sign in sign up
<<
Home , 1961 Pau Grand Prix, Adam Christodoulou, Alain Prost, Alan Mann Racing, Alan van der Merwe, Allan McNish

Bulletin

Of the british racing drivers’ club Bulletin Volume 29 No 3 • autumn 2008 Of the british racing drivers’ club Volume 29 No 3 • autumn 2008 1 October 1978. Was it really 30 years ago that the Indy cars (or USAC cars as they were then known) came to Britain for the fi rst time? The British weather did its best to spoil John Webb’s great initiative and the fi rst three days were bedevilled by rain so that the race had to be postponed from Saturday to Sunday. But when they raced they did not disappoint with AJ Foyt, an legend if ever there was one, charging through from the fi fth row of the grid in his Coyote-Ford to be challenging Rick Mears in the Penske- PC6 for the lead when the rain returned and the race was suspended. On the restart there was no stopping Anthony Joseph who surged past Rick into Stowe within a couple of laps and stayed ahead until the rain returned for a second time and that was that. Here we see the great man heading into the Woodcote chicane on his way to one of his rare wins in . The small matter of the 1967 24 Hours (with ) was the other. Ian Titchmarsh BULLETIN THE BRITISH RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB Volume 29 No 3 • AUTUMN 2008 OF THE BRITISH RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB

President in Chief HRH The Duke of Kent KG Volume 29 No 3 • AUTUMN 2008 President OBE CONTENTS Chairman Robert Brooks 06 PRESIDENT’S LETTER 36 ROAD TEST Directors 10 Damon Hill Rob Barff evaluates the new GT-R Ross Hyett Stuart Rolt 09 NEWS FROM YOUR CIRCUIT 38 MEETING MEMBERS Ian Titchmarsh The latest from the offi ces of SCL The Club Secretary chats with Nick Whale Dick Bennetts Club Secretary 10 REVIEW Stuart Pringle Tel: 01327 850926 email: [email protected] writes for the Bulletin 42 THE DIARY Assistant Club Secretary When the going gets tough… James Beckett Tel: 01327 850925 16 RACING MEMBERS email: [email protected] BRDC Members have been on-track around 43 A NOGGIN AND NATTER PA to Club Secretary Becky Simm Tel: 01327 850922 18 the world With Robin Widdows email: [email protected] Club Administrator 18 BRDC SILVER STAR 44 LE MANS COMES TO SILVERSTONE Jan Stevenson Tel: 01327 850931 email: [email protected] BTCC drivers lead the way The ’08 Le Mans Series crown has

BRDC Bulletin Editorial Board been decided James Beckett (Ed), Ian Titchmarsh, Stuart Pringle 19 BRDC GOLD STAR BRDC heads the points table 46 OBITUARIES Towcester Northants 22 BRDC RISING STARS 54 SECRETARY’S LETTER NN12 8TN Champions have been crowned Sponsorship and advertising 55 MEMBER NEWS Adam Rogers Tel: 01423 851150 28 email: [email protected] 24 BRDC SUPERSTARS reports 56 BOOK REVIEWS © 2008 The British Racing Drivers’ Club. All rights in and relating to this publication are expressly reserved. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written 26 TOURING CARS MAKE SILVERSTONE 58 REGIONAL AND CLUB EVENTS permission from the BRDC. The views expressed in Bulletin are not necessarily those of the editor, the BRDC or the publishers. RETURN Wheel-to-wheel action at the ‘Home of DESIGN Damion Chew British Motor Racing’

PRODUCED BY Front cover Barker Brooks Media Ltd 28 THE Barker Brooks House 34 Lewis Hamilton triumphs Wheel-to-wheel 4 Greengate, Cardale Park and go head-to-head at Silverstone as the British Harrogate HG3 1GY 32 WHAT A CLASSIC Touring Car Championship returns to the ‘Home of British Motor Racing’ Tel: 01423 851150 (Photo LAT) email: [email protected] Classic racing under a blazing sun www.barkerbrooks.co.uk Back Cover 34 UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Patriotic highlight www.brdc.co.uk is a man in form British Grand Prix day, July 6th 2008 (Photo Jakob Ebrey)

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 3 29 August 1966 , the reigning World Champion, takes the chequered fl ag at on August Bank Holiday to win the Edward Lewis Trophy, a round of the British Saloon Car Championship, in his in front of an estimated 30,000 spectators. Two years earlier the great Scot had won the championship in an earlier version of the same model. Second to Jimmy this day is current BRDC Director Jack (ie) Oliver in his Ford Mustang, driving accordingly to one report “in wonderful style”. The main race of the day is the Guards International Trophy for sports-racing cars, won overall by John in a Team Surtees Lola T70 but who remembers what Jimmy is driving in this race? Answer on page 58. Ian Titchmarsh Just Released: Properties in Imagine St Lucia with pre launch prices from £95,000 - buy off plan at a dream holiday home 50% below market value that brings an excellent return on Prices from investment £25,000

Invest in an overseas property at one of Harlequin's Luxury 5 Star Spa Resorts in Barbados •St Vincent & The Grenadines •St Lucia •Dominican Republic •Thailand ■ Own the freehold ■ 30 days free use per year ■ £1,000 reservation fee – nothing else to ■ 70% guaranteed mortgage from completion pay until completion ■ Two year 10% rental guarantee Harlequin are proud ■ OUR RESORTS IN 100% finance available – the developer followed by 50% net room rate share to be patrons of the pays your monthly interest payment on THE CARIBBEAN ■ No Capital Gains Tax, Buying Tax or ARE MANAGED BY the 30% deposit Rising Star Programme Inheritance Tax OASIS HOTELS

CALL 0800 856 2230 WEBSITE www.harlequinproperty.co.uk E-MAIL [email protected]

Available from a network of agents Subject to status. Terms & conditions apply. All information Visit our showroom at OPEN 7 contained in this advert is correct at time of going to print but 11 Honywood Business Park, Honywood worldwide or direct from the primary its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and does not form part of any DAYS A contract. The Vendor reserves the right to alter the information A COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 3HW agent Harlequin Property WEEK without prior notice. DAMON HILL OBE PRESIDENT’S LETTER

ear Fellow BRDC Member, I hope to Oliver Turvey, who now leads the secure for the foreseeable future, thanks you enjoy this end of season British F3 Championship supported to Donington and , D edition of the Bulletin. by the much appreciated ‘Racing Steps which is good for all of us. There have been some incredible Foundation’ and of course the Superstars Best wishes, racing and events at Silverstone over this programme. We very much want to summer which we review here, but there develop this into a leading support plan are still some choice events to come for the modern day competitor. I believe before the winter; championships must that this is the most pertinent way that be decided! I am happy to say that the the BRDC can be useful to our sport and Grand Prix was a big success for which play a part in ensuring we remain at the we should recognise the exceptional sharp end of all motor sport categories work of the team at Silverstone for worldwide. This will in turn be crucial to 11 July 1993 The Fosters British Grand Prix is under way with poleman putting it all together. retaining those events in the UK and also, Damon Hill OBE not making the best of starts in his Williams- The most important point to make of course, at Silverstone. It makes good President, BRDC FW 15C but Damon most certainly does, taking a lead which he is not to lose, despite intense and relentless is that the Club is doing good work business sense to plan for the future. pressure from his World Champion team mate, until his engine lets go with 17 laps to run. Also charging off the line, now in supporting young drivers in the As for the future of Silverstone after from fourth on the grid in his McLaren-Ford MP4/8, is the Superstars and Rising Stars programmes. the shock news of the granting of the other World Champion hot on Damon’s heels, . A few moments after this picture was taken, Ayrton has It should not need reminding ourselves GP contract to Donington, we must not forced his way uncompromisingly past Alain to take second that this Club is just as much about be disheartened. We must still set our place into Copse which he holds for six laps before having to yield to the faster Williams. So Damon does not win his the competitor, especially the British objectives to be effective in whatever fi rst Grand Prix at home, nor does he in two weeks later when a tyre fails while leading with less than two drivers whom we support and celebrate we turn our hand to; which means we laps left. It is the race after that, in Hungary, where Damon through the Club. Last month I took must have ambitions for Silverstone and scores his long overdue fi rst F1 victory. The British win, which had always eluded his father Graham, has to wait until the part in the presentation of the very for motor sport. At least one can be re- following year. fi rst Cambridge ‘Blue’ for motor sport, assured that the British Grand Prix will be Ian Titchmarsh

6 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3

9 May 1976 Woodcote Chicane. For 1976 the FIA announced a new Silhouette category for its World Championship of Makes and Silverstone played host to the third round. Just 17 cars took the start for a six hour race with one of them, the / 935 Turbo, signifi cantly quicker in qualifying than any other. Unhappily for them but happily for everyone else the Porsche’s clutch failed on the very fi rst lap leaving the race wide open. Here we see in the very early laps the Schnitzer BMW 3.5 CSL leading the Evertz RSR and the similar of John Fitzpatrick (Hermetite) and Harald Grohs () in pursuit of ’s leading BMW 3.5 CSL Turbo and ’s Kremer . Remember who their co-drivers were? It was a classic all the way. In the end Fitz, after staying in the car for the fi nal three hours without a break (he had no option, his co-driver had gone off to race at another circuit!),eld h off ’s Porsche to win by 1.18 secs. Truly a Silverstone-type fi nish. Ian Titchmarsh NEWS FROM YOUR CIRCUIT NEWS FROM YOUR CIRCUIT A stunning lineup of BTCC legends joined us at Silverstone

wanted to take this opportunity to rider training school, in association with thank all those Members who joined us Ducati, , Harley Davidson and I for the recent BRDC Forums on 1 and 4 Kawasaki, here at Silverstone. September. We felt that both presentations We also continue to work closely with were well received and were pleased with local authorities and governments to the response and support from those expand our tourism, education and health Members present. offerings. In addition to providing the SHL The business in 2008 is forecast to Board with an opportunity to present deliver operating profi t ahead of budget plans for the continued development of to the end of 2008 and we are in a strong Silverstone into a world class venue for position with consistent healthy cash , education and technology, balances. the Forums also paved the way for greater Meanwhile, back on track – which is, transparency between the Members and after all, at the heart of everything we do the business in the future. – we enjoyed a strong crowd, despite the The terms of a new Grand Prix contract inclement weather, at our recent round of would not have been as favourable as they the British Touring Car Championship. had been previously, and we have been One of the highlights of the weekend conscious of the need to diversify the was the joint celebration of the 50th, to take this opportunity to thank all of the Legends on parade th th is joined by (l-r, back to front) Derek Warwick, Andy business beyond 2009, with or without the 60 and 80 anniversaries of the BTCC, drivers and car owners for their fantastic Rouse, Stuart Graham, Jackie Oliver, , Chris Craft, Sir British Grand Prix. We have looked at, and Silverstone and the BRDC respectively. support at that event and hope they John Whitmore, Steve Neal, Tony Dron, , Jeff Allam, will continue to look at, opportunities to A stunning line-up of BTCC legends enjoyed the anniversary celebrations as Barrie Williams, Graham (son of David) Leslie, Vince Woodman and Martin Thomas increase Silverstone’s offerings, ensuring and cars joined us at Silverstone on the much as we did. we reaffi rm our position at the forefront of Sunday, taking part in ‘meet and greet’ Our attention switches to two wheels at the UK motorsport industry. sessions and a historic . the end of the month, and I do hope that Recent successes include strong The drivers and cars are all part of this you are able to join us for the penultimate alliances with iconic brands such as circuit’s rich heritage, and the feedback round of this year’s Bennetts British manufacturers Porsche, through the from Members has been extremely Superbike Championship. Porsche Driver Training Facility; Nissan, positive. Many have commented on for whom we are managing a series of the spirit of ‘togetherness’, and the Richard Phillips launch and test activities for the new GTR; atmosphere in the Clubhouse where so Managing Director and BSM, who have recently launched a many friends were reunited. I would like Silverstone Circuits Limited

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 9 FORMULA 1

Peter Windsor observes the Lewis Hamilton bandwagon gaining momentum.

ou’ve probably forgotten it now – now to having been under “a lot of pressure over most drivers used on exit, thus avoiding the that the classic is over – but the majority the past few weeks” and having to do a lot issue of having perfectly to match traction Y of British commentators (the old, of “soul-searching”. And by this, I think, he with that corner’s natural tendency towards Baxter-esque term for the rabble we today wasn’t referring to anything that had taken oversteer, consider the pressures under call the “media”) were extremely critical of place on the race track. which Lewis now drives. And I’m not only Lewis Hamilton in the weeks leading up to Thus Lewis’s build-up for his home Grand talking about the effect of the British press. the British Grand Prix. No matter that he is Prix. It’s sad that the British press have I speak also of his fellow drivers. In , still young and is in only his second season already decided to squeeze everything from at the preceding round of the championship, of F1; no matter that already he has fi nished Lewis and that his popularity in their eyes Lewis started mid-fi eld on the softer of the runner-up in the World Championship, had two , thus putting himself at by that point won six Grands Prix and had variance with everyone around him. As destroyed the opposition at . Lewis Lewis was crumbling under such, he was a marked man. You saw Lewis had made a mistake in Canada and had the pressure! Lewis was being in your mirrors and thus you made an extra compounded that with incidents in traffi c eclipsed by his much cooler team- effort to keep him behind. You had Lewis (from 13th on the grid!) in France. Lewis was mate! Lewis was fi nished! alongside you and you thought again about crumbling under the pressure! Lewis was turning into him and taking him out. Lewis, being eclipsed by his much cooler team- because of his brilliance, is unsettling them mate! Lewis was fi nished! swings precariously from good to bad and – and this is something with which Lewis has McLaren’s ever-effi cient media back to good, depending on his results on never had to deal at any point in his career. department being what it is, they naturally any given weekend. It’s sad, too, that Lewis When the tyre warmers were removed from brought all this to Lewis’s attention. Had cannot be judged for what he is – which is his car on the grid in France, you can be sure they not done so, I dare say that Lewis would to say the best new F1 driver of the modern that everyone took note of his perceived never have known about it: he probably has generation and, taking his inexperience into arrogance. And when saw as much interest in reading about himself account, one of the best you’re ever likely to Lewis behind him, you can be sure that in the newspapers as he has in catching see. For proof, watch him drive. Any race, Nelson thought, “Ok. This is it. This is my up with the soccer results in the back of anywhere, will do: Silverstone in the wet will chance. My drive’s on the line. This guy can the tabloids (ie: zero). Nonetheless, in two do better. try to pass but he’ll never get by...” Even private sponsorship events at which I was Before we watch from Copse or Becketts, the “good guys” have fallen into the trap. fortunate to be present prior to Silverstone, however, before we take in the subtleties of In last year, when Sebasitan Vettel Lewis spoke quietly of “everything his driving at Club, where he had no time for ran into the back of in Safety happening for a reason” and then confessed the “quick-fi x”, full-throttle short-shift that Car conditions, both drivers lost no time in

10 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 FORMULA 1

Back to back blaming Lewis Hamilton… Lewis followed his patriotic And so it was at Silverstone, at the half-way victory at Silverstone (below) with another performance point of the 2008 season. Lewis drove out of masterclass in Germany (left). the pit lane at the start of Q3 to fi nd Nelson Two races. Two wins. Sheer class Piquet on the road ahead of him. What (Photos Jakob Ebrey and LAT) should he do? If it was Kimi in front, Lewis would have dropped back a car’s length or two and driven his lap – likewise with Felipe or Heikki. Nelson was different. Nelson is capable of playing games. If Lewis slowed to give Nelson room, Nelson would probably Lewis, because of his do the same. If Lewis tried to pass him, brilliance, is unsettling them Nelson would make it diffi cult and oblige

