318 replies to this topic

[cuf3]

Massive traffic jams on the A43 getting into Silverstone this morning. Probably the worse I've seen outside of grand prix weekend.

Which means either the event is more popular than ever, or, traffic management is slightly lacking.

Traffic management was more than "slightly" lacking!! The jobsworths from QS security or whatever the shambolic outfit is called want removing completely from within 100 miles of any sort of control never mind with old cars. It was ridiculous getting in from around 0900. they were boiling for fun and blocking access roads while morons in yellow jackets waved their hand in no general direction at all and delighted in stopping cars for no reason and funneling from 5 lanes to 3 to 2 to one!!

[thebullet]

I read that Mr Gathercole's Lola was excluded from the meeting.

Related to that fight. I heard he had his Race licence removed.

[cuf3]

Looks remarkably like the vehicle I saw back in 1965 at Woodvale, Southport.

Steve - was that the year the Yanks came? I was a youngster and was there with my Father in his E Type. I have some slides somewhere of Don Garlitis [I think] and a few others
DavidC

[Giraffe]

I read that Mr Gathercole's Lola was excluded from the meeting.

Ok, my pics of this fracas are too big to upload from my outpost at Woodlands tonight, but here is my take on proceedings..

David Gathercole took exception to Anthony Hancock's driving and made his mandatory pitstop. Having retired his car, he then waited 10 minutes for Anthony to pit, upon which he dismounted & (allegedly) chinned Anthony him before taking the steering wheel from the Lola & passing it to a member of his team. The chap who received it (allegedly) told David not to be so daft & attempted to return it to Ollie but it was too late as the Hancocks & seemingly WKD misinterpreted the situation and set about the chap. There followed a tumbling ruck of swinging fists, half nelsons & boots the like of which I've never seen it a pitlane before.
Now I don't know David but I do know Lorraine Gathercole and like her so I'm a bit shocked about all these events. I spoke to Lorraine shortly afterwards & she seemed bemused. More as I get updates.

Edited by Giraffe, 26 July 2011 - 07:00.

[arttidesco]

No chance you could get a blurred photo then ;)?

I did my best

[Giraffe]

Formula Junior served up one of the best races I've seen in any racing category.

Fantastic race long battle between Sam Wilson and Jon Milicevic in the Cooper T59s.

Sam got "Driver of the day" in one of the best contests I've ever witnessed!

[jcdeleted]

Ok, my pics of this fracas are too big to upload from my outpost at Woodlands tonight, but here is my take on proceedings..

David Gathercole took exception to Ollie Hancock's driving and made his mandatory pitstop. He then sat in his car waiting for Ollie to pit, upon which he dismounted & (allegedly) chinned Anthony Hancock before taking the steering wheel from Ollie's Lola & passing it to a member of his team. The chap who received it (allegedly) told David not to be so daft & attempted to return it to Ollie but it was too late as the Hancocks & seemingly WKD misinterpreted the situation and set about the chap. There followed a tumbling ruck of swinging fists, half nelsons & boots the like of which I've never seen it a pitlane before.
Now I don't know David but I do know Lorraine Gathercole and like her very much so I'm a bit shocked about all these events. I spoke to Lorraine shortly afterwards & she seemed bemused. More as I get updates.

It all seems light years away from the (to me) genuine bonhomie between Sam Wilson and Jon Milicevic when interviewed after the best race I've seen this year. Didn't David Gathercole prep the Hancocks' cars ine the recent past. And I'm a bit slow nowadays, so what's the WKD connection. Bob Berridge was a bit good today, unlike the goons wearing Hi-Vis. HTC Highroad were good as well, but I'm now a bit overtired and emotional so I'll get me coat..........................................................

[arttidesco]

Ok, my pics of this fracas are too big to upload from my outpost at Woodlands tonight, but here is my take on proceedings..

David Gathercole took exception to Ollie Hancock's driving and made his mandatory pitstop. He then sat in his car waiting for Ollie to pit, upon which he dismounted & (allegedly) chinned Anthony Hancock before taking the steering wheel from Ollie's Lola & passing it to a member of his team. The chap who received it (allegedly) told David not to be so daft & attempted to return it to Ollie but it was too late as the Hancocks & seemingly WKD misinterpreted the situation and set about the chap. There followed a tumbling ruck of swinging fists, half nelsons & boots the like of which I've never seen it a pitlane before.
Now I don't know David but I do know Lorraine Gathercole and like her very much so I'm a bit shocked about all these events. I spoke to Lorraine shortly afterwards & she seemed bemused. More as I get updates.

Do you have any doubts left about the Mrs Lyons approach to racing now Tony ?

