VANTAGE Autumn-2012

Editor Tom Johnston Chats With the Legendary Walter Wolf at the 2012 BCHMR at Mission VRCBC Vantage Autumn-2012 Page 2

Well the 2012 BCHMR has In This Issue: come and gone. You will see a report on the event in this Geezer Central 2 newsletter but there is more President’s Report 3 detail and complete results BCHMR 4 posted on the club website Fairservice on Elvas 9 www.vrcbc.ca and the event GVMPS Inductees 13 website www.bchmr.ca. Mike Tate 14 In summary; we had a Tom’s photo Page 17 good entry, two new race IOCO Hill Climb 18 events, a legend of Canadian motor sport as a special Geezer Central at Rolex 20 guest, it was too hot for most Ian’s Sonoma Race 22 people and we did ok Photo Contest 24 financially. Lots of people About VRCBC 24 work hard on this event each year and it has become a Your Editor at Work fixture for gearheads in these You can contact me at [email protected] or by phone at parts. 604 922 2722 Looking forward to what next year may bring. In this issue we also report on a couple of racing tours by club members at two legendary California Circuits; Laguna Seca and Sonoma.

See page 13

A lot has happened since the Spring edition of Van- tage. Competitively, we’ve had three REVS races and some VRCBC members tack- led the Knox Mountain Hill- climb. We also had our usual, popular racing car display President Stan doing his Achille Varzi thing and booth at the All British Field Meet, as well as Club gatti’s engine is significantly That great experience re- meetings at Terry Johnson’s larger (a 2.3 litre straight minded me of why we enjoy museum in Langley and Jelly- eight versus a 1.6 litre four), Vintage racing so much. For bean Autocrafters in Surrey. both are supercharged and a modern car, the Cooper S But of course, our biggest produce the same power is actually a lot of fun, but is event of all was the 25th run- (approx. 165 hp) in the same it more enjoyable on the ning of the BC Historic Motor rev band (5,500 - 6,000 track than a typical VRCBC Races over the August long rpm). Both cars also have member’s racer like a Vin- weekend. the same top speed (about tage Formula Ford or a MGB, As is described elsewhere 140 mph) but since the Mini or a ‘you name it’ - never in this issue, overall, the is 50% heavier (2,500 lb ver- mind a Bugatti? For me, it’s BCHMR was very successful – sus 1,650 lb.) the T51 should not even close; the modern although it was a little too (in theory) easily win a drag Mini comes out second best warm! On behalf of all of the race. At 10 lb./hp, the Bugat- every time. I think that is Club members, I want to ti’s power to weight ratio is because each of those older thank Chairman Tom John- pretty close to that of a typi- cars has its own distinct ston for all of his time and cal, current Formula Ford! ‘personality’ (AKA: effort in leading the BCHMR The cable-operated, four ‘imperfections’) which means team again this year. wheel drum brakes do re- that they are much more en- Personally, I had a great quire a (slightly!) longer tertaining to race, and to time racing our ‘Bucket List braking zone however, so watch race each other. Keep- Racing Team’ Formula Vee in hopefully there would be a ing the uniqueness of these both the Vintage and the big difference in lap times! cars alive on the track is (F.A.R.T.) Formula Vee Invi- Jim told me (and I agree) what the spirit of Vintage tational groups. But, without that he can’t imagine how racing and the purpose of the a doubt, the highlight of my those famous drivers of the VRCBC is all about. Actually, BCHMR weekend (and proba- past could actually drive one we think Vintage is the ulti- bly of this decade!) was the of these cars at racing mate form of racing, but then opportunity to do some lunch speeds of well over 100 mph we are biased of course! time demo laps in Calgary - often on gravel roads – for As I write this, we have VRCBC member Jim Robin- many long hours. For exam- one more REVS race and two son’s Bugatti Type 51. It was ple, Louis Chiron and Achille more meetings – guests are a very generous offer by Jim Varzi combined to drive 782 always welcome - plus our and I really appreciated it. miles (!) to win the 1931 season-ending Annual Gala I have since found it very French Grand Prix with a on Saturday, November 17th interesting to compare this T51. Unbelievable; my shoul- left to go this year. I hope 1931 Bugatti Grand Prix car ders were sore after only a you can make them all. with my own 2005 Mini few ‘parade’ laps around Mis- Stanton Guy, President Cooper S. Although the Bu- sion!