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 11 FORMULA 1

The sky’s the limit (left) is fi rmly in contention in the World Championship PleasING on the eye Grid girls mark the spot (Photos LAT)

him to late on dirty road. Lewis’s tyres would thus be ruined. McLaren were beaten on the So Lewis hesitated. This cost him time. high-downforce circuits this year And then he decided. He went for it, went for the pass – and, sure enough, Nelson by ’s superior traction out didn’t make it easy. We’re talking an out-lap of slow corners here but, in the context of Lewis’s weekend, it may have been the race. Lewis braked late, forcing the issue down the inside, and for Lewis but the edges remain on his eventually Nelson moved over. By then it transitions – from straight line to lateral was too late: Lewis’s tyres were indeed shot. load, from lateral load to exit. Heikki “jinks” He left the road after Bridge. With the left at these points; Lewis, like in the underside of the car damaged, his second, dry and Kimi most of the time, is “seamless”. critical, Q3 lap became just a per centage As a general trend, McLaren were beaten lap: he aimed for the second row at worst. on the high-downforce circuits this year If that little cameo perfectly encapsulated by Ferrari’s superior traction out of slow the sort of problems Lewis is now facing corners. Given that slow corners on high- in his still-young career, consider how downforce circuits make up about 40 per completely the Santander British Grand cent of the driver’s seasonal workload, it is Prix summarized the year to date. Heikki obvious that Ferrari, in the opening phase Kovalainen did exactly what he was of the year, had something of a major supposed to do under the circumstances advantage. At Silverstone it was different. – which was to take the pole that should Thanks to aero pressure shifts, McLaren have gone to Lewis – but then crumbled on made big progress on the slow corners at Sunday when the conditions deteriorated. Silverstone. They were fastest in the three- Heikki is a very quick, very able team-mate day, pre-race test – and Q2 at Silverstone

12 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 FORMULA 1

On the road to ruin (left) of his meaning. We never did fi nd out on Kimi Räikkönen’s engine blew in Valencia Sunday how the McLaren and Ferrari truly costing him a valuable points haul compared in equal conditions in the dry but fi ghter (above) , pre-race, was adamant: “We’ve The Valencia Grand Prix was ’s fi nal F1 outing in not only closed the gap; we’ve passed them!” Hockenheim, a fortnight later, would prove indicated that Lewis and Heikki had every the point. chance of qualifying one-two. Kimi and For a while, though, it was close. As the Lewis ran the same fuel load throughout clouds grew heavy and the capacity crowd most of the Silverstone weekend (Heikki searched for wet gear and umbrellas, Kimi was usually lighter) and at every checkpoint drew ever-closer to Lewis. Sector 1 – Copse Lewis was usually a couple of tenths faster and Becketts – belonged to Lewis. The rest than the Ferrari. of the lap was Kimi’s. I asked Lewis about We know this because Ferrari for the this later and he replied only by saying that most part seemed to be genuinely confused. he had felt pretty much under control and Felipe Massa crashed heavily at Stowe on didn’t want to take any chances – given the Friday morning but by the afternoon he was light rain – on the big stops. out there again, car rebuilt, morale high. Then came the double-whammy: Ferrari “The funny thing is that he says the car blew their wet race apart by not giving now feels even better than it did before!” Kimi a new set of wets; had said his race engineer, , in that the conditions remained dry, the scrubbed un-Ferrari-like Middlesbrough accent of his. wets would have grown ever-quicker (until Put this into the context of Felipe ignoring they were slicks). In the wet… forget it… radio messages from Rob about oil on the and the Ferrari boys, like most Italians in the track and Felipe failing to see the two sets of UK during our “summer”, never imagined oil fl ags on display and you get the weight it was going to rain. Lewis, simultaneously,

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 13 FORMULA 1 drove off in the wet into a world of his own henceforth be decided exclusively by the incompatibility of the two Bridgestone to use the word “lock” because Lewis, – into his own, supreme class. Short-shifting, team and by the Arai engineers. Lewis, I compounds for the circuit, it is Lewis like , is very good at as I say, is a mug’s game; it’s the easy way think, was happy to concede the point… Hamilton who will be hurt most. Not almost locking the unloaded front. Give out of traction dramas. Down at Club, just as I was happy to remember, as we fi led because of his “driving style”. Not because him a downhill left-hander, though, and feathering the throttle with the right foot out of Silverstone, Lewis’s comment of a few he doesn’t know how to manage his tyres. deteriorating grip, and eventually he’s of a dancer, Lewis annihilated not only his days before about “everything happening Lewis struggles because he puts more going to fl at-spot a Bridgestone. team-mate but also the best of the rest. Call for a reason”. It was inconceivable, now load through the carcase than any F1 driver That’s what happened in Hungary. it maximizing the torque of the engine and that it had happened, that a driver as good on the planet and because – as in Hungary Thus hurt, that left front was thereafter the car – by a superiority factor of about 10. as Lewis was not going to win at race like – he uniquely manages to maximize both an obvious puncture target – particularly The travesty, as I think Alan Henry astutely Santander Silverstone 2008. compounds with apparent ease. In pre- when you saw Lewis alone hooking pointed out on the Monday after Silverstone, Lewis sustained that momentum, as I say, race Hungary, Lewis, with his near-perfect the left front into a smallish drain on was that Lewis’s points margin over Nick at Hockenheim, but in Hungary, where the feel for balance and grip, alone was quick the apex of a couple of corners. Such a Heidfeld for winning this race was only Bridgestone prime compound was basically on both the prime and the option. The manoeuvre requires incredible precision two. Put another way, did not too hard until about mid-way through the problem arose on race day, when track and consistency but brings with it the risk deserve eight points for fi nishing nearly a lap race and the option so soft that it caused grip levels fi nally reached their optimum of damaging the sidewall on the “serrated behind Lewis. As for the rest… massive graining (again until about mid- and Lewis, with a lower-grip set-up, edge” of the kerb. McLaren maintain Lewis’s only problem was with vision. You way through the race) that another trend inevitably began to put more heat into the that Lewis ran over track debris and thus could see him on the approach to Bridge, was confi rmed: when tyres are marginal Bridgestone constructions. sustained the puncture. They point to and down Hangar Straight, struggling to (either because of the abnormal stress of In such conditions Lewis also has a bodywork damage consistent with an clean his visor. This was because Lewis, some corners – remember turn eight in marked tendency to bind the unloaded impact. I suspect, however, that it was the alone of the Arai helmet drivers, chose to – or the Hungary-defi ned relative front under braking. I say “bind”. I hesitate kerb issue. It adds up.

Lewis annihilated not only his team-mate but also the best of the rest run a single-lens (dry-weather) visor; he Lift off (right) had won Fuji in 2007 with Arai’s brilliant Jarno Trulli celebrates his new double-lens but had felt after that podium fi nish at Magny-Cours race that he had still suffered too much Ferrari lead the way misting. “From now on,” he told the Arai (centre) Räikkönen heads Massa at the boys, “I’ll run the single lens and – thanks start of the but no thanks – I’ll do my own helmet Dream on (centre, top) preparation.” Point-scoring fi nishes for There’s no doubt that a double-lens visor this season have would have been mist-free for Lewis at not been a regular occurrence Silverstone – just as there was no doubt about Fuji 2007 being about the most extreme wet race you’re ever going to see. Post-Silverstone, the McLaren directive was that Lewis’s helmet set-up would

14 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 FORMULA 1

the world’s fastest racing driver and thus the championship begins on four days out of fi ve win the day. The to look more and more like a problem is that Kimi now fi nds a sweet straight fi ght between Felipe spot on only about fi ve days out of 10 and that Felipe, with at least 50 per cent and Lewis of the team’s support, is now capable of cramping the style of the world champion even on one of Kimi’s good days. Thus Felipe Massa won in Hungary – In this context, Lewis is enough Felipe the Ferrari driver who is much more to know (even if the British press won’t than a two to Kimi. As the season like it) that a string of second places can evolves, and the championship begins to win him the World Championship – as we look more and more like a straight fi ght saw in Valencia. Bones aching with ‘fl u between Felipe and Lewis, we see the symptoms, neck muscles pinched, Lewis character of Ferrari fi nally crystallizing: nevertheless fi nished a strong second to Felipe, with his ever-growing ability to be the ebullient Felipe. Eight good points. error-free and beautifully precise on slow More than he deserved, perhaps, relative corners, is emerging as a Ferrari-backed, to Felipe that day in Spain – but making latter-day . Kimi, with the 2007 up, I’d say, for the meagre eight-plus- championship title achieved, is quite two he had scored that brilliant day at happy to continue to believe that he is Silverstone.

Like father, like son (right) Renault’s Nelson Piquet boxes clever to score his fi rst F1 podium at Hockenheim Dust-up ’s found himself in an unexpected podium fi ght at the

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 15 RACING MEMBERS

The FIA World Touring Car Championship While BRDC Rising Star Sean Edwards continues to be a haven for BRDC Members, won the race at the and at the wheel of a BMW, and British and Belgian Grands Prix, Danny Rob Huff in an RML-prepared , Watts was adding to his CV with a have been upholding the Club’s honour to a fine second position at the wheel of a fi ne degree. Both are right in the mix for the Lechner-SAS entry on his home track, ultimate Touring Car crown this season, and while has been a regular in the Czech Republic, sharing driving with rounds remaining in , Japan and points-scoring finisher in the GP2 Series duties with his Rising Star squaddie, Alex both could win the title. following his Monaco victory in May. Mortimer. Although the duo only recorded Andy and Rob have each won one race Stateside, in single seater racing, one seventh place fi nish from their two apiece this year, Andy back in June around Justin Wilson scored a superb maiden outings, they currently stand a fi ne third the streets of Pau, and Rob under the IndyCar Series victory at “The Detroit and fourth in the points table. Spanish sun in Valencia. Podium fi nishes Indy Grand Prix from the raceway at The BRDC not only wins rounds of have occurred more recently for the duo at Belle Isle,” while has The BRDC badge continues to the FIA GT3 European Championship, it Estoril and Brands Hatch, and a great British also been in the mix with strong drives also wins rounds of the fl agship FIA GT challenge for the WTCC prize is guaranteed. that have elevated him to fourth in the dominate on the world’s motor Championship. In Brno, Ryan Sharp, the The BRDC DTM gang have been table with one round remaining. The racing stage... James Beckett Silverstone RAC Tourist Trophy winner performing well, notably and sportscar scene as far as BRDC Members back in May, scorched around the circuit . The Mercedes Junior Team are concerned centres on the American reports on BRDC activities on to claim his third win of the season at the drivers have been in the mix alongside Le Mans Series, David in wheel of the Jetalliance DBR9 their more established DTM colleagues particular in his , the international motorsport with his former Grand Prix team-mate, Karl throughout, and between them three races and Robin Liddell in the Grand-Am with global scene. Wendlinger. have been won. As with many series, the his – both having done well in The FIA GT2 class has also seen victory fi nish line is not far away – and although their respective categories. champagne consumed by BRDC Members driver. is up front, the fter winning the opening two – most notably in Romania, when Andrew BRDC youngsters are not far behind. rounds of the FIA GT3 European Kirkaldy and Rob Bell were the stars of the Allan McNish rounded out his season of A Championship at Silverstone, the show in their CR F430. Le Mans Series racing with a superb victory ‘Home of British Motor Racing’, in the fi fth round of the ACO-sanctioned returned to winning ways in the most category at Silverstone in mid-September. recent round of the series at the Czech Teamed with Dindo Capello, Allan Republic circuit of Brno. stormed to victory in the Autosport 1000km Driving the car of the season, as far as (see report on page 44), to lift the famous the FIA GT3 scene is concerned, Ian and BRDC as the ultimate his German team-mate, Thomas Mutsch, prize. While Allan dominated with his Audi scored their third win of the campaign to R10 diesel, the LMS was home to a huge move them back to the top of the points gathering of BRDC Members. Alongside standings with four rounds remaining – two Allan, a further 10 BRDC Members took at Nogaro in France and two in Dubai. to the track and they were joined by two Bradley Ellis, now fi ghting fi t from the BRDC Superstars and one BRDC Rising Star British GT accident that many feared would – quite a showing! Notably, Rob Bell won end his career, was also Ford GT-powered GT2 in his Virgo Ferrari.

16 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 RACING MEMBERS

Not born in the USA (far left) Dan Wheldon leads the British & BRDC attack in the IndyCar Series Dancing in the street (centre top) Justin Wilson scored a debut Indycar Series victory in Detroit Tequila (centre middle) has been enjoy- ing a fi ne run of form recently Watts the story – morning glory (centre bottom) A great Silverstone perform- ance from Congratulations! (left) Paul Di Resta (left) shakes hands with Jamie Green Girls, Girls, Girls! (above) Motorsport has its fair share of off -track excitement the brave (below) Allan McNish scored a memorable win in the BRDC British Empire Trophy race at Silverstone Photos by LAT and James Beckett

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 17 BRDC SILVER STAR SILVER SEAT FOR JASON?

t the time of writing there is just one British Touring Car Championship round remaining with three races at Brands BRDC SILVER STAR POINTS A Hatch on 21st September to decide whether this year’s STANDINGS AS AT 10 SEPTEMBER 2008 champion will be once again , to whom Jason Plato lost out so narrowly last year. The task facing Jason this year 1. Jason Plato (BTCC) 211 (250) is much more daunting but he does head for Brands Hatch as 2. Oliver Turvey (British F3) 188 (190) favourite to win his second successive Silver Star and fourth in all. 3. (BTCC) 178 (224) In the last Bulletin the BTCC had reached the halfway stage and 2006 Silver Star winner was leading the way following a 4. Matt Neal (BTCC) 150 (200) good start to the season on his switch to VX Racing’s Vauxhall Vectra 5. (BTCC) 144 (149) team. The following races have not been so kind to Matt with the 6. Mat Jackson (BTCC) 143 (150) result that he has dropped out of the reckoning behind fellow BTCC driver Colin Turkington of Team RAC, and Oliver Turvey from the 7. Luke Hines (British GT) 102 British F3 International Series. 8. (BTCC) 93 (98) Oliver’s recent run of success, with wins at Spa and Silverstone, 9. (BTCC) 62 (63) have brought him into serious contention for the British F3 title and he heads for the last round at on 12 October 10. Michael Bentwood (British GT) 42 with a 12 point advantage over his nearest rival. Unfortunately for 11. Piers Johnson (British GT) 38 Oliver, there are only two races at each F3 round so that it will not 12. Bradley Ellis (British GT) 35 be possible for him to overhaul Jason’s current “best of 12” total even if he wins both of them. 13. Mike Jordan (BTCC) 35 In other words the winner of the Silver Star will have been 14. Jonathan Cocker (British GT) 16 decided at Brands Hatch with Colin the other contender if his 15. Tim Harvey (British GT) 16 weekend with the BMW 320si goes particularly well and Jason falls victim to any of the problems which have beset the Seat Leon TDIs 16. Stephen Jelley (BTCC) 13 this year. 17. Anthony Reid (British GT) 7 In British GT, where the scoring opportunities are even less than 18. (British F3) 1 in F3, Luke Hines has held his position in the top 10, thanks to a strong series of podium fi nishes with his co-driver and BRDC Rising Star Jeremy Metcalfe, in the CR Scuderia Ferrari 430GT. Worthy of mention too is Mat Jackson who only became a Full Member part way into the season so that all his BTCC results It’s a knockout cannot be taken into account. If they could have been he might success for Jason Plato well have been close to challenging Jason and Colin. Uphill battle Ian Titchmarsh Colin Turkington can still win the Silver Star

