Bulletin

Of the british racing drivers’ club Bulletin Volume 28 No 3 • autumn 2007 Of the british racing drivers’ club Volume 28 No 3 • autumn 2007

2 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3

The British Racing Drivers’ Club

President in Chief HRH The Duke of Kent KG President Volume 28 No 3 • AUTUMN 2007 OBE Chairman contents Robert Brooks Directors 06 President’s Letter 32 arouND THE CLOCK Lord Beaverbrook 10 Damon Hill The BRDC Bulletin reports from Le Mans Ross Hyett Stuart Rolt 08 chairman’s Letter 35 silverstone classic Ian Titchmarsh Robert Brooks Historic racing takes centre stage at Nick Whale ‘The Home of British Motor Racing’ Club Secretary 09 News from your circuit Stuart Pringle Tel: 01327 850926 The latest from the offices of SCL 38 View from the commentary box email: [email protected] Rob Barff recalls the Grand Prix weekend Assistant Club Secretary 10 review James Beckett Tel: 01327 850925 Peter Windsor writes for the Bulletin 40 Blast from the past email: [email protected] 16 Peter Windsor casts his mind back to PA to Club Secretary 16 raciNG MEMBERS 1987 and Mansell versus Piquet Becky Simm Tel: 01327 850922 BRDC Members have been on-track email: [email protected] around the 42 meeting members BRDC Bulletin Editorial Board The Club Secretary chats with James Beckett (Ed), Ian Titchmarsh, Stuart Pringle 20 2007 brdc silver star Dr David Cranston BRDC Plato leads the way Towcester Northants 44 oBITUARIES NN12 8TN 21 2007 BRDC gold star Sponsorship and advertising Franchitti and Hamilton battle it out 47 BECKETT’S CORNER Please contact Michaela Reeeves 26 The Assistant Secretary’s regular Tel: 01423 851150 email: [email protected] 20 BRDC Historic Sportscars observations on Opening round report © 2007 The British Racing Drivers’ Club. All rights in and relating to this publication are expressly reserved. Nothing in this publication 48 secretary’s letter may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission from the BRDC. The views expressed in Bulletin are not 22 BRDC historic sportscar necessarily those of the editor, the BRDC or the publishers. championship 49 member news Design Graeme Dodd is the man to beat What are we up to Damion Chew

Produced by 24 faTHER & SON 50 club and regional events Barker Brooks Media Ltd Our regular feature on Club dynasties What’s on, when and where Barker Brooks House 4 Greengate, Cardale Park 32 continues with Jack and David Sears Harrogate HG3 1GY Tel: 01423 851150 26 rising stars Front Cover: Martin Short, BRDC Rising Star Stuart Hall and Joao Barbosa email: [email protected] achieved a magnificent 4th overall at Le Mans in the Rollcentre Racing www.barkerbrooks.co.uk An update on the activities of the Club’s Pescarolo . (Photo by Jakob Ebrey) young hot shots Inside Front Cover: The Red Arrows over Silverstone – Grand Prix www.brdc.co.uk 30 time again. (Photo by Jakob Ebrey) The reigning F3 champion is going well in GP2

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4 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 BDO Stoy Hayward LLP and BDO Stoy Hayward – Belfast are both authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority to conduct investment business. Racing advert resize Aug 07.qxp 10/08/2007 11:28 Page 1

BDO Stoy Hayward are proud to support Britain's Young Drivers with the BRDC

For further details on how we can help drive your busines forward please contact Bob Butler on 0121 352 6200 or alternatively visit our web site on www.bdo.co.uk

‘Global Firm of the Year’ 2006 WINNER ‘Employer of the Year’ 2005

BDO Stoy Hayward LLP and BDO Stoy Hayward – Belfast are both authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority to conduct investment business. BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 5 DAMON HILL OBE President’s letter

elcome once again to the new-look BRDC last month. I think this experience has shown that if Previous page (left) 2nd October 1937. takes the chequered flag Bulletin! Three issues in and still going we act together we can achieve far more than if we for the last time. Just under four months later he lost his life in a record attempt strong, and what’s more, starting to grow become inflexible. The running of the Club needs quite for Auto Union on the Frankfurt-Darmstadt autobahn. In just three years of rac- W ing cars, the astonishingly talented German driver won 10 Grands Prix. His very into a collectable series. It is an excellent way to get to a different attitude from that required to race. (Therein, first car race was in 1935 at Avus in one of the 6- V16-cylinder 600 bhp Auto know the lives and work of the membership, and in the perhaps, lies the source of many of our problems.) Union C-types which he raced for the rest of his life. In the second, in the Eifel GP on the Nurburgring nordschleife he finished second to ’s same way that the Club continues to evolve, the Bulletin However, together I believe we can win many ‘off track’ Mercedes-Benz W25 by just 1.9 seconds. He was a truly unique phenomenon. reflects and records the changing world of motorsport. battles, which may make it possible for the BRDC Without change, the process of life dries up. The thing to have more of an active role in the wider world of I love about motor racing is that it is always evolving, motorsport. always changing: the pace is driven by the competitive As Winston Churchill was reputed to have said: spirit that burns so fiercely in the souls of those who ‘Democracy is the worst sort of government but it’s the love to race. It is that spirit which also makes the issues best we have.’ that face the Club year on year hotly debated by the A special thanks to all those involved in the process Members, and none more so than the proposals to of assessing the Master Plan. We eagerly look forward to develop Silverstone. developments! The most recent phase, which has lasted well over a year, and which relates to this debate, has concluded in a democratic and pragmatic agreement to permit the board to progress with asset management plans, which will liberate funds to improve the facilities at the Damon in the FF1600 (right) circuit. This was a tough test for the Club, which drove it Where it all began for our President. The Woodcote chicane with catch fencing (remember that?) and the Silverstone Racing Club clubhouse in the background. (some might say) to the very edge of the abyss. However, Said Autosport: “The emergence of Damon Hill was one of the most pleasurable it pulled through magnificently with the decision to Damon Hill OBE aspects of the season”. With the Ricoh RF85 Damon soon emerged as a Silverstone winner in the 1985 season, pipping in the back the resolution to permit sale of land at the EGM President, BRDC final round of the Esso Championship by just 0.01 secs in a classic Silverstone-type finish.

6 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 DAMON HILL OBE

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 7 ROBERT BROOKS Chairman’s letter

o begin my report I really must take this Most encouragingly, our younger Members and our that the project is well underway. The site has opportunity to thank Stuart Rolt for his Rising Stars are making significant waves in numerous now been cleared and – ahead of schedule – Porsche T outstanding contribution to our Club as its Championships throughout the UK, America and have recently confirmed that the construction phase has Chairman over these past three years – through times Europe. At least six of our Rising Stars look likely to win begun. This will, without doubt, produce a new state-of- which have been deeply complex and troubled. All of the Championships in which they are competing this the-art facility leading its class. I know that Silverstone us on your elected board also join in expressing our year, with several others still in with a chance. Holdings are very much looking forward to developing gratitude that he has agreed to stay with us as a Director. This wave of on-track successes by so many of our their partnership with Porsche in coming years. We wish Now – above all as a lifelong motor racing enthusiast fellow Members surely reflects a most positive light upon them every success with this important development. – I am very proud to report that no fewer than four of our our Club – and one which, I am sure, each of us would As ever, there is still much to be done over the coming fellow Members are currently well placed in every one of like to see shining even more brightly in coming years. months – and no doubt protracted and sensitive the principal global Championship series. This upsurge in international success follows closely negotiations still lie ahead – but overall in this upbeat As I write, , and Allan upon our successful recent EGM, which resulted in a Autumn I am immensely encouraged by the progress McNish respectively hold the top spot in the Formula One, decisive majority of those Members who voted approving that, together, we have been able to make so far this year. Indianapolis Raceway League and American Le Mans the path to the construction of new Silverstone facilities. I look forward to keeping you posted as matters Series; while is just two points off the lead in This has placed the Club in the strongest position we progress. And for our Championship-leading Members the World Touring Car Championship and is very much in have enjoyed for many years, and one from which we can let’s all join together in congratulating them for their contention for a record third consecutive world title. vigorously pursue contract negotiations with Formula outstanding performances thus far, and in wishing them Each of this immensely talented quartet has also One Management for the extension of our British Grand the very best of good fortune in the races which lie ahead. enjoyed important individual victories, including the Prix contract. These negotiations are ongoing. Best wishes, Indy ‘500’ win for Dario, which he secured in the most As I have previously been at pains to emphasise, challenging of circumstances, and of which he is rightly tremendous support and encouragement has been given proud as the first Scots winner since our legendary to us by both local and national government, as well as former Member, double-World Champion . the local community, and we are now on course to begin At the time of writing, just three points separate Dario further development and upgrading of our facilities once and Lewis in the running for this year’s Gold Star award, we have secured the necessary permissions. Robert Brooks while competition is also hot in the Silver Star rankings. On the wider development of Silverstone, I can report Chairman, BRDC

8 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 NEWS FROM YOUR CIRCUIT news from your circuit HAMILTON ELECTRIFIES SILVERSTONE! Fans enjoy phenomenal

n early July our team here at Silverstone In light of the challenges that faced us ran one of the best-attended and most during the build up, believe that we can I entertaining British Grands Prix for many rightly claim that this year’s Santander British years. With Lewis Hamilton claiming pole Grand Prix as one of the most successful position on the Saturday, and some very high events ever. profile celebrities, joining us at the circuit on Considering what we had to contend the Sunday, Silverstone managed to cover with in the weeks leading up to the event, itself in glory. including the torrential weather, flooded As they say in showbiz, it was “alright on the car parks and terrorist activities in night”! But few of the 207,000 record breaking and Glasgow, I believe that the team and our crowd, who attended over the three days of contractors did an amazing job and put on a the Grand Prix, will have been aware of the fantastic event for the fans. exhaustive work and preparation that, as a We had to implement a number of result of almost five weeks of rain leading up contingency plans leading up to the event to the Santander-sponsored event, was going and, thanks to my team’s experience, hard on behind the scenes. work and commitment, we managed to ‘F1 is cool again,’ said the BBC; ‘Silverstone succeed where others might have failed. Rocks,’ said the Daily Express – yet there were The fans also played a huge part. We have very real concerns. the best and most passionate fans in the Our team was prepared with a series of world – they are amazing. We had a great contingency plans as the extreme weather race on Sunday, but the atmosphere after conditions continued to bring the water qualifying on Saturday was phenomenal. We table in Northants close to major levels of had more fans at Silverstone on the Saturday disruption. Car parks had to be rested, and than we had on race day last year. The noise some had to be closed causing slow traffic and atmosphere when Lewis qualified on (amplified by increased security checks), pole is something that will stay with me for a but against a backdrop of affected, or even very long time. curtailed, British summer events, Silverstone proudly became another spectacular sell-out Richard Phillips occasion as the sun finally broke through on Managing Director the Saturday and Sunday. Silverstone Circuits Limited

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 9 FORMULA 1 Invisible man It’s not the things you see that make Lewis Hamilton such a talent, argues Peter Windsor – it’s the things you don’t see

ewis Hamilton’s first Grand Prix Lewis didn’t win , you see, win came in Montreal, Canada in because he wasn’t out of fuel when the L early June – and in many ways it pit lane closed, or was ‘smooth’ when the encapsulated not only his own prodigious others were ‘ragged’ or was ‘cool’ when the talent but also the qualities – good and bad – of his opposition. What was true in Canada would also be true in Indianapolis, It was a signature drive where he won again – and at other races that will live in posterity as the in the European summer. Even on a bad arrival of a genius day – born perhaps of a set-up that didn’t work (as at Silverstone, where he ran too stiff with the rear of the McLaren), or others were ‘confused’. Lewis won Canada a qualifying accident due to suspension because his innate natural ability freed up failure (as in ), Lewis was always a mental capacity about which his peers a major force. Give him a reasonable car, can only dream, or imagine – or decry multiply that combination by conditions because they think it can’t be possible. that would confound his opposition, His astounding ability to create a ‘stable and the product would be Lewis, quickly platform’ for the car prior to his minimum elevated to another class. points on any given corner was never Canada, then, was more than just more flattered than on a day in Canada Hamilton’s First Win. It was also a portent punctuated (in no particular order) by: a of the future – a signature drive that will green-ish track surface ready to bite the live in posterity as the arrival of a genius. super-soft Bridgestone compound; four If you were lucky enough to have been periods (which jabbed tyre at Montreal in June 2007, and to have temperatures and pressures up and down witnessed his driving over a kaleidoscope like a yo-yo); irregular new sections of of changing conditions, you were lucky track surface; an unprecedented amount of enough to see Grand Prix driving at its Jim ‘marbles’ off the racing line (because of the Clark-best. aforementioned new track slabs); plenty

