VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 2

VANTAGE Winter 2011-2012

Start of 1966 Pepsi Pro race at Westwood (Jim Latham collection) VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 2

Well there is great In This Issue: agonizing going on regarding Geezer Central 2 the future of vintage racing President’s Report 3 for the average guy, or any VRCBC Annual Gala 4 kind of racing for that GVMPS Induct Skinners 5 matter. The big high profile Fairservice on Connaughts 6 events such as the Brian Tate Á Tate at Goodwood 10 Redman and Monterey seem Spike Rhiando 14 to be doing OK but the Racing at Fort Lewis 16 smaller events like our Next Month: Snell Foundation 18 BCHMR are struggling with Tom’s photo Page 19 low entry numbers and in our Photo Contest 20 case, dramatic reduction of About VRCBC 20 entries from the US. The problem is quite simple, money! Initial planning for the Your Editor at Work 2012 BCHMR has begun. You can contact me at [email protected] or by phone at Yours Truly chair once again. 604 922 2722 Major objectives are Thanks for reading  At least break even financially  Try to get the best date possible for weather and for entries  Get all the possible Canadian entries to offset reductions in entries from the US.  Expand vehicle eligibility as much as possible without ruining our present racing experience.

We have some plans regarding the daily schedules to make the event more enjoyable for the racers and more entertaining for the spectators. At Westwood with Ross Bentley 1983 (Brent Martin photo)

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 3

pretty good President’s year overall. Our number Message of participants is steadily I am certain that this Paul increasing. Bonner photo of me in Al For example, Reid’s MGB is the only one in last year we existence of me doing had 41 Club anything even remotely members interesting on a race track. It earn REVS took a lot of pleading with points. This Editor Tom but he finally year the agreed to use it, probably number looks only because his publishing like it will be President Stan MGB mounted deadline was looming. 48. And we Seriously however, I finished the season off well, Vintage races on both the think this photo is a good with 20 Vintage entries on Saturday and the Sunday. illustration of what the the CCGP weekend and 18 We are also going to VRCBC is all about. Like for the last – Turkey Chase – increase our proportion of many of us, Al got back into weekend. ‘fun’ meetings. Our visits to racing only recently, Things are moving along restoration shops and special graduating from novice this well on some interesting interest locations have been year and now regularly scenarios for next year’s very popular and often racing his MGB. When he BCHMR, which if they prove attract many non-member realized that a temporary to be feasible, we think will guests. And after only two, vision problem was going to be very exciting – stay tuned the Kart Enduro has already prevent him from entering for more on that. We are also become an annual Club the last REVS race of the working hard on addressing tradition. The recent day trip season, he asked me if I the whole vehicle eligibility to the LeMay Museum in would like to drive his car. issue. As everyone knows, Tacoma was also a winner, And he persisted with his there are a wide range of and I expect that there will offer in spite of the many viewpoints on this one. We be a lot more of that type of guffaws and non- plan on putting forward some event. And last but not least, complimentary comments suggestions and proposals we are planning to hold one about my driving history for discussion within the of our spring meetings on from the others who Club, likely before Christmas. Vancouver Island, so that all overheard him. As a result of The current economic of our members there can his generosity – and three situation is definitely having also participate in the general bolts scrounged from Geoff an impact on us. For frivolity. And as Tom says, Tupholme at the last minute example, many of our active “Can a meeting in the - we had another car on the racing members would like to Okanagan be far behind?” Vintage grid and I had a enter more frequently but But all of that is for next great time racing with Glen the cost of fuel and/or ferries year, and first we must close Gibbons in his Alfa GTV. A just to get to Mission is out the 2011 season with our great example of the Vintage big Annual Banquet & Gala significant. To help address th Racing Spirit! Of course, I this, we are hopeful that we on November 19 . I hope will probably now have to will be able to arrange a date that many of you will be able lend Al my Mini next year swap with SoloSprint for to attend. It is always a some time! 2012 so that on at least one blast. With the exception of the regular SCCBC / CACC unexpected financial hit from weekend, we can have Stanton Guy, President the BCHMR, we have had a