18 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 BRDC GOLD STAR

BRDC GOLD STAR POINTS LEWIS LEADS THE WAY STANDINGS AS AT 15 SEPTEMBER 2008 1. Lewis Hamilton (F1) 205 2. Dan Wheldon (IndyCar) 129 the three months which have passed behind championship leader and former successive Gold Star, whether this year he since the last Bulletin brought the BTCC Champion , who drives will be able to add his fi rst Formula 1 World 3. Andy Priaulx (WTCC) 103 IIn n Gold Star points up to date, the a Seat Leon TDI. A hat trick of WTCC titles Championship will be decided over the 4. Rob Huff (WTCC) 102 world of international motor racing has, as was remarkable enough but could Andy four remaining races in Singapore, Japan 5. David Brabham (ALMS) 101 ever, produced many changes of fortune make it four in a row? In between times (Fuji), Shanghai and (Interlagos). for Members competing at the highest Andy has found time to write a book, as you However, for the fi rst time for many years, 6. Paul Di Resta (DTM) 89 levels. But what has not changed is Lewis may have noticed – available from all good this last race takes place in November and 7. Allan McNish (Le Mans/LMS) 88 Hamilton’s lead both in the Formula 1 booksellers and due for review in these will therefore count towards next year’s 8. Jamie Green (DTM) 87 World Championship and in the Gold Star pages soon. Gold Star. 9. Ian Khan (FIA GT3) 75 points table. While Lewis may be only one Just as Andy is the best-placed of the Ian Titchmarsh point ahead of Felipe Massa in the World BMW drivers in the WTCC battle, so Rob 10. Ryan Sharp (FIA GT) 63 Championship, he now has an almost is the best for Chevrolet. A measure of just 11. (A1GP/LMS) 58 insuperable advantage in the battle for how established Rob has become is the 12. Mike Conway (GP2) 47 the Gold Star. Lewis’s wins at Silverstone fact that his team mates are two of the top and Hockenheim might not have been the touring car drivers of recent times – Alain 13. Bradley Ellis (FIA GT3) 46 only ones to add to his earlier successes in Menu and . A series of good 14. Danny Watts (Porsche Supercup) 42 and Monaco had it not been for results in the remaining races could see Rob 15. Justin Wilson (IndyCar) 41 the machinations of the also challenging for the title, lying as he is Stewards. Nevertheless his ability to score just two points behind Andy, and just one 16. (A1GP/DTM) 40 in every race has now given him a 76-point point behind in the Gold Star. 17. (Super GT) 38 advantage over his nearest challenger, and For Andy and Rob there are eight more 18. (ALMS) 36 former Gold Star winner, Dan Wheldon. WTCC races but only six more Gold 19. Guy Smith (ALMS) 29 Dan was only seventh in the table three Star-scoring opportunities since, being months ago, after a relatively modest in November, Macau counts towards the 20. Mark Webber (F1) 28 start to his IndyCar season by his usual following year. That said, they are better off 21. Jr. (Super GT) 28 standards, but a run of good results in than David Brabham whose run of great 22. James Rossiter (ALMS) 26 recent weeks has seen him move to fourth results in the with in the IndyCar table and ahead of the WTCC the P2 Acura in Duncan Dayton’s team has 23. Robin Liddell (Grand-Am) 24 duo Andy Priaulx and Rob Huff in the Gold seen him rise from 12th to fi fth in the last 24. James Thompson (WTCC) 23 Star. Life has been tough for BMW drivers few months. With only two races left, David 25. (Grand-Am) 21 in the World Touring Car Championship with his co-driver could well 26. Darren Turner (Grand-Am/FIA GT) 21 this year but, despite no further wins, Andy take the P2 Championship but his Gold Star has continued to rack up the points and, tally will soon run out of steam. 27. David Coulthard (F1) 16 with four rounds/eight races still to go at So, although the odds are very much 28. (DTM) 13 the time of writing, he is only 13 points in favour of Lewis winning his second

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 19 High performance insurance for your team

HESPEED THETECHNOLOGY THEHISTORYAND Earlier this year Aon launched an insurance solution APOLICYTHATCOVERSYOUONALLTHERISKSWEFACE)TWAS TTHEPASSION THERESNOTHINGQUITELIKE for those involved in motorsport. Features of the ABREATHOFFRESHAIRTODEALWITHACLIENTMANAGERWHO MOTORSPORT!SKANYMOTORENTHUSIASTAND policy include: WASKNOWLEDGEABLEABOUTWHATWEDO ANDLOOKEDAFTER THEYLLSAYTHATTAKINGACARAROUNDTHETRACKAT us each step of the way. Aon offer us a truly personal FULLTHROTTLEISONEOFTHEBESTTHRILLSLIFEHASTO s#OVERFORYOURVEHICLESONANDOFFTHETRACK SERVICEANDWEHOPETOCONTINUEBUILDINGASTRONG offer. s3TORAGE relationship together.” s4RANSPORTATION Whether you’re driving for a professional team or s,IABILITIES WILLSEETHE4RACKSPEEDTEAMlELDIN&)!'4 &)! TAKINGPARTINAMATEURRACINGYOUNEEDTOPUSHYOUR '4AND"RITISH'4!ONWISHTHETEAMALLTHEBESTIN PERFORMANCEONTHETRACKTOTHEMAXIMUM9OUHAVE '4RACINGTEAM 4RACKSPEED HAVEALREADYSEEN WHATISSETTOBEANACTIONPACKEDYEAR TOFEELCONlDENTINYOURCAR ANDALSOBECERTAINTHAT THEBENElTSTHAT!ONCANBRINGTOTHEWORLDOF YOURELOOKEDAFTER ONANDOFFTHETRACK motorsport insurance. Welcoming Aon’s latest To see if your motorsport team could benefit OFFERING 4EAM-ANAGER2ICKI-ARTINOSAID from a high performance insurance package, call Sharing your passion for motorsport, we offer an Roger Clark at Aon’s specialist motor team today INSURANCEPACKAGETOMEETYOURHIGHPERFORMANCE h)NSURANCEHASALWAYSBEENACHALLENGETOGET on 0845 026 4408. Alternatively, e-mail needs. HOLDOFFORAMOTORSPORTTEAMLIKEOURS ESPECIALLY [email protected]

h!ONOFFERUSATRULYPERSONALSERVICEv We shareWe shareyour yourpassion passion

Aon has been heavily involved The Aon Motorsport team is a Tailor-made cover including: To discuss your requirements in the world of motorsport, highly specialist resource, providing s/NTRACKPHYSICALDAMAGE please call Roger Clark on classic cars and exclusive owners’ cover for race teams, drivers, s0REMISESANDSTORAGE clubs for decades. We provide circuits, federations & associations. s4RANSIT 0845 026 4408 or email: specialist insurance solutions for: s,IABILITIES [email protected] s-OTORSPORT s0RIVATEMOTOR s-OTORTRADE 4QFDJBMJTU$BSTt)JHI7BMVF)PNFt*OWFTUNFOU1SPQFSUZt)PMJEBZ)PNF Aon Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in respect of insurance mediation activities only. Telephone calls may be recorded or monitored. FP: 4935-APC-0808 BRDC RISING STARS RISING STARS Sam Abay Tim Bridgman BRDC RISING STARS 2008 Sam Abay Matt Nicoll-Jones BRITISH F3 BRITISH F3 BRITISH GT INTERNATIONAL SERIES INTERNATIONAL SERIES Nigel Moore Tim Blanchard Oliver Bryant Tim Blanchard Andrew Jordan BRITISH F3 BRITISH BTCC INTERNATIONAL SERIES Tom Bradshaw Ryan Lewis Tom Onslow-Cole ALMS BTCC n a year when British racing drivers and Hywel Lloyd Martin Plowman Members of the BRDC have been starring SPANISH F3 BRITISH F3 F3 EUROSERIES INTERNATIONAL SERIES I in championships around the world, you Jay Bridger Adrian -Hobbs may be forgiven in overlooking the Club’s BRITISH F3 Callum MacLeod Tom Bradshaw INTERNATIONAL SERIES BRITISH F3 EUROCUP young talent that has been performing INTERNATIONAL SERIES Tim Bridgman Phil Qauife week-in, week-out. Throughout 2008, Greg Mansell PORSCHE CARERRA BRDC Rising Stars have been waving the CUP GB Oliver Bryant Club’s fl ag and upholding the honour of BRITISH GT Michael Meadows Alexander Sims the much-heralded Rising Star Scheme. BRITISH GT FORMULA RENAULT UK James Calado The BRDC badge in the blue roundel is a FORMULA RENAULT UK Jeremy Metcalfe Dean Smith sought-after addition to the race suit and BRITISH GT FORMULA RENAULT Graham Carroll EUROCUP crash helmet of any driver under the age of twenty-four, and the current class has been Will Bratt Graham Carroll BRITISH F3 INTERNATIONAL SERIES FORMULA RENAULT UK in fi ne-form this season. FORMULA RENAULT UK Jason Moore Championship titles have been won Sean Edwards FORMULA PALMER AUDI BRITISH F3 by BRDC Rising Stars already this term. PORSCEH SUPERCUP INTERNATIONAL SERIES Nigel Moore The winners are: Jay Bridger (British F3 Ollie Hancock GINETTA G50/BRITISH GT Ben Winrow International Series, National Class), BARC FORMULA RENAULT Alex Mortimer Graham Carroll (Formula Ford 1600), Nigel BRITISH GT Moore (Ginetta G50), Matt Nicoll-Jones Euan Hankey F3 EUROSERIES (British GT, GT4 Class) and Ben Winrow (Elf Renault Clio Cup). Jay Bridger Adam Christodoulou

22 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 BRDC RISING STARS

Sean Edwards Ryan Lewis Jeremy Metcalfe Oliver Oakes Alexander Sims

Ollie Hancock Hywel Lloyd Andy Meyrick Tom Onslow-Cole Dean Smith

Euan Hankey Callum MacLeod Jason Moore Martin Plowman Dean Stoneman

Brendon Hartley Greg Mansell Alex Mortimer Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Nick Tandy

Andrew Jordan Michael Meadows Matt Nicoll-Jones Phil Quaife Ben Winrow

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 23 BRDC SUPERSTARS JOEY FOSTER LE MANS SERIES Summer of success for BRDC Superstars

he 2008 BRDC Superstars have been excelling themselves both on and off the track throughout the summer. Their success has shown that the BRDC can both Tidentify and nurture the best of British talent. That we have such an enthusiastic and appreciative group of young men makes my job as Superstars Director all the more satisfying. It is wonderful that the drivers wear their Superstars clothing with pride and are making excellent use of the Clubhouse and the Member network therein. During the summer the programme has been able to assist drivers with their day to day problems and pressures, advise on career development, give personalised fi tness routines and broaden their contacts through the membership. They have achieved success both internationally and at home and in a wide array of machinery. A brief review follows:

JONATHAN ADAM and leading the British Formula Ford STUART HALL F3 EUROSERIES Bidding to win his second Seat Cupra Championship. Also racing in the LMS, Stuart has ben championship on the bounce, Jonathan has fi ghting against the diesel and recently had 9 wins from 12 races and faces in the Creation Aim. Stuart is often a fi nal meeting showdown with rival Robert The youngest Superstar continues to among the fastest drivers in the class and is Lawson for the championship at Brands impress in the British F3 championship. one of the future stars. Hatch. Consecutive titles will mark Jonathan With poles and fastest laps already, his fi rst out as a potential 2009 British Touring Car win is surely imminent. BEN HANLEY Driver. Sadly Ben has lost his drive in GP2 and is looking at his options for 2009. SAM BIRD Riki is another hugely enthusiastic BRDC Sam, just recently elected a Full Member, Superstar. Multiple wins in the Formula MAT JACKSON F3 EUROSERIES is already well known to many BRDC UK Renault championship but sadly a few With multiple BTCC race wins Mat is now a Members and is often to be seen in the retirements have blunted his championship household name and potential Independent Clubhouse. However his focus on his racing challenge. champion. He is also a heavy point-scorer in is immense and he has been rewarded with the Silver Star having become a Full Member his fi rst podium in the highly competitive F3 JOEY FOSTER in April. Euroseries when he fi nished 3rd at Zandvoort. Joey has impressed both his team, Embassy Racing, and his more illustrious team mates JON LANCASTER WAYNE BOYD with great speed in the Le Mans Series. A Jon has made a huge impression on the The sensation of Formula Ford in 2008.13 recent 4th place at Nurburgring is his best International F3 scene with a stirring victory wins and counting in his fi rst full UK season fi nish. at Nurburgring which was backed up with 3rd

24 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 BRDC SUPERSTARS

MAX CHILTON BRITISH FORMULA 3 JAMES SUTTON BRITISH GT STUART HALL LE MANS SERIES place in the Masters of F3 at Zolder.

JAMES SUTTON Siverstone has been kind to James with a magnifi cent drive to 4th in a one off outing in the Porsche Supercup at the Grand Prix, and a deserved victory in the two hour British GT race also at Silverstone in his usual Ferrari 430GT.

DUNCAN TAPPY Duncan has been back in single seaters SEAT CUPRA MAT JACKSON BTCC WAYNE BOYD FORMULA FORD with two World Series by Renault outings resulting in a points fi nish and most recently representing Tottenham Hotspur in the new . Duncan scored a podium in the fi rst ever race and is second in the championship.

OLIVER TURVEY Oliver has graduated from Cambridge, received a full Blue, won four British F3 races two of which were at Spa, and leads BEN HANLEY GP2 STEFAN WILSON BRITISH F3 the Championship overall! (see page 34 for more about Oliver)

STEFAN WILSON Stefan has found a rich vein of form and has won the National class three times in British F3 races in recent weeks.

In addition to their racing activities many of the Superstars attended the Grand Prix RIKI CHRISTODOULOU FORMULA RENAULT UK OLIVER TURVEY BRITISH F3 and were interviewed by and introduced to the bumper crowd during the GP concert. They have also attended SUPERLEAGUE FORMULA the TAG Heuer celebration of British Formula 1 drivers photographic exhibition at the Mall Galleries this month. Here they were introduced to the media and received a TAG Heuer watch as recognition of the part they are playing, and will play, in present and future British successes.

Tim Harvey Director, BRDC Superstars

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 25 BTCC RETURNS TO SILVERSTONE RAIN FAILS TO DAMPEN Up close and personal (left) Mike Jordan is sent spinning SPIRITS All the fun of the fair (below left) The BTCC gets ready The HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship makes a successful, to entertain and welcome, return to ‘The Home of British Motor Racing’ Photographs by Jakob Ebrey

wo years since the British Touring Car Championship was last seen in action T at Silverstone, the BTCC returned to the ‘Home of British Motor Racing’ at the end of August for an action-packed meeting that failed to be dampened by heavy rain that fell throughout race day. In front of a healthy crowd, the competitors of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship didn’t disappoint, providing three top drawer races around Silverstone’s superb 1.6-mile National Circuit. Wheel-to-wheel action, in conditions far from ideal, saw race victories for BRDC Full Member, and reigning BRDC Silver Star holder, Jason Plato, and for BRDC Full Member and (Right to far right) Superstar, Mat Jackson. Catch me if you can Jason Plato leads Mat Jackson Italian touring car ace, Fabrizio Giovanardi, And the winner is... also tasted the victory champagne on a Jason Plato day that saw the BTCC back on-track at Round the outside Colin Turkington attempts the Silverstone – a circuit that has played an high line important role in the 50 year history of the Lights on British Touring Car Championship. Cheers Steven Kane exits Luffi eld – here’s to the next 50! Out of the gloom Matt Neal heads into Copse James Beckett

26 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 BTCC RETURNS TO SILVERSTONE

(Left to right) People’s champion Mat Jackson rounds Woodcote shines brightly Despite the rain... High fi ve Fabrizio Giovanardi heads for the podium Something to smile about Colin Turkington has every reason to enjoy the BTCC

Best in the house (left) Jason Plato leads Darren Turner Champagne... (above) Jason Plato celebrates Jelley wobbles (right) Stephen Jelley spins out

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 27 BRITISH GRAND PRIX REVIEW

Lewis triumphant (far Lewis (right ) left) Cheered on by his faithful “The best win of my career” followers Podium joy (left, centre) Man on a mission (below) was in Lewis in full fl ight top form Off grid (far right) Flying high (left) leads away The BRDC celebrated 60 years but Lewis is making his way to of Grand Prix racing at the front Silverstone

ewis Hamilton gave his home fans exactly what podium fi nishes. Heavy rain in the middle of the race they came to see at a rain-soaked Silverstone when created further havoc, however, as driver after driver L he performed brilliantly in front of a capacity crowd slipped and slid off the road. This was where clever to win the Santander British Grand Prix in treacherous strategic thinking by at saw the conditions. The race started on a damp track, with the team risk bringing in both Rubens Barrichello and promise of more rain to come. Lewis touched wheels Jenson Button for extreme wet tyres on the 35th lap. with pole-sitting team mate Heikki Kovalainen on lap The Brazilian made great use of them and was able one at Copse after making a terrifi c start, and edged to push up into second place until a late switch back ahead of him at Becketts on the fi fth lap. Thereafter it to intermediates. As Heidfeld clung on to a good was his race to lose, and the most crucial point came second place, after making the right call for fresh when both he and Kimi Raikkonen, an apparent threat intermediates at his fi rst stop, Rubens recovered at this stage, pitted on the 21st lap. But where McLaren to a podium fi nish that was a great boost to the gave their man another set of standard wet-weather Brackley-based team. Behind them, Raikkonen fi nally Bridgestones, Ferrari kept theirs on the same set. fought his way out of a late-race battle with Renault’s Lewis rocketed away from the red car, and and Kovalainen to fi nish fourth. Raikkonen slipped steadily down the order as strong “That,” Hamilton said afterwards, “was the toughest mid-race performances from Nick Heidfeld and win of my career, but defi nitely the best.” put BMW Sauber into the frame for James Beckett

28 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 BRITISH GRAND PRIX REVIEW BGP WEEKEND SUPPORT RACES RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY... FLYING HIGH... BUT NOT UNTIL THIS RACE IS HISTORIC PERFORMANCE OVER PLEASE! FROM MUSTANG ACE he rain was falling heavily before the start of the t the wheel of Bob Pepper’s Royal Purple-supported TPorsche Supercup race, but you could easily be AFord Mustang, Neil Cunningham kept the BRDCs forgiven in thinking that Sean Edwards and Danny Watts winning-streak going, when he triumphed in the Historic had been undertaking a rain dance to ensure the foul Club-organised Historic Saloon Car Challenge. early-morning conditions. Losing out at the start to Dan Cox at the wheel of a Sean, a BRDC Rising Star, and Danny, a Full Member, Lotus Cortina, Neil, the qualifi er set about have intimate knowledge of the Silverstone Grand Prix clawing back Cox and the lead of the race. With Alan circuit. Sean was schooled on the track, and has carried Mann Racing Mustang driver, John Young, the Mercury out instructor work at the ‘Home of British Motor Racing’, Comet Cyclone of Nick Whale and the BMW of Jackie while Danny lives just down the road in Buckingham – and Oliver also in the thick of the action, Neil took the top knows the Silverstone track like the back of his hand. spot when Cox spun at Club. With torrential rain falling, the two young chargers Now under pressure from John Young, Neil held the stamped their authority on proceedings. On a patriotic lead until the Abbey Chicane on the fi nal lap until the day, the British duo gave the rain-soaked spectators car took the lead, but on the approach something to do with their Union Flags, as they crossed to Bridge Neil regained the lead – holding on to score a the fi nish line in fi rst and second positions. well-deserved, and popular, victory.