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 Autumn-2012 Page 4

was the first of our local half of the ten starters heroes in fifth place. managed to make it to the Vintage Groups 1 and 2 finish. Jack Zarowny had a were for the Closed Wheel trouble-free run, leading series production based cars. from start to finish and was Attrition slowly took its toll awarded the Westwood Cup. on the initial 39 car entry – Harry Watson finished second The 25th running of the drivetrains seeming to be overall and won the P2 class. BC Historic Motor Races was particularly vulnerable – and It would probably be fair to one hot event – in more the Sunday feature race had say that nobody expected ways than one! This year’s 26 starters. They put on a Ryan O’Connor to even finish BCHMR was unique, adding great show however with the the race in Mike Bailey’s two new features; the fifth heavy metal trio of Paul newly acquired former Trans annual Children’s Charities Kuckein (Camaro), Doug Yip Am Camaro. Mike had just Grand Prix (CCGP) and the (Sunbeam Tiger) and Dennis ‘rescued’ it from long term third annual Formula Vee Repel (Camaro) taking the storage in the U.S., with Invitational. It made for a first three places on the almost no time for very complete weekend of podium, followed by Mark preparation, so to finish third racing. The VRCBC’s Brown (Lotus Seven) and overall in those challenging objective is to host a John McCoy (Escort). The conditions was a great weekend which is fun for SCCBC Trophy was awarded achievement. competitors and teams, to Doug Yip for his spirited The complete results are workers, supporters and also drive. posted on the event website a good show for the Vintage Groups 3 and 4 (www.bchmr.ca), where you spectators. This year, in for the Sports Racers / Open can also find the hard luck addition to the racing, there Wheel cars had 19 entrants story of the ‘winners’ of The were barbecues, special ranging from Ian Wood’s Battered Cup, some excellent guest; Canadian former F1 Rawlson to some Vintage in-car videos, plus links to team owner Walter Wolf, a Vees. It was especially the literally thousands of Car Corral, Demonstration gratifying to see evidence of excellent photos taken on the Laps and the always popular, the local resurgence of weekend by several Lunch Hour Rides 4 Kidz. Formula Fords, with ten photographers. The Family Affair Racing making it through the initial Thanks from the VRCBC Team (F.A.R.T.) added a lot qualifying session. And we to everyone who helped us with their Third Annual should make special mention put on the event; the SCCBC, Formula Vee Invitational. Not of ‘rookie’ Steve Hocaluk, the CACC, META and all of only were there great battles making his single seater the on-track and off-track all the way down the field debut. Ian Wood won all officials, and of course the from the front to the tail end, three races, with Alan McColl, racers and their teams. We but the camaraderie and fun Dave McKay and Tony particularly appreciate those atmosphere they brought fit Carruthers mixing and individuals who stepped in to right into the traditional matching the other two give us a hand at key Vintage racing environment. podium positions. Tony was moments. We hope to see The only ‘fly in the ointment’ presented with the Pete everyone next year, maybe was that the podium was Lovely Memorial Award in with the thermostat turned swept by those ‘invaders’ recognition of his excellent down a little. from south of the border. performance overall. - Tom Johnston and Dennis Andrade was the The number of entrants in winner and took the Stanton Guy the CCGP was disappointing Abbotsford trophy, followed but the race itself was a real by Quinn Posner and Robert old-fashioned battle of Posner in second and third attrition in the heat. Only respectively. Adam Ingram