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 4

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 5

GVMPS Inducts the Skinners

1981, he became the SCCBC, Leslie became involved with ICSCC Executive Board motorsport in 1970 crewing for representative, a position he Kevin, she also helped GVMPS held until 2007. pioneer Hilda Randall in the Kevin was elected to the concession at Westwood. Leslie executive of the SCCBC in the supported Kevin in his racing mid 80s as Vice President for habits by buying him his several years and then Brabham BT21, Brabham BT38 President. As president, he was and RDC Formula Vee. instrumental in finding the While Kevin was involved in current SCCBC racing facility by the political aspects of the negotiating the development of SCCBC of BC, Leslie took over the road course at Mission the responsibility of managing Raceway Park with the BC the front gate duties at Custom Car Association. Westwood, a responsibility that Kevin was awarded a life she still oversees to this day at membership by the SCCBC. the Mission Raceway Park. From the Greater Kevin represented British Leslie is one of only four Vancouver Motorsport Columbia on the board of Honorary Members of the Pioneers Society 2011 Western Canada Motorsports SCCBC. In addition, In 2007, Induction Ceremony Program Association (WCMA) for the she joined the Executive Board Kevin’s involvement in period of their representation of of SCCBC and then took on the motorsport began with his the sport in this area. additional role of Volunteer participation as a corner marshal Kevin as worked with Coordinator for the SCCBC to in turn two at Westwood. In Imperial Tobacco and Honda recruit new volunteers to the 1968, he joined the Sports Car Canada to bring the Players Motorsport events. Club of British Columbia Pacific and Honda Michelin In 2005, Kevin and Leslie (SCCBC), and earned his Racing Series to Westwood and were awarded the Randall Cup competition racing license in the Molson Indy to the streets of by the SCCBC, this is the 1969 racing his MG Midget in F Vancouver. highest award for long term Production. Kevin was on the SCCBC commitment to motorsport. In1973, he placed second in New Track Development Leslie also supports Kevin in C Sports Racing in the Canadian Committee to oversee finding a her role as First Lady of the Automobile Sport Clubs (CASC) replacement to Westwood. International Conference of Canadian Runoffs at Edmonton In 2001, Kevin took driver Sports Car Clubs, which also racing a Lotus 23. While training again and regained his involves traveling to each of the returning from Edmonton, Kevin competition racing license so he Conference race events contemplated retiring from could compete in the West Coast throughout the Pacific racing, but Leslie encouraged Championship Endurance Series Northwest. him to buy a Brabham BT21 and later the Westcoast Through their combined life Formula B car and at that point Sportscar Championship. One of long commitment to racing, this a new chapter in his racing saga his greatest thrills was racing in enthusiasm has flowed into their started. Kevin competed over the SCCBC Invitational Sedan family life, with both sons, Peter the next seven years in the Race on the streets of and John-Paul have joined the International Conference of Vancouver, with his sons Peter ranks of SCCBC championship Sports Car Clubs (ICSCC) and and John-Paul. For many years, recipients. won their Formula B Kevin has taken on the media Championship in 1978 and ‘79. role of design and graphics of Later, he purchased a the SCCBC posters, brochures Brabham BT38 and fitted a Ford and promotional campaigns. BDA to run in. Formula Atlantic, In 2008, Kevin was back on he still owns this car today. the executive of SCCBC as Vice In 1979, Kevin became the President of Administration and ICSCC Contest Board since 2009, Kevin has been the representative for SCCBC. In president of ICSCC.

On Sunday, October 23, 1955 British Formula One history was made when Tony Brooks won the Syracuse Grand Prix, defeating the Maserati and Gordini works teams. This was the first British Grand Prix win since the 1920s. The race did not count towards the World Drivers’ Championship, but it was an important race and it was supported by two other works teams. The winning car was a 2.5 litre single seat type B Connaught racing car, a second Connaught driven by Les Leston finished in ninth place after experiencing some problems. The cars were designed and manufactured by Connaught Engineering Ltd based at The streamlined F1 car Send in Surrey, south of 122 bhp on gasoline. Mike ready to race. (My reference London. The base was and Kenneth raced their cars also gives some drivers actually originally a garage, and a few were sold to other weights: Stirling Moss about called Continental enthusiasts. Altogether 14 125 lbs. and Tony Rolt about Automobiles, owned by were made and given model 240 lbs.!). The chassis was Rodney Clarke. Frequent numbers L2, L3 and L3/SR. based upon two round tubes customers were Mike Oliver The L3 models were based with double wishbone front and Kenneth McAlpine. Ken’s on a later Lea Francis chassis suspension and de Dion rear. family owned McAlpines a that had IFS. All but one of The transmission was an rather large firm of Civil these cars are known to Armstrong Siddeley pre- Contractors (still existing as exist. The missing car is an selector gearbox. It appears Sir Robert McAlpine) and he L2, chassis number 7048 that that ten of the A series provided much of the money was last heard of in California Formula 2 cars were made, that kept Connaught going. fitted with a Studebaker numbers A8 and A10 being Originally, in 1948, the engine. fitted with fuel injection. company produced a series In 1951 Connaught was The company had its own of sports cars based upon a making a neat Formula Two drawing office and workshop, Lea Francis chassis, engine car, referred to as the A and worked hard on its and transmission. Connaught series, with the Lea Francis designs, spending a lot of modified the steering, and engine enlarged to 2 litres time on suspension design, front suspension and added a and developing 135 bhp on calculating roll centres etc., light two seat body. The alcohol. The car’s bulbous and testing them on race engine was a four cylinder of body made them look heavy, tracks. They even built their 1767 cc capacity which but in actual fact they were own wind tunnel, but didn’t originally was modified and quite light weighing 1235 lbs. use it because of the noise developed 98 bhp rising to without fuel, and 1515 lbs. complaints from neighbours