Splash down Sean Edwards leads Danny Watts in the closing stages of the Porsche Supercup race (Photo James Beckett)

Must hang on Neil Cunningham narrowly heads John Young and Nick Whale during the early laps of the Historic Saloon Car Chal- lenge (Photo James Beckett) In character Top man Fireball Roberts or Richard Sean Edwards celebrates his memorable Silverstone victory on Petty? No, Neil Cunningham! the podium (Photo Jakob Ebrey) (Photo James Beckett)

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 29 A.C. Special Projects Ltd.

BRDC Clubhouse, 2008 British Grand Pix Ball.

Centauri House, Hillbottom Road Hawksworth Commercial Centre High Wycombe [email protected] Elder Road, Leeds Bucks, HP12 4HQ Yorkshire, LS13 4AT Tel: 01494 838392 www.acspecialprojects.com Tel: 0113 255 7666 Fax: 01494 461024 Fax: 0113 255 7676

A.C. Lighting Ltd are proud to be patrons of the BRDC Rising Star programme.

A.C. Lighting Ltd and A.C. Special Projects Ltd are sister companies within the "A.C. Lighting Group".

30 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 2 BRITISH GRAND PRIX REVIEW

Clockwise from top left The face of the British Grand Prix, Miss Great Britain HRH The Duke of Kent was a visitor to the Grand Prix on the fi rst day of qualifying Dark skies over Silverstone – 2007 race winner, Kimi Raikkonen did not enjoy the best of days, despite setting the fastest race lap Bjorn Again! Great entertainment at the BRDC Grand Prix Ball The right atmosphere –the BRDC Grand Prix Ball was a sell-out A spin on the opening lap dented Mark Webber’s challenge

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 2 31 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC THE SUN SHINES ON CLASSIC WEEKEND

Above left ilverstone bathed in glorious summer days of the International Historic Festival Jaguars line up on sunshine throughout the Classic – plans are already underway for 2009.” the grid S weekend – when historic racing took Members of the Club were very much Above Rob Barff fl ings his little Alfa centre stage. in evidence on-track, gaining notable into the Abbey Chicane Three action-packed days provided plenty successes, and off-track, with the Right, top of excitement on-track, and family fun off- Clubhouse busy throughout the duration. Neil Cunningham wins the track, with the event organisers thrilled with Club Secretary, Stuart Pringle, Royal Automobile Club Wood- cote Trophy a sizeable weekend crowd of 57,000. commented, “The atmosphere in the Right, centre Roger Etcell, on behalf of Motion Works, Clubhouse was really good. Members and The long walk home – Ted the company responsible for the Classic, their Guests really enjoyed themselves, and Williams trudges away from his damaged Ginetta said, “What a weekend! The racing was I have a fi rm belief that the membership of Right superb, and the attendance fi gures were the BRDC will ensure that Silverstone Classic BRDC Historic Sportscar podium strong. This was very much the start of our will grow in stature next year and beyond.” Right, bottom plans to return this event to the halcyon Photos by Jakob Ebrey and James Beckett Spitfi re and Mustang thrill

32 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

Clockwise from left Jon Minshaw rounds Copse in his Jaguar E-Type

Peter Sowerby at speed in his Williams

Room with a view – The BRDC Clubhouse

Dennis Welch celebrates victories

Andy Wallace, Barrie Williams and Jack Sears signed autographs

The voice of F1 –

Great cars, great action in his Hesketh

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 33 UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: OLIVER TURVEY

the last couple of years Oliver Turvey has risen British F3 Challenge Cup for the best British driver in from the ranks of talented and successful karters the F3 International Series. And he has graduated with In turned Formula BMW racers to become the next honours from Cambridge University. And he has been young British Formula 1 prospect. By any standards his one of the select few BRDC Superstars. CV is remarkable. Oliver hails from Penrith which, with no disrespect In 2005, while competing on a shoestring in the to Cumbrians, is scarcely near the centre of any motor Formula BMW UK championship, Oliver gained a place racing universe. But there are some kart tracks in the at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, to read Mechanical area and it was on these that Oliver cut his early . In 2006, with no motor racing prospects teeth from the age of seven. One success led to another, for lack of funds, he took up rowing for his College’s fi rst often at the wheel of less fashionable karts, before he boat and represented Cambridge in the Varsity cross was spotted by Martin Hines and, after showing what he country running match against Oxford. Then came a could do in the Junior TKM category with a Zip kart, had call from Trevor Powell at SWR Team Loctite to replace his fi rst car race in one of Martin’s Zip Formula cars just drivers who had left the team. Without any winter 21 days after his 16th birthday. In his second ever race, testing, and having missed the fi rst six races, Oliver won with no prior testing and just a Silverstone Racing School fi rst time back. By the end of the year he was second in fi ve day course under his belt, Oliver was on the podium the Championship and a fi nalist in the BRDC McLaren with a third place at Castle Combe. Autosport Award – which he won. For 2004, following a successful test at Rockingham, A year later he was approached by about Oliver was offered a very good deal by Trevor Powell of the possibility of being supported by the Racing Steps SWR Team Loctite but the budget did not stretch to any Foundation set up by Graham Sharp and for which John winter testing or new tyres for pre-event test days. One is Ambassador. What was on offer was a fully-funded win, also at Rockingham, was achieved but prospects season in the British Formula 3 International Series with for 2005 looked bleak until the call came from Trevor to one of the top teams – . Now, with just stand in for a driver who had left. It was a race by race two races left at Donington Park on 12 October, Oliver existence, again with limited testing, so that by the end leads the Championship class of the Series and is clearly of 2005 Oliver was once more faced with nothing to a favourite to win this most prestigious and competitive drive in the following year. So he took up rowing in the of categories for aspiring Formula 1 drivers. Fitzwilliam fi rst boat at Cambridge coupled with some On the way, Oliver has already collected the fi rst Full driver coaching. Blue ever to be awarded by Cambridge University for Into 2006 Oliver had no racing in prospect until the motor sport; the Dunhill Future Champions Award at call came again from Trevor Powell who had just lost the Goodwood Festival of Speed; and the Mirror.co.uk the Mansell brothers to Fortec. Despite missing the fi rst

34 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

Clockwise from left Formula 3, win number one, came at Formula BMW provided a strong foundation Well done – Ron Dennis congratulates Oliver National Service – On duty for Team GB in A1GP Another win – Oliver is in pole position to win the 2008 British F3 International Series Out in front – leading at Silverstone six rounds of the Formula BMW UK championship, One man who had not forgotten about Oliver was John four or fi ve hours a day, seven days a week ,to training Oliver won his fi rst race back, took four more wins and Surtees who had secured a place for him as the Team GB in various ways. He has yet to decide whether to fi nished on the podium in 10 of the 14 rounds which Rookie driver in the Shanghai A1GP event in early 2007. spend a fourth year at Cambridge for a Masters he contested. All this brought him to second place in That was a one-off but it was John again who approached degree in Engineering where his focus has been on the Championship and to the attention of the BRDC Oliver about becoming the chosen Formula 3 driver aerodynamics. This has already proved very benefi cial McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year panel. for the newly-established . A in working with his race engineer to develop his F3 Oliver describes being nominated for the Award win fi rst time out at Oulton Park was a superb start but car where there is much more freedom than in the so- as “fantastic” and winning it, when his name was it took a while for further wins to follow as Oliver had called “spec” formulae. announced as the climax to the , as to devote some of his time and energies to passing his Oliver’s progress through karting and car racing “the best moment of my life”. It took a year for the real Cambridge Finals for which the fi nal four projects had has not been achieved by family funds but by his benefi t of winning the Award to be felt. In 2007 he used to be completed in four weeks during 12 days – during commitment and determination to maximise his what money he had to secure a drive in the Formula which Oliver was taking in three F3 meetings, ie six races. talents and opportunities. These have been identifi ed Renault Eurocup which has twice as many competitors With those out of the way, Oliver has raised his game still and supported fi rst by his father Andrew and then as the UK series and visits many circuits unknown to further, taking wins at Spa and Silverstone and moving by Martin Hines, Trevor Powell, John Surtees and the the likes of Oliver from a British racing background. into a 12-point lead in the Championship. Young Driver of the Year judges who included that year After a promising start to the season, the lack of a full In the next two months Oliver has his sights set Damon Hill, and . At budget led to mechanical problems and a fi nal eighth not only on winning the British F3 series but also the just 21, the motor racing spotlight will surely be shining place in the Championship. However, there had been and securing a drive in GP2 for on one of the BRDC’s youngest Members for many podiums at two F1 circuits – Magny Cours and the next year. He is a fi rm believer in being physically years to come. Nurburgring. and mentally prepared for the next step up, devoting Ian Titchmarsh

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 35 ROAD TEST

co-effi cient of only 0.27 (that’s better than the tactile fi nish of the interior is lovely. Gone is the Bullet Train) but parked alongside something plastic façade of the past and the whole feel of dainty, like a Ferrari F430, it towers above the cabin is much more German than I would the Italian opposition. However, intelligent have expected. The GT-R logo is subtly placed DRIVER’S TOOL underbody aero management of the car has throughout the cabin and the aforementioned given rise to the very low drag fi gure. chunky wheel is functional and Under the bonnet is a hand built engine. It is extremely comfortable. Although the GT-R runs the build time on each of these units which is a standard hydraulic steering arrangement Rob Barff tests the the factor that controls the numbers of GT-Rs the feel back to the driver is one of distinct produced. It’s a 3.8- twin turbocharged fi rmness. Unlike some modern sportscars motor producing over 480bhp and 588Nm

almost speechless. I knew the new Japanese supercar is. Not only does it have Whether in automatic car would be good but I hadn’t truly astonishing performance fi gures – 0-62 or manual mode, the torque is I’m prepared myself for this. For a road mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 197mph fed to the road with such huge car, running in completely standard road trim, – but at “only” £54,800 it represents almost this is almost other-worldly. I’ve driven and unbelievable value for money too. To go much confidence the car actively assessed some very capable road cars lately. quicker than the GT-R on four wheels you have encourages you to drive However, the new Nissan GT-R has just moved to spend a good deal more money, progressing quicker. the goal posts. towards hypercar territory. The new Nissan GT- of torque and the power is laid down to the If you’ve visited Silverstone over the past R is a descendant from the legendary Skyline road via a rear mounted six speed twin clutch six weeks you’ll have noticed an enormous bloodline and it’s due to this Skyline ‘mythical’ automatic gearbox. The rear mounting of there’s no over lightening of the steering here. Nissan branding presence. It’s fair to say that status that the GT-R had dedicated websites the gearbox ensures the GT-R has very well The V6 ticks over with a very low frequency the Marketing department of Nissan Europe long before its global launch. As such, there is balanced weight distribution and the twin rumble, quiet yet muscular. However, as are all petrolheads. They have a real passion huge amount of web and media hype regarding clutch system, like most DSG type you would expect, the car remains very well for driving so it was only right that they chose the new car that it needs to live up to. The ’boxes, has two distinct characters: smooth mannered unless you provoke it. And in terms Silverstone, and the BRDC Clubhouse, to customers attending the Silverstone events are and refi ned in ‘Auto’ mode yet punchy and of driver adjustment to the car’s systems, the launch the GT-R to the British public. Every well-informed, experienced sportscar owners purposeful in the ‘Manual’ mode. transmission, traction control and dampers UK deposit holder will visit Silverstone, or the coming out of, for example, Audi R8s, a range Powering the car up using the centrally have a standard, comfort setting and an ‘R’ Nürburgring, and sample not only the GT-R of different Porsche 911s and a wide variety of mounted Start button, it comes to life like performance mode. on track but go through a carefully designed other exotic machinery. A very hard audience a PlayStation game. No coincidence there Unlike the Mitsubishi Evo X I tested for The programme to help the owners understand to please. when you consider that the display for the Bulletin earlier in the year, the performance the GT-R as a ‘driver’s tool’, rather than There’s no avoiding the fact that the GT-R is a central information system was designed from the GT-R is apparent from the very something they’ve just read about in the press. big car. Despite use of carbon fi bre composites by Polyphony, the designers of the GT5 moment you get going. Whether in automatic To Silverstone Circuits this is an important and die cast aluminium in its construction, PlayStation game. Adjustment on the thick or manual mode, the torque is fed to the road commercial arrangement as this is just the coming in at 1740kgs there’s no doubting rimmed steering wheel allows the driver to get with such huge confi dence that the car actively fi rst stage of the new ‘Nissan Race Academy’ it’s a heavyweight – but everything from the comfortably close to the car’s controls, and the encourages you to drive quicker. But when it that will be of enormous fi nancial importance outside looks well proportioned. It’s low in the whole instrument cluster moves up or down comes to shedding the momentum, the , going forward. nose, quite high in the haunches, has narrow with the steering wheel to your liking. Tradition which have been developed by Brembo, are But I’m not here as Richard Phillips’ windows and a mean, purposeful stance (and states that the interior of the GT-R, like all other astonishing too. The front discs are massive spokesman, I’m here to drive the new GT-R of course those classic Skyline lights at the Japanese manufacturers, will be a good deal – 384mm in diameter – and regardless of and try to put down on paper how good this rear). I’m told the car has an aerodynamic drag more plastic than leather. Not so! In fact the vehicle speed or brake temperatures the car

36 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 ROAD TEST decelerates like no other road car I’ve ever It’s not until you have access to a circuit that of grip. Out of Club on the favoured ‘wet line’ neutral through and out of the corner. Not for driven on steel brakes. you can begin to test the GT-R in terms of the acceleration is immense, the combination a moment does it occur to me that this car All this performance doesn’t ruin the GT-R how much grip it produces. You simply can’t of 588Nm of torque and 4WD look good weighs almost 1800kgs. Once through Chapel as a useable everyday machine. In fact you go quick enough on the public highway. So on paper. However, you have to physically and on to the Hangar Straight, 140mph is could almost call the GT-R practical! It has four I leave the constraints of the Dadford Road drive the car to understand and take in its easily achieved despite the lower exit speed seats, a quiet and refi ned cabin, a great Bose behind me and am now lined up to enter the capabilities. It sounds great too: you don’t get from Becketts due to the weather. Braking entertainment system and an enormous boot. South Circuit of Silverstone. Prior to entering that from researching the internet! Braking for Stowe can be left almost impossibly late, The dampers in their ‘normal’ mode ensure the track I choose to bring up in line G on the for Abbey, my opinion of the GT-R remains and the brakes can be carried into the corner the car soaks up any harshness generated multi functional instrument display and fl ick the same, the car feels utterly predictable with slightly if you do outbrake yourself but, again, by the tiny sidewalls of the 20-inch tyres and everything I can fi nd into the ‘R’ mode. just a touch of understeer if you carry too it’s not edge of the stuff, it’s totally drama maintains adequately comfortable ride quality. Out of the pits, pulling up through the gears much speed into the clipping point. It’s rock free. No judder, no fade, nothing.