10 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 FORMULA 1 of debris (from several accidents, one of It’s one thing, in short, to see Lewis he stabs the brakes at 320kph and then which was major); enough time behind Hamilton on a pole lap – to see him braking (unsuccessfully) spends the next 30 metres the Safety Cars to get the strategy wrong hard from high speed and then turning in trying to keep the rear tyres away from the within the context of the new ‘closed pit to the hairpin as if he is on rails, rotating marbles. That’s how Lewis Hamilton won lane’ regulations – plenty of time, that is, to the car at exactly the right millisecond – the pole from in Canada. think about so much that you forget about because in isolation he makes the task look Into the hairpin – into that basically simple the basics, like stopping for a red light at the easy. It is quite another, of course, to see corner that most racing drivers will get pit lane exit; and news that one of your best him alongside a double World Champion right nine times out of ten – Fernando mates has just had a massive accident and who, in an identical car on a qualifying for an initial millisecond braked too hard may or may not be OK. lap, manages to de-stabilize the rear as (because, by about half a metre, he braked

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 11 FORMULA 1 too late). That was the difference. That was not quite square, or you are on a change why Lewis won the pole. of track surface. You could luck into it, of course – but the odds are about a billion Carry that weight to one. At that speed. With that complexity Fernando at the time would have said that of brake system and temperature. On that the Hitco brakes he used on the in track surface. That is why Lewis was able to 05-06 were more ‘forgiving’, more ‘sensitive’, deal with a disconcerting ‘steering’ problem than the Carbone Industry brakes of the on his way to victory in in early McLaren. The truth, of course, is deeper August. The steering was cocked slightly than that. Fernando’s harshness was to the right on the straight and the car disguised at Renault by the Hitcos. And the pulled slightly to the right under braking. softer tyres of the pre-2007 era always gave Because Lewis drives purely in the correct him enough grip. Lewis brakes altogether sense of the word – because he is about differently from Fernando: for a millisecond dynamic weight management rather than – the first millisecond of heavy braking ‘line’ – he was quickly able to compensate. – he is ‘gentle’ with the left foot before he No surprise, I think, that Kimi Raikkonen is ‘firm’. He warns the fluid and the master – that other ‘pure’ driver – was also able to cylinders and the callipers and the discs win with a McLaren similarly stricken in and the and the tyres before he uses Canada in 2005. The pressure applied by them to stop the car; he thus gives himself the latter on the former in Hungary made the job even more demanding – yet it was The British press greeted Lewis’s third place at Silverstone with a ‘Lewis in crisis’ headline, but I think he drove exceptionally well that day compliance for the slight bump he might encounter in that first millisecond – for that slight change in road surface. And, thus, he evenly distributes the weight, left-to-right. The dynamic weight is on the front, of course, because he is braking – but the car is not ‘loaded’ either to the left or to the right. Uneven load is what causes instability – and the load is never evenly distributed if you jab the brakes and at the moment you jab them you are

12 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 FORMULA 1

ultimately Kimi who made the very small errors, not Lewis. It was Lewis who won under pressure, with a less-than-100-per- cent McLaren. Lewis’s driving when things have been out-of-sync has been similarly impressive. The British press greeted Lewis’s third place at Silverstone with a ‘Lewis in crisis’ headline, but I think he drove exceptionally well that day, given that he had taken a wrong turn with chassis set-up and optimum tyre temperatures were elusive

He had the presence of mind to keep his running when stuck in a sand trap and to rejoin the race when others were climbing from their cockpits

Clockwise from top of page 12: The start in Canada; Lewis leads as Fernando runs wide

Mark’s Red Bull helped raise £500,000 for ‘Wings for Life’ despite retiring early at Silverstone

Fernando signals his intent to re- main the world’s number 1 after an impressive victory in the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring

Jenson’s ‘dream’ has been more a nightmare in this year’s

DC, Massa, Fisichella – not the order that things have ended for David all season, but nice when it happens

(Photos by Jakob Ebrey and Jim Houlgrave)

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 13 FORMULA 1 at best. Then, at the Nurburgring, he of Nigel Stepney and Mike Coughlin, – but he speaks with discretion, always He doesn’t ignore his team-mate, though, reminded us what racing drivers are all industrial espionage has become a hot F1 wary of saying the wrong thing ethically or capitalise on his discomfort. He tries to about: shrugging off a massive qualifying topic, particularly amongst the McLaren (as distinct from politically). He sits in bring Fernando into the conversation, to accident and various unfortunate calls from and teams. Fernando Alonso press conferences after wins and feels remind the press of how much he respects the pit wall, he had the presence of mind was not amused when Lewis failed to that Fernando is finding them difficult. Fernando, and of how much Fernando to keep his engine running when stuck in a sand trap and to rejoin the race when others were climbing from their cockpits. It is a naturally Then came another defining moment in spontaneous, genuine sensitivity the rise and rise of Lewis: for ninth place, – the same sensitivity he shows in treacherous, constantly-changing conditions, Lewis passed Giancarlo in the car Fisichella’s Renault on the outside of a sixth gear right-hand kink. The only surprising thing, you could say, was that slow down for him in the early phase of Fisi didn’t announce his retirement shortly Hungary’s Q3. There’s plenty, if you are afterwards… Lewis, or a Lewis fan, about which to worry. Lewis, though, has been a model of smooth Cloaks and daggers dignity throughout. He speaks from the And there’s another thing – or things. heart – as in (post-Indy) ‘I just thank God Thanks to the incomprehensible behaviour every day for the gifts I have been given’

14 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 FORMULA 1

has brought to the team. It is a naturally else, 2007 has brought them some sort of spontaneous, genuine sensitivity – the responsible stability. Meanwhile, Anthony same sensitivity he shows in the car, when Davidson continues to show his plucky Below and far left: he is weighing-up the difference, say, speed. The aforementioned Fisichella took Win number two for Lewis at Indy between and in Anthony out of the Hungarian Grand Prix practice, and figuring the best place to pass – but then that was because a Renault driver them, or whether or not to let them go. should never have been anywhere near a And listen to him admitting that he mere Super Aguri in the first place – a point disobeyed qualifying instructions in that was not lost on the lucid, straightforward Hungary: “I felt bad afterwards and I Davidson in the post-race palaver. Fisi may apologised to Ron and the team about have finished the race but – as in Germany making a mistake but at the same time I – his standing had taken a beating. tried to explain my point of view. I didn’t Left know how to handle it, because the team HRH Prince Michael of Kent, complete in Club tie, endures the Finnish had been penalised, and I’d never seen national anthem prior to presenting Kimi with the winner’s trophy at Ron so angry, so on race morning I just Silverstone did my job. I walked into the garage with a smile on my face, tried to wish everyone Below At the circuit where Jenson won for Honda last year, it was Anthony’s luck and then just concentrated on my turn to be the quickest of the Honda engine cars, until he was job. It was when I was sitting on the grid unfortunately taken out by Fisichella that I realized how lucky I was to have (Photos by Jakob Ebrey and Jim Houlgrave)

I walked into the garage with a smile on my face, tried to wish everyone luck and then just concentrated on my job

had all this support from my family and friends – and to be driving for such a fantastic team.” No bitterness. Nothing underhand. No dwelling on Fernando’s ‘delayed’ pit stops. Just a straight admission – followed by an arrow-straight recovery. Lewis Hamilton. The new, F1-winning Lewis Hamilton. Other news? Good to see that and have both renewed their commitments to their respective teams for 2008: if nothing

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 15 RACING MEMBERS Members on the move A look at Members’ activities on tracks around the world Clockwise from left: More Champagne for Lewis ingle seater racing has dominated the A highlight in the WTCC recently has Jamie leads Gary on the BRDC’s attention this season. Lewis been the performance of Rob Huff in track, but not in the DTM S Hamilton’s superb debut Grand Prix the RML-entered . Victory in championship racing season has captured the eye of not Anderstorp was great reward for Huff and just the Club, but the world’s media, while Ray Mallock’s hard-working team. Huff Thommo has been winning Dario Franchitti’s memorable Indianapolis loves his racing, and when he is not busy for Alfa in WTCC

500 victory back in May seemingly gave the on the WTCC trail, he can be seen hurling a Ollie Gavin in the Corvette US-domiciled Scot a huge confidence boost, red MGB around the tracks of Britain with (above) secured sixth at Spa, and since then ‘Brickyard’ wins, and podium much aplomb – quite simply, just for the but Jamie Davis was out of luck finishes, have flowed on a regular basis. fun of it. with the Aston DBR9 (below) As this article is written, Lewis is leading Huff’s victory and the strong form shown which retired after 14 hours

the FIA F1 World Championship, and Dario by James Thompson in his N-Technology Rob’s Chevrolet Lacetti gave is leading the Indycar Series – good news for have made sure British interest him his first WTCC win in the BRDC all round. in the WTCC has not just centred on Priaulx recently The F1 season continues into late October, and his quest for an astonishing fourth- while the Indycar Series is nearing its consecutive touring car title. With the Brands completion. Hatch Grand Prix circuit set to welcome Both title races are sure to be keenly them later this month, all will be keen to win contested until the very end, and let’s hope a round of the WTCC on home soil. that a BRDC flag is hauled aloft to signify Justin Wilson and have four victory for both at the end of the respective further rounds of their Champcar World championships. Series ahead of them. Wilson drives for After early season form, Andy Priaulx’s RSPORTS, and has experienced Canadian challenge to retain the FIA World Touring Car racer as his teammate Championship title is still firmly on-track. to keep him on his toes; while Paul The BMW factory driver is currently third in Tracy drives a DP01- for the the rankings, and the points table could not Forsythe Championship Racing team. be closer. Three points separate the top three Wilson is currently ranked fourth in the drivers, and with races at , championship race, with Tracy 11th. Monza and remaining, everything is Following the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, still to play for. the Le Mans Series quickly returned to

16 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 RACING MEMBERS

action with a race around the Nurburgring. race, which started a chain of events that At the head of the field the 908 eventually led to the car’s retirement, but diesels continued their domination of an encouraged and regrouped team proved the championship, even if regained strong at the Nurburgring, and Jamie led an control at Le Mans, but a number of attack that shows much promise for future Members were on-track at the ’Ring in races. Prototype and GT cars. Honorary Member (- After a disappointing Le Mans 24-Hour Judd) was joined on-track by Full Members Race, Jamie Campbell-Walter and the Neil Cunningham (Radical-Judd), Jonny Bicester-based team Kane (Spyker C8), Tom Kimber-Smith bounced back in style in Germany to claim ( Esperante), (Ferrari a strong fourth place finish. 430), Martin Short (Pescarolo-Judd) and Jamie’s Le Mans was ruined by an off at Danny (Panoz Esperante). the exit of the Porsche Chicane early in the The Spa 1000km took place during the