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 7 who obtained a court injunction against it! The 2.5 litre Formula 1 was announced at the end of 1952, Connaught started to design a mid-engine car, the J3, for the new formula. Coventry Climax was developing a 2.5 litre V8 (the Godiva engine) but when it was only developing 264 bhp they gave up on it because they believed all the press stories of huge horse powers being developed by continental engine builders. In fact the best 1954 Maserati 250F engine developed 230 bhp and the successful 1954 Mercedes Benz W196 cars engines down. The engine was paste tube but was called developed 256 bhp with a claimed to produce 240 bhp Moby Dick! The streamliners very peaky torque curve! but this was not so. The experienced a number of Without the V8 the only gearbox was still the accidents and eventually all British engine available was Armstrong preselector and received conventional single the 2.5 litre Alta engine the rear suspension was a seat bodies. After the success which would have been too revised de Dion type. The at Syracuse these cars tall for the J3, so the J3 was front had similar IFS to the became known as the put on one side and another type A cars. Syracuse Connaughts. In car was designed to use the Only one car, B4, was 1956 there were three works Alta engine. originally built with a cars, numbers B5, B6 and Hurriedly the B type was conventional single seat B7. But because of the costs, designed, learning from the body and that was for Rob the drawing office was A type, and the target was to Walker. One car, B3, was dispensed with, and great display a car at the 1953 purchased by Leslie Marr efforts were made to obtain London Motor Show, but that with a streamlined body and some financial support from had a condition requiring he raced it extensively. In the British motor industry. that any single seat racing the winter of 1955/6 Leslie In early 1955, Rodney car must have raced before took it to New Zealand for Clark discussed with his exhibiting it, so that deadline the racing season there and designer, Johnny Johnson was not required. With some before going he had a Jaguar how the B type could be time available it was decided XK 120 engine fitted. lightened. It was possible to to design, and make, a Unfortunately he crashed the lighten the body and various streamlined body and this car at Invercargil and badly components, but then was built in time for the damaged it. He sold the Rodney was concerned about 1954 season. Unfortunately body for £10 and Connaught the lack of stiffness in beam Connaught could not put disc bought the chassis for what of the twin tube chassis and brakes on the car and the drum he had paid for the car - started to think about a brakes did not cope well with £4500. This was rebuilt in space frame chassis. This stopping a streamlined car, 1957 with a modified open resulted in the C type, of which did not have wheel body that had a high which only C8 was built but it aerodynamic losses to slow it tail and looked like a tooth never ran. This used disc