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 Autumn-2012 Page 5

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 Autumn-2012 Page 6

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 Autumn-2012 Page 7

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 Autumn-2012 Page 8

“ELLE VA” – SHE GOES – THE STORY OF THE ELVA CAR COMPANY I was at Crystal Place in South London in September 1954 working as a “Go-Fer” in the Paddock when I first saw a neat little car called a C.S.M. The car was entered and driven by a Frank Nichols. Frank had left school at fourteen and then worked for a shop where his father worked, but later spent some time supporting the war effort. His war efforts were rewarded by receiving severe injuries in the North African desert which took some while to heal. Having left the Army with a gratuity and some mechanical skills, he bought Elva Courier a small garage business at attention from like-minded decided to emulate its design Westham in 1947. This was enthusiasts. His business with the first few Elva live successful and he moved to sense soon tuned into the rear axle sports-racers. another bigger garage in need to respond to enquiries An early Elva even found London Road, Bexhill where about similar sports racing its way to B.C.! Ron Moscrop there was a good local cars, and ELVA was born in raced a Mk 1 Elva at following for motor sport. 1955. Abbotsford and Westwood in Bexhill (Sussex, England) From a quite humble late 1950s and early 1960s. was the town responsible for start, the business quickly MK II featured a de dion the very first road race on a grew, helped by the rear axle, a modified version, public highway. Club racing production of a simple but the MK III followed. The MK in the early fifties was cheap effective Overhead Head IV had fully independent and cheerful, with many Inlet Valve modification kit suspension and was the first specials constructed by for the Ford side-valve Elva with a tubular space innovative enthusiasts engines. From an 1172 cc frame. looking for maximum engine, over 80 bhp could be The ultimate front- performance at minimum obtained! In 1954, Frank engined, drum-brake Elva cost. One such enthusiast Nichols built his first sports sports racer was the small was Frank. After gaining racers. They were designed displacement sports-racer some racing experience in a by Mike Chapman and MK V. Only thirteen examples Lotus VI, in 1954 he ordered created specifically for were produced. Power for a 'CSM' from a Mike competition and they most of these Elva sports Chapman (no relation to competed with similar small racing cars was from the Colin), and achieved some displacement Lotus cars. Coventry-Climax FWB single notable successes particularly With the cars showing overhead camshaft engine, at Goodwood, and attracted tremendous promise, Nichols and they were competitive

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 Autumn-2012 Page 10

(perhaps better), than Chapman's Lotus 11. Twenty-eight Elva MKVI models were produced from December of 1961 to October of 1962. Most were powered by the Coventry Climax FWA 1100cc engine, although a few were given Ford push-rod power and other engines. One car even had one of Butterworth’s “swing valve” engines! Drum brakes were standard as their low weight and small displacement engines did not necessitate a need for discs. The MK VI were the first of the modern ultra low 'lay Elva 100 Formula Junior down' sports racers. They made their debut at the success by privateers, such the chassis by Williams & Brands Hatch Boxing day as Carl Haas. The MKVIII had Pritchard, but production cars race in England on December rocker arm front suspension, used fiber glass bodywork of 1961. They were popular a rigid chassis design, moulded from the original. in the US as a club racer in aerodynamic body, and a Much of the car was the G-Modified class. They number of other innovations produced in-house by Elva - enjoyed much success making them formidable the power unit being the through the 1962 season but competition against the Lotus MGA 1500cc unit with were soon eclipsed by the 23s and other 2-liter matching gearbox. Three Lotus 23 and its successor, competitors. early cars were raced with the Elva MK VII. Having produced a series considerable verve in club There were a total of of sports racers and Formula races in the UK, while most around 69-72 examples of Junior cars, many of which went to satisfy orders from the MKVII produced between were extremely successful in eager customers in the 1963 through 1965. Engine the States, it was suggested States. The standard car was options varied, some were by an American agent that quoted at just under 14cwt fitted with Lotus/Ford Elva Engineering should (about 700 kg) with a 0-60 1600cc, Ford Cosworth produce a road-going sports time of 11.2 seconds and a 1100cc, (Porsche, Climax, racer and the prototype Elva top speed of 100 mph. Lotus Twin Cam, and BMW) Courier was built in early Steve Clark, a VRCBC and various other units. 1958. member from Victoria, The last Elva Sports Frank and a young purchased his 1959 Elva Racers were the Mark VIII. engineer Peter Nott designed Courier Mk 1 from Franklin They were based on the the Courier with a ladder Rudolph in 2005. It had been highly successful MK VII and frame type chassis. It had to raced at Laguna Seca and in VIIS, and fitted with the be a sports car that was the Sonoma area with CSRG. most state-of-the-art- relatively simple to Franklin had the car restored technology of the era. They manufacture, be competitive by the famous Courier racer were sold without engines on the track, and easy to and restorer Butch Gilbert. and never officially used as maintain or repair. The Prior to him the car was factory competition cars; pretty prototype aluminium owned by Don Orasco a well they were raced with much bodywork was built around known collector, who