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 17 RACING MEMBERS middle of August, and the next time the majority of these Members will be in action will be at Silverstone, when the British Empire Trophy forms Round 5 of the ACO- sanctioned Le Mans Series. After a lengthy break, the FIA GT3 European Championship resumes later this month around the circuit in the . currently lies fourth in the Drivers’ Standings, having performed well so far this term in his Ferrari 430. With two rounds in the Czech Republic and two rounds in still remaining, Ian’s quest for championship victory is still on the cards. He shares driving duties of his Ferrari 430 with Frenchman Stephane Daoudi. The FIA GT Championship tackled 24 hours of non-stop action around the recently reworked Spa-Francorchamps track, set deep in the Ardennes. As usual, rain played its hand throughout the marathon event, with the top-finishing BRDC Member being . The star arrived in Europe from the ALMS factory team run by Pratt & Miller, and took his wealth of factory-supported Chevrolet knowledge with him to the Luc Alphand Aventures Chevrolet squad. The team’s Corvette C6R finished sixth – 11 laps off the leaders. ( MC12), Andrew Kirkaldy (Ferrari 430 GT2) and Luke Hines (Porsche 997 GT3 Cup) were Members among the 33 cars that made it to the finish, while and , two drivers sharing duties in the second Scuderia Ecosse Ferrari 430 were retirements, as was in the Scuderia Italia DBR9. Allan McNish, Andy Wallace and Guy Smith continue to log top-six finishes in

18 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 RACING MEMBERS

Opposite page: the American Le Mans Series, while Robin have all shown form on occasion. Hakkinen Dario on target for Dan in the IRL – but the differences in design between their IRL mounts and Liddell, David , Johnny Mowlem and Paffett have both won races, while Paul Tracy’s Champ Car (below) are clear to see and Oliver Gavin – this time in the Pratt di Resta has taken a second-place finish. & Miller Chevrolet C6R – are all in regular Three rounds remain, and hopes are high Left: stateside action. for further Club success. Allan is joint top in the AMLS in the Audi R10 TDi BRDC representatives are also whizzing which he shares with Dindo Capello around European circuits in the DTM. James Beckett Below: , , Justin is currently lying 4th in Champ Car and Honorary Member Mika Hakkinen,

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 19 BRDC SILVER STAR SILVER TIN TOPS builds an imposing lead in the race for the Silver Star

wo more wins for Jason Plato in the and some misfortune but – despite the Championship in an Aston Martin DBRS9. Dunlop MSA British Touring Car disappointments of Donington Park and However, his points scoring opportunities T Championship (giving him six to the Snetterton, where his total haul of BTCC are reduced by comparison with the Touring end of July), but none for (despite points for all six races was only three more Car brigade in that not only are there only his remarkable success with the new-for- than Jason took from just one of them – he two races per meeting, but also some rounds ’07 Halfords Type R at Brands has moved into third place in the Silver Star of the Championship are held overseas and Hatch at the start of the year), mean that ahead of and . therefore do not count. the SEAT Leon driver is beginning to look However, even a totally dominant run to the unstoppable in his bid to secure his third end of the year is unlikely to take him ahead Above: BRDC Silver Star – to add to those he won in of Jason or Matt. Matt in his Halfords Honda Civic leads the pack into Lodge Corner at 2001 and 2004. Winning the BTCC itself (for As was noted in the last Bulletin, it is in June the second time) might not be quite so easy, the Touring Car drivers who dominate Left: Jason has pushed hard all season to ensure a championship lead as for Jason is up against another of the world’s the Silver Star standings, the best from he heads towards the final rounds of the year top touring car drivers in Italian Fabrizio elsewhere being Michael Bentwood who Below: Giovanardi and his VX Racing Vauxhall continues to have success in the British GT Colin in his WSR BMW 320si has already had three wins this season Vectra. Fortunes have fluctuated by the race meeting and the season is developing into BRDC SILVER STAR 2007 a classic contest between two of the best Points as of: 16 August 2007 practitioners of the art of . Matt’s Honda has continued to be 1. Jason Plato (BTCC) 253 developed as the season continues but it is his team mate, , who has 2. Matt Neal (BTCC) 188 taken over the winning habit by being first 3. (BTCC) 124 past the post at the first race of each of the 4. darren Turner (BTCC) 120 last three events. Gordon, however, is not yet a Member so he does not score Silver 5. Tom Chilton (BTCC) 114 Star points. Realistically Matt is now the only 6. Mike Jordan (BTCC) 113 Member who can deprive Jason of the Silver 7. Michael Bentwood (British GT) 60 Star. Colin Turkington’s first year racing a rear 8. Tim Mullen (British GT) 35 drive car, the Team RAC/WSR BMW 9. ian Flux (British GT) 13 320si, has brought him mixed success

20 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 BRDC GOLD STAR

Right: Andy celebrates his only win so far this year at the Porto . A good omen for Macau?

Controversial GP gives Hamilton the edge

he last Bulletin went to press just There are just three more rounds Brands Hatch on 22/23 September. before Lewis Hamilton took his first remaining in the IRL but six in the F1 Outside the top three, Allan McNish T and second F1 wins in Canada and World Championship, so the odds favour (ALMS), (IRL), Justin Wilson at Indianapolis. Outstanding as these were, Lewis; although Dario has a second string (CART) and James Thompson (WTCC) they were not enough to keep one of our to his bow in the American Le Mans Series. continue to prosper, with Allan and Dan in newest Members (elected just last year) World Touring Car Champion Andy with a chance of overhauling Andy before in the lead of the race for the Gold Star. It Priaulx scored his first win of the year the end of the year. needed that third win in the controversial recently at the Porto street circuit but circumstances of Hungary to keep Lewis no longer leads the title race after a poor Ian Titchmarsh (at the time of writing) just three points weekend all round for the BMW boys at ahead of the other Brit to have won at Anderstorp in Sweden. A really good run of Below: Indianapolis in 2007, ’s own Dario results for Andy could see him challenging Dario has grabbed the battle for the Gold Star firmly with both Franchitti – who has had two more wins in Dario and Lewis for the Gold Star with the hands and, with the chequered flag in sight, he continues to take the Indy Racing League (IRL) to add to his British round of the WTCC coming up at the battle to Lewis triumph in the 500. While we have been marvelling at BRDC GOLD STAR 2007 Lewis’s extraordinary record of top three Points as of: 16 August 2007 placings in his first nine F1 races, Dario had been demonstrating a not-dissimilar 1. lewis Hamilton (F1) 197 consistency by taking 11 top five finishes out of the first 12 races. Dario came 2. dario Franchitti (IRL) 194 desperately close to winning the CART 3. Andy Priaulx (WTCC) 100 title in 1999 – tying on points with Juan 4. Allan McNish (ALMS) 88 Pablo Montoya – but losing out to the 5. dan Wheldon (IRL) 82 Colombian, who had the greater number of victories. This could be the year 6. Justin Wilson (C/car) 69 when he takes his first US title but New 7. James Thompson (WTCC) 68 Zealander is the big threat 8. rob Huff (WTCC) 62 after a hat-trick of wins in July. August has not been so kind to Dario with two hefty 9. (ALMS/Le Mans) 56 shunts, the second just after he had taken 10. Paul di Resta (DTM) 51 the chequered flag in eighth place.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 21 BRDC HISTORIC SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP Historic Sportscar Championship Dodd remains the man to beat Above: The arrival of Julian Majzub in his unusual Sadler Mk3 has been a With four straight wins under his belt, Graeme Dodd is well on his way to retaining real addition to the championship. This shot shows well how short the BRDC Historic Sportscar Championship title, says James Beckett the wheel base is and the noise is no less impressive. Below: David Leslie has spent six years restoring his Lola Mk1 to exactly how it was when Jack Paterson raced the car in South and the 006 BRDC Historic Sportscar with this car he has scored a hat-trick of John Clark leads Class B for cars up to UK in the early sixties, even down to the BRDC badge! David won his champion Graeme Dodd is setting second place finishes. 1500cc, with his Lola Mk1, while William class on Sunday – not bad for his first weekend out 2 the pace in the J.D. Classics- On the back of a strong showing in the I’Anson is the up to 1100cc Class D leader, supported BRDC Historic Sportscar HSCC-organised support races at the with his Rejo Mk3/4. Championship, and the Oxfordshire driver British Grand Prix, McIntyre’s performance Competitor interest in the series has been has raced away to four straight victories at stepped up another gear at the Classic, and boosted following the decision by the Club the wheel of his two-litre Cooper . a victory for the London-based Scotsman to reduce the number of championship An early season victory around the in his Mark Lewis Engineering-prepared car rounds throughout the season. With drivers Silverstone International Circuit in May was can’t be too far away. offered a wealth of meetings to attend followed with a dominant victory around McIntyre is currently tied in second and races to compete in, the 2007 BRDC the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit. Two position in the points standings with the Historic Sportscar Championship is being impressive drives at Silverstone Classic Class C specification Jaguar D Type of raced over a total of seven rounds at five further enhanced his series lead and earned Benjamin Eastick. Eastick scored his first meetings. him the Duncan Hamilton and overall career victory on the Saturday of Co-ordinated by the Silverstone-based trophies in the process. Silverstone Classic in a round of the Royal Historic Club, 48 drivers have so Dodd’s main opposition this term has Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy, and far been on-track, and with three rounds been Jamie McIntyre. The reigning Class D this win is sure to boost his confidence remaining it is expected that the final champion has switched from his 1100cc- ahead of the remaining BRDC Historic number of competitors to have turned a powered Rejo MkIV to the monster V8 Sportscar Championship rounds at Oulton wheel during the campaign will in fact be of a Lister-Chevrolet for 2007, and Park and Dijon. nearer to 60.

22 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 BRDC HISTORIC SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP

Below: BRDC HISTORIC SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP BRDC Historic Sportscar Well on his way to his second title, reigning Points after Round Four (Silverstone Classic) champion Graham Dodd heads into Paddock Championship 2007 Hill bend at Brands Hatch 1. Graeme Dodd Cooper Monaco 60 Schedule of events

2. Jamie McIntyre lister Chevrolet 42 September 22-23 dijon Grand Prix Circuit, * 3. Benjamin Eastick Jaguar D Type 42 *Double-header 4. Gary Pearson Jaguar D Type/Lister Jaguar 35 5. William I’Anson rejo Mk3/4 28 6. stephen Gibson lister Jaguar 24 7. Julian Mazjub sadler Mk3 24 8. John Clark lola Mk1 22 9. Gareth Williams lotus 11 22 10. Nigel Webb Jaguar C Type 20

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 23 FATHER & SON Jack and David Sears

Starting with adapted road cars in the 50s and currently grooming champions of the future, motorsport has always been in the Sears family, as James Beckett discovers

‘Gentleman Jack’ and David Sears are were challengers in the British Saloon Car Right: two of the most respected individuals in Championship, and this was a category in Maximum Endeavour at his British motorsport. Jack is a former British which Jack was a true master. home circuit, Snetterton, as Jack leads in Saloon Car champion, GT racer and Le As he recalls, it was the Westminster Tommy Sopwith’s 3.8 Jag Mans pilote; while David – no mean driver that allowed him to become the inaugural himself – is best known as the driving force British Saloon Car champion in 1958. “The behind one of Britain’s leading race teams: Westminster was great fun to drive. It didn’t Super Nova. have loads of power, but you could be really Jack’s career highlights were very much competitive – power came in different on-track, while it is fair to say David’s have shapes and sizes then, such as the Jaguar or been off-track – and his guidance of many Ford Galaxie.” young racing drivers in lower categories is Speaking of the two celebrated marques, something he is, and should be, proud of. both created cars that Jack became famous Jack’s career started way back, when for driving: the Jaguar for Tommy Sopwith’s saloon cars were adaptations of road cars. Equipe Endeavour; and the mighty Ford Machines like the Austin Westminster Galaxie for Willment.