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of earning money from Formula One racing and Kenneth McAlpine was becoming tired of financing the team when he was not racing. Ken saw no end to the bills he was paying and no return on any of his investment and so the Connaught passed into history after a long exit: the last appearance by a Connaught in a Championship round was at the US Grand Prix at Sebring The Canadian connection, B3 at Carling 300 Harewood, 1960 in 1959 when chassis B7, brakes all-round as the front brakes working. entered by Paul Emery, was Connaught had sorted them This was followed by B2 and driven by Bob Said in the out, and at the rear the de B5 going to Pau with Ivor race. Dion tube was mounted quite Bueb and Les Leston who On September 17, 18 and high, but it had a sliding joint were both learning to race F 19, 1957 an auction was held so that the drive shafts didn’t 1 cars where Bueb finished of all of the cars and have to change length as the third with B5, and Naples in equipment in the Connaught wheels rose and fell. Coil Italy where Lewis Evans factory. In the auctioneer’s springs with internal dampers raced B5 but it broke down catalogue there were six B were used for each wheel late in the race when in type racing cars, B2, B3, B4, and this was a first for a second place. Then there was B5, B6 and B7, together with racing car. The body was the Goodwood Easter the new C8 - a very sad day similar to the “Toothpaste meeting for which they for British motor racing. The Tube” car. prepared B3 with its new auction also included a During 1956 a number of body for Stuart Lewis Evans prototype five speed “self- drivers raced the works cars and B7 for Archie Scott change” gearbox/rear axle and there were always some Brown. Monaco was the last unit together with parts to privateers running, but a race for the works team, make five more! Interestingly number of finishes in high Bueb and Lewis Evans having two of these B types positions were obtained due B2, B3 and B7. Ivor nearly appeared at Monaco in 1958, to other cars retiring. At the wore out B2 driving some 70 owned by none other than end of 1956, the writing was laps in practice, so that was Bernie Ecclestone! on the wall but the team put aside, but did race started the 1957 season with because B7 was damaged cars numbered B1, B2, B5, when it ran over a curb and B6 and B7. They had Les damaged the gearbox. B2 Leston, Ivor Bueb and Jack failed in the race and Lewis Fairman available as drivers. Evans finished fourth out of The season started with six finishers. another race at Syracuse, but After the Monaco Grand Les Leston crashed B1 due to Prix, the Belgian and Dutch a broken half shaft that split races were cancelled, and the the fuel tank and the British GP organisers resulting fire destroyed the announced that they would car. Fairman retired and not pay any starting money. Bueb finished fifth with only There was then little prospect

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 9

THE POWER AND THE majestic proportions to all A two part motorbike HISTORY - THE and sundry both on and off challenge featuring the likes GOODWOOD EXPERIENCE the track. The mood of the of Norton, Matchless, Ducati, It is like any other meeting cared not a whit for BMW and Gilera to honour vintage or classic race the rain and most of the race the late great competitor, weekend . . . one day’s cars just jousted on with world champion, inventor, practice and qualifying then frantic wipers doing all they and all round wonderful two days racing but that is could to clear restricted character Barry Sheene where the similarity ends! visions. Of course for the M.B.E. It is not the sheer spectators it became doubly majesty of the quality of exciting as the rooster-tails The St. Marys Trophy: racing cars and motorbikes behind the competitors A two part race for 1960 entered at Goodwood, nor shrouded the track with a to 1966 Saloon Cars, surely the absolute and relentless misty curtain making for the golden age of touring car pressure that they put upon slippery conditions and racing. This was a race of the each other lap after lap but putting the drivers on a fine mighty and the giant killers also the well established edge of judgement. from the 7 litre Ford Galaxies races and tributes that are Day one and two of to the 998cc Minis and programmed for the racing follow a similar 1275cc Mini Cooper S with enjoyment of the suitably pattern as some of the cups everything in between from period dressed spectators. and trophies are cumulative Lotus Cortinas, Alfa Romeo The races have historical and one gets to see most of GTAs, BMW TiSas and even a significance and belong to the great and brave race Saab 93 two stroking and Goodwood’s heritage; it is, if twice just like a good encore three gearing its way in the you will, like going to Epsom at a concert. The menu for pack. The spectators loved it for The Derby or Newmarket this tasty offering of fine and loudly cheered both the for The 2,000 Guineas to be racing went as follows: Mighty and the challengers. at Goodwood for The Sussex Trophy or The Madgwick Cup The Goodwood Trophy: The Whitsun Trophy: one is attending not only an For Grand Prix and This is a race for 1963 to major event but contests of Voiturette race cars racing 1966 sports racing significance within it. between 1930 and 1950. prototypes. An amazing array This year the Weather ERAs, battled against an Alfa of Ford GT 40s, Lola T70s, Gods were in a mixed mood Romeo 308C, Maserati 4CM, McLaren-Chevrolets and even and the puffy cumulus clouds 6CM and 8CMs a Talbot Lago a rare Marina Rolls-Royce were joined by dark nimbus and a very rare Alfa Romeo raced their way around the from time to time with the Tipo B to name but a few. Goodwood track. promise of rain keeping the (The Whitsun Trophy was tire crews and mechanics on The Earl of March Trophy: won by a Jay Esterer Of their toes. Despite the For 500cc and Formula 3 Edmonton driving a Canadian dubious sky, practice and race cars of the period 1948 made Chinook. ed.) day one were kind to the to 1959. This provided some Goodwood Revival C.E.O. of the most closely fought and estate owner The Earl of battles of the weekend and is March but on day two the a regular crowd pleaser. dark clouds gathered in force eventually sending showers The Barry Sheene and finally a downpour of Memorial Trophy:

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 11

Mike and Sir Stirling David Piper

Wee Jackie and Wee Mikey Alain de Cadinet and our Mike

The Fordwater Trophy: For cars in the spirit of The Royal Automobile Featuring only E Type the famous Goodwood nine Club TT Celebration Race: Jaguars up to 1966. This was hour races of the fifties such This race featured closed a magnificent spectacle that as the C Type Jaguar, Austin cockpit cars in the spirit of may not be bettered for Healey 1005, Aston Martin those raced in the RAC TT some considerable time DB3 and DB3s. These icons races of 1960 to 1964. This honouring the featured were joined by period hour long extravaganza was manufacturer Jaguar. Truly a Ferraris, HMWs and Allards. the highlight for me. To see sight to behold. There are no words your Aston Martin DB 4 Zagatos intrepid author can find to plus their Project 212 and The Chichester Cup: describe this eyeful! 214 cars, Ferrari 250 SWBs For the type of Formula and 250GTOs, a Shelby Cars that raced between The Madgwick Cup: American Cobra Daytona 1948 to 1959. More Formula For sports-racing cars Coupe and even a Maserati Junior race cars are being under three litres that raced Tipo 151 in Camoradi colours restored and raced around between 1960 and 1966. The racing simply took my breath the world today and they are usual bevy of immaculate away. not only fun to race but Elvas, Loti, Merlyn-Fords and wonderful to watch. even a Brabham Climax BT8 The Glover Trophy: competed in fine form. For 1.5 litre Formula One The Freddie March and Tasman race cars from Memorial Trophy: 1961 to 1965. Lotus, BRM,

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 12

Cooper Climax, Brabham and been to all ten Goodwood Westwood track in British a recreation Shark-nose Revivals and were going to Columbia on behalf of the Ferrari in Equipe Nacional be back again next year rain Vintage Racing Cub of British Belge yellow were out there or shine . . . That’s’ the Columbia. This time I had a to strut their stuff in fine spirit! Perhaps I will too! wonderful and amusing Craig form. Ainscough cartoon, aren’t The whole Goodwood they all, which was created The Sussex Trophy: experience is of course, as for the VRCBC about his Featuring World expected, like French cuisine 1999 coming together with Championship Sports Cars well prepared, but very rich Max Balchowsky’s ‘Old Yeller and production sports racing and fulfilling and there is Two’ at Laguna Seca’s turn cars from 1955 to 1960. little appetite left for desert! two; I had it suitably framed Listers, Jaguar D Types, But there is more so leave a for the presentation. In 1999 Maseratis, Ferraris, Aston little room for the stars. I was in the press centre at Martin DBR1s and even the Strolling through the Laguna Seca when the Balchowsky-Buick ‘Old Yeller paddock at The Goodwood accident happened as he Two’ Special was having it Revival is like walking took a tight competitive out on the track. through a superb three inside line at turn two. He As you can see from the dimensional race car coffee looked at the cartoon and aforementioned races and table book; history and laughed at its satire but considering that some of the quality at every glance but admitted that the incident finest of the Marques were one is also surrounded by wasn’t funny at the time! out to play it was an some of the people who Jackie Stewart, strolling incredible spectacle from the actually drove these around with wife Helen, son first green flag to the last wonderful cars in their and grandchildren, was chequered one. heyday. Just like at any inundated with autograph As though that were not vintage or classic event the hunters but always had the enough sandwiched in drivers are happy to talk time to talk. He was the only between was a tribute to the about their association with driver there smaller than five time world championship their cars and the past which me . . . I suppose that is winner the incomparable makes for very memorable where the ‘Wee Jackie’ Juan Manuel Fangio ~ ‘El moments. Let’s face it one comes from! th Chueco’ ~ on the 60 does not get the opportunity David Piper was in the anniversary of his first World to talk to the likes of Sir paddock with his distinctive Championship win. A Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, green Ferrari 250 LM, he also magnificent on-track display David Piper, Brian Redman, owns a Porsche 197K, which of old racing motorbikes and Nick Mason, Tiff Needell, he bought new from the a centenary celebration for Jackie Oliver, Alain de factory and a Lola T70! That Ford of Britain. There was Cadenet and five time Le would be about my favourite also an incredible tribute to Mans winner Emanuele Pirro choice of cars too and I told the Supermarine Spitfire both all in one day, but I did! It’s him so. on the ground and in the air! all a bit overwhelming really David won the Kayalami Oh yes did I mention there but lots of fun and nine hour endurance races in was also a flying visit from fascinating beyond belief. South Africa five times from the arguably the greatest Sir Stirling Moss and his nine starts, a great British bomber of World War lovely wife Lady Susie were achievement. He lost part of Two the Avro Lancaster! once again kind and gracious one leg during the filming of Was it all too much? Not with their time. I last met Steve McQueen’s Le Mans a bit of it! I would do it all him two years ago at Laguna but continued to race very again in a heartbeat and Seca when I presented him competitively, that takes many of the competitors and with a commemorative courage. He is a gentleman spectators I spoke to had poster from the old racer and also gentlemen in