The GT-R leaves you in no doubt that this is an extremely capable track car. It was fi ne tuned around the Nürburgring (achieving a lap time of 7m29s as it went), so you can see where steady through the centre of the corner and the track pedigree comes from. I’m keeping has very predictable power oversteer to the my fi ngers crossed for a dry opportunity to test exit. Under full throttle the torque delivery is the car on the Nordschleife when we go there linear and the car suffers no noticeable turbo next month. How close the GT-R will get to its lag, it just goes and goes. Hammering through maximum of 197mph we’ll have to wait and the Ireland Esses, a fast, 100mph right, left, see but just the thought of what the car will be right combination the direction change is like down through the Wippermann section crisp and the level of grip seems unending. makes my hair stand on end. Even when riding the concrete apex kerbs So in conclusion, yes, it’s a great car, the GT-R remains unfl appable. Again, I fi nd a worthy successor to the Skyline. The myself leaning more and more on the car, not Nissan may lack the outright prestige of a Yes, it’s a really nice ride but it’s not the ride and then braking hard into The Vale for the just tolerating it like some road cars on track. or a Ferrari but for a practical that’s special. I touched on it a moment ago fi rst time, even on a wet track and with cold Braking for Becketts is completely drama everyday supercar I can’t think of anything – this car’s not just fast, it’s really really fast. brakes the car still pulls over 1G in the braking free, the ABS chatters effectively yet the rate that could, pound for pound, top it. And Either on a country road or a fast dual area with ease. I have to keep reminding of deceleration is still comfortable. Down given the choice of a GranTurismo carriageway the GT-R won’t even begin to feel myself I’m in a road car – on road tyres. The two gears with the left paddle, turn in, again S or the GT-R of course my ego would take like it’s working until you’re doing double the intelligent 4WD system doesn’t appear to just a touch of understeer on the entry is the the Maserati, but deep down I’d know that national speed limit. But it’s not ‘savagely’ have noticed the rain and despite a wet, car’s natural state. However, a momentary lift it’s not as good a car as the latest offering quick, it’s just massively capable in all areas. greasy circuit the car has intergalactic levels will balance the chassis and the car remains from Nissan.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 37 MEETING MEMBERS

tutelage. Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, Rubens Barrichello, Mauricio Gugelmin and are just fi ve of the 14 drivers from WSR’s F3 period who went on to drive in Formula 1. That such a group of names should pass through WSR en route to the highest echelon of the sport is not simply DICK BENNETTS impressive – it is staggering. Moreover, this is not down to chance but rather, I would Stuart Pringle meets Dick Bennetts – Member number 644 Racing and with Ron Dennis suggest, a combination of factors which are at Project 4, Dick developed himself into intrinsically linked to Dick, his personality a very rounded motor sport engineer. and his approach. Club Secretary Stuart Pringle continues Unsurprisingly, he had offers from F1 That Dick is meticulous is well known. his quest to fi nd out more about the teams, but was perceptive enough to He has all his debrief circuit diagrams and Members who make up the British recognise that the huge demands of the maps featuring track temperatures, wind travel worked against the attraction of the speeds and directions, from racing and Racing Drivers’ Club. engineering challenges. testing days and more importantly – or West Racing was born in 1981 perhaps incredibly – he can lay his hands when Jonathan Palmer, with the support on them in an instant. It is this level of ick Bennetts is a name that is well of his backer Mike Cox of West Surrey detail which ensures nothing is missed, but known within the Club for all that he Engineering Ltd, acquired the RT3 with also, just occasionally, will offer a serious D has achieved in and which Dick had guided to competitive advantage thanks to lessons the British Touring Car Championship. His the British Formula 3 title the year before learnt previously. This meticulous approach success over a sustained period of time is, and persuaded Dick to run it for him. The is still used at WSR today, even though Dick however, an almost shrouded secret to all formative years, not to mention others himself doesn’t spend so much time in the but those at the very centre of motor sport. at various stages of the company’s life, workshop, due to having a very good team I am keen to understand this apparent were challenging although success came of people around him. contradiction and it is partially answered quickly, if not easily, on the track. It was Another key strength is his superb by Dick asking for a microphone to speak the young Jonathan Palmer who, thanks to technical and supremely practical ability to an audience of just 30. He is not a loud some judicial issues, had to win the 1981 as an engineer. Be it an innovative and self self publicist, but rather a quiet, down to Formula 3 Championship twice for WSR in designed development, or a fi ve minute earth perfectionist who lets the results do engine builder, with more than a passing their fi rst year in business. It was a success repair to a damaged car before a restart, as the talking. That he is prepared to give up interest in motorsport, led him to offer born of mutual skill and appreciation that was required to secure Jonathan Palmer and an evening of the Silverstone BTCC round to assist a friend, David Oxton, who was was to launch both Jonathan and WSR WSR’s inaugural F3 Championship, Dick is to talk to a group of the Club’s Rising Stars is coming over to race a Formula Ford car in on to greater things. Indeed, it was in the one of the very best guys in the business. typical of the man; generous in the extreme the UK. They started winning and Dick, fastidious JP that Dick found a fellow fan of Finally, the fact that there is a very and particularly where young drivers are keen to develop an engineering interest attention to detail and there, it is said, the strong and thinly disguised desire to win, concerned. beyond engines, took a position at March legendary long Dick Bennetts debrief was or perhaps simply that he is, by his own It is with a wry smile that Dick talks of on the chassis side, after spending two born. admission, a bad loser has driven Dick his two year working holiday from New years with Spike Winter & Ken Brittain at More success followed and names that forward, when undoubtedly times have on Zealand 37 years ago extending somewhat. Racing Services (Engines) Ltd. were to become among the biggest in occasions been hard. This winning streak, Experience in his native as an In short, thanks to spells at March, Formula 1 passed through WSR and Dick’s perhaps more often associated with drivers

38 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 MEETING MEMBERS than engineers, has spurred on a relentless The switch to front wheel drive was not Colin Turkington made a signifi cant both ways. Senna is perhaps an extreme desire to innovate, particularly during without its challenges and Dick admits to impression in the fi rst year and could yet example, for it would take a hard individual the era of the BTCC, with having found it hard for the team to settle, fi nish second overall this year, although the not to be enthused by what they saw in considerable success it has to be said, too. occasionally even doubting the wisdom hard charging Mat Jackson is pushing him that particular case, but there are very After 15 years in the British Formula 3 of the move. Running was a great hard for Independent honours. few people who have passed through the Championship Dick was tempted by the help to getting the team established in A simple chronological run through of WSR stable who do not feel they owe Dick idea of a new challenge and that was to be BTCC although success generally eluded WSR does not do justice the time that Dick a debt of gratitude. Dick tells the story of the British Touring Car Championship. It them. There was no shortage of attention has committed to the sponsored how Ayrton, despite an offer and pressure should be stated for the record that during when came out of retirement Race Academy of the 1980s and 90s that from to run with his team, their time in British Formula 3 WSR won for three races and Dick admits to having helped the likes of , Eddie elected to go with WSR having seen the way been impressed by the way Nigel so quickly Irvine, Allan McNish and Mika Hakkinen in which Dick had mentored the initially Ayrton Senna, Mika adapted to Touring Cars. progress on through the sport. The stability rather wayward Argentinian Enrique Two years of running Super Touring that Marlboro fi nancial support for Mansilla to second place in the 1982 British Hakkinen, Rubens Barrichello, Honda Accords included the challenge of eight years provided far outweighed the F3 Championship behind the uniquely Mauricio Gugelmin and Eddie trying to set cars up for downside of having to walk around dressed talented Tommy Byrne. That endorsement, Irvine are just fi ve of the 14 and James Thompson, both of whom had like a cigarette packet for that time, says one suspects, is one of the accolades drivers from WSR’s F3 period who different driving styles. It was a time when Dick! In addition, Dick has been a long time received during his career that Dick is, went on to drive in Formula 1 unchecked development and innovation supporter of the McLaren Autosport BRDC quietly, most proud of. was at its height in Super Touring, which Young Driver of the Year Award, supplying Understanding people and particularly provided no end of exciting challenges for ambitious young drivers at such an early Dick and his team. They thrived on the stage of their careers requires the ability to innovation that the era provided, but like all mix the correct proportions of carrot and others involved, were wincing as the costs stick. This, when you analyse the results, ran out of control. appears to be Dick’s forte. He is a natural Landing the contract to run the works people person and his undeniable warmth MG team in late 2001 saw a fi ve year thinly covers the determination of a man association with the marque, albeit who does not like to lose – at all - ever. latterly as privateers under the banner of Experience has taught him when to put an Team RAC. The engineering side was well arm around the shoulder and when to lay understood and WSR by that stage could be down the law. considered to be front wheel drive experts “Like all successful team owners and the Championship title fi ve times - an so the cars handled well, and predictably the MGs for several years for the test days managers in sport, the results come from a enviable ratio that has only more recently well at that. WSR were rewarded with the and assisting with the judging process. team effort,” he says, “from the engineers, been overhauled by the likes of Carlin and 2004 Independents titles thanks to the This is further evidence, if any is needed mechanics, data guys, truckies, offi ce girls, Double R, under Trevor Carlin and ‘Boyo’ endeavours of Anthony Reid, which was after consideration of all of the above, that catering crew and our marketing guys.” Hyett, both of whom are WSR protégés and a much appreciated tonic following the Dick undoubtedly does feel that he can But pressed further he admits that there “reason enough not to return to F3” Dick demise of MG Rover as a manufacturer. make a difference to young drivers and are four vital factors to winning in motor says with a large grin! The story is brought up to date with WSR history proves him very much correct. sport: a good car, good driver, good engine Easing, if that is the right term, WSR into retiring the long serving MGs at the end of One senses, when you hear him talking and good team. “You can win races with an entirely new type of racing was the Ford 2006 and replacing them with a brace of about working with the young Ayrton just three of the four,” Dick says, “but works contract, although the Blue Oval’s new BMW 320si’s for 2007 which continue Senna in particular, that the rewards of you need all four to be present to win the expectations were understandably high. to be run under the ‘Team RAC’ banner. helping shape a career very much work championship.” He should know.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 39

THE STEPHEN JELLEY DIARY

very productive test days at Snetterton I felt confi dent going into the fi rst race weekend of the second half of the campaign. I arrive at the majority of the circuits Part 3 having never had the opportunity to drive a Touring Car, or even a road car, at the track, so I often fi nd myself with an unfair disadvantage – and so the Snetterton test was a major boost for me. Qualifying progressed, and I ended up tenth feeling a little disappointed after he BTCC’s calendar this year contained just in Touring Cars but every category. being blocked on a potentially faster lap, a six week gap during the summer I’ve been watching lots of racing I would still it beats P11 where I seem to qualify all from June 1st to July 13th. The reason not normally watch, and looking at the too often! for the gap was because of the Euro 2008 differences between formula and the way Race 1: I started well using the traction football tournament and ITV’s coverage of drivers get round various problems and of the Team RAC BMW to good effect, the event. At fi rst I thought it was strange to challenges. I realise that nearly every single getting up to eighth and passing last year’s have a gap, when the weather is supposed seater driver underestimates Touring Cars, champion Fabrizio Giovanardi. However, to be at its best, but during the period it and probably every other category apart on the second lap I was used as a brake, seemed to rain nearly every day. from their own, but I guess that’s a healthy pushed out wide at Coram narrowly My girlfriend, Jenny, had quickly latched way to be when you’re a relatively immature avoiding going off, but losing four places in onto this six week break and informed me driver tying to conquer the world. the process. I then got into a fi ght with Mat that we had not been on a summer holiday I’m fi nding that I’m learning and re Jackson and Adam Jones, managing to pass for three years and if we did not use this gap learning many things, especially during the them both at the same time! This salvaged then I was in trouble. I managed to get away races, like driving defensively in a Touring some valuable Independent points. for a week in the sun and arrived back for Car. While driving offensively in most single Race 2: Again a good start, and again the beautiful weather of the British Grand seaters if you see a gap you have to go for I managed to pass an ex champion in Prix weekend. it as the opportunity may not come again a Vauxhall (this time Matt Neal), but The British Grand Prix was the fi rst race during the race, and if the move does not unfortunately as I am learning, ex BTCC I’ve been a spectator at when I’ve not been come off you’re probably not going to get champions seem to know how to fi re you racing for a long time, and the experience overtaken. off. On the third lap I was sent into a spin was very different to the extreme heat of In the BTCC if you make a move you have at Russell chicane. I dropped to last and Malaysia and Bahrain earlier in the year. to barge your way through in the fi rst place started my fi ght back through the grid. I got This time I found myself trying to shelter and if it doesn’t work you will normally my head down and managed to get back up under an umbrella in extreme rain with lose three places yourself due to losing to eleventh when the came out a cup of coffee, half full with rain water. momentum, so patience, and making sure near the end. I managed to get a good run, However, as everyone who went to the the move sticks, is key. and almost into tenth place but was barged Grand Prix will agree, the rain made it a Because of the large break, we had a test out of the way loosing my rear bumper in great race to watch. at Snetterton. These were by far the most the process. I felt very frustrated at this My racing season so far has been productive two days I have had this year as point as I felt I had driven well all day and challenging, and changing category has it allowed to actually test the car, try things had a chance of points removed by bandits. given me a new respect for drivers not out, and get some mileage. Having had two Race 3: Was very enjoyable, getting a

42 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 A NOGGIN AND NATTER mega start and slotting in behind Colin [Turkington] then getting into a race long battle with just about everyone. If A NOGGIN AND NATTER WITH.....Robin Widdows you don’t get taken out, is very enjoyable ROBIN GOES BOB, BOB, BOBBIN’ ALONG.... – fi nishing eighth. The next meeting was Oulton Park, a circuit where I have If any one driver encapsulates the ethos of fun always gone well and started on the front row for the last two throughout a career in motor racing it has to years in F3. Qualifying followed the trend, where the BMW is be Robin Widdows. not so suited over one fl ying lap. I ended up three-tenths of a An enjoyable lunch at his regular haunt of second from Colin and rather frustratingly, one thousandth yesteryear ‘The Green Man’, just a stones throw behind Mat Jackson, which my engineer worked out as 46mm in from the gates of Silverstone Circuit resulted in distance around Oulton. him recalling great tales of daring-do, and the Race 1: Was diffi cult for me as the car developed a clutch antics that he and fellow contemporaries took problem, it didn’t work. As soon as I got the car in a gear it tried part in on a weekly basis at, and en-route to, to drive off. This made the start was a bit tricky! For the green Europe’s fi nest race circuits. Sadly many can’t be fl ag lap I was told to ram it into gear and try to drive off – this worked. The race start however, the car stalled at the fi ve second included in print! board, and I just got it fi red up as the lights went out so luckily On track, off track and on the slippery slopes I just drove off at the perfect moment picking up one position of the bobsleigh runs – Widz was one of the true in the prosess! The race was a damage limitation exercise, enthusiasts involved on the international scene at although I wish now that I hadn’t been as cautious with my that time. When not risking life and limb on the race track, machinery in the opening laps – as it was not that bad once I Widz was to been seen as a member of the British Olympic had adapted. bobsleigh team between the years of 1965-68. Race 2: With a new gearbox and clutch fi tted between races Behind the wheel, Robin’s Grand Prix career may have the cars pace was awesome. I was up to seventh after three laps been short, the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in 1968 but unfortunately I failed in my attempt to overtake the sixth in a Cooper T86 his only appearance, but Widz was a placed car and lost the inevitable three spaces in the process. ‘whizz’in other machinery – Formula 2 especially. I also badly fl at spotted my tyres meaning I couldn’t fi ght back and fi nished tenth with the tyre delaminating as I crossed the Graduating from Formula 3 in 1966, Widz scored a line. These sorts of things you just have to put in the bank for memorable victory in 1967, in only his second year in the next time and use what has happened as experience. category, at Hockenheim, when he won the Rhein Cup Race 3: In the fi nal race, after a good start, I was unfortunately – establishing an outright lap record along the way. in the wrong place when a multi car pile-up materialized into He recalls, “It was a great feeling to win such an the Knickerbrook Chicane. I dropped to to the back. important race – we didn’t have traction control in those Unfortunately this was not the end of my woes, when after days! Hockenheim was a blast, literally.” the Safety Car a back marker indicated to the left and moved In 1968 he drove the Chequered Flag McLaren Racing- over – normally this means your being let through but in this entered McLaren Formula 2 at Pau, the fi rst outing for the case it meant come through so I can drive into you leaving me car, fi nishing second around the French city streets behind spinning and a long way back... and ahead of Jean-Pierre Beltoise. I have had some terrible fortunes this season, however, from Adding, “That was the fi rst outing for the McLaren car. It has never been well documented and I feel very proud every situation, I have learnt something invaluable so is this bad luck or mega preparation for the future? to have been at the wheel on that day.” Stephen Jelley