24 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 FATHER & SON

Right: Rally before his return to Saloon Car racing The 70mph limit car! Jack in the unique AC cars Cobra coupe with the Galaxie. at Le Mans in 1965 Through the ranks Far right, top: David’s career started like so many, in David Sears with Mike Conway , after a course at the – 2007 Jim Russell Racing Drivers’ School. The Far right, bottom: following year he raced a privateer Royale Jack reunited with his RP24, finishing third overall in the National 1963 British Saloon Car Championship. “It was tough,” David Championship-winning remembers. “It was good schooling and the Galaxie grids were very competitive.” For 1979, Alan Cornock and Royale offered David a ‘works’ car and he won both the RAC and P&O Championships, winning 19 races in his Rushen Green entry; his performances went on to win him a Grovewood Award at the end of the season. F3 was the next step, racing alongside , Roberto Guerrero and , and he also won the BMW County Championship driving alongside Robin Brundle and Patrick Neve. Various other outings followed in saloons and sportscars, including drives in the Jack had reservations about driving have emerged from the cockpit looking Jaguar XJS for , and Group the Galaxie at first, saying, “I had no slightly ruffled from such a drive – Jack A Touring Car events with in a experience of driving a car like that. I did couldn’t have been more different. Smartly variety of Ford cars – and a superb third- not know if it would be competitive, but dressed in jacket and tie, ‘Gentleman Jack’, position finish in a Porsche at Le Mans in we quickly found out that it was. It was a the smoothest of the smooth, looked a 1990, with and . magnificent car, and you could drive it fast picture of serenity. How cool! Hanging up his helmet, David formed around Silverstone or Crystal Palace – it After his racing career ended, Jack Super Nova Racing in 1994, and in 2005 it was very versatile.” became a principal mover in the became Super Nova International Racing to organisation of long distance rallies, in compete in GP2. Smooth speed particular the 1968 London to Sydney Famed for grooming champions of the Jack also raced the Ford Cortina as well epic. “That was a true marathon,” Jack future, David currently has reigning British as the Cobra Cupa at Le Mans with Peter confirmed. “It is a very long way from F3 champion, Mike Conway, driving for Bolton. It was this car which Jack tested at London to Sydney: you have to be very his team. “It is very fulfilling to see young dawn on the M1 at what was then totally dedicated to undertake an event like that.” drivers mature into champions and legal (but very high) speeds but which Jack was no stranger to , though, progress,” he says in conclusion. “As my (allegedly) lead to the introduction of the and acted as ‘chase car’ driver for Jeff Uren’s father once said in an interview, it’s for the 70mph . Anyone else would Ford Falcon assault on the love of racing.”

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 25 BRDC RISING STARS

hard, and with Hall joined behind the wheel Dream Debut by Short and Portuguese star, Joao Barbosa, There is something special about the Le the Cambridgeshire-based team drove Mans 24-Hour Race. The race that forms the through the race to finish an incredible Rising very cornerstone of the BRDC’s existence fourth. has a magnetic draw for Club Members. The result was cheered by the thousands On-track or off-track, La Sarthe attracts like of British spectators at trackside, and if the no other, and for one Rising Star the 2007 number 8 Hdi FAP had ground event provided the stage for a perfect first to a halt on the final tour, as the French night. team feared it would, the Club’s Rising Star Stuart Hall (pictured below), fresh from scheme would have seen one of its leading the British F3 International Series, switched lights on the podium – but fourth was as to Prototype racing at the start of this good as a win! season, joining Martin Short’s Rollcentre Commenting on the result, Stuart said, Stars Racing team. The small team with a big “this is the highlight of my career so far. heart are seasoned Le Mans campaigners To race at Le Mans is very special, and the He continued, “the Ascari is a great car to – and this year’s rain-soaked event saw whole weekend was made so special by High Hopes drive, and is a very capable machine. At this them perform like never before. finishing fourth. I hope I can come back to Having started the year at the wheel of a time of the season, it is very important for Against the mighty factory teams of Audi the 24-Hours for many years to come – I Porsche, BRDC Rising Star Oliver Bryant Philip and me to be scoring strong finishes, and Peugeot, Rollcentre Racing battled want to win the race now!” (pictured below left) has switched to an as race results during this stage of the Ascari for the remaining rounds of the 2007 season can really dictate your progression British GT Championship. in to the New Year.” Oliver, who has his eyes focused on Oliver, who also races a number of a career in sportscars, and Le Mans in historic cars, simply for fun, is already particular, launched his Ascari attack at planning his 2008 season. “I want to race the BRDC Clubhouse during early August, at Le Mans,” he confirmed. “Sportscars is where fellow Rising Star, Philip Keen where my career is heading – and I hope to (pictured below right) was announced as be behind the wheel of a prototype soon.” his team-mate. After a successful test session around the Silverstone National Circuit, Oliver and Philip made the car’s debut at the Silverstone round of the British GT Championship, a two-hour endurance around the 2.2-mile International Circuit. Oliver commented, “the Porsche is not the car to drive in GT3 racing at the moment. Even with an update kit the car is not as competitive as it should be, so for many reasons it was decided to switch to Ascari.”

26 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 BRDC RISING STARS

BRDC RISING STARS: PROGRESS REPORT

JONATHAN ADAM SEAN EDWARDS ALEX LLOYD SEAT CUPRA FIA GT2 CHAMPIONSHIP INDY PRO SERIES ITALIA The class act of SEAT Cupras 11th overall and third in GT2 at Leader of the IndyCar Series Currently fourth in Italian feeder category Championship with three podiums HENRY ARUNDEL FORMULA BMW UK NATHAN FREKE SEAN McINTOSH PHIL Second in Championship and and FIA FORMULA FORD FORMULA RENAULT strong title contender Currently looking for a seat to In contention to race for Team GT3 CHAMPIONSHIPS complete the season Canada during 2007-08 Busy season scoring points in JON BARNES both series GB STUART HALL MICHAEL MEADOWS Podium in Guest Car at Brands LE MANS SERIES BRITISH INTERNATIONAL F3 ADRIAN QUAIFE-HOBBS has led to sponsored drive for Fourth at Le Mans, his 24-Hour SERIES FORMULA BMW rest of season Race debut Won National Class in Romania ‘Rookie’ category winner at Snetterton in July EUAN HANKEY JEREMY METCALFE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL F3 FORMULA 3 EUROSERIES FORMULA RENAULT UK DEAN SMITH SERIES Promising debut recently at Race winner and Championship FORMULA RENAULT UK Two wins in first season at Mugello front-runner Currently second in Bucharest and Spa championship standings with BEN HANLEY ALEX MORTIMER three wins. Neck and neck for TOM BOARDMAN RENAULT WORLD SERIES FIA GT3 the title with Duncan Tappy (see SEAT CUPRA SEAT CUPRA Three podiums and fourth in Scored double British GT victories below) Racing in as well as championship at Brands Hatch Britain and has recorded podium JAMES SUTTON finishes MILES HULFORD LEE MUMFORD PORSCHE CARRERA CUP GB GT AND SPORTSCARS FORMULA FORD Impressive race winner already in TOM BRADSHAW No races yet in 2007 but aiming Top ten results in British Formula first season out of single seaters. for Silverstone 24 hours Ford Could win the Championship. Three podiums already before Best placed driver from British Sam Bird BRITISH INTERNATIONAL F3 SERIES home races at Oulton Park JAMES JAKES MATT NICOLL-JONES championship in Supercup race FORMULA 3 EUROSERIES GINETTAS at British GP TIM BRIDGEMAN Scored his maiden F3 race win at Dominant force in Ginettas so far FORMULA PALMER AUDI Magny-Cours this season NICK TANDY Race winner and Championship FORMULA FORD leader OLIVER OAKES Race winner – currently second BRITISH INTERNATIONAL F3 FORMULA RENAULT EUROCUP in British championship Jonathan Kennard BRITISH INTERNATIONAL F3 SERIES OLIVER BRYANT SERIES Taken 3 race podiums in the NEC BRITISH GT Scored a debut F3 victory at Spa- class and is currently running DUNCAN TAPPY GT race winner, recently switched Francorchamps in July forth FORMULA RENAULT from Porsche to drive an Ascari Current championship leader PHIL KEEN TOM ONSLOW-COLE with five wins. Neck and neck JONATHAN COCKER BRITISH GT CHAMPIONSHIP BRITISH TOURING CARS with Dean Smith for the title (see BRITISH GT CHAMPIONSHIP Made category return at Scored his debut BTCC victory at above!) Showing race winning form in Silverstone last month Snetterton in late July in Team bioethanol-fuelled ‘green’ Aston RAC WSR BMW JAMES WALKER Martin RYAN LEWIS RENAULT WORLD SERIES CHAMPCAR ATLANTIC Top ten results in this European One podium so far and more series expected

James Sutton PORSCHE CARRERA CUP GB Jonathan Cocker BRITISH GT CHAMPIONSHIP

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 27 BRDC RISING STARS

Onslow-Cole takes maiden touring car win

28 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 BRDC RISING STARS

Team RAC celebrate victory Cool and calm for Tom Onslow-Cole, his first as a Touring Car driver, during a recent round of the British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton (Photo Jakob Ebrey)

RDC Rising Star Tom Onslow-Cole scored his maiden touring car win with a victory in Round 21 of the Dunlop B MSA British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton in Norfolk at the end of July. It turned out to be a weekend of firsts for the Team RAC driver, when he started from his first pole position of the season and beat ’s BMW off the line to take an immediate lead he was never to lose. Despite coming under intense pressure in the closing stages, Tom held his nerve to cross the line nearly three seconds ahead of reigning champion Matt Neal, multiple race winner and championship leader Jason Plato. “It hasn’t sunk in yet, but it’s awesome, so good,” said Tom immediately after the victory. “It was particularly good as it wasn’t gifted, it was a tough race from start to finish. I got a bit of a break in the last couple of laps, but to have someone of Jason’s stature behind me and to be able to hold him off was a great confidence boost. I’m on such a high now.” Tom added, “I don’t think it was necessarily my best race ever as I started from pole and should have always been in with a shout, but it’s definitely my most memorable. I feel I’ve got everything under my belt now. It’s tough out there but I’m getting used to it and I think I’m able to hold my own. “With Snetterton being the home track for Dick Bennetts and Team RAC, I couldn’t have picked a better place to perform like that. From the word go really, putting it on the front row with Colin, it was always going to be a good event for the team and the support here has really been amazing. You could actually hear it in the car, people shouting, it was unbelievable. I definitely want more now!”

Cathy Metcalfe

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 29 UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: MIKE CONWAY

Mike, in the familiar purple livery of Under the spotlight: David Sears’s Super Nova International GP2 car, enjoyed his best performance of the year at the British Grand Prix MIKE CONWAY having qualified second The 2006 British F3 champion is a class act, and F1 beckons

ne year after claiming the coveted British F3 International Series O championship title, Mike Conway stands on the verge of breaking into the big league. On the day Lewis Hamilton scored his first British Grand Prix pole position, Mike thrilled the Silverstone faithful by standing on the podium after a determined drive to second in the GP2 feature race at ‘The Home of British Motor Racing’. The Kent-based driver proved his worth around Silverstone, a circuit where he made his category debut a year earlier, and from a front row starting position he hounded pole qualifier, Andi Zuber, throughout the race at the wheel of his David Sears-run Super Nova International car. “I was pretty happy to finish second, but I still wanted to win,” Mike confirmed after the race. Standing on the podium was sweet reward for Mike, who tasted victory champagne almost on a weekly basis throughout the 2006 season. Ending his ’06 season with victory in the prestigious Macau F3 Grand Prix, Mike set sail for a full season of GP2 and has shown great maturity during the season so far.