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 13 real life easy to talk to with am very grateful to them all happy memories of Canada for their time and patience. and Mosport. Mike Tate. Goodwood, Let’s face it they were all September 2011. interesting to listen to and their recollections are hard to condense suffice it to say I

Of course Goodwood has as much aviation history as it does motor sport An impressive display of WWII hardware is usually there to be enjoyed Above: RAF Battle of Britain Flight with Lancaster bomber Below: The legendary Spitfire

In the last issue of Vantage I talked about the “Canadian” driver that came eighth in the first running of the Indianapolis 500 a hundred years ago. I also talked about the difficulty that historians have in establishing what constitutes being a Canadian before establishment of Canadian citizenship in 1947. I mentioned an interesting figure in the UK racing scene: Alvin “Spike” Rhiando. It turned out he was probably not a Canadian—but he did claim to be one. In the 1930s, Rhiando claimed to have been born in Saskatchewan in 1917. I guess in Britain at that time, Saskatchewan was a pretty exotic place to be from, right up there with Timbuktu! In February of 2003 I communicated with his granddaughter, who suggested that the Canadian

Rhiando and his F3 car birth story was probably not mentions him in his correct (as many had magnificent book Brooklands, suspected, all along), nor as does Doug Nye in his book was his birth name Rhiando. Cooper Cars. I believe his true name was Rhiando won the Formula Alvin James Stevens. 3 supporting race for the first Nevertheless, Rhiando, as post-war British Grand Prix he called himself, was a at Silverstone in October of colourful character on the 1948. Nye’s book tells the British motor sport scene in story that Rhiando beat the the immediate pre- and post- works Coopers and a Stirling WW II era. Bill Boddy Moss in a 50-mile endurance Trimax Racing Car

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 15 race for 500 cc F3 cars. knowledge of earth-moving. Capetown. Apparently he was Rhiando also drove in and He lasted nearly two years, rescued somewhere in the promoted English Midget returning from the fiasco with Sahara Desert by the French Racing Cars in the late a comfortable nest egg. Foreign Legion, some suggest 1930s. Reports say that he Sometime later he hatched that the raced under a Canadian another mad scheme, motor racing license—but it many through his Shamrock scooter have been simply an ordinary adventure became an expert may still Canadian, provincially-issued in the use of fibre glass and be there. driver’s license, as there was designed an air-conditioned no sporting authority in closed body for a motor Canada at that time that scooter. To promote this could have issued a enterprise he set out on a competition license. solo trip from London to Spike and scooter Spike (or some one else using his by-line) wrote articles for the British popular magazine Topical Times, telling rather outlandish tales of racing in the UK and America, being a cowboy and a motorcycle stunt rider, and hanging out in Hollywood with the movie stars of the day. He even claimed to be James Cagney’s driver- double for the 1932 racing movie The Crowd Roars. Who knows, it might even be true. In addition to being a racing driver, he was a constructor of what is reputed to be the first all- metal monocoque formula car, built around 1950, known as the Trimax, he was also said to have designed a Spike on his way to Capetown fibre glass-bodied, BMC mechanicals, mini car called the Shamrock and to have (unsuccessfully) attempted to manufacture the Shamrock in Tralee, Ireland. Through the war years, Spike apparently worked for the British arm of the Caterpillar company. The post-war government of Clement Attlee initiated the notorious Tanganyika Groundnut Project, and Spike saw the opportunity to make good money from his Shamrock