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 Autumn-2012 Page 11 restores and racer out of had financial difficulties and that basis, the Elva Courier is Monterey. Steve’s car has cars were both on route and a car with a future". been pretty much a race car awaiting delivery on the By April 1963, there were from the early 60s dockside in New York. eighty cars on the order Steve believes that they Despite desperate attempts books, and it was not long were better race cars than to recover the situation, Elva before the Mk.IV roadster street cars. Because they Cars was forced into was on the drawing board. were very light with a. voluntary liquidation and as a This new car, with new Fiberglass body and a space result Trojan Limited bought chassis, different body styling frame on a two three inch the rights to the Courier in and the option of 'Tru-Track' tube frame chassis and as a 1961. Trojan continued to all-independent suspension, result they only weigh develop the Courier and was offered with either the approximately 1350 lbs. produced several models MGB 1798cc or the Ford There is room for a larger until the mid-sixties. 1500GT units. In October tyre without modifying the Whereas the original 1963, this car was wheel wells, and they came Courier had a tubular chassis announced as the first with disk brakes on the front. with the 'GRP' bodywork 100mph plus sports car with They have almost a perfect bonded into place, Trojan four wheel independent 50% / 50% weight decided to use a stiffer suspension at under £1000 distribution. Steve learned square section frame and try including tax. about Elva’s from Thor to make the car a little more Records show that Trojan Thorson at VRM Motors in practical. As they wanted to built 210 Couriers, including Belleview Washington. He build the Courier in big four 'Sebring' race versions said “they are perfect and numbers (at least five of the Mk.IV 'T' Type. There very competitive for Group 1 hundred per year), they were 175 roadsters, just 35 Vintage grids”. decided to use Triumph front coupes, and 152 were LHD. With an increase in suspension with disc brakes After the sale of the demand, a new factory was and the later MGA 1622cc Courier, Carl Haas became built in Hastings and soon power unit. However, there closely involved with Elva in the improved Mk.II Courier was not all the race expertise helping to sell cars already in appeared - together with the that had existed at Hastings the States, and re- racing version named the and handling suffered when establishing Frank Nichols Courier Spyder. There were they tried to reposition the (with a much reduced staff at many detail changes as engine further forward in the a factory in Rye) to continue production continued and chassis to provide more producing the sports racing providing the Courier in kit cockpit room. and Formula Junior models in form, avoiding purchase tax, Lessons were soon learnt Rye with outstanding satisfied the home market. and, having built a few of the success, with the Porsche The car was supplied fully tubular cars from stock parts, engined Mk.7 and later with trimmed and wired, and the Mk III Courier and Mk IV the Mk.7S BMW. With the required just eighteen hours coupe prototypes were advent of the U.S.R.R.C. in to complete. By this time the shown to the Press at the 1963 and the fact that under Courier was being built by a RAC Country Club, Epsom in 2 liter sports racing cars staff of over sixty and September 1962. The Press could compete for overall produced at around three per release stated "young people honors in the 1964 week. were looking for a car with championship season against However, there were known engine quality, with their larger-engine problems ahead when the coach built sports body counterparts on a points expected money draft for the giving a maximum power to basis, the Elva-Porsche was latest cars shipped to the US weight ratio and a top speed conceived by Midwest failed to materialise. It equal to cars costing perhaps Porsche distributor, Oliver appeared that the distributor three times the price and, on Schmidt, Elva importer Carl

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 Autumn-2012 Page 12

Haas, and Elva designer, Frank Nicholls. Light, nimble and powered by a reliable, yet powerful Porsche Carrera engine of 1700 cc, the Elva- Porsche stunned the racing world by winning its inaugural race in the U.S., the prestigious Road America 500 in August of 1964. About this time Frank Nichols sold his interest in Elva to Trojan and left the motor sport scene to concentrate on a game fishing club in the south of France. About 18 months later he joined forces with racing car designer Len Terry to form a new design Elva Mk 7S at Mission company called Transatlantic Automotive Consultants at was announced in February It was extremely quick and Staplecross in Sussex, 1965 and Trojan had now stable at speed, but finance England. Their first client was turned its attention to Bruce was not forthcoming and this Carroll Shelby, but that is McLaren as a deal had been proved to be the last Courier another story. struck in December 1964 for built in the sixties. Frank described himself Elva to build the first Now Elva cars are as a man's man and could be production McLaren cars, cherished in Europe and in sometimes less than easy to although the two litre Elva- the United States, where a 40 deal with. He had great BMW continued to be built at year Elva Reunion took place character and determination, their Rye works. But over the in September 1995. an eye for quality and detail, next year, however, the Elva but an amazing gift for name was gently dropped as Robin A. Fairservice. building a team around him. Trojan planned to build their Based upon information He was very clever at getting own F1 cars. found on various web sites; others to do want he thought However, the Courier had in particular http:// was right, but he was greatly not died. Ken Sheppard took www.elva.com/index.php respected and was on the production of the final Additional information affectionately known as thirty-eight cars, and these was also obtained from a father by those who worked were probably the very best recently published book: under his guidance at Elva. of the Mk.IV IRS cars built. It “ELVA THE CARS THE PEOPLE Frank passed away on 5 July is perhaps ironic that at last THE HISTORY” 1997 after a long period of the car was once more being illness. He was 76. put together by someone Elva will surely be who understood motor remembered for the beautiful racing, in very much a hand- Elva-BMW GT160 coupes, of built fashion - and the results which only a handful were showed. Parts and servicing built, but were certainly the was undertaken by Tony Ellis 'stars of the show' at both in Eaton Wick and he worked the '64 Earls Court and Turin hard to produce his 'ultimate' motor shows. Their demise Courier - the Cougar, powered by a tuned Ford V6.