[maplestone71]

A good day out, but agree the price was a bit steep and the split paddocks / random positioning of stalls wasn't ideal.

Formula Junior a classic ...

Watched the WSCM from the stand opposite the pits incredulous at the ensuing brawl - I was just waiting for Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks to appear. Given (from what I could see) the number of competitors who apparently missed finish line signals for drive through penalties which then became black flags, I can only think the positioning of the finish line station needs looking at.

Jon

[john aston]

A good day out, but agree the price was a bit steep and the split paddocks / random positioning of stalls wasn't ideal.

Formula Junior a classic ...

Watched the WSCM from the stand opposite the pits incredulous at the ensuing brawl - I was just waiting for Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks to appear. Given (from what I could see) the number of competitors who apparently missed finish line signals for drive through penalties which then became black flags, I can only think the positioning of the finish line station needs looking at.

Jon

I thought it was a bargain - - compared to most other big events, let alone theatre etc. The array of machinery was truly wonderful- the 512S' sound and fury was spine tingling. New pits- whatever- could have been in Bahrein but who cars when you are a foot away from an ERA warming up.ps wishbone ash were pants.

[Bauble]

No Comment!

[Bauble]

No photos of today's TNF gathering, but the Giraffe, Ted Walker and I were joined at various times by Condor, DN5, John Ellacott, Eric Dunsdon, the infamous Bauble and Twin Window. It was good to finally meet Eric and Bauble.

Infamy! Infamy! They've all got it in f' me

[Bauble]

Nice to meet some old friends for the first time, seemed a pretty decent bunch of chaps all-in-all, and 'herself' of course.

Also good see Eric in the flesh after 60 odd years.

Mind you Giraffe was a bit of a dis-appointment ......................






I was expecting someone rather ...er..... a bit ..... um! Oh! Never mind.

Edited by Bauble, 25 July 2011 - 08:47.

[Tim Murray]

Here are a few of my good friend Martin Emsley's photos:

Star of Friday evening's wet Group C practice session - Bob Berridge in the Mercedes C11


The E-Type parade on Saturday






Suzi Quatro


Some action from the drag strip




Our friend Chris Hartnell launches his historic slingshot dragster 'Backdraft' off the line


... and gets out after the run


The so-called 'drag strip' was a bit of a joke. It was the old bit of track between Abbey and Bridge, and was far too short and inadequately marshalled. Chris barely got going off the line before he had to shut off. If they propose to include this feature in future events, they will have to have a major rethink.

All photos copyright Martin Emsley

[Stephen W]

Steve - was that the year the Yanks came? I was a youngster and was there with my Father in his E Type. I have some slides somewhere of Don Garlitis [I think] and a few others
DavidC

Yes it was & it was the first time anyone broke the 200mph barrier in Europe and I think it was also the first sub 7 second quarter.

[condor]

I had a great time Many thanks to John Aston who gave me a Friday ticket - sorry I didn't manage to thank you personally, I left a note on your car as you were probably watching the action.
Many thanks also to Giraffe who got me in for the Saturday - really enjoyed the racing and the concert afterwards. Although the stand alone portaloos at the concert area were a major health hazard

Just a few pics from me

[Giraffe]

I somehow missed the commotion in the pitlane, but pretty much know what happened.

Anthony Hancock arrives in the pitlane to get the party started......


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25

The chap in the grey shirt in the middle is the bloke who wound up in possession of the steering wheel from David Gathercole & took a right kicking from the WDK boys & others.


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25

Paul Radisch looks on in amazement....


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25

....& Barry Whizzo Williams having watched the carry-on from the pit wall briefs one of the organiser's reps.

Edited by Giraffe, 26 July 2011 - 06:56.

[alansart]

Who's the driver standing at the back in the white overalls and blue boots?

[bradbury west]

The chap in the grey shirt in the middle is the bloke who wound up in possession of the steering wheel from David Gathercole & took a right kicking from the WDK boys & others.

At the risk of seeming at all interested, I ask HOW and WHY to both points. BTW, who are the WDK boys, and who were the others?. You seem to know who is who in these areas.
Roger Lund

Edited by bradbury west, 25 July 2011 - 15:57.

[jcdeleted]

Ollie Hancock arrives in the pitlane to get the party started......

This sequence reminds me of the good old days on the short ovals. Still, at least it didn't happen during the Gentleman Drivers race. Oh, and will the Wives who Don't Know find out if they access TNF?

[racer8888]

Ollie Hancock arrives in the pitlane to get the party started......

The chap in the grey shirt in the middle is the bloke who wound up in possession of the steering wheel from David Gathercole & took a right kicking from the WDK boys & others.