30 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: MIKE CONWAY

With a capacity crowd of 85,000 either Francorchamps circuits are followed by the already seated, or on their way through championship finale in Spain, at Valencia the circuit gates, Mike warmed up the – home to the annual pre-season GP2 test. British fans with another strong showing Mike is looking forward to these events: during the pre-Grand Prix GP2 sprint race. “People always remember the last races of With fellow British driver each season. Last season I won my final also performing strongly, all eyes were race of the year, which just happened to be on the Brits and Mike crossed the line in the Macau F3 Grand Prix. It would be great fifth position – two places higher than his to win my last race of this year as well.” reverse-result starting position. Looking to the future, Mike, who joined “I did find overtaking difficult,” Mike the full membership of the BRDC from the said. “Silverstone is a very fast circuit, and ranks of the Rising Stars last year, has his you have to make sure you’re in the right focus firmly fixed on Formula 1 and the position before you can make a pass. GP2 move to Grand Prix racing. really encourages overtaking, and so far this “That is the aim,” he said during the season the racing has been superb.” British Grand Prix weekend. Just two weeks after Silverstone, Mike was “Any F3 champion has the ambition to in action again – this time at the Nurburgring, become a Grand Prix driver. I feel that I am where he set the fastest race lap. developing as a driver at every turn, and With the GP2 Series not due to end until with dedication and much-valued support, later this month, Mike has chances to I can’t wait to graduate from GP2 to F1.” shine in three meetings during the month of September. The classic and Spa- Archie Catt

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 31 LE MANS Driving Rain Audi outperformed their diesel-powered rivals, Peugeot, to win a rainy Le Mans. James Beckett was trackside to report for the BRDC Bulletin

he 2007 Le Mans 24-Hour Race record 250,000 crowd, as the track went will be remembered as one of the from dry to greasy to soaked in a matter T toughest and wettest endurance of minutes. races seen in recent years. Heavy rain Despite taking an early lead, it wasn’t throughout periods of the 75th-running all easy for Audi. Their Number Three of the legendary endurance event made car crashed out in spectacular fashion at driving conditions extremely hazardous, Tertre Rouge in the second hour of the but despite all the ups and downs of a race, and had a big off at race lasting a day and a night, it was Audi Indianapolis when a rear wheel came off, who triumphed – making it seven wins in ending the race in the Number Two car eight years for the German manufacturer, he was sharing with Club Members Allan and the second victory for its diesel- McNish and . powered R10 TDI LMP1 car. After qualifying on pole position, the The Number One Audi Sport North Number Eight Team Peugeot Total 908 America car, driven by , LMP1 car, driven by Stephane Sarrazin, and , finished and Sebastien Bourdais, the race 10 laps ahead of its nearest rival. finished the gruelling event in a RESULTS Audi led from almost the start of the commendable second place. 75th Le Mans 24-Hour Race, 16-17 June 2007 race – snatching the lead from the pole The French manufacturer lost its position Number Eight Peugeot on the second car with only a couple of hours Pos. No. Team Car Laps opening lap. With Peugeot arriving at La of racing remaining, when a mechanical Sarthe with diesel-powered LMP1 cars, failure forced the number 7 car to retire. 1. 1 Audi Sport North America (Audi R10 TDi) 369 ’07 was the first time that the French The Number 16 Pescarolo Sport 2. 8 Team Peugeot (Peugeot 908 Hdi FAP) 359 classic had been privileged to see major Pescarolo-Judd 01 LMP1 car, driven by 3. 16 Pescarolo Sport (Pescarolo-Judd) 358 manufacturers go head-to-head in a , Jean-Christophe 4. 18 rollcentre Racing (Pescarolo-Judd) 347 battle for overall victory. Boullion and finished Intermittent but torrential rain caused third, a further two laps behind the 5. 009 (Aston Martin DBR9) 343 many problems for the competing teams, winner. It was the highest-placed 6. 63 Corvette Racing ( C6R) 342 and provided plenty of excitement for a petrol-powered car, with Martin Short’s

32 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 LE MANS

Clockwise from top left: Rollcentre Racing Pescarolo-Judd Marco Werner brings the number 1 Audi R10 TDi home fourth, driven by Martin along with in atrocious conditions Joao Barbosa and BRDC Rising Star Stuart Hall – a driver making his Le The Manatou crews were kept Mans 24-Hour Race debut. busy thanks to the standing water There was also considerable success for Aston Martin. Aston’s The number 2 Audi had pulled works racing team’s number out an impressive lead before 009 DBR9 car, driven by BRDC disaster struck Members Darren Turner and Similarly, Scuderia Ecosse David Brabham along with Rickard lead GT2 before a driveshaft Rydell, won the GT1 class. It was problem put them out just a famous victory for Aston, who before 18 hours have spent several years struggling The new Peugeot 908 Hdi was to overcome the dominance of the impressive, but struggled with Chevrolet Corvette cars in GT1. the conditions Aston’s DBR9s also claimed third,

New Full Member Tom Kimber- fourth, sixth and 10th in GT1, Smith, together with Danny in what was a truly impressive Watts had a disappointing race performance. after last year’s class victory The LMP2 class was won by the

The weekend was a good Binnie Lola-Zytek of one for Pescarolo cars, both Bill Binnie, Alan Timpany and Chris team (top in light blue) and Buncombe, while GT2 laurels went private (bottom, the dark blue to the IMSA Performance Porsche Rollcentre Racing car) 997 GT3 RSR of Pat Long, Raymond (All photos by James Beckett) Narac and .

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 33 LE MANS

On both of my quick laps we were on for the it appeared that the problem was still there, pole in LMP2, but due to traffic it was not to and tensions were understandably starting be and so we lined up fourth. to run high. With advice from AER, our Thursday saw the team fitting the race engine supplier, we finally decided to flush engine and gearbox in readiness for the out the heat exchanger on the car, and after My Le Mans race. When the car was run up on Thursday some debris was found, we believed we had evening it was clear all was not well with found our problem. recalls a race to put down to experience… the new gearbox. When we finally did Winning a 24-hour race requires an get out later on during the session we element of luck, but in my view unless you then encountered a problem with the car go into the race really believing and knowing e Mans has a build-up quite unlike readied ourselves for the task ahead. The overheating. It seemed to get worse as that you can win with what you have, you any other race (perhaps with the weather was not kind to us, but as darkness you gained speed on the Mulsanne. After are not in good shape. After the first stint, it L exception of the Indy 500), and so it fell on Wednesday and two dry wheel tracks changing some ancillary items overnight, started to rain, and I was asked to get myself was that I found myself having the usual appeared it seemed that we might be able to we ran the car on the airfield the next day. ready to go in the car. Standing in the pitlane thrash to get back from the Watkins Glen go for a time. The car was bottoming quite However, the problem remained, so the with my helmet on, I began to realise that Six Hour race on Saturday, in time to arrive a lot on the Mulsanne, so I had to be quite team manager opted to change the engine something was wrong: the car had had an at Le Mans on Monday for the official aggressive to get the tyre pressures up, at overnight in preparation for the warm-up ‘off’ on its in lap. The chassis had damage scrutineering in the Place des Jacobins. the same time being careful not to lock a on race morning. Although the ambient beyond repair, and there ended my Le Mans With all the checks taken care of, we wheel on the damp patches under braking. temperature was low on Saturday morning, 2007– one to forget!

Right Robin showed impressive pace qualifying at night

Left Tim Greaves limps back to the pit lane with the damaged Radical, far too early in the race

34 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC A Classic event A record crowd of 41,000 spectators enjoyed a nostalgic weekend at Silverstone Classic as the event again provided entertainment on and off track

feast of world class historic Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Right: motorsport took place at Silverstone Circuits Limited. Peter Dunn in the ex- Silverstone Classic, in association ‘The Silverstone Classic continues to go March 761 being caught by A Simon Hadfield (who worked on with Bonhams. from strength to strength and would not the car in period) in the ex-Hunt 3,000 more spectators visited the event be such a success without the support of Hesketh 308B in which James than last year, and already plans for the the competitors, the enthusiasm of the won the 1975 2008 Classic are well underway. With the car clubs, and the dedication from all Below: dates already announced for next year’s the marshals and volunteers who put in John Grant, in his first weekend meeting (25-27 July) expectation is high such long hours over all three days of the racing a Formula 1 car, was out for another landmark event as 60 years of event.’ in his ex-Regazzoni Shadow Silverstone and 80 years of the BRDC are DN9 and leads Steve Allen in the ex- Copersucar to be celebrated. Highs and lows Fittipaldi F5a and Mike Wrigley ‘We are delighted with the way the The weekend was packed with highlights, in the March 711 (Photos by Silverstone Classic is developing,’ said one of which was the return to racing of James Beckett)

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 35 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

James Hunt’s legendary Dutch Grand Prix- Dunn heading him across the finish line by his single-seater return when the engine of winning Hesketh 308B, owned by Frank less than a second after 15 laps of racing in his TS9 failed during qualifying. Sytner, and driven by Simon Hadfield. The his March 761. Fellow Le Mans winner Andy Wallace car was demonstrated on the Saturday by With the 25th anniversary of the Porsche was also a non-finisher in the Group James’ son, Freddie, who is undertaking a 956 being celebrated, the races C/GTP race. Driving the 1990 24 Hours- maiden season of Formula Ford this year. provided all the right cars making all winning Jaguar XJR-12, his race ended Hadfield failed to win the Daily Express the right noises. Honours were shared when the car succumbed to low oil Silverstone International Trophy race by between Jaguar and Porsche, when Gary pressure. But at least one Le Mans hero the narrowest of margins after a storming Pearson won on Saturday with his Jaguar had a good result – the Aston Martin drive from the back of the grid, with Peter XJR-11, and Andy Purdie on Sunday in DBR1 that won at La Sarthe in 1959, in the his Porsche 962C. It was a disappointing hands of and , weekend though for Le Mans legend scooped the Roy Salvadori Trophy – an Derek Bell. The five-time Le Mans and emotional moment for current driver Nick triple Daytona 24-Hours winner was lying Leventis. third in Sunday’s Group C/GTP race, but retired his Porsche 962C to the pits with Fine hospitality mechanical problems. Bell was unable to The BRDC Clubhouse was packed as start either of the Formula One races on rain fell during the World Sportscar Masters race on Saturday evening, with competitors enjoying the Club’s unique atmosphere. The sun shone throughout the majority of the weekend allowing Members, Guests and visitors to Silverstone the opportunity to browse the packed infield areas, and watch racing that was simply, in a word, Classic…

Anti-clockwise from top left: Derek Bell was reunited with a Group C over the weekend and as ever was a huge hit with the spectators

Stowe was once again a magical setting for the BRDC 500 scrutineering and competitors looked the part

Peter Hardman drove the Ferrari 250LM as Enzo intended

The Group C entry was fantastic and did true justice to the 25th anniversary being celebrated

36 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC Flying start

eil Cunningham made a dream debut at Silverstone N Classic, winning his first historic race at the wheel of a Jaguar D Type. Teamed with car owner Benjamin Eastick, Neil was triumphant in the RAC Woodcote Trophy race. The one-hour event provided a great highlight to Saturday’s proceedings, and the Cunningham/Eastick Jaguar battled throughout with the HWM-Jaguar of Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams and Michael Steele. Eastick handed Neil the car at the midway point, and a handful of laps later the Le Mans Series racer took the green car past ‘Whizzo’ and into the lead. “What a race,” Neil said afterwards. “This was the perfect result and I am so pleased to have been able to make my Silverstone Classic debut in a Jaguar D Type. To have the Clockwise from the top: opportunity to meet Tony Rolt at The Martin Birrane/Ron Cumming Lola T70 was victorious in the the award ceremony was also very incredibly tricky and evocative special – a great day!” wet conditions of the Sports Car Neil also entertained behind the Masters evening race wheel of a 1965 Ford Mustang in the Trophy Race. Qualifying Gareth Burnett treated those who watched the BRDC 500 to the Bob Pepper-owned (and co-driven) car third on his maiden drive, Neil was a memorable battle between handed the car after four laps – in 19th place. the supercharged Alta and the His ensuing drive, setting fastest laps, came to an end when he was collected 8C Monza Alfa Romeo of Peter by a spinning backmarker at Luffield, ending his race early. “What a shame,” Neumark, which was driven during Neil said. “I was having so much fun. The car was sliding everywhere and what the first stint by Simon Hope better way to race – at Silverstone, the car very sideways and with a BRDC The BRDC Historic Challenge badge on the bonnet!” enjoyed a full 44 car grid