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Ian Wood The Greater Vancouver Concours d’Elegance judge Motorsport Pioneers Society and the Marketing Manager (GVMPS) held its 2012 for Hagerty Classic Car Induction Ceremony, on the Insurance in Canada. afternoon of Saturday, . September 22nd. The three inductees in the Sports Car Racing category – Tom Johnston, Ian Wood and Roger Salomon – are VRCBC members. Adrian Ratcliff, one of the founders of the VRCBC and a former racer, but probably better known these days as one of our merry group of BCHMR race commentators, was inducted into the new Collector Car and Restoration category. The long term Roger Salomon contribution of each of these four gentlemen to motorsport in this region is very well known. Our congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. The keynote speaker for the evening was Nigel Matthews, classic car columnist with the Vancouver Province newspaper, an internationally recognized Adrian Ratcliff Tom, Davidson Sask., 1964

Your author interviews Walter Wolf in Broadcast Booth at Mission Raceway

There were all sorts of Vidi, Vici” even if it wouldn’t which were very refreshing to rumours that the great be in his nature to do so. all those who had the good Canadian Formula One team fortune to speak with him. owner Walter Wolf was He did come and we were He posed time and again for turning up at the British delighted to see him enjoying the obligatory ‘Photo Ops’ Columbia Historic Motor his visit meeting many of the and signed anything that was Races this year. Knowing just drivers and crews as well as put before him in an obliging how busy folks like that are the folks gathered at the manner. Yes . . . Walter Wolf in their business and races He did see some great was a wonderful addition to personal lives I have to driving during the vintage the BCHMR this year and we admit to being a bit of a races on the track at Mission thank him and will not forget sceptic. But in the great lines Raceway Park and he did him. attributed to that great conquer . . . with his He also came by the Roman Julius Caesar in 47 delightful unassuming ways broadcasting booth where I AD he could easily say “Veni, and pleasant demeanour had the opportunity of

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 Autumn-2012 Page 15

1975 Walter Wolf had started to appear at many of the F1 races during the season. A year later, he bought 60% of Frank Williams Racing Cars while agreeing to keep Frank Williams as manager of the team. Simultaneously Wolf bought the assets of the Hesketh team that had recently withdrawn from F1. The team was based in the Williams facility at Reading but he used most of the cars and equipment once owned by Hesketh Racing. The Hesketh 308C became known as the Wolf-Williams FW05 and soon afterwards Harvey Postlethwaite arrived as chief engineer. Jacky Ickx and Frenchman Michel Leclère Wolf and BCHMR Chair Tom were hired to drive. The team, however, was not very interviewing this staunchly Austria in 1938) the family competitive and failed to Canadian citizen, business moved to what was then the qualify at a number of races magnate and Ex Formula One Kingdom of Yugoslavia and during the year. Leclère left team owner. Sadly the he grew up in Maribor, after the French Grand Prix interview went live but was Slovenia. He moved to and was replaced by Arturo not recorded verbatim so I Canada in 1958. Merzario am left with what I can recall As far as his Formula One At the end of 1976, Wolf and the general feeling of involvement is concerned; in decided that the team what I got from this encounter. Walter Wolf is a great Canadian and I say that not only because he put three large Canadian Flags on his F1 race cars but because in his own words (As best I recall) he said, “Canada was not the country of my birth but it was the country which gave me the opportunity to work hard and succeed in a number of business ventures and for that I will be forever grateful.” He was in fact born in Graz, Austria his mother was Slovene and his father Austrian. After the Anschluss (the German move in to Keke Rosberg with his Wolf WR8 and team members at the non -championship Dino Ferrari Grand Prix in 1979.