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 43 LE MANS SERIES AUDI’S FOUR RINGED CIRCUS Audi secure race and victorious in the opening four rounds, and a sensible run to the finish in the championship victory in the BRDC Empire Trophy race by the number BRDC Empire Trophy race. 53,000 7 car of Marc Gene and would secure the LMS title – but it proved Winners (above) The lion roars (right) Out in front (below) Allan McNish (right) and Peugeots lead at the start – Allan McNish on his way weekend spectators descended not to be. Dindo Capello proudly hold but it wasn’t to last to victory Under pressure from the start of the the BRDC Empire Trophy aloft on Silverstone to watch the race, the strategy was called fi nal round of the 2008 Le Mans into question, and the number 7’s title Member ’s team, fi nished challenge came to an end on lap 45 when third a further two laps back. Series. James Beckett reports the car, with Nicolas Minassian at the With 10 BRDC Members, two BRDC wheel, struck a slower GT2 car on the Superstars and one BRDC Rising Star on proceedings at the ‘Home of Hangar Straight. The damage caused to taking part – the BRDC British Empire British Motor Racing’… the Peugeot was enough to rule the car Trophy race was full of Club interest. out, and with the number 2 Audi of Mike Notable performances came from Jamie Rockenfeller and Alexandre Premat – the Campbell-Walter and Stuart Hall who ilverstone was the title decider. The only other title contender – circulating finished sixth overall in their Creation- battle lines drawn. Diesel car against strongly until the finish, the title was Aim, and Mike Newton who debuted S diesel car. Peugeot versus Audi. sealed in Audi’s favour. RML’s new Lola MG coupe, with an 11th At the end of 1000km, 195 laps of With the focus resting on the place finish – just one place off the LMP2 Silverstone’s breathtaking Grand Prix championship battle, it was almost easy to podium. Circuit, it was the ‘four rings’ of Audi overlook the lead car, a car driven by BRDC After Allan’s superb victory, the highest- that triumphed – scoring both race and Member, Allan McNish. With his Italian ranking Club performance came from championship victory. team-mate Dindo Capello again putting Rob Bell, who at the wheel of the Virgo At the start of the weekend the story in a sterling drive, the number 1 Audi R10 Motorsport Ferrari F430 finished first in had looked like it would finish somewhat TDI streaked to victory – two laps ahead of GT2, with his Brazilian team-mate Jaime differently. The HDi FAP the Aston Martin-powered Lola of Stefan Melo, to claim his second successive LMS cars dominated the Le Mans Series Mucke and . The Pescarolo GT2 title. before arriving at Silverstone. The French driven by and Photographs: James Beckett and manufacturer team cars had been Jean-Christophe Boullion, for Honorary Jakob Ebrey

44 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 LE MANS SERIES

AUTOSPORT 1000KM OF SILVERSTONE BRDC BRITISH EMPIRE TROPHY Sheer class (far right, top) Rob Bell – double LMS GT2 14 SEPTEMBER 2008 champion 1. Allan McNish/Dindo Capello Audi R10 TDI The eyes have it (far right, middle) 2. Stefan Mucke/Jan Charouz Lola Aston Martin The Le Mans Series has its attractions 3. Romain Dumas/Jean-Christophe Boullion Pescarolo Judd Crowded house (far right, 4. Alexandre Premat/ Audi R10 TDI bottom) The Aston Mar- 5. Peter Merksteijn/ Porsche RS Spyder tin passes the BRDC Clubhouse Yes! (centre top) 6. Jamie Campbell Walter/Stuart Hall Creation Aim Dindo Capello celebrates 7. / Pescarolo Judd victory Right (top to bottom) 8. Stephane Ortelli/ Courage- Judd Silverstone favourite 9. Fredy Lienhard// Porsche RS Sypder Joey Foster was cheered throughout 10. / Lola AER Superstar 11. Tommy Erdos/Mike Newton Lola MG Stuart Hall drove well Members on parade 12. /John Nielsen Porsche RS Spyder and drove the GT2 Aston 13. / WF01 Zytek Champions 14. Joao Barbosa/Vanina Ickx/Charlie Hollings Pescarolo Judd Alexandre Premat and Mike Rockenfeller – Le Mans Series 15. Karim Ojjeh/Claude-Yves Gosselin/Adam Sharpe Zytek 07S champions 2008

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 45 OBITUARIES Obituaries By Alan Henry, Courtesy of

hil Hill, who has died aged 81 following a long battle against Parkinsonism (a P variant of Parkinson’s disease), was the French Grand Prix 1961 fi rst of only two US drivers to win the world (right) championship, achieving that distinction The Ferrari trio of Phil Hill, and Richie in 1961 driving for Ferrari, some 17 years Ginther lead away at the start before the Italian-born won of the race. Can you spot the at the wheel of a Lotus. winner? No driver before or since can have Belgian Grand Prix 1961 clinched the title in such traumatic (below) circumstances. Phil did so by winning the Phil Hill leads Ferrari teammate at Monza after a race Wolfgang von Trips into La Source hairpin en route to a 1-2 in which his Ferrari team-mate Wolfgang fi nish for the Scuderia in this, von Trips, his only rival for the crown, Phil’s World Championship- was killed, along with more than a dozen winning year

46 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 OBITUARIES spectators, following a horrifying collision factory team in 1956. Hill would enjoy experiencing that emotional roller coaster with Jim Clark’s Lotus. considerable success in international at Monza. It was a profoundly shocking moment sports car events and won Le Mans “When they told me the news that [von] for Phil, who would come to be widely in 1958, 1961 and 1962, on all three Trips was dead, and more than a dozen regarded as one of the most intelligent and occasions sharing the driving with spectators with him, I was stunned, deeply deep-thinking drivers of his generation, the Belgian . In his shocked,” he said. “The papers reported and he subsequently seemed to wrestle homeland, he won the Sebring 12-hour that I broke down and sobbed, but that within himself as to whether or not race in 1958, 1959 and 1961. was not true. When you’ve lived as close winning the world championship had Hill’s Formula 1 debut fi nally came in to death and danger as long as I have, been quite worth the effort in such the 1958 French Grand Prix at Reims, then your emotional defences are equal to emotionally fraught conditions. where he drove a hired from almost anything.” Phil was born in Miami, Florida, but Swedish private entrant to Phil stayed with Ferrari in 1962, but the brought up in Santa Monica, a leafy fi nish seventh. Ferrari had been vacillating team was eclipsed by a new generation enclave of Los Angeles on the edge of the over whether or not to promote Phil to of challengers from the British Lotus Pacifi c ocean. His father was a postmaster. their Grand Prix squad, but this result in and BRM teams. As far as Formula 1 was He began racing in the late 1940s at the the French race had the effect of hurrying concerned his career was in decline, and wheel of his own MG TC and, having them up. He drove a Formula 2 Ferrari in spells with the disastrously uncompetitive dropped out of the University of Southern this “second division” class of the German ATS and fading Cooper teams, in 1963 and California business administration course, Grand Prix, then moved up to Formula 1 1964 respectively, heralded the twilight of went to Coventry in 1949 as a trainee with the Maranello squad for the Italian this sensitive man’s frontline racing career. with the Jaguar company. He returned to and Moroccan races, helping team-mate He continued racing sports cars and California with one of Jaguar’s sleek new become the sport’s fi rst rounded off the 1967 season with a fi ne XK120 sports cars, at the wheel of which British world champion driver by waving win in the BOAC 1000km race at Brands he quickly gained a reputation as a man to him through to fi nish second behind Hatch, sharing the Chaparral 2K with Mike watch in West Coast national level races. ’s race-winning . Spence. At the start of 1968, he suddenly His results caught the eye of wealthy In 1959 Phil remained a member of the realised that he had forgotten to renew his Ferrari owner Allan Guiberson, who Ferrari team, but it was not until the 1960 international competition licence. In his entered him in the 1952 Carrera Italian Grand Prix that he scored the fi rst own words, he found that he “had become Panamericana road race through . of his three Formula 1 victories, driving a retired racing driver”. It was a wild and woolly affair in which he the 246 to an easy win at Monza in a Phil returned to Santa Monica to a life co-drove into sixth place. The following race boycotted by the British teams over of contentment, still living in the richly year he returned at the wheel of a 4.1-litre the use of the bumpy banked section of furnished Moorish-style house willed to Ferrari, sharing with his friend and future the circuit. him by his aunt in 1959. He married late, Formula 1 team-mate, , but For 1961, Ferrari were well prepared for at the age of 44 in 1971, fi nding great this outing ended spectacularly when they the new 1.5-litre Formula 1 regulations happiness with divorcee Alma Varanowski, skidded (unhurt) off a cliff. which came into force at the start of the who had a young daughter, Jennifer. They , Ferrari’s importer for season. However, Ferrari’s reluctance had a daughter, Vanessa, and a son, Derek, the US and owner of the North American to nominate a team leader meant that who also tried his hand at motor racing in Racing Team, then offered Hill several Hill, von Trips and Ginther spent much the 1990s. drives in his own cars before advising of the time racing each other, a draining He is survived by Alma, his son and that he should invite the experience for all concerned. Phil won the daughter, his stepdaughter and four Californian to drive at Le Mans for his Belgian race at Spa-Francorchamps before grandchildren.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 47 OBITUARIES

left the road and caught fi re. The fi rst car on in October he was responsible for Ausper’s He made his last visit to Le Mans in 1963 PETER JOPP the scene was W.T. ‘Bill’ Smith’s Connaught. competition debut at Brands Hatch, fi nishing with Ed Hugus in an AC Cobra, but once Courtesy of www.historicracing.com Trapped between the steep banks at that ninth. In the early 1960s he became a Group again oil proved to be his downfall as they section of the road it was impossible to avoid Consultant to BSM and its associated were disqualifi ed for requiring oil inside the burning wreckage, and Smith perished company J. Coryton Ltd. He entered a of 25 laps, and he also regularly partnered eter Munro Jopp was a highly along with Mayers. , Franz number of rallies including the Monte with Baillie in his Galaxie 500 during 1963 in entertaining character and a very good Kretschman, Ken Wharton and Peter were Gawaine Baillie in a Sunbeam Rapier. endurance events. P driver. A leading light in Cliff Davis’ also involved in the tragedy but survived. In 1961 driving with Sir Gawaine, he Peter spent more and more time legendary ‘Filth Nights’ in the early 1960s, He was back at Le Mans in 1956 with a fi nished runner up in the touring car and in 1963 entered the Rally he was also a great friend of . ‘wide chassis’ powered by an category of the motor , an with Trant Jarman, fi nishing 34th overall Peter began racing 500s in 1952 driving 1100cc Climax FWA engine. Sharing the car event that lasted 10 days with six circuit and 1st in the over-3000cc class in a Ford a Mk VI Cooper before switching to an with Reg Bicknell, they fi nished 7th overall, races, nine mountain climbs and two hours’ Falcon. For the RAC Rally he was partnered in 1953. He had a number of won the 1100cc class and were 4th in the racing round the public roads of Corsica. by again in a Falcon. However, reasonable results including a win in the Index of Performance. He also competed on Back at Le Mans he drove a Sunbeam they retired with mechanical problems, consolation fi nal at Brands Hatch fi nishing the Monte Carlo Rally with a Jaguar. Alpine with Paddy Hopkirk, unfortunately and in 1964 Peter drove with Alain Bertaud second to another Emeryson driven by Motor sport was severely affected by petrol being disqualifi ed for having to take on oil in a Falcon. Harold Daniell. In 1954 he fi nished a rationing in 1957 brought about by the outside the permitted window. Another oil He took on the Acropolis Rally in 1965 creditable fi fth in the Whitsun meeting at Suez crisis. However, Le Mans went ahead related problem struck the pair the following with a Flavia, and for the 1968 Goodwood. and Peter teamed up with Dickie Stoop in a year as well when their Sunbeam Alpine had Monte Carlo Rally, three Austin 1800s were In 1953 Paul Emery turned his attention Sebring, only to retire in the fi nal to undergo a bearing change in the pit lane. prepared in single carburettor to Formula 2 and an Alta-engined prototype hour of the race with an oil leak. The oil was drained, the engine dismantled form. Peter drove with Willy Cave but the began appearing in British events that He had a fi ne drive at Le Mans in 1958 with and the big end bearings replaced. The oil car was well off the pace. summer with Emery driving. The car also Percy Crabb driving a Peerless GT Coupe. then had to be fi ltered through a pair of At the Monte Carlo Rally in 1969, with appeared with an Aston Martin engine They fi nished 16th overall and fourth in class ladies’ tights as fresh oil was not permitted as his co-driver, they were that year and was driven by Peter and Alan in what was essentially a production car. In to be added at that point in the race. They the highest placed British crew fi nishing Brown. Peter didn’t have much success on rallies he again took on the Monte with Peter rejoined the race but the engine failed in the 25th overall. Driving a BMC Austin 1800 his few outings in the car with retirements Garnier in a Sunbeam Rapier. The Coupes 18th hour. Mk II (Reg: NOB 292F) entered by Special and poor fi nishes. A fourth in the Curtis des Alpes had been cancelled in 1957 but He talked Graham Hill into having a go at Tuning, the car ran a big end bearing on the Trophy at the end of the year was his only was back in 1958. Peter teamed up with Peter the Monte Carlo Rally that year. The Rootes last stage and only just managed to crawl result of any note. Harper for the event in a Sunbeam Rapier Group offered Graham £50 to participate and over the fi nish line on three cylinders before He was down to drive at Le Mans in the and fi nished sixth. Peter persuaded a television company to pay expiring with a seized engine. tragic 1955 edition with and At Le Mans in 1959 he drove with Dickie another £50 to fi lm them. They fi nished a The -Mexico World Cup Rally with Ron Flockhart in a Lotus Mk IX but the car Stoop once more in a works Triumph TR3S. respectable 10th. Mark Kahn and Willy Cave in a Morris 1800 was disqualifi ed for reversing and Peter didn’t Unfortunately they retired late in the race He was back behind the wheel of a was also on the agenda. The London-Mexico get to drive. He had a lucky escape shortly with overheating. Had they been running sportscar at Brands Hatch later that Rally was a marathon event that started at after another round of the World Sportscar they would have been classifi ed in 13th spot season, driving Sir Gawaine’s Aston Martin Wembley Stadium in London on 19 April Championship, the TT race at Dundrod. and class winners. In rallying he fi nished DBR1. Peter also raced in the British 1970 and fi nished in Mexico City on 27 May Peter was driving a Lotus Mk IX with Mike sixth again driving a Sunbeam Rapier with Saloon Car Championship in 1962 driving 1970, covering approximately 16,000 miles Anthony. However 20 minutes after the Les Leston in the Coupes des Alpes, while one of Alan Fraser’s Sunbeam Rapiers through Europe and . It was start of the race Jim Mayers crashed while also racing an Elva in Formula Junior taking a – taking a number of class podiums and won by and Gunnar Palm, passing Henri de Barry’s Mercedes-Benz win at Silverstone. a class win at Brands on his way to sixth driving a Ford Escort. 300SL at the bottom of Deer’s Leap. His car He was absent from Le Mans in 1960 but overall in the series. Peter was a regular competitor on the RAC