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 37 VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX Grandstand view Rob Barff describes the British Grand Prix weekend from his perch in the commentary box

y role at the Grand Prix this within the F1 Paddock & the Club; and and the FIA GT championship, which drew down to eight this year. Nevertheless, they year was that of Technical from my commentator’s role, where I got to away a number of the younger Members, put on their usual polished performance M Analyst Commentator alongside witness the reactions and emotions of the the atmosphere within the Club seemed to that drew warm applause from the Grand Ian Titchmarsh in the commentary box spectators in the grandstands. be more buoyant than of late, both the Farm Prix crowd. overlooking Woodcote, as well as hosting In the Formula One race itself, hopes of a and the Clubhouse were the usual friendly But the highlight of the weekend for me a number of sponsors and guests in the home win for Lewis Hamilton were dashed relaxed places to be – and the quality of the was the crowd’s reaction to the 1:19.977 lap Clubhouse and Farm over the Friday, by the Iceman, however the Grand Prix catering, particularly at the Grand Prix ball, time set by Lewis Hamilton to grab Pole Saturday and Sunday. So with hindsight, meeting was made personally memorable by was superb. Even after the heavy rain and Position – the first British driver to do so in I probably got to experience as much of a number of events, both on and off the track. wind blew away both the Pimms tents on 11 years. Even inside our soundproof booth the Grand Prix atmosphere as one man Despite the Grand Prix having a date clash the Thursday evening the grass had dried the atmosphere was electric. You quickly could – from a BRDC Member’s perspective with both the American Le Mans Series sufficiently so that many of the attendees, run out of superlatives when summing up myself included, could sit out and have Lewis’s season so far, but if he goes on to a pre-race beer at the Farm BBQ on the win the World Championship it will only do Saturday evening. Formula One, and Silverstone, good. It wasn’t a good weekend for in the Porsche Supercup, (Photos by Jakob Ebrey and Jim Houlgrave) however in GP2 the home crowd had slightly more to shout about. Since GP2 replaced I have been one of the Championship’s strongest supporters, and for the second year running the crowds rose to their feet to salute a British GP2 race winner. Adam Carroll drove a storming race on Sunday and I hope that his return to GP2 will gain him a seat in F1, Champcar or IRL – he certainly deserves it. Being brought up in an aviation-related family I always look forward to the Red Arrows. The ‘Diamond Nine’ formation is a familiar sight at the British Grand Prix, however due to a squash-inflicted hand injury to one of the pilots, the team were

38 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 VIEW FROM THE COMMENTARY BOX

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 39 BLAST FROM THE PAST The greatest comeback balance weight; he could barely see for Mansell, with nothing to lose, drove the vibration. He called in for new tyres, absolutely on the limit, aware in his peripheral rejoining still in second place but now 28.3 vision of the arms and the programmes and sec behind Nelson. There were 30 laps still the flags flying in the grandstands – and aware, since Lazarus to run. too, that he could take Nelson by surprise. Nelson relaxed, of course, as ‘P1’ drivers Suddenly the gap was down to eight seconds. Peter Windsor remembers the would feel entitled to relax; and, also, he Then five. Then three…and all at once Nigel felt his Goodyears begin to lose their edge. was visibly hauling Nelson in through Stowe 1987 British Grand Prix: Piquet, He drove within the car, ensuring that he and Club, and the crowd – and Ian Titchmarsh Mansell, and that overtaking would finish and thus that he would win. – were going wild. manoeuvre…

t was a beautiful summer’s day and the enclosures at Silverstone were filled I to capacity: welcome to the Shell Oils British Grand Prix, featuring 153mph laps, a British star driver and a weekend of total domination by British F1 constructors. All that remained was the race… They were unbearably close in qualifying, and Nigel Mansell, but Nelson won the pole by seven-thousandths of a second. Canon Williams filled the front row. Behind them: (Camel Lotus Honda) and ( McLaren TAG-Porsche). A field of depth, you might say – but on Sunday it was no contest. The FW11Bs were in a race of their own. Nelson led from the start but Nigel gave him no room to breathe. As the fuel loads lightened they swapped fastest race laps and new circuit records. Then the dynamics changed. Nigel’s left front wheel lost a

40 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 BLAST FROM THE PAST

Right Nigel’s day. Here he is heading into Stowe towards victory. When it was all over Nigel hitched a lift on the pillion of a police motor cycle, hopped off at Stowe and kissed the tarmac where he had passed his team mate so resoundingly half an hour earlier.

He saw Nigel jink left, to the outside, before the braking area, and responded in kind – but in a flash, Nigel was down the outside, filling the empty space

Nelson had the inside line as they braking area, and responded in kind – but lap, of course; Nigel’s day had to end approached Stowe with three laps to run in a flash Nigel was down the inside, filling in perfection. But the race brought a but he was nervous from the pressure, the empty space. Nelson tried to come curious reversal of fortunes: in time, this preoccupied with his mirrors. He saw back at him – tried to intimidate Nigel win would perversely lead Honda into Nigel jink left, to the outside, before the with a zap or three – but there was too taking their away from Williams much anger between these two, too much and supplying them instead to McLaren Left: mutual distrust, for Nigel even to notice it. and would move Piquet, much-loved by Where’s he gone? Although the race was totally dominated by Nelson was never going to turn right until Honda, to accelerate his plan to leave the Williams FW11Bs of Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet, this is he, Nigel, turned right. He was the winner Williams for Camel money at Lotus- Becketts on lap 1 and Alain Prost’s McLaren MP4/3 is in front and of Silverstone’s British Grand Prix after a Honda. Mansell, the darling of the British out of the picture. Moments later he had been passed by both the Williams-Hondas, with Nelson, who went on to win his third World comeback drive that will stand up there in crowd, would meanwhile fail to win a Championship that year, leading almost all the way until Nigel perpetuity with the sport’s best. race throughout 1988. But everyone still swept past with three and a half laps to go. He ran out of fuel on the slow-down remembers that pass.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 41 MEETING MEMBERS

1000 fixed wing hours and, more recently, time to explain it step-by-step to a medical 150 hours in helicopters. Frankly, that sounds dunce like me, is now the one which is quite enough to keep any normal person universally adopted around the world and busy but then it becomes clear that he has endorsed by the FIA. It is hard to imagine a dedicated 35 years of his life to motorsport. bigger compliment. Flying Doctor And he has not sat on the sidelines of the sport but rather has become a subject matter Global recognition expert and innovator in a field that had, when In 1989 David established the Advanced Dr David Cranston, Silverstone’s Chief Medical Officer, has been he first became involved, undoubtedly failed to keep pace with the development in the Below: instrumental in the development and improvement of motorsport 36, yes 36, doctors are supported by a huge team of paramedics sport as a whole. and nurses at the British Grand Prix. David Cranston, seated in the medicine and safety, as Stuart Pringle discovered middle of the front row with a nurse to his left, masterminds the Building up skills whole operation. I’m keen to understand whether the skills that Club Secretary Stuart Pringle continues BRDC Member since 1989, kindly agreed to David has built up through his specialisation spare me a couple of hours in his busy diary of anaesthetics are the dominant reason his quest to find out more about the to be my second victim for this now-regular behind his development into one of the Members who make up the British feature. We had not previously met before I world’s leading motorsport medical experts. Racing Drivers’ Club. In this edition he arrived at his private surgery in Harpenden, He agrees that such training is undoubtedly is treated to an incredible look behind an easy 50 minutes south of Silverstone, but I a positive grounding, dealing as he does the scenes of medicine in motorsport knew of course of his professional reputation. on a regular basis with patients who are The Silverstone medical centre is somewhere unconscious, and thus require considerable at the circuit that most fit and healthy people attention to their airways, as well as blood hose of us involved in ‘the business’ try to avoid at all costs in my experience. I am loss, but there is clearly no set background talk frequently about how Britain no exception and, while I am able to point from which an FIA level doctor is expected to T and the area local to Silverstone out that it is ‘over there’, I am guilty of not come. – ‘Motorsport Valley’ – is the world leader in having set foot in the place and suspect that I suppose it should come as no great motorsport. While this is true, as a statement most Members of the Club are in the same surprise that Britain has been at the forefront this is primarily focused upon engineering position. of developing motorsport medical services. and related activities. However, on my second It quickly becomes clear that David is one It is with a considerable degree of pride that visit to unearth a little more detail on the of those lucky people who has managed to David explains that the system of continual talent that we have within the ranks of the combine not just one hobby but two with care from the point of accident on the circuit Club Membership, I discovered that there is his professional life so that the lines between through to the extrication, transportation to another field entirely where Silverstone can all are really very blurred. One senses that the medical centre, entry into the medical claim to be a true innovator and leader in its he has a way of life rather than a job. Clearly centre, treatment at the circuit, transfer field. That is the extraordinarily important an expert in his field of anaesthetics, his to ambulance or helicopter, transit to arena of motorsport medicine. enjoyment of flying, which was gained along hospital, and transfer into specialist hospital Dr David Cranston, Consultant with a private pilot’s licence some 35 years facilities is conducted with constant medical Anaesthetist, licensed Aero-medical ago, has translated itself into him becoming intervention to a procedure developed over Specialist, Member of the Silverstone Medical Chief Doctor to Easyjet and Monarch Airlines time by the team at Silverstone. He should Team since 1972 and Chief Medical Officer in the course of licensing some 1600 pilots a know: he wrote the book! And this procedure, to Silverstone since 1986, not to mention year, not to mention building up more than which is entirely logical when David takes

42 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 MEETING MEMBERS

Trauma Life Support Course – the only one sport and British endeavours worldwide. We moment was the tragic death of Ayrton Senna “Without doubt, the medical centre at of its kind run by motorsport doctors for agree that Dr Benjafield, the Club’s founding in 1994. The fact that on one weekend both Silverstone.” Built to a specification set out motorsport at a motorsport circuit. This is father, probably had little input into medical Senna and should lose by David in the now-universally accepted now an annual course and is something that motorsport support at the time, but Benjy their lives following a period when F1 had manual of motorsport medical care, the the Silverstone team, under David’s tenure, is a name to which David refers when he is enjoyed no fatal accidents for some time was facilities were the best in the world when built have led – to worldwide acclaim. explaining to his new recruits the long history a sharp wake-up call for a community which, and remain so to this day. They have set the Why Britain should lead in this specialist of the Club and the influence of medicine in David feels, had perhaps thought it had standard for others to match at newer circuits. field is not entirely clear, although David motorsport over many years. managed the risk. committed I am embarrassed to have to admit that I had points to a long tradition of interest and I am aware that during the history of the himself to driving forward standards not just no idea there is a four bed trauma unit, fully support of the medical side of motorsport. sport there have been certain times when in the medical world but right back to basics equipped operating theatre including blood Most recently, the FIA Formula 1 Medical greater emphasis has been placed upon and through the design of individual corners bank, burns unit, full X-ray and ultrasound Delegate has been Professor Sid Watkins, who medical practices and safety in general. at specific tracks, run-offs, barriers and car suite, minor casualties unit and two four bed has been a remarkable ambassador for the David is clear that the single biggest defining wards. In short, a facility that is far in advance of that in most small towns. Indeed, it is with Sid Watkins used to say a considerable sense of pride and the smallest that Silverstone was one of only of wry smiles that David tells me that Sid two Grands Prix at which he Watkins used to say that Silverstone was one of only two Grands Prix at which he could could relax, confident that the relax, confident that the medical team were medical team were completely completely on top of their game. It is, perhaps, on top of their game a pity that there is not a wider understanding of the pioneering role and pre-eminent position that the Silverstone Medical team design. His personal crusade was central to has created in the world of F1 and motorsport the massive leap forward that followed those in general. It is something of which David tragic accidents. is rightly proud and indeed from which all “Sid had been very close to Ayrton and BRDC Members should enjoy a sense of he undoubtedly took his loss personally. I reflected glory. If there is any disappointment suppose that was the good that came out of regarding his career, perhaps it is that he did the whole affair. Sid can be monumentally not pick up the senior role of FIA F1 Medical proud of how the sport was pulled forward. Delegate upon the retirement of ‘The Prof’. “I Just look at Robert Kubica in Montreal earlier would have loved to have taken on the role, this season. It was a big accident where high but it wasn’t to be,” he says. He is pragmatic, safety standards in the design of the car and but I sense disappointed. circuit safety equipment saved him, but also The last word is probably best left to FIA the medical intervention and procedures in F1 Medical Delegate Gary Hartstein, whose place and their reaction to the accident were official medical report for the 2007 British first class.” Grand Prix reads: ‘Excellent discipline, terrific attitude and a team with massive Best of the best motorsport experience. Truly an example of And of his personal legacy, what does David what a medical service can and should be.’ feel is his greatest achievement? Enough said.