Boys in short trousers having a punch-up by the garages ....... reminds me of my school days

Anyone know when the video will be available??

[Davidson10]

A shame that this ill-tempered and ungentlemanly incident seems to have garnered more interest on here than the cars and racing.

[Paul Parker]

A shame that this ill-tempered and ungentlemanly incident seems to have garnered more interest on here than the cars and racing.

A shame that this kind of all too familiar moronic violence which can be witnessed throughout latter day Britain on a Friday or Saturday night has now surfaced in historic motor sport.

I hope the apparently innocent person who was handed the steering wheel will press charges.

[john aston]

It is a very rare incident and the best thing we can all do is take the p** out of all concerned-it'd be daft if a championship was at stake but in a race meaning very little other than enjoyment it's risible. Anyway- it was a brilliant weekend - my highlights included seeing the divine 312P tucked away behind the wing- sadly not racing- tyre problems(make ); the brilliant F Junior races; the mighty Sauber Merc spitting flames into Vale and some heroic Bugatti pilotage. Oh, and the Ligier too; and the lovely 275GTS in deep blue on FOC stand- so much classier than the pumped up F430s and horrid Scagliettis. But maybe the best bit was driving on deserted country roads- me in my Caterham R400 and following my charming Dutch fellow B and B 'ers at Priors Marston- one in a 65 Mustang 289 and the other in a glorious Maserati Khamsin - brisk progress and a drive I will not forget.

[E1pix]

A shame that this ill-tempered and ungentlemanly incident seems to have garnered more interest on here than the cars and racing.

Agreed.... music for a moment? "I'm Not in Love" by 10cc was one of my favorite tunes as a kid, still is, how was that?

Just Curious....

[Allan Lupton]

This punch-up reminds me of all those we read about in the tribunal reports in the RAC-MSA bulletins - except that those are usually between the parents of go-carting children. Still as fighting is not motorsport as we knew it, here in England, was it something to do with the rock and roll that was also supposed to feature there that weekend?

Edited by Allan Lupton, 25 July 2011 - 18:10.

[dank]

Here are some pictures that 'the other-half' took: http://www.lsphotos....classic-240711/

[Giraffe]

A rare and beautiful sight, the two Lotus 25s emerge from Club onto the start & finish straight....


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25

[john aston]

This punch-up reminds me of all those we read about in the tribunal reports in the RAC-MSA bulletins - except that those are usually between the parents of go-carting children. Still as fighting is not motorsport as we knew it, here in England, was it something to do with the rock and roll that was also supposed to feature there that weekend?

No , we folk who like rock music rip up cinema seats instead m'lud. But having seen Wishbone Ash in the seventies I had no desire to repeat the experience. They are - or rather were - a popular beat combo by the way, as are 10 cc. I had better not explain the derivation of their name. Oh ..and it's Karts by the way,unless we have some more bucolic action ?

But seriously- the acts were mundane and have no place at a race track.

[David Lawson]

10 cc. I had better not explain the derivation of their name.

Or The Loving Spoonful...

David

[mfd]

Or The Loving Spoonful...
David

Of course you mean the blues song "Coffee Blues" widely credited David ;)

[sterling49]

No , we folk who like rock music rip up cinema seats instead m'lud. But having seen Wishbone Ash in the seventies I had no desire to repeat the experience. They are - or rather were - a popular beat combo by the way, as are 10 cc. I had better not explain the derivation of their name. Oh ..and it's Karts by the way,unless we have some more bucolic action ?

But seriously- the acts were mundane and have no place at a race track.

I think most of us know John

[kayemod]

They are - or rather were - a popular beat combo by the way, as are 10 cc. I had better not explain the derivation of their name.

Come again?

[sterling49]

Come again?

[Collombin]

Also good see Eric in the flesh after 60 odd years.

Isn't he always in the flesh?

[nudgernog]

ref. u2tc race early on did anyone manage to get a photo of the red/white lotus cortina no 126 driving on two wheels around the left hander at the brdc stand /complex.

would be nice to have it scaled up for the garage wall.

[elansprint72]

No Comment!

Are those all in the correct order?

[elansprint72]

Here are some pictures that 'the other-half' took: http://www.lsphotos....classic-240711/

As usual, several levels above the norm.

[MrAerodynamicist]

I've uploaded a few photos to my site.

[barrykin]

Massive photo gallery (over 600 images) found here:


Silverstone Classic 2011 – Report and Photo Gallery

[arttidesco]

Ollie Hancock arrives in the pitlane to get the party started......

What a carry on brawling while wearing sun glasses really !

Is there anything in the RAC MSA book of rules equivalent to NASCAR's Rule 12-4-A 'actions detrimental to ...' ?