48 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 OBITUARIES

Neal Eason Gibson stands shoulder- NEIL EASON GIBSON to-shoulder with the British Grand By James Beckett Prix winner of 1973,

eil Eason Gibson, who has died, was the son of RAC MSA, as it was then, and he became Secretary former Club Secretary John Eason Gibson. of the Meeting at Grand Prix events, standing on the N Motor sport and motoring was in his blood, and Grand Prix podiums alongside legendary race winners although he was not a racer, Neil spent his life at the such as Peter Revson at Silverstone in 1973 and Niki very heart of the motor racing industry. Lauda at Brands Hatch in 1984. From an early age, it became clear that Neil would Neil was to become the Association’s Technical Rally. He co-drove with Henri Gréder between Peter Jopp (third from right) follow his father into the high-speed world of motor and Historic Executive, dealing with homologation 1971 and 1973 in a variety of . After with Jeff Uren and the Monte sport and he accompanied his father to many racing paperwork and Historic Technical Passports. Carlo Rally Ford Falcon team retiring for some years, he returned to racing events. Invited to become an Associate Member of the of 1964 in the early years of the Metro Challenge Neil fi rst helped the Club, via his father, in 1946 with BRDC in 1993, Neil returned to his ‘spiritual home’ in when he shared a car with Henry Lascelles, the Racing Car Show and the following Victory Parade. 1998 when the Club invited him to act as a Consultant the son of BRDC President, Gerald Lascelles. Eventually Neil became a fulltime BRDC employee, Archivist. He became heavily involved with the BRDC dealing with racing matters on behalf of the Club. Upon his retirement, Neil took time to indulge his and acted as a well-liked, and respected, Working alongside his father, Neil began to collate passions of collecting motor racing books, adding to his Director from 1971 for over 20 years. archive material for the Club and helped gather Club vast military history archive and model car collection. Peter died peacefully in his sleep at home material at the Silverstone offi ces. Neil is survived by his wife, and lifelong soulmate, on 13th August 2008. Upon leaving the BRDC, Neil went to work for the Wendy, and children, Shona and Andrew.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 49 OBITUARIES

190 mph. For this, Peter was named in the PETER BOLTON national press and in Hansard. Perhaps, with By Neville Hay hindsight, we may not have been cursed with this 70 mph restriction if they had not n the late eighties, when my wife Dorothy done it! asked if I would phone back a Mr Peter A year later, once again Peter was in the I Bolton in the Isle of Man I had no idea headlines when, deputizing for his friend that my life would be changed by this Donald Campbell who was ill, the throttle telephone call. linkage on Bluebird, the Land Speed Record Peter Bolton explained that he had lived car, failed at about 150 mph during a run on the island for some years and although at RAF Debden. In the ensuing accident he still retained motor trade interests back the car took off before crashing down in in Leeds, where he had run a very successful an adjoining fi eld. This was much to the motor business, he, and a chap he kept embarrassment of its driver and the bank referring to as ‘my friend Robin Northesk’ balance of the insurer (one hopes there was were involved in bringing back four wheeled one!). Once again he made national news! Le Mans 1963 motor sport to the island. Peter Bolton which saw him survive the ravages of being Peter was a member of the ‘works’ Peter Bolton at full speed in the wanted me to meet Robin and he would buy sunk twice, become re-educated, and while AC Cobra he shared in the clas- Triumph team, he drove for TVR on its me a ticket to fl y to the Isle of Man. They watching aircraft created a fascination which sic endurance race with Ninian debut at Le Mans and enjoyed numerous named a date the same week! saw him transfer service to train as a pilot Sanderson (Photo LAT) successes in the UK. He raced at Sebring Peter Bolton and Lord Northesk, as I soon in Canada. He was able to indulge in this in the USA and at Daytona. He also had found out, were very professional about love of fl ying both at home and abroad for a distinguished rally career including what they wanted to achieve and they made virtually the rest of his life disqualifi ed for an alleged refueling error. works drives in the Monte and a very fi ne it happen. They had both had a successful Peter raced and rallied for many years Rob Walshaw and Peter had already performance in the Alpine in the 50s. These motor racing careers as drivers, Robin with because he loved it. He had started with completed 20 hours of the 24 and after were just some of the other achievements the Fitzwilliam team all over Europe, while sand racing in 1948, around the time that a further delay of over an hour the car that this extraordinary ex Fleet Air Arm pilot Peter had a successful 20-year career in he was learning how the motor trade was declared out of the race – it was a was capable of. Peter was still fl ying until rallies, road races and circuits throughout functioned. He trained fi rst as a mechanic remarkable drive by both of them. By far quite recently, and my, how he loved his cars, the 50s and 60s. and then gained experience in all sides his most successful Le Mans races were in particularly his very rare Bristol. Peter was a Yorkshireman and he could before, with some help from his father, his beloved ACs. He was 10th in 1957, eighth Peter Bolton was a truly remarkable man. charm birds off trees. What I liked most buying the garage himself. In time, the in ’58 and he was the fi rst British car and He played golf, learned to ski on both snow about Peter was that he was an absolutely Bolton organisation spread throughout the driver home and, managed by one S. Moss, and water and was beloved of all his family. straight man to deal with. If Peter said it county taking in motor auctions as well as he was in the fi rst British car home again in He was proud to be elected a Full Member was going to happen, it did! He was devoted retail outlets. He found time to marry Peggy, 7th place in 1963 with the Cobra. of the BRDC in 1960. Peter loved his visits to to his wife Peggy, his two sons and their his wife for over 50 years, and to father two A year later, Peter and Jack Sears made the Grand Prix at Silverstone, usually with families. He was a respected businessman. sons, Graham and Stephen. headline news when, as they had missed his sons, and we shall all miss him. It was Peter, Nick Cussons, Graham Warwick Whilst all this was happening Peter the Le Mans test days, the AC team Peter Bolton’s last two years were faced and others who convinced me to try living in competed at Le Mans 10 times, starting in decided to use the M1 to check out tyre with courage and concern, courage to face the Isle of Man, and I have never regretted it! 1956 with an XK140 Jaguar and fi nishing temperatures etc. This was of course his own declining health and concern for his He hated school and left aged 14, fi rst with a Triumph Spitfi re in 1965. The XK before the days of the 70 mph limit, so the beloved wife Peggy who has been ill for some working in a dental laboratory. The Royal Jaguar was in 11th place when, in what odd motorist may therefore have been a time. To all his family, his grandchildren and Navy was a side of Peter’s wartime service is still a confusing decision, the car was little surprised to be overtaken at around all who knew Peter we offer our condolences.

50 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 OBITUARIES

more ambitious as, with the announcement RODNEY BLOOR of 1-litre F2 and 1-litre F3 to replace FJ, By Ian Titchmarsh he acquired a for the former but moved to Brabham with a BT9 for F3. The odney Bloor, who died recently after BT9 achieved several “podiums” (as they a distressing illness, was synonymous were not then called!) but the 32 was a R in the 1960s in particular with Sports disappointment, its only claim to fame Motors of Manchester, not only as the being a win in the hands of entrant of cars which Rodney drove to round Lake Pergusa when on loan to Ron Left considerable success himself but also of Harris . Rodney wrestling with the Ford Formula 2 and 3 cars which helped launch The Lotus dealership continued but Consul-powered Lotus Mk6 around Lodge Corner at his and towards not for racing purposes, for Rodney, beloved Oulton Park Formula 1. There should have been a third having disposed of the 32 and the BT9 for Below but tragically lost his life in good money, invested in a BT14 with 1.5 Rodney in his Brabham BT14 qualifying at the Rouen F2 event in 1973 litre Lotus/Ford twin cam motor which with which he contested two when a Tyrrell drive was on the horizon. rendered it eligible for Formula 1. Two Formula 1 races in 1965 Rodney began racing, principally on his non-championship races were entered “for local circuits at Oulton Park and Aintree, the glamour and the starting money”– the instead he plucked Tim Schenken from an in the late ’50s, in a succession of Lotus fi rst at Brands Hatch uncompetitive with which Tim ranging from a Mk 6 (with a Ford Consul and then the last contemporary F1 had been working wonders in ’67. engine!), a Mk 9 and a Mk 11, interspersed race at Goodwood, the Sunday Mirror It was a dominant season with Tim with various outings in an Austin A35 and International Trophy, in which he fi nished securing the British F3 Championship to an A40, before acquiring his fi rst single- 12th, one place behind his old mate John accompany his victory in the fi rst British seater, a Formula Junior , in 1960. Cardwell in a similar car. At this point Formula Ford Championship. For 1969 Tim The car arrived late and, although the Rodney realised that, with his tremendously stayed with Rodney but with a Brabham Cosworth writing was already on the wall, supportive wife Denise pregnant with their BT28 in opposition to Reine Wisell’s works Rodney stuck with what he knew – the fi rst daughter, he was in danger of being Chevron B15. The following year Sports BMC ‘A’ series engine as in A35 and A40. more deeply involved as a driver than was Motors and Tim moved into F2 with a BT30 now well into his 70s, with another old friend The lesson was learned for 1961 when a good both for his family and the business. at the same time running Gerry Birrell from Manchester, Brian Classick, he took , with Cosworth Ford engine, was So, for the time being at least, Rodney in all the major F3 races with a BT28, the on a Formula Ford Merlyn Mk 11A, “just for the chosen tool when Rodney became retired from driving but not from racing. Scotsman another Formula Ford “fi nd”. It fun”. Sadly Rodney hardly had the chance to a familiar and successful competitor in Another North West institution, Derek was back to F3 and Chevron, the B18, with compete with the car before his fi nal illness Formula Junior events, particularly in the Bennett’s Chevron company in Bolton, was Barrie Maskell in the fi rst year of the 1600 took hold. North of . making an increasingly strong impression, cc formula in 1971 before Rodney dropped Rodney was never someone to make a By this time Sports Motors had become fi rst with Clubmen’s sports cars, then the out for a few years, only to return as a driver noise or trumpet his achievements from the a fl ourishing sports car dealership with GTs before the B7 F3, one of which Rodney in Historic Sports Car Club events with a rooftops but he quietly and meticulously, agencies for Lotus and acquired for Peter Gethin to drive in 1967 Chevron B8 in the late ’70s. with the support of Denise and his faithful amongst others. An 1100 cc in in succession to the Brabham BT18 which In between times Rodney took up eventing mechanic John Schofi eld, produced one 1962 was followed by a 1600 cc 23B the Peter drove under the Sports Motors banner on horseback but could never keep away of the best F3 teams of the last years of the following year, the cars always turned out in 1966. When the opportunity for Peter to from competition cars. A few years ago seminal 1-litre F3 era. Not a few Members in Rodney’s preferred shade of light blue. move up to F2 with Frank Lythgoe came he purchased a replica lightweight E-type will surely remember him with the utmost Into 1964 Rodney’s plans became even along, Rodney did not stand in his way and Jaguar for historic rallying and then last year, affection and gratitude.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 51 OBITUARIES

Junior Lotus 18 followed in 1960 without Formula 1 in a works at Monza, expertise was morphed into the Ian Walker IAN WALKER notable success but, taking a sabbatical from whilst Ian switched to Brabham for his single Service garage group, which was renowned By Marcus Pye/Ian Titchmarsh Lotus, 1961 was very much better. The Ian seaters with a pair of BT6s for Hawkeye and in the tuning fi eld as a specialist supplier Walker Sebring Sprite was almost unbeatable, ex-works Brabham driver Frank Gardner. of uprated cylinder heads and the like. an Walker was a well-known driver and winning every time out bar one with its Don Frank also drove the BT5, the Respected as a manufacturer of automotive later team owner. He had been suffering Moore tweaked engine, both at home and answer to the Lotus 23B although a 23B was equipment, this enterprise laid the I heart problems for some years, but abroad. Ian also did a few races in Willment retained and used by Graham Hill to take foundations of FAI Automotive plc, the UK’s nonetheless, he remained enthusiastically and Elva sports racers but, at the end of that second place in the Canadian GP – in those largest independent supplier of replacement behind son Sean’s racing to the last. season, decided to hang up his helmet. days a sports car race – at Mosport Park. auto parts, which Ian’s son Sean, himself a Beginning in rallies with a Ford Prefect For 1962 Ian was formed as Yellow gave way to gold for 1964 when the BRDC Member, has run for some years. in 1954, Ian competed in club events to a very well equipped four-car professional IWR team famously fi elded the stunning Ian was a colourful, larger than life internationals, from 1956 to 1960. Realising team – one of the fi rst in the UK to be ‘Gold Bug’ Elan 26Rs with considerable character, an engaging fellow who gained that the Prefect was not an ideal racing car, immaculately presented, with a fl ash success, principally in the hands of respect. He’d been there, racing alongside and Ian acquired the ex-Graham Hill Lotus 11 XJH transporter – which ran Lotus sports cars and reigning World Champion Jimmy Clark with the greats. 902 with which he promptly won the second single-seaters throughout Europe and the ably supported by and John His team’s standards of preparation, and Autosport Series Production Sports Car USA in the familiar yellow colours enhanced Whitmore. IWR later developed its own particularly presentation, were ahead of their Championship in 1956 after installing a Ford by the triple green band in recognition of the aluminium- bodied Elan with an eye time. They inspired others to follow a path 1172 engine equipped with a Willment ohv Lotus link. on Le Mans. It didn’t get there, because it was towards what is today’s professional norm. conversion. The “Yellow Peril” as it became Drivers initially were and crashed by Mike Spence at Montlhery when Having won in everything from FF1600 to known set a colour trend which continued, promising Canadian Pete Ryan in Formula the brakes failed. a Thoroughbred GP Lotus 87, Sean returned with some green trimmings, through to 1963. Junior Lotus 22s, although Ryan lost his Also in ‘64 under the Ian Walker Team Lotus to racing with a recreation of a ‘Gold Bug’ a As a result of this early success it was life at Reims. IWR’s Lotus 23 Sports cars banner Jimmy debuted the fi rst 4.7-litre V8 few years back. He currently races Formula 2 perhaps inevitable that Ian became a good were handled by Australian Paul Hawkins, in the Sports car race supporting March 782. friend of Lotus founder Colin South African Bruce Johnstone and former the Aintree 200 when the car fi nished a lurid To Mavis, and to son Sean and all Ian’s Chapman. Late in 1956 Colin showed Ian Lola star Peter Ashdown. Although the second to Bruce McLaren’s Cooper Zerex- family we offer our condolences. the drawings of his new brainchild, the Elite, immaculate little 23 normally ran with an Climax. In the hands of anyone else the car with the result that for the 1957 season Ian 1150 cc Cosworth Ford engine in British would probably have gone off on the fi rst lap. Ian Walker (pictured right) was successful on the stages, was the proud possessor of the fi rst Elite in races in the hands of Hawkeye, whom Ian In fact the days of both the car and Ian as this picture shows, when in 1961 he won his class on private hands. With this car EL 5 Ian came had fi rst encountered and been seriously Walker Racing were numbered for, in practice the Monte driving a (Photo LAT) close to winning his second successive impressed by when they had shared the for the Sports car race supporting the fi rst Autosport title, going into the fi nal round, Sprite in the Nurburging 500 Ks the previous British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, Tony the Snetterton 3 hours, leading overall. September, it was with a l-litre Ford motor Hegbourne had the car break beneath him at Unfortunately, after contesting the lead of fi tted that Peter and Bruce fi nished not only Dingle Dell, the resulting accident scattering the race with Dick Protheroe’s Healey 100S fi rst in class but a remarkable eighth overall the 30 around large parts of Kent, Tony for the fi rst hour or so, various electrical and out of some 67 starters in the Nurburgring fortunately emerging unscathed. Although suspension problems set in and, as the light 1000 Ks. Ian’s commitment to immaculate the Gold Bugs were still winning, at this point faded so did the lights of the Elite which had preparation, overseen by Hawkeye with Ian decided to withdraw from racing, not to be retired with an hour to go. support from ex-Lotus foreman John least because John Pledger, by now the team’s 1959 was not a good year, a fresh Elite Pledger, was paying dividends. chief mechanic, had been quite seriously ill. catching fi re at Silverstone on the same day Mike Spence moved into the Ron Harris At the time there were rumours that IWR as Ian’s sports racer suffered major Team Lotus Formula Junior team for 1963, would return in due course in Formula 1 but engine failure. Some races in a Formula by the end of which he had graduated to it wasn’t to be and IWR closed in 1968. Its