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 43 OBITUARIES

could find the drivers, and the deal was and campaigning, of two families of done. Jack Sears had retired from racing, V8-engined American Fords. The two but Jeff called him up and tempted him programmes could not have been more back with the Cortina and a Galaxie and different. On the one hand, there were Jack Sears became champion. the Falcons that competed in the Monte Obituaries Throughout 1963-1964 Jeff was Carlo rally – and on the other there was closely involved in the development, the gargantuan Galaxie that appeared, Competition Manager of Ford, explaining JEFF UREN that he wanted to ‘go racing’. Although not signed as a ‘works’ driver, he was n two busy decades – the 1950s and instructed to ‘keep in touch’. Jeff bought 1960s – Jeff Uren was not only a a Zephyr in 1957, and running it in on I successful racing driver, but also a the road, he set off for Silverstone. In great team manager and a manufacturer of 1958 he ran Zephyrs again, gave Ford fondly-remembered ‘fast Fords’. their first Championship class win at When motor racing was more about fun , and finished second in the than business, when trailers were race, standings to Jack Sears and his Austin A105 motorhomes not even thought about, Westminster. and sponsorship forbidden, it needed With an ‘open set of regulations’ determined men like Jeff Uren to get the announced by the BRSCC for 1959, and best out of very ordinary cars. although not an overall race winner, six He started rallying in Ford Anglia 100Es, class victories resulted in championship first went motor racing in Willment- glory, and a chance telephone call from converted Anglias – and won Britain’s Colonel Maurice Buckmaster from premier saloon car championship – the the Ford Public Relations department BRSCC series – in 1959. followed, when Jeff was invited by ‘Henry’ Raised in Cornwall, Jeff’s love of to become their new Competitions motorsport was kindled by his brother, Manager. Douglas. He knew Donald Bain, who From October 1959, Jeff ran Ford wanted to enter the Monte Carlo rally in Motorsport on a contract basis, and that 1955. As an engineer, Jeff was invited to year Gerry Burgess won the RAC Rally be part of the expedition, and at first the and Vic Preston finished third on the 1960 entry was refused, the accepted, then Safari. the team chose an Armstrong-Siddeley Two years later, in September 1962, Sapphire, then they learned to go rallying Jeff sat down with John Willment and the ‘on the hoof’ – finishing 141st out of 450 result was the setting-up of the Willment starters. Motor Racing Division. The Lotus-Cortina Following that, in his own 100E, Jeff had been delayed, so the duo turned to a finished 121st on the 1956 Monte, and team of Cortina GTs. started to enter sprints, hillclimbs and Approaching at Ford, Jeff with the Six-Hour Relay, racing events. asked for three Cortina GTs, £10,000 and He approached “Edgy” Fabris, the a quantity of spares. Hayes agreed, if Jeff

44 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 OBITUARIES so successfully, on the British Saloon Car Palace, and despite its drum brakes taking Performance was to continue at Arrows for the rest of racing scene a few months later. a pounding, Jack Sears kept the big car out Motors, but after his working life, eventually leaving the Jeff was introduced and recommended of the barriers! six months in race team and working at something to the Americans, who had never before The Galaxie continued into 1964, but hospital after a he enjoyed the most – Research and been rallying and were keen to move their by this time Jeff was far too busy to follow car accident in Development. Pete was one of the Falcon into the European market, by Walter its every movement. Not only did the which he was a cleverest engineers one could ever meet, Hayes, and as soon as Jeff sat in one of Willment team become heavily involved passenger, the with an ability to understand the workings the cars he found its performance to be in running the famous Willment Daytona business was of any piece of machinery, and usually tremendous. Cobra, but also moved up into single- closed. an ability to improve upon whatever that For Monte Carlo, Jeff employed Swedish seater racing, and in due course Jeff also Pete’s friend machinery was. driver Bussie Ljungfeldt to lead the attack moved on to set up another business – the John Muller had Apart from his interest in racing cars as the ‘win at all costs’ entry. Peter Jopp was ‘Race Proved’ enterprise, which inspired come to and eventually joined Pete was a discerning car collector, and also lined-up by Jeff, and Anne Hall was the birth of the ‘Essex’ V6-engined Cortina Winkelmann Racing, and when the team over the years he owned a BMW 507, a entered to tackle the ladies’ competition. Savage, and other famous Ford-based cars. expanded to run a second car for Jochen 330 Ferrari, a DB2 Aston Martin, and his Although overall victory did not go Uren Rindt, John persuaded Pete that he should favourite, a Ferrari Lusso. and Ford’s way, Jopp did win his class, with Graham Robson also make the trip to be Jochen’s mechanic. Following the death of his beloved wife Ljungfeldt second – both benefiting from Pete arrived in England in March of Marcia, Pete set about completing the Jeff’s ‘works’ professional service crews, 1965, and was immediately taken to the restoration and sale of his collector cars, who had drivers such as Paul Hawkins, Brabham factory to assemble the new car and finally finishing the extension to his John Manussis and Jack Sears on the road PETER KERR he was to minister to for the season. house. This was part of his ‘packing up’ in other Falcons, chasing around to look at After John left to join McLaren a year process, which he hoped would eventually road conditions. C. (Pete) Kerr, who died recently, later Pete was appointed chief mechanic, see him moving back to for Before the Monte challenge was will be remembered as one of a position he held through the glory years his final days. Sadly he was diagnosed with complete, Jeff began to discuss the ’63 race D.the great chief mechanics of the of Winkelmann Racing and Jochen’s virtual cancer late in 2006, and died, aged 73, programme with John Willment. Ford-USA 1970s and 80s. He worked with some of domination of Formula 2. before he could make the move. and Holman & Moody began to talk about the great drivers, including , At the end of 1969 Pete followed In spite of his great talents as mechanic bringing a Galaxie across to Britain for , and . Alan Rees to the newly formed March and engineer, Pete always remained saloon car racing. Jeff lapped Daytona with Pete was born in New Zealand, and Engineering where he became Chief extremely modest about his achievements ‘Fireball’ Roberts to get a taste and shortly having an interest in cars and engines from Mechanic on the Formula One team, and and always seemed surprised at the afterwards a telephone call to Jack Sears an early age he served an apprenticeship worked with Chris Amon during 1970. The genuine affection and admiration he sealed the deal for him to drive the 450bhp on diesels at Caterpillar agents Gough, following year Ronnie Peterson became engendered from so many who knew him. 7-litre V8 monster, and with Spike Winters Gough and Hamer, which taught him Number One driver at March, and he and To the last he retained his great sense of and Brian Muir carrying-out engineering all the basics of engine building, fuel Pete struck up a strong partnership, which humour, joking with those who called duties, a steep mountain had to be climbed injection, and electronics. was to endure during both the times that to see him in his final days. One of his before the car made its UK track debut. His first introduction to motorsport Ronnie drove for March. proudest moments was being elected a Under Jeff’s stewardship the car was was through the Hamilton Car Club, After Alan Rees left to join Shadow, Pete Member of the BRDC in 2000. taken to Silverstone, practised, and Jack and that eventually led to him joining stayed at March, but eventually moved to Sears won the first race with it – “Lofty” the Motordrome Racing Team where Shadow at the end of 1973, where he filled Howden Ganley England of Jaguar protested it. There were he met some of the people who were to the same position as he had at March. arguments, but it was passed legal! influence his decision to make motor He later moved from Shadow to the The car won races at fast tracks, like racing his profession, among them John newly formed Arrows in 1977, again Silverstone, and twisty circuits, like Crystal Muller. He then opened his own business, with Alan Rees and Jackie Oliver. He Continued overleaf

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 45 OBITUARIES

the Course at various race meetings. VIC SPARKES This led to Vic being an FIA accredited Clerk of the Course at n Associate Member of the many international events including Club since 1976, Vic’s passion the British Grand Prix, Formula 3000, A was motor racing. Before a FIA Sports Cars and . long career in marshalling and duties On his retirement in 1997, Vic was in race control, he, like so many, took made an ‘Officiel d’Honneur’ of the a turn behind the wheel – racing a Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports 500cc F3 car in the 1950s. Association, and after he and his As with so many drivers, the usual wife Cathie moved to Buckfastleigh constraints of time and money led in Devon, he continued to enjoy him away from driving, but his love his motor racing and acted as Club of the sport led him into marshalling. Steward whenever possible. Shortly after the formation of the His last visit to Silverstone was to British Motor Racing Marshals Club the 2006 British Grand Prix where in 1957, he joined and worked his he enjoyed watching the racing and way up the ladder. meeting with a large number of old Fred leaves five daughters by his first marriage, Living in Stokenchurch, his friends. Vic was much respected in FRED GODDARD and Earl and a daughter by his second. raceday activities centred on the world of motor racing and will A Memorial Service was held at St Michael’s Silverstone, where he became a be greatly missed by everyone who red Goddard, who died in a road accident Church in Silverstone on 31 July, followed by a trip regular Observer. During this time, knew him. near Elkhart Lake’s circuit, to The White Horse – just as Fred would have liked! Vic was Chairman of the Southern Vic is survived by his wife Cathie F was one of an extraordinary breed of Region of the BMRMC for a period. and his three children Martin, intuitive engineers from the African continent. Marcus Pye When the BRDC decided to run all Nicholas and Judith from his Born in Zimbabwe, Goddard built his own car, the major meetings at Silverstone, previous marriage to Doreen, to the FMG 1, for South African Formula One events. Vic was appointed Deputy Chief all of whom we offer our deepest Ranged against proprietary ex-works chassis, his Observer and then Chief Observer, sympathies. only points finish was for sixth place in the 1969 KEN COFFEY and following this service, Vic was Natal Winter Trophy at Roy Hesketh. invited by the Board to become an Len Pullen Goddard relocated to England in 1989, where en joined the BRDC in 1975, having Associate Member of the BRDC in he ran Bowman’s Formula 3 Class B team before competed in events that qualified him for 1976, and additionally to be Clerk of setting up shop on his own the following season. K Club membership during the period 1968 In 1991, at Mika Hakkinen’s behest, he guided Finn to 1974. Pekka Herva to the F3 B-class title, a feat repeated In the 1000-mile race at Brands Hatch, and the The Club are sorry to inform you that the following by Gary Paffett and in 2000 and 2001. Spa 24-Hour Race, Ken enjoyed class podium Members have passed away: Fred played a role in the careers of South finishes in cars such as the and Twin Africans Hilton Cowie, Stephen Watson, Werner Cam Escort, and behind the wheel of a Ford Escort CEDRIC BRIERLEY Lupberger, and among others. RS2000 he was classified third in class and twelfth and His involvement spanned F3000, EuroBoss and overall in the Silverstone Tourist Trophy of 1975, GEOFFREY RICHARDSON Sportscar racing, and was intertwined with the sharing driving duties with Cyd Williams. Obituaries will be published in the next Bulletin. driving career of his son Earl (also a BRDC Member).