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 Autumn-2012 Page 16 needed restructuring. He removed Frank Williams from the manager's job and replaced him with Peter Warr from Team Lotus. Postlethwaite's WR1 was a conventional Cosworth unit but with Jody Scheckter hired from Tyrrell, the new-look team presented a strong package. No-one, however, expected that the team would win its first race in Argentina. It was in many respects a lucky win with Scheckter starting tenth with six of the cars ahead of him retiring. However all luck aside during the 1977 Jody Scheckter’s 1978 Wolf WR6 being Driven at a Historic season, Scheckter went on to Grand Prix Event at Lime Rock Park win the Monaco Grand Prix and the Canadian Grand Prix and also took six other podium finishes which enabled him to finish second to Niki Lauda in the World Championship and gave Wolf a remarkable fourth place in the Constructors' Championship! Around this time the team also developed the WD1 sports car for Can-Am racing. The car was developed with Italian firm Dallara and this doesn’t even touch on his association with Lamborghini brand which has been long and extensive.

The original Wolf WR1 that won three Grands Prix is on loan to Thanks for joining us the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Walter; we hope you return next year to enjoy some great vintage Racing.

Mike Tate

Crash Helmets

Twin Window

Original Bell Full Face

Hewland FT200

Mohawk

Something Chinese

Simpson “Darth Vader”

Open Face Bell and Goggles

I think they were made of Papier Mache

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 Autumn-2012 Page 18 IOCO Hill Climb

Ioco is community in Port Moody that derives its name from Imperial Oil Company the name of the company that once operated a substantial oil refinery that was the original reason for the neighbourhood. Also in the same community is a large BC Hydro power plant known as the Burrard Thermal Plant The road leading up to the Burrard Thermal was ideally arranged for a sports car hill climb. Beginning in 1961 the Royal City Sports Car Club (RCSCC) ran an annual event at this site. Some years later after the RCSCC folded, another club Burnaby Coquitlam Motorsport Club (BCMC) 1972 Trophy picked up the event for a few more years from 1982 to 2000. There were two variations on the road used, one starting at the south end, the other at the north. I won the event in 1972 driving my March 719 Formula Ford.

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 Autumn-2012 Page 19

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 Autumn-2012 Page 20

Geezer Central at Rolex

As many of the readers from 1974 to 1980. One of Seca) and then retired it know, I have a history of my cars, the 1975 Johnston again. When I heard of the building and running road JM3 would be eligible and so Rolex event, we brought it racing cars over many years. we began making plans for back to life again, first for the After retiring the last of the the trip to California. BCHMR and then the RMR pro cars in 2002, I dipped The JM3 was built in 1975 two weeks later. This sort of into historic racing. I had in North Vancouver and schedule does not promote kept at least one example of raced until 1982 with drivers quality racing and we paid each of the types of cars that Bryan Evans and Ross the price with problems at I / (we) built and all of the Bentley (the last race of the the BCHMR, but in the end, commercially manufactured car’s original life was the we got going pretty well at cars that I ran. You might 1982 supporting race for the Laguna. think historic racing would be Long Beach Grand Prix for The Rolex event is huge, pretty easy. Not so! Old F1). In 2005 we brought the not only the historic races racing cars don’t age any car back for a few years of (550 cars entered) but there more gracefully than we historic racing (Portland, is another race on the people. Despite being kept.in Mission, Seattle, Watkins previous weekend as well as my nice warm and dry Glen, Mosport and Laguna the legendary Pebble Beach basement museum for all of Concours and countless those years, some parts still auctions and other events. deteriorate and are often The toughest task is getting hard to replace. somewhere to stay. All of the Late last year the Rolex nice hotels in nearby Motorsports Reunion AKA Monterey and Carmel bump Monterey Historics at the their already pricy room Laguna Seca circuit near rates to the $400 to $600 per Monterey, California night stratospheric numbers. announced that for the first We ended up in the Roach time ever, they were Motel in Salinas (about a half including a class for Formula hour away, inland), even that Atlantic, inviting Atlantic cars The Corkscrew was expensive on Saturday