[Giraffe]

What a carry on brawling while wearing sun glasses really !

Is there anything in the RAC MSA book of rules equivalent to NASCAR's Rule 12-4-A 'actions detrimental to ...' ?

The story from a representative if WDK Motorsport:

"Anthony Hancock was driving the car for the entire race, on circuit he and DG had a couple of close encounters, DG retired his car (nothing to do with the close encounter) then waited around ten minutes for AH to come in for his pit stop, he had already informed OH that his father would not finish the race one way or another, during AH pit stop, DG reached into the car, switched the car off and tried to fire off the fire extinguisher, he then removed the steering wheel from a running car in a live pit lane, this resulted in OH, desperately trying to get the steering wheel back from DG so AH could continue with his race, with help from a WDK mechanic this was achieved. After the stewards meeting ended last night DG licence has been suspended for 30 days and will go to a MSA court for further action".

Edited by Giraffe, 26 July 2011 - 07:01.

[Bauble]

Are those all in the correct order?

What are you suggesting? Kindly remember the poor chap was going backwards at the time!!!


(I ask you! Kids today!!!)

Grandad bauble.

PS; Right click on the picture, select properties on the menu and note the sequential numbering of the images.

Edited by Bauble, 26 July 2011 - 07:02.

[lorrainegathercole]

A brief statement from David Gathercole

"Anthony Hancock and I had a collision on the track, I felt very strongly about it and when Anthony came into the pits I confronted him. I removed his steering wheel to get his attention, at which point there was a total over-reaction by Ollie Hancock and the WDK Team and I retreated from the scene immediately. I was not involved in any physical altercation that took place. I feel strongly that the meeting should be remembered for the fantastic on-track action rather than a pit lane incident and wish to send my congratulations to Olly Bryant on a splendid win."

[Giraffe]

A brief statement from David Gathercole

" and I retreated from the scene immediately. "

Hmm, you were still there in my last pic David...........


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-25

[Mark 13]

A brief statement from David Gathercole

"Anthony Hancock and I had a collision on the track, I felt very strongly about it and when Anthony came into the pits I confronted him. I removed his steering wheel to get his attention, at which point there was a total over-reaction by Ollie Hancock and the WDK Team and I retreated from the scene immediately. I was not involved in any physical altercation that took place. I feel strongly that the meeting should be remembered for the fantastic on-track action rather than a pit lane incident and wish to send my congratulations to Olly Bryant on a splendid win."

Great, so the steering wheel is handed by you to the guy in the grey who gets a kicking and you step back and watch. I am relieved I don't have friends like you.

[Eric Dunsdon]

Anyone know when the video will be available??

If it lasts for half an hour and has Sid James in it, I'll buy a copy!.

[Suzy]

I guess a coach will have to be hired to take everybody to the MSA court.

I can't quite believe the statement that David Gathercole has made - it doesn't tally with the photographic evidence and it's certainly full of arrogance. The only person who had a "total over-reaction" was David Gathercole himself by snatching the steering wheel in the first place. Besides it was clearly pre-meditated: he was hanging around for 10 minutes and had already announced that he was going to ensure the car didn't finish the race. And then he stands back whilst an innocent "victim" takes the punches that really should have been given to David.

[jackal]

Hello all

I have been looking forward to tons of car pics from the classic, as I was unable to attend.

I have to say that the whole pit lane incident highlights that there are a great number of people who require mental health care. I despise spineless behaviour and if you feel so outraged by someone's actions on-track, and cannot control yourself, then have a face to face punch up. Don't involve other parties(innocent or not) or get 'the boys' involved.

I would have the license removed for life and all involved charged and none of the mamby pamby litter picking charges. Pit lanes are very dangerous and no place for this sort of behaviour and this pathetic and arrogant arse of a man should be used to set a proper example .

Carl

[Giraffe]

Best let the MSA get on with it; I gather that it was the level of premeditation in this case that galled the Stewards.

Meanwhile, some pics....

Manfredo Rossi's beautiful Brabham BT42


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

Simon Hadfield & John Pearson amongst others look on in wonder


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

TT winners Attwood & Graham


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

Mini-Bug!


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

The Gather(cole)ing storm....


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

The Sid Hoole - Ron Maydon Alfa TT33

By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

Manfredo Rossi's rapid Abarth Osella PA1


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

Nathan Kinch's glorious sounding Ferrari 512M


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

The Nick Levantis Ferrari 412P


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

The Carlos Monteverdi - Gary Pearson D-Type


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

The similar car of Ludovic Lindsay - Fred Wakeman


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

TNFer Roger Wills gets in the zone


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26

Bob Dance & the two 25s


By giraffe138 at 2011-07-26