Event Information

Race Entries

DATE	DESCRIPTION	RACE RESULTS
July 24th/26th, 2009	HGPCA Race for Pre’66 Grand Prix Cars

Race Report

The 2008 Silverstone Classic had not been a financial success for the promoters of the event and it was well into the 2009 new year before it was confirmed that there would be an international race meeting at Silverstone in July again. Goose Communications Ltd under the directorship of our member Nick Wigley, was appointed to administer the event whilst the Historic Sports Car Club continued to organise the racing element of the weekend. That it was a resounding success is to the credit of both organisations.

Even though the HGPCA had been restricted to post 1947 and no Tasman specification cars, we were hugely oversubscribed and a number of members had to be turned away. Nine reserves were accepted and on Sunday, because of breakdowns, all had the chance to start in the race, reserve number nine, by the skin of his teeth, when one car was unable to move out of the assembly area.

Members competing in the HGPCA Grand Prix car race only had a relaxed weekend; twenty minutes practice at noon on Friday, a twenty minute race at about the same time on Saturday and a final twenty minute race after lunch on Sunday. Others were rushing from one car to another, not even having time to ascend the podium after a previous success.

With 20% increase in the grid size allowed for practice, all cars entered were able to take part in qualifying practice. The weather was dry but threatening rain and immediately Enrio Spaggiari posted fastest lap followed by Roger Wills, Alan Baillie, Pietro Silva, John Chisholm and Ian Ashley. With ten minutes of practice finished, Enrico still held first spot but Rod Jolley was up to third with Nick Wigley fourth and John Harper fifth. Finally on the penultimate lap of practice, Roger stormed around the circuit to post a time half a second faster that the rest of the field. Alan Baillie led class 10 in fifth place (as a reserve, sadly not to be included in race 1), Sid Hoole led class 11 closely followed by Andrew Smith leading class 9. Fastest car in class 5 was Paul Grant, way back in 30th place. At the rear of the grid, Jon Fairley, Paul Smeeth & John Clark all struggled in the practice session with differing mechanical problems.

On Saturday afternoon at 12.30 there probably started the best race of the weekend. At the front of the grid, Roger Wills in his type 51 Cooper and Enrico Spaggiari in a type 53 Cooper entertained the huge crowd with the most splendid display of race driving. Never more that a car’s length apart, they battled for the lead, Enrico initially in front and then with eight minutes to go Roger in front, Roger finally winning by a second – historic Grand Prix car racing at its best! John Clark had a good race; from the very back of the grid after practice problems, he moved through he field to finish tenth. The track was slippery after previous races had laid a good coating of oil on the racing line and many spins occurred, fortunately without damage.

Race two grid was the finishing order of race one; 45 cars lined up in the assembly area with Richard Parnell accepting his fate as the reserve. Luck was on Richard’s side but fate on the side of Eric Staes; as the cars moved out of the assembly area onto the grid, the throttle cable of Eric’s Lotus snapped and Richard was finally in the race!

Looking at the TV screens, it appeared that we had another first corner accident but it was only Sid Hoole parking his Brabham behind the barriers at Copse after a gear-box blow-up. Roger Wills led the field with Enrico second, Ian Ashley third in the 1.5 litre car, followed by Nick Wigley (taking time off from his administrative duties to race), Pietro Silva and John Clark. Roger, dramatically lifting the inside front wheel on right-hand corners, established a useful lead on Enrico. Further back, Rod Jolley and Alan Baillie were close together and when Alan dropped back, John Chisholm took up the challenge. A splendid drive by John Harper saw him move from row 19 of the starting grid, right through the field to finish a storming fourth.

Roger looked to be cruising to a win when, on the last lap, a spin at Stowe allowed Enrico to take the chequered flag.

Silverstone Classic 2009 was a success for the Association. Foremost, excellent racing on the track, satisfactory paddock tent space for competitors and hardly any rain all weekend. The Red Truck could possibly have been located nearer to our cars but then 2010 is not even in the planning stage yet!

The Beevers provided a Greek style BBQ on Friday evening – slow roasted lamb with lemon potatoes, stuffed vine leaves and kebabs etc which was attended by a convivial crowd of Members and their guests. Thanks to Graham Burrows for the loan of his iPod which he was a little concerned about as his daughter had recorded something rather inappropriate for a gathering of HGPCA types. Fortunately the ‘shuffle’ didn’t get to that section! With a buffet lunch on Saturday and Sunday and on-going tea, coffee and drinks, the Red Truck provided its usual invaluable welcoming haven for us. Rumour has it that Ron Maydon is rather jealous of our smart new ‘image’ (courtesy of Steve and Geraldine Russell) – wonder what he’ll try and top it with?

Our Competition Secretary disappeared off on Saturday evening for a gourmet supper with David and Loops Bennett leaving Stella, her brother and sister-in-law to join the crowd on the infield Concert area. Carlos Santana – the man and the band – were fantastic. They played from the minute the racing ended until just after curfew at 11pm – the music appropriately ‘classic’ and familiar probably to most of the racers. Great to see Richard Last, fit and well and with racing licence, after his unfortunate accident last year. Looking forward to seeing you on the track next year, Richard.