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 Autumn-2012 Page 21

thirty cars actually turned up in a 1976 March 76B, the to race, many driven by the same kind of car the Gilles same drivers as in period Villeneuve drove in his (Dan Marvin of Westwood50 triumphant 1976 season that fame, James King and Jon pushed him into Formula One Norman). Having just come (not the actual car, but it was from the BCHMR at Mission, there too finishing second we were the only car with a driven by Dan Marvin) muffler. I had forgotten how As a benefit of no race on good an un-mufflered Sunday, we were back in Busy Atlantic motor sounds. Most Vancouver Sunday night and of the cars and drivers were Marty with the truck was night. The size of the entry deadly serious, no geezers home in Kelowna by Monday caused lots of problems in these guys (except me) and night. You know it isn’t much the paddock with every just as fast as in the day, by farther than Edmonton. corner packed with various far the fastest cars of the An interesting snippet: exotic racing devices, of event, over ten seconds per the track announcer course, when we arrived, lap faster than some well somehow misread the someone else was camped in prepared and driven Can-Am program to announce that our assigned paddock spot; cars. We didn’t threaten to Tom Johnston of Kelowna we found a better one in the win, finishing mid pack (OK, Canada was the driver of the end. maybe closer to the back), car. Kelowna came out The sheer number of but we did fix our BCHMR sounding more like Tijuana. racing cars means very little problems. actual track time; one twenty Wade Carter of minute practice/qualifying Woodinville WA won the race each on Thursday and Friday, two races on Saturday; one twenty minutes the other ten laps (about thirteen minutes) and nothing on Sunday which works out to be over $10.00 per minute in entry fee. The event, this year focussed on all things Shelby (except the man himself who sadly passed away only a few months earlier) so everywhere you looked there were AC Cobras, all flavours of Mustangs and even a few GT40s. Interestingly a Mirage GT 40 was sold at one of the auctions for a staggering amount. The transaction was reported in the press as the largest sum ever paid for an American car (funny, I thought those cars were made in the UK). Our main interest was the Formula Atlantic race. About

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 Autumn-2012 Page 22

Ian’s Sonoma Race Weekend by Madeline Wood

Group 6 led by Eddie Lawson - Ian Wood was gridded seventh. Running fifth here. The 9th Annual CSRG This year they called ahead Friday practice went well Charity Challenge was held and secured a garage (for a except for a chuffing right October 5 - 7, 2012, at small donation to the cause) head gasket. They were able Sonoma Raceway, formerly instead of sharing a bay with to fix the problem by 10:00 known as Sears Point and three other competitors. Friday night. Peter Giddings Infineon Raceway. Ian Wood Their garage neighbor was had invited them to dinner, and his trusty crew of Tom Eddie Lawson, ex-factory but they declined in favor Munro and Doug Lorraine Yamaha Motorcycle Champ; finishing the car for the headed down for the action. nice guy, but fast, fast, fast! morning timed practice.

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 Autumn-2012 Page 23

The morning practice was for the afternoon race. The and back on the track. He a very good session. Wood flag dropped too late for still drove like he "stole it" ended up gridded seventh in Wood and he got between and finished fourth overall. a field of 26 cars with a 1.45 the leaders going into turn All in all, it was a great lap time. one. Eddie Lawson missed a weekend. In the Saturday afternoon shift, but both he and Mike race, Wood started seventh Thurlow out-powered Wood and worked his way up to up the hill to turn two. Three third, turning a mid-1.40 lap laps in, Wood was a strong time. He had little chance to third place and could not see catch Eddie Lawson and Mike anybody in his mirrors. Thurlow, ex-Baja off road Then came the dreaded racer, who drove a black flag! Wood kept his beautifully prepped Lola with cool and his speed up into a massive "Hart" motor. the hot pits only to be told he During the Sunday had jumped the start. He morning warm-up, Wood was could continue the race, but back to seventh place, but had to keep his speed down got to start third on the grid through the pre-grid area

Ian Wood at the crest of turn two - sights on Randy Smith's Chevron.

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 Autumn-2012 Page 24 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.

Photo Contest Important visitor at Westwood, 1967 and what kind of car is it? Last issue’s photo was Canadian champion to be winning in the rain at Westwood in 1967. Nobody even hazarded a guess.

Photo Contest

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: Ian Northey 604 853 8622 [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