Honda S800 back in Motorsport!

Tony Sighe at Castle Combe

After a gap of (too) many years we now have a Club member returning to the tracks, taking part in sprints and circuit races.

This isn't an ongoing season long campaign at this stage but experience gained on the track helps all of us with tweaks and development of our 'ordinary' road cars.

Our driver Tony Sighe is implementing various changes and improvements to his car. The plan is that these details will be shared with the members to improve your car even further! Tony Sighe is now offering his sevices to get your car ready for the road.

For instance, we have had a range of shock absorbers developed out of the racing experience which can be adjusted for the road or track.

Those who have been Club members for a while might recognise the car? But can you recall who has driven this car down the years...?

Motorsport Diary 2026

** Please check to make sure the proposed entry is still going ahead – racing cars can break (!) so always check before travelling.

Free Motorsports Licence

If you intend taking part in low key motorsports events such as a local car club 12 car rally, a navigation event or even some treasure hunts, you may find you need a competition licence. I now need one to attend a car show at Prescott Hillclimb. That is if I want to have a non competitive run up the hill!

To obtain what is known as a Clubmans licence you will need to be a member of a Motorsports UK affiliated club. These include Lotus Drivers Club, Alfa Romeo Owners Club, HRCR, HSCC plus a myriad of other clubs – even the Civil Service Motoring Association. There are numerous local motorsports clubs you can join – and the advantage is you can then take part in local car runs and events.

The link for your free licence is – https://www.motorsportuk.org/competitors/rs-clubman-licence/
Its a bit complicated compared to earlier years (!) and the process is now paperless meaning the licence appears on your phone – almost like a concert ticket, plane ticket or bus pass might. It is free though unless you choose to pay for any upgrades – good luck.

Motorsport UK (MSA) Blue Book

For any aspiring motor sport entrant there is one bible – the Motorsport UK (formerly MSA) 'Blue Book'. The 'Blue Book' is now an online resource. The top link below goes to the current version. The lower link goes to the last printed version.

• Click here to access the most up to date information from the Motorsport UK with a searchable index.
• Click here to access the 2024 UK Blue Book in pdf format.

Even if you are not involved in the sport, the Blue Book tyres section can give you guidance when searching for grippy and/or track day tyres – whether for your S800 or any other car you own. The tyre list is in Section L from page 215 of the 2024 book.

History

Barry Fernaly in Post Historic Roadsports Championship

The Honda S800 has been used extensively in Motorsport within the UK down the years including the ModSports Championship, the Post Historic Road Sports Championship, the 750 Motor Club Championship, Tarmac Rallies, Historic Road Rallies, Economy Runs, Assembly Tours and even Treasure Hunts.

The tiny S800 has won its class in various categories of Motorsport and even won the Post Historic Road Sports Championship outright! This actually caused the organisers to amend the rules by increasing the engine size limit in class D to 1300cc from 1200cc. This resulted in most early MG Midgets, Spitfires and specials using the BMC 'A' series engine to compete in the smallest class. Sadly the increased torque of these engines meant the S800 was no longer competitive in circuit racing.

Tony Lowes car plus Navigator on the Tour of Cheshire rally

Within our website there are numerous articles about the use of the S800 in Motorsport in its various forms.

Your motorsport career can be lower key than circuit racing. For instance Tony Lowe entered various historic rallies which consisted of regularity sections and special tests. Steve Drewery entered some full European rallies in his car.

Sprinting and hillclimbing gives you the opportunity to drive at speed without the risk of being hit by fellow competitors are you are alone on the track. Essentially it's you versus the clock!

For more information you can use the Search facility at the head of the website to home in on what is of particular interest. Keep your search brief – e.g. 'tyres' gives nothing but 'tyre' does!