Fort Lewis is a large US also tells of the racers and Army facility just north of officials being well treated, Tacoma, Washington. The even to the extent of each airport at Fort Lewis is called finding a case of beer in their Gray Field (GRF). complimentary motel rooms. In 1952 the Army The trophy for the feature authorities were looking for race was called The General’s ways to entertain the large Cup and was won by Arleigh number of randy troops at Pilkey of SCCBC. In a 1962 the camp in order to keep interview in Canada Track & them out of trouble. Traffic magazine, Pilkey Someone suggested sports recalls Colonel Burleigh car racing on the airfield. Hillman, post controller, as Local sports car enthusiasts the contact who provided a suggested that the Army 30-motorcycle escort for the contact the Sports Car Club sports cars arriving into the of British Columbia (SCCBC) camp. Pilkey also recalls the addition to the sports car to organise the race as they start for the production car contingent there were were the most experienced in race that was 20 cars abreast motorcycles and an early the area. The result was a on the wide runways (maybe form of drag racing held one-off event. Ron Curties, not 20, but wide; see photo). there. The first race, early in the SCCBC historian, recalls There are various reports on 1952, featuring local cars an Army official pointing to a this event. A sports car and drivers from an Olympia red light beacon on the top of enthusiast magazine of the “Roadents” car club seems a pole and saying, “If that time, Auto Speed & Sport, have had more of a hot rod red light comes on, get the suggests that there may theme. The second and hell off the runways” The red have been as many as three larger event featured the light did not come on. Curties races at this venue. In

The reported wide start

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SCCBC cars. Races were five laps over a 2.46-mile course. Winners that day, in addition to Pilkey, were Pete Lovely in a Jaguar XK120 and Tom Carstens of Tacoma in a J2 Cad-Allard. A possible third race in September has been reported, but no written confirmation has been found by the author.

SCCBC driver Arleigh Pilkey in an MGTC

Above left: Gray Field today Above right: Local enthusiast Tom Carstens in his Allard

Mixed bag of cars All photos courtesy of Speed and Sport Magazine

Active Canadian Road racing Circuits

Mosport

St. Eustache St. Felicien Toronto Indy

Gimli Race City St. Croix

Mont-Tremblant Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Mission

Atlantic Motorsport Park Trois Rivieres Edmonton Grand prix

Sanair Calabogie ICAR

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web www.vrcbc.ca VRCBC Vantage Winter 2011-2012 Page 19 About the Vintage Racing Club of BC The purpose of the Club bygone days. The Vintage is to restore, race and Racing Club supports the exchange information philosophy of racing concerning vintage sports competition that encourages and racing automobiles. The participation, sportsmanship Club was established in 1976 and display of the vehicle in by a group of Vancouver its natural state on the track. based friends as a means of There are no prizes or sharing with others their trophies, merely the great enthusiasm for racing and enjoyment of a well prepared appreciation of the incredible vintage racing machine at vintage racing machines of speed.

Well there were a few guesses, from SU to Solex but no one got it right. The carb is a Japanese SK, a knock-off of a Weber DCOE series. A better carb than the Photo Contest Weber in my view.

A locally built racing car, who, what?

VRCBC Club Officials and contact details for the rest of 2011 Position Name Telephone e-mail President: Stanton Guy 604 980 7750 [email protected] Past President: Jim Latham 604 853 5065 [email protected] Vice President: Dennis Repel 604 980 8953 [email protected] Race Director: Alan Harvey 604 464 2010 [email protected] Secretary: Tedd McHenry 604 724 2230 [email protected] Treasurer: Bruce Jamieson 604 925 2432 [email protected] Membership: Stanton Guy 604 980 7750 [email protected] Regalia: Bruce Jamieson 604 925 2432 [email protected] BCHMR Chair: Tom Johnston 604 922 2722 [email protected] Webmaster: Stan Guy (interim) 604 980 7750 [email protected] Vantage Editor: Tom Johnston 604 922 2722 [email protected]

Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia, 3366 Baird Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2G7 Tel: 604 980 7750, Email: [email protected], Web: www.vrcbc.ca