52 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3

SECRETARY'S LETTER SECRETARY’S LETTER

s has been discussed in previous editions of the course the BRDC is immensely proud to own. I believe both single seaters and GTs, his opinion has been hugely Secretary’s Letter, it is a challenge to get the balance also that the BRDC could and should take more of a lead valued by many of his fellow members of this committee. A of what the Club is offering to its membership as the voice of racing drivers. Henceforth the BRDC (and Andrew)will assume the role right, on account of the broad spread of age and interest; There is the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association of an observer at MSA Race Committee meetings and I making the Club all things to all men (and women representing the interests of those in the very top fl ight, believe that the Club should now start to speak with more of course!), if you like. There is the obvious common but very little below that. It would be entirely appropriate authority on behalf of its Members – the competitors denominator of achievement at the highest level of motor for the BRDC, as a unique Club of premier drivers, to – and the very best and most successful of the 35,000 sport, but this alone is not always suffi cient to keep the be their mouthpiece. It has happened to one degree or MSA licence holders, at that. whole membership ‘pointing in the same direction’. other from the earliest days of the Club, but I believe that There may be a lot to be learnt from other sports and Indeed, this spread of interests and aspirations is a there is more which the Club could do for its Members the President has already met with the Professional challenge to cater for within the Bulletin, never mind the who are active on the circuit, week in, week out. Getting Footballers Association, to better understand what they Club as a whole. The place and role of history within the a consensus of opinion within the membership can at do for their members. I hope that these sorts of issues Club is, for example, always a slightly contentious issue. times be diffi cult, but there are undoubtedly some issues are amongst the many that the membership of the BRDC For me personally, history is the DNA of a Club – it makes that the Club can lead on to the benefi t of its racing can discuss further at the forthcoming Forum on ‘Club the Club what it is. It should be respected, celebrated Members and indeed the wider motor sport competitor. matters’ which was agreed at the recent Members’ Forum and followed but it should not be allowed to lead the The Club’s longstanding seat on the MSA Race at Silverstone on 4th September. A date for this Club Club forward. That is a job for the “now”. I hope that we Committee has recently been withdrawn by the Forum has now been set for 2pm on 27th November in the have the balance right in the Bulletin and I hope that we governing body on account of the Club no longer Jimmy Brown Centre and I hope that as many Members have the balance right in the Club. organising race meetings. Whilst on one level as possible will be able to attend to give their input. In I am also very conscious of the need for the Club to this is perhaps understandable, it is none the less the meantime, any competitor concerns that Members serve a current purpose within the sport and be relevant disappointing. Twenty years ago, nearly all the members may have should be forwarded either direct to Andrew or – and be seen to be relevant – to motor sport as a whole. of this committee were also BRDC Members thereby via me for representation at future MSA Race Committee For the BRDC this is primarily achieved through the ensuring that the Club, and current racing drivers, were meetings. discharging of the responsibilities that comes with well represented. Most recently, Andrew Kirkaldy has running and promoting international and national motor represented the Club on the Race Committee and as a Stuart Pringle sport events at the country’s premier circuit, which of current top fl ight GT driver and team manager/entrant in Secretary, BRDC

54 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 MEMBER NEWS FRANCHITTI RETURNS TO INDYCAR SERIES

2007 winner, and IndyCar champion, Dario Franchitti, will return to the IndyCar Series next season after taking MEMBER NEWS a break from the US-based single-seater series to try his hand at NASCAR. Sadly Dario’s switch into the world of stock cars was not as VICTORY NUMBER TWO THE RACE IS ON successful as he had hoped, and after the closure of his team, due to fi nancial problems, the Scot has announced a return to the BRDC Rising Star and former FIA GT Champion, Sean The Secretary’s Challenge, a race exclusively for BRDC IndyCar Series for 2008. Edwards, scored his second victory of the 2008 Porsche Members, BRDC Superstars and BRDC Rising Stars, Dario will line-up alongside , this year’s Indy 500 Supercup season at Spa-Francorchamps over the will take place on Sunday November 2nd at Silverstone winner and IndyCar champion, at the wheel of a Target Chip Belgian GP weekend. during the Walter Hayes Trophy meeting. Ganassi Racing -Honda. Driving for the team, Sean All closed-wheel sports and saloon cars are eligible Dario’s at Target Racing has been facilitated again showed his worth as a GT driver, by dominating for this race around the 1.6-mile National Circuit, and by Dan Wheldon’s switch to the squad. proceedings in diffi cult conditions to stamp his again the Club hopes for a high turnout of Members Dario commented, “The Target Chip Ganassi team are well authority on the race and claim an impressive win. driving a wide-variety of machinery. known for winning races. By signing for them, I am able to return to By also winning at Silverstone in July, Sean entered In the past, the race has witnessed everything the IndyCar Series with the best possible chance of success.” the fi nal round of the season at Monza in seventh on-track from an MGB to a state-of-the-art Le Mans Dan said of his move to Panther, “I am really looking forward to a position in the points standings – with every hope of Prototype, and this year promises to be no different. new challenge next year. The Panther Racing team are making strong rounding out the season in the top six, and the highest- Further information, and an Entry Form, can be advances, and it will be great to be part of their expanding project.” placed British driver. obtained from: [email protected]

First past the post – again (left) Sean Edwards scored Supercup victory number 2 at Spa Up for the cup (above) Martin Short’s is a Secretary’s Challenge crowd favourite (Photos Jakob Ebrey and LAT) Members racing in the USA (right) Dario Franchitti is set to race away from NASCAR and take over Dan Wheldon’s seat at Target Chip Ganassi

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 55 BOOK REVIEWS

Winning is not enough footage of his racing career as well as many Sir Jackie Stewart OBE personal photographs. The interviews with Headline Publishing Group, ISBN: 978-0-7553-1537-6 Jackie, business leaders, friends and family Being asked to write a book review is not should not be missed. Book reviews something I would normally agree to, Put simply, buy this fantastic book. but Sir Jackie Stewart’s autobiography, Marino Franchitti The Bulletin team recommend worthy additions to your library “Winning Is Not Enough” made such an impact on me that when asked by the in Ford’s Le Mans project with the various BRDC I didn’t hesitate to say “yes”. Shelby – The Man. The Cars. versions of the GT and winning the FIA GT in The book covers not only the iconic The Legend 1965 with the glorious Daytona Coupe. career of this living legend, but tells the This is a no frills paperback of some 208 complete story of his upbringing in the Wallace A Wyss pages crammed with stories, well-captioned West of Scotland through to the present Iconografi x Inc., ISBN: 158-388-1824 monochrome photographs and detail. day. In that time the reader discovers that, If you haven’t caught up with this book yet, Wallace Wyss clearly knows the American both professionally and personally, Jackie which was published in April last year, and automotive and racing scene intimately and has achieved and experienced more than 1969 you have an interest in the career of one of has done his research as the Bibliography at many people could in several lifetimes. motor sport’s true icons, then it’s worth the the back (there is no index, sadly) bears out. The reader is drawn into the book effort to track it down at the astonishingly His style is highly readable and entertaining because it covers such a wide variety of modest cover price of $19.95, say £11. but his bias is noticeably towards the subjects; you don’t need to be a motor sport Some 30 years ago the author, Wallace American version of events, for example enthusiast or a fan to enjoy it. A Wyss, whose name will be familiar to when it comes to describing the birth of For me it was not simply learning how readers of Car and Driver magazine to which the AC (sorry, ) Cobra. His Jackie dealt with the great successes in he is a regular contributor, wrote a book grasp of the European scene also seems at his life, but also the way in which he dealt entitled Shelby’s Wildlife: The Cobras and times a little shaky as this passage perhaps with the great tragedies too, no more so 1971 the Mustangs which sold 50,000 copies but is exemplifi es: than racing in an era when death was ever long out of print and much sought after. This “The Le Mans race, an annual event run present. latest book is its eminently worthy successor partly on the village streets of a French village As a driver, I found many parts of the which covers not just the cars but also Carroll called Le Mans, was a veritable institution book could almost be used as a guide on Shelby the racing driver who won two SCCA in . Jaguar had won it three how to be the complete professional in championships in the mid ‘50s, had his times in the ’50s…” our sport and for that very reason I keep fi rst Formula 1 drive in a Maserati 250F at But don’t let that put you off! The referring back to it and have marked several Siracusa in 1955 and, with , personalities of the US road racing scene of of the pages. I feel any driver, whether from won Le Mans for Aston Martin in 1959 the ‘50s and ‘60s are brought to life by the the lowest formula or the very pinnacle 1973 following which he was made an Honorary stories while ’s later years with of racing, can capture something from Member of the BRDC. such as the Oldsmobile-powered Series 1 and this book, be it in the car out of the car Beset by heart problems, Carroll Shelby assorted Cobra copies, continuation cars, or simply how to conduct themselves in called time on his race driving in October replicas are all documented. Rather like the business. Certainly for any young driver 1960 and looked for fresh challenges. Enter original Cobra itself, this book delivers much planning to pursue a career in motorsport “The Wildlife” – not just the Cobra and the more than the basic appearance and format it’s a “must read”. Mustang but also the (Sunbeam) Tiger and might suggest. The DVD that accompanies the book the (Dodge) Viper with a major involvement Ian Titchmarsh is fi rst class and features rare and unseen

56 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 MEMBER NEWS CLASSIC SET TO GROW IN 2009

fter a successful 2008 Silverstone the Silverstone Classic.” As the sun sets over Silverstone, the World Sportscar Master grid prepares to set off Classic, where over 57,000 visitors saw for their evening race (Photo Jakob Ebrey) A 21 races and enjoyed three days of Dates for 2009 family entertainment both on and off the The 2009 Silverstone Classic will take place track, Event Director Roger Etcell unveiled on 24/25/26 July, retaining the traditional some of the plans for next year’s Silverstone date of the last weekend in July. After Classic in a press conference held in the successfully attracting a crowd of over International Media Centre. 50,000 this year, in 2009 Motion Works is looking to attract at least 65,000 three-day Murray Walker – Silverstone visitors with a bigger and even better event that will feature further enhanced racing, Classic Ambassador a greater number of car clubs and classic Murray Walker, who was the special guest cars, more live music, a bigger exhibition this year, agreed to become the Ambassador area with more themed trade malls, more to the Silverstone Classic, coinciding air displays and other family-orientated perfectly with the launch of his new book entertainment. and his long association with Silverstone. Live TV and online streaming Murray Walker said: “I have been very well Pan European broadcaster Motors TV has aware over the past few weeks or so that confi rmed two days of live TV coverage for Motion Works, who have been organising next year’s event. New for 2009 will be the Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons, said: children here and drivers are putting them this whole magnifi cent extravaganza, have online streaming of the live TV coverage on “Obviously we are delighted that Jaguar in their cars and showing them around. It been putting an absolutely gargantuan the Silverstone Classic website, giving the has been chosen to be the featured marque is extremely important, especially in the amount of hard work into this event. The event worldwide coverage. next year. It is wholly appropriate that historic racing world, that we appeal to the work has been done with pleasantness, 60 years after the XK120’s fi rst ever race, younger generation. We are really looking cheerfulness and gigantic effi ciency Jaguar, the celebrated where they came in fi rst and second, this forward to being a part of the 2009 event.” and I am genuinely impressed with the marque is an anniversary well worth celebrating. whole thing. I’m sure you won’t speak to I was quite interested and amused to New race for Super anyone, whether they are a competitor or The celebrated marque next year will be hear that the factory workers paid 16 a spectator, who won’t say the same thing. Jaguar, 60 years after the company fi rst shillings to watch their company race as Touring Cars I’ve been talking to a lot of the punters, the went racing with the XK120, winning fi rst my grandfather didn’t give anything away. New for the 2009 event will be a completely people who have paid money to come here, time out here at Silverstone. In 1949 Jaguar On a personal note I have been competing new race format for mid 90s Super Touring and I can tell you that they all have smiles factory workers arrived at Silverstone in and I would just like to add to Murray’s Cars, capturing some of the great days of the on their faces. This is the fi rst time Motion coaches, paying 16 shillings to watch their comments about the organisation of BTCC. Organisers will be targeting at least Works has done it and I don’t know how it car win. this event. I love the fact that the event 30 cars to take part and as many original can get better when it is absolutely fabulous Michael Quinn, Patron of the Jaguar is designed to be approachable and is drivers as possible competing for the annual already. I’m delighted to be associated with Daimler Heritage Trust and grandson of appealing to families. There are a lot of David Leslie Memorial Trophy.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3 57 CLUB & REGIONAL EVENTS

10 September 1961. The late Phil Hill, the USA’s fi rst Formula 1 World Champion, pounds CLUB AND REGIONAL EVENTS his Ferrari Dino 156 round the infamous Monza banking on his way to the title. As yet he is unaware that his Ferrari team mate and For the latest details please visit: www.brdc.co.uk championship rival ‘Taff y’ von Trips has already lost his life together with 13 spectators in an horrifi c accident, also involving Jimmy SEPTEMBER Clark’s , at the Parabolica on the second lap of the Italian Grand Prix. 25 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LUNCH BRDC ANNUAL AWARDS GINS FARM, BEAULIEU RIVER Phil had won his fi rst World Championship Grand Prix at Monza just CONTACT: Rex Woodgate Tel: 02380 849 264 Booking information for this end-of-season Club 12 months earlier in the front-engined Ferrari Dino 246, also on the 26 SOUTH EAST REGIONAL LUNCH banked circuit but in the absence of the top British teams. He won OLD TOLGATE HOTEL, BRAMBER event will be available shortly. at Spa with the little Dino and arrived at Monza four points behind CONTACT: Les Thacker Tel: 01293 773997 von Trips with only his home race at Watkins Glen still to run. 26-28 BRDC HISTORIC SPORTSCARS SPA FRANCORCHAMPS, SIX-HOURS The Monza banking had fi rst been used for a World Championship CONTACT: Duncan Wiltshire Tel: 01379 678101 Grand Prix in 1955 and again in 1956 before being resurrected for 1960. Although not involved in the fatal accident, the banking was OCTOBER never used again for Formula 1 cars but continued to be the scene of World Championship sports car racing until 1968. 12 SOUTH WEST REGIONAL LUNCH FARTHING COUNTRY HOUSE Phil Hill never won another Grand Prix but continued in Formula 1 CONTACT: John Woodington Tel: 01271 890204 until the 1966 Italian Grand Prix when he failed to qualify one of 15 BRDC MEMBERS’ LUNCH Dan Gurney’s Eagle TG101s. Many British fans who were there will CLUBHOUSE surely remember him best for his last ever race – the 1967 BOAC 500 CONTACT: Aspire Hospitality Tel: 01327 855100 at Brands Hatch – when he shared the high-winged Chaparral 2F 24 SOUTH EAST REGIONAL LUNCH with Mike Spence to take a spectacular victory. OLD TOLGATE HOTEL, BRAMBER Ian Titchmarsh CONTACT: Les Thacker Tel: 01293 773997 NOVEMBER 1 WALTER HAYES TROPHY FORUM CLUBHOUSE CONTACT: James Beckett Tel: 01327 850925 19 BRDC SOCIAL LUNCH CLUBHOUSE CONTACT: Aspire Hospitality Tel: 01327 855100

DECEMBER 4 SOUTH EAST REGIONAL LUNCH OLD TOLGATE HOTEL, BRAMBER CONTACT: Les Thacker Tel: 01293 773997 8 BRDC ANNUAL AWARDS CAFÉ ROYAL CONTACT: Club Offi ce Tel: 01327 850922 18 BRDC CHRISTMAS LUNCH CLUBHOUSE CONTACT: Aspire Hospitality Tel: 01327 855100 Answer from page 4: Felday-BRM 4

58 BRDC Bulletin Vol 29 No 3