this period of challenging economics, Mercer & Hole in association with the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a business seminar titled, ‘Practical tips for recession and recovery’ on Wednesday 10 June 2009.
Our principal speaker will be Robert Jamieson MA FCA CTA (Fellow), partner with Mercer & Hole and past President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Robert is an expert on tax planning issues and a respected lecturer on this topic, well known for his informative and entertaining lectures to business audiences. His presentation will explain the ramifications of the Finance Bill 2009 on businesses and their leaders, and will offer tips to mitigate the impact of the new regime.
The evening’s event, which will include presentations, an opportunity for delegates’ questions and networking, will conclude by 7.30 pm. Robert and his fellow Mercer & Hole partners will be available to answer questions over drinks, following the presentation.
BOOKING INFORMATION:
To book your free space, please send an email including your name, company name and contact details to
DETAILS:
Practical tips for recession and recovery
Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club
Wednesday, 10 June 2009, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm -
Tax Plus - Budget 2009 special
The latest Tax Plus is now available to download. Please click here to read our analysis from the Budget Report 2009, announced by the Chancellor Alastair Darling on 22 April 2009.
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Fun Cup 2009, Rockingham - April 4, 2009
Michael Lockyer, Managing Partner of Nightingale Associates the financial services arm of Mercer & Hole and Stuart Ramsey of Universal Vehicle Services ensured that Nightingale Racing got off to a solid start to the Fun Cup 2009, securing thirteenth place at the seasons opening race at Rockingham.
An eventful weekend began early with the Nightingale Racing team arriving at an overcast Rockingham race track the morning of Friday 3 April 2009 to register and complete practice sessions. With the team’s third driver Pete Flynn missing the race, responsibility for leading the team fell to drivers Michael of Felbridge, West Sussex and Stuart of Emsworth, Chichester. Despite only having two drivers for the six-hour endurance race the team were full of optimism and confidence going into race day on 4 April.
Race day on 4 April began with another practice session in the morning and included a few shaky moments as the team tried to get to grips with the track. There was a spin onto the grass and a trip into a gravel bed for Michael, and Stuart was responsible for the loss of a front splitter whilst having a fight with a grass bank. However, the team remained composed and rallied well, qualifying fifth on the grid out of twenty seven cars.
At approximately 11.55am the race started with the team adopting a strategy of one-hour stints in the car to coincide with the hourly ten-minute fuel stops. Stuart drove first and made a good start and after an hour the driver change was quick with Michael managing to hold team position in the race.
As the race progressed the car and both drivers were performing well, without incident and jockeying for position. Over the course of the race the team moved up and down the leader board, however, the final two hours of the race saw Michael and Stuart do their best driving. They managed to move up to twelfth position and after six gruelling hours on track, eventually hit the chequered flag finishing a respectable thirteenth place.
Considering this was Michael’s first competitive race, the team were delighted with their performance.
Steady and consistent driving were key to the Nightingale Racing performance, as well as being ably assisted by the team’s mechanics Ian and Dan. Guests of both Mercer & Hole and Nightingale Associates were there to offer rousing applause throughout and were present to greet the team as the car returned to the pit lane.
After a promising start to the season Nightingale Racing is now preparing for its next outing on May 2nd at Snetterton in Norfolk.
Fun Cup Racing Series (www.funcup.co.uk)
Rockingham Race Circuit (www.rockingham.co.uk)
Mercer & Hole Chartered Accountants (www.mercerhole.co.uk)
Nightingale Associates 0845 8281000 (http://www.mercerhole.co.uk/services/overview/C54)
Universal Vehicle Services 02392 595349 -
Mercer & Hole sponsor Nightingale Racing
Mercer & Hole is to sponsor the ‘Nightingale Racing’ entry in the Fun Cup 2009. Nightingale Racing will be led by qualified racing driver, Michael Lockyer who is the Managing Partner of Nightingale Associates – the Financial Services arm of Mercer & Hole.
It is the first time Mercer & Hole has involved itself in motorsport, although as a hobby Michael has driven on numerous track days throughout the United Kingdom and raced his own MK1 Lotus Elise around the Hethel test circuit. Having passed The Association of Racing Drivers Schools (ARDS) test in 2008 he is now ready for the challenge of taking part in the Fun Cup 2009.
What is the Fun Cup?
Originally conceived in mainland Europe in 1997, the Fun Cup is a motor racing series with capacity grids often in excess of 30 cars. The racing is wheel to wheel and the Fun Cup is now the most successful one make endurance series in Europe.
The races are all endurance, typically 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 hours in the UK, complete with pit stops and all the drama of such an event. Teams vary from 2 – 6 drivers in the UK and thanks to carefully formulated rules, however many in a team, your chance of success is exactly the same. The car is a VW Beetle-style Fun Cup endurance race car and has a superb power to weight ration, weighing only 760kg and powered by an 1800cc, 130bhp VW/Audi petrol engine, mid-mounted for optimum balance.
The first glimpses of the Nightingale Racing Fun Cup car were seen at a practice day held on Saturday 28 February 2008 at Rockingham race track.
2009 race calendar
*April 4, Rockingham – Northampton (6 Hour – Race report to follow the event)*May 2, Snetterton – Norfolk (5 Hour – Race report to follow the event).
*June 13, Brands Hatch – Kent (4 Hour – Race report to follow the event).
*September 12, Donnington Park – East Midlands (7 Hour – Race report to follow the event).
To keep abreast of Nightingale Racing’s progress over the course of the season, look out for our race reports, which will be posted on the Mercer & Hole website.
Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust
Nightingale Racing is proud to support the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.
