Mike's Profile/Competition History.
Mike Herbert, age 59 lives in Ipswich with his wife Shirley.
A member of the Eastern Counties Motor Club since the age of 15, he has competed in various forms of motor sport since he was 17, when his first event was a sprint at Martlesham Heath Aerodrome, Suffolk. A year later he started work at Holbay Racing Engines then based at Martlesham Heath. At this time Mike completed a full course at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School at Snetterton including competing in two Formula Ford races. While at Holbay he built and raced a Superstox with Spedeworth on short ovals. In 1971 he joined his Father at Witchtune, specialising in car tuning at Ipswich.
In 1978 prepared a Mini, racing successfully in Autocross events for the next few years and also in the winter series Rally X at Snetterton. In 1979 he acquired a lightweight rolling chassis Mini from Jonspeed.
In 1979 married Shirley!
At weekends with no Autocross's Shirley's Hillman Imp was used for production car trials.
A few years later the Mini was sold and a pre' 74 Formula Ford was purchased in the shape of a Lotus 61 which was used for races and sprints. It was at this time that the Mini ATR 203B was acquired for Shirley.
The mid eighties were spent competing in Minicross with much success (1st Minicross, won the 'A' Final) and local Autocross's. At this time Mike left the motor trade and joined a local Fire Protection Company Sterling Safety, and up until 30th June 2002, worked in production on the famous Firetrace Automatic Extinguisher Systems.
Mike and Shirley are now directors of 'Mike Herbert Ltd', Mike: 'Mike Herbert Garden maintenance and Handyman' and Shirley: 'Domestic Services'
After selling the Minicross car Mike used ATR 203B for Autotests, Tarmac & Grass slaloms and with Shirley competed in Production Car Trials.
Mike has used the Mini ATR 203B for sprints in the AEMC championship, the car has now been sold in Dec 2002.
Mike's hobbies and interests include cooking, nature and wildlife and he is a member of the RSPB and the Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club where Mike uses a Mini, a 1961 Austin seven for rallies and shows, friend of the Ipswich Transport Museum and the Vice Chairman of the Ipswich & East Suffolk branch of CAMRA Campaign for Real Ale.