46 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 BECKETT'S CORNER

Corner tt ’s

Becke Long live the BRDC 500

‘Why is the BRDC 500 so good?’ – it is a Prototype, driven by Martin Short, leading winners being handed their trophies, sitting question I have been asked several times the field around on the Pace Lap, the race in their cars, by the Club Secretary. recently. started unlike any other seen at Silverstone. 2004 saw the BRDC 500 re-established as It is difficult to put a finger exactly on the The BRDC 500 was back. a major race on the historic racing calendar, spot, but my simple guess is that it contains With post race presentations taking and this year’s Silverstone Classic saw everything that is great about the BRDC. It place outside the BRDC Clubhouse by the the fourth running of the BRDC 500 in its has style, it has heritage, it has a sense of Brooklands Gates, the BRDC 500 ensured it current format – the event again forming a tradition, it has camaraderie, and – above kept to its traditions, even down to the race cornerstone of the Club’s social calendar. all – it has motor racing! The assembly of pre-war sportscars at For those of you reading this article who Stowe for their scrutineering, followed by do not know the history of the BRDC 500, Drivers blasted their way a very enjoyable BRDC 500 Dinner, and it was the first race to be organised by the then great racing during the 500 itself, Club back in 1929 – just one year after the around the track like completed another chapter of this great BRDC began to operate formally. A 500- circus daredevils history book. Quite simply, the BRDC 500 is mile race was held at Brooklands, and not good – it’s superb! drivers blasted their way around the Surrey track like circus daredevils to write the

Club’s first racing chapter. BRDC scrutineering at For nine years, the BRDC 500 entertained Stowe is pure nostalgia ‘the right crowd’ before the race (Photos by Jim Houlgrave) disappeared from the racing schedules. In 2004 the race returned, although now not a 500-mile or 500-km event, but a one-hour race for two-driver combinations. To ensure the race returned with style, nearby Stowe School agreed that the competing cars could visit and have their pre-race scrutiny on the North Front Lawn of Buckinghamshire’s finest mansion. With live jazz music, a massed hot air balloon fly- out and champagne flowing, the scene was set for something special to follow. With the original BRDC 500 race-winning Bentley, and a -Judd Le Mans

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 47 SECRETARY'S LETTER secretary’s letter

t has been great to see the Clubhouse in use so and shot respectively who have kindly volunteered the first win of a British Grand Prix by a British driver in much since I last wrote. The Grand Prix was the to ‘captain’ these sports and try and rebuild these a British Car. It will take place in London on 11 October I highlight, of course, and it was pleasing that we annual fixtures. The details are on page 50 and I would and you are warmly encouraged to attend if possible. managed to address the overcrowding of the recent encourage you to get stuck in if possible. Please note One major aim of the coming months is to see a past to the benefit of all Members and their Guests who that novices are particularly welcome on the shoot and significant improvement in the quality of the publicity attended in person. The Silverstone Classic was well instruction and equipment are all available, so don’t we put out surrounding our young racing Members and supported as ever and thank goodness we were able pass up this opportunity to learn a new sport in the Rising Stars. As you have seen from the pages of this to enjoy some good weather! It is worth mentioning company of likeminded Members. Bulletin, not to mention other recent editions, there is that the invitation to the Classic competitors to enjoy Perhaps the activity that is closest to home this autumn a lot of good news to report, but we must do more to a glass of champagne in the Clubhouse for an hour is the last of the three, free Members’ track days this year. broadcast it. Not only is it a very useful way to assist and a half on Saturday evening was very well received The June day was not at all well supported, but I rather the individuals, but it will reflect on the Club in a very and delivered a positive investment for the future of hope that the return to the Grand Prix Circuit might positive manner, ensuring there is no doubt about its ‘our own’ event. I strongly believe that without the very secure stronger support. Frankly, it needs to or it makes relevance and commitment to the sport. There is a best quality and numbers on the track there is little it really difficult to persuade SCL to offer up these days huge amount of interest in motorsport nationally at the to promote. It is therefore necessary to ensure that when they could be earning income for the Group. In moment, in no small part due to Member 1107, and we the drivers feel welcome and an invitation from the short, please support the day or there will inevitably must not miss this opportunity to capitalise on it. Such BRDC did just that. Thank you to all those Members be less next year. Critically, bring a paying Guest or two efforts will also be a good foil to talk of development who kindly made the visitors feel so welcome, even if it (£200 for the full day) if you can as it makes a helpful and GP contracts etc., so it is a critical task worthy of was for such a short visit. The Classic is a home-grown contribution to the Club and is a great day out. considerable attention. meeting and has the potential to return to being a very In other news, I am pleased to say that Jason Plato successful event for Silverstone, so it is beholden upon and are kindly speaking to the ‘Rising Stars’ us all to do what we can to help it return to the level at in August about how to forge a career in the world of which it deserves to be. Touring Cars, perhaps with a hint of TV and media work Can I encourage you to involve yourself in Club thrown in. Later in the year, a fascinating evening is in activities and sports this autumn? In Jeremy Rossiter store for those who would like to attend the ‘Evening Stuart Pringle and William Hewland we have an enthusiastic golfer with ’ – the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Secretary, BRDC

48 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 MEMBER NEWS

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVENTH Dempsey, winner of the Golden Helmet competition It has been confirmed that the seventh-running of in 2005 and at in July, will return to member news the BRDC Walter Hayes Trophy will take place at Silverstone in November to defend his crown. Silverstone on November 3-4. A number of BRDC Members have indicated their For 2007 the event will benefit from the support of intention to take part, and cars are currently being NIGHT OUT WITH THE STARS Silverstone Circuits Limited as a commercial partner, located, or prepared for competition, ahead of the British Touring Car Championship legends Tim Harvey (below with race administration being provided by the Historic event. right) and Jason Plato (below left) took centre stage in the BRDC Sports Car Club (HSCC), through the offices of Club The Walter Hayes Trophy will be supported by a Clubhouse recently to host ‘An Evening with…’ for Members of the Member Grahame White. James Beckett will still number of races for single seaters and sports and Club’s Rising Stars Scheme. On the eve of the British F3-GT meeting, organise the event on behalf of the Club. saloon cars, with The Secretary’s Challenge – a race a large number of Rising Stars gathered at Silverstone to hear Tim The world’s largest Formula Ford 1600 event attracts exclusively for BRDC Members – taking place prior to and Jason tell of their careers in motorsport. competitors from all over Britain and Ireland, with the Walter Hayes Trophy Grand Final on the Sunday This was the second such event hosted for the Rising Stars, and drivers also making the trip to Silverstone from afternoon. followed on from the first event that saw Damon Hill tell his story mainland Europe. The Secretary’s Challenge is open to all Members from the humble beginnings of a motorcycle racer at Brands Hatch Last year 164 FF1600 machines entered the Walter of the BRDC, who hold competition licences, and all through to winning the FIA F1 World Championship in 1996. Hayes Trophy itself, and spent the weekend battling covered-wheel sports/saloon-type cars are eligible. The Rising Stars were given ample time to ask questions of Tim through a series of knockout rounds towards the Grand Last year the fifteen-lap race was won by Martin Short and Jason, and afterwards Jason said, “the BRDC Rising Star Scheme Final. Irish racer, Peter Dempsey, eventually took at the wheel of his Rollcentre Racing Radical-Judd Le is great. The scheme is all about BRDC Members, like Tim and I, the crown, and was presented with the Walter Hayes Mans prototype. Full event details are available from: being on-hand to offer help and guidance like this to our champions Trophy at the BRDC Clubhouse by Damon Hill. [email protected] of tomorrow. The evening was a great success.” Further events for the BRDC Rising Stars are now being planned by the Club.

As light fades at the end of the day, Peter Dempsey leads the field away at the start of the 2006 Walter Hayes Trophy Grand Final (Photo Jakob Ebrey)

BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3 49 CLUB & REGIONAL EVENTS

club and regional events For the latest details please check out: www.brdc.co.uk

SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER Opposite: Sunday 23 June 1957. Ron Flockhart in the 3.8 litre fuel- injection Jaguar D-type (XKD 606) leads his BRDC TRACK DAY BRDC WALTER HAYES TROPHY FORUM 10 3 team-mate in the 3.4l sister car (XKD 603) SILVERSTONE GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT CLUBHOUSE past the packed Tribunes on their way to a dominant victory for CONTACT: James Beckett Tel: 01327 850925 Contact: James Beckett Tel: 01327 850925 the Scottish team. The cars, shared respectively with and Jock Lawrence, finished eight laps apart and led home 12 BRDC CLAY SHOOT 4 THE SECRETARY’S CHALLENGE three more D-types in third, fourth and sixth places. The record WEST WYCOMBE BRDC WALTER HAYES TROPHY race winning average speed of 113.85 mph stood until beaten CONTACT: Jan Stevenson Tel: 01327 850931 SILVERSTONE by the /Oliver Gendebien Ferrari TR61 in 1961. This was Contact: James Beckett Tel: 01327 850925 the second win in succession for Ron Flockhart, the Scot having 19 BRDC SOCIAL LUNCH shared another Ecurie Ecosse D-type (XKD 501/MWS 301) with CLUBHOUSE 21 BRDC SOCIAL LUNCH Ninian Sanderson in 1956. (Note that the cars ran at Le Mans CONTACT: Aspire Hospitality Tel: 01327 855104 CLUBHOUSE on Scottish trade plates 376 SG and 341 SG rather than the CONTACT: Aspire Hospitality Tel: 01327 855104 registration numbers RSF 301 and RSF 303 by which they are 20 BRDC GOLF DAY better known.) FRILFORD NEAR OXFORD TBA BRDC ANNUAL AWARDS Of the 54 cars that started the 1957 race, 17 were British. Of CONTACT: Jeremy Rossiter Tel: 01865 243999 the 20 that finished, 12 were British. won the Index of Performance and the 750cc class with a Lotus Eleven shared 20 BRDC BOATING GROUP by Cliff Allison and Keith Hall, while another Eleven finished COWES DECEMBER ninth overall and won the 1100cc class, driven by Americans CONTACT: Rex Woodgate Tel: 0238 084 9264 Herbert McKay Frazer and Jay Chamberlain. A French-entered BRDC SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS LUNCH Aston Martin DB3S won the three-litre class, driven by Jean- 8 Paul Colas and Jean Kerguen, while the AC Ace-Bristol of Ken BRDC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LUNCH GINS FARM 27 Rudd and Peter Bolton came second in the two-litre class and EVERSLEY NEAR READING CONTACT: Rex Woodgate Tel: 0238 084 9264 tenth overall. CONTACT: Brian Heath Tel: 01590 643408 Within weeks Vanwall had won three Formula One World BRDC CHRISTMAS SOCIAL LUNCH 19 Championship races thanks to and Tony Brooks, TBA SCOTTISH REGIONAL DINNER CLUBHOUSE while a few weeks earlier Tony (with Noel Cunningham-Reid) CONTACT: Hugh McCaig Tel: 01968 676406 CONTACT: Aspire Hospitality Tel: 01327 855104 had given Aston Martin its first World Sports Car Championship victory. Has there ever been a year like that for British motor racing? OCTOBER Ian Titchmarsh 11 AN EVENING WITH...VANWALL 1957 BONHAMS, LONDON Back Cover: CONTACT: Becky Simm Tel: 01327 850922 Saturday afternoon and Britain’s new Formula 1 superstar responds to the crowd’s euphoria at his dramatic last gasp pole. One of Silverstone’s great moments! 17 BRDC SOCIAL LUNCH CLUBHOUSE CONTACT: Aspire Hospitality Tel: 01327 855104

50 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 3