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#201 Giraffe

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Posted 01 February 2010 - 15:52

I think that it was a Shorrock which if memory serves was a bitza which had possibly a Merlyn chassis underneath.

:wave:


He had a Merlyn Mk17 sponsored by Sharrow Snuff.


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#202 Ian Smith - Diz

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Posted 01 February 2010 - 23:40

The all time lap record for the Club circuit was set by Jim Crawford in his F2 Toleman at 49.6 secs on 3rd October 1981.
I have a lap chart from a Formula Ford race in September 1970 where the fastest lap that day was 1 minute & 5 secs.

Sorry Tony
I can now see that you were referring to 1970. I didn't read your post properly and probably thought you meant 1980 :blush:

#203 Phil Rainford

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Posted 02 February 2010 - 19:22

I think a Dunlop Novice race pole - in about 1982 - was a 1m 1 something set by, I think Willie Hourie from the Orkney Islands in his Crossle 32F - but not matched in the race.


But he did win his Heat and the Final as I remember :)

Looked really quick at Aintree.............goodness knows how long it took him to get to the Brands Hatch and Thruxton rounds of the Championship :eek:

PAR




#204 brakedisc

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Posted 02 February 2010 - 23:36

Willie is still on the go, another to suffer from the male menopause? Was not that quick on his return but a change of car and engine (Graham Carrolls 2008 Championship winning car) saw a good performance the last time he was out. Still farming in Orkney and still putting the miles in travelling.

#205 Phil Rainford

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Posted 03 February 2010 - 19:29

Willie is still on the go, another to suffer from the male menopause? Was not that quick on his return but a change of car and engine (Graham Carrolls 2008 Championship winning car) saw a good performance the last time he was out. Still farming in Orkney and still putting the miles in travelling.



Thanks for the update..... :up:


PAR


#206 elansprint72

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Posted 27 April 2010 - 19:19

November 2004, a fabulous day, during which we broke the speedo on the Cooper "S" as it hit an indicated 115mph! What high hopes we all had.

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#207 elansprint72

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Posted 29 April 2010 - 22:40

Cough....

At the local VSCC meet this evening I was informed that the 50/50 sprint meeting has been scrubbed. If true, why?

#208 Stephen W

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Posted 30 April 2010 - 08:46

Cough....

At the local VSCC meet this evening I was informed that the 50/50 sprint meeting has been scrubbed. If true, why?


With only about 30 entries the organising club (Aintree Circuit Club) have made the decision to pull the plug. The following is their Press Release:

"CANCELLATION OF EVENT

The Aintree Circuit Club regret to announce the cancellation of their Speed Event, planned to take place at Aintree’s Historic Grand Prix Circuit, on Sunday 16th May.

Despite extensive promotion and canvassing of the event to Clubs and Competitors, the level of competitive entries received to date is at a disappointing level which the Club felt did not reflect the status and profile of the event.

The Club will continue to develop and plan innovative events and concepts in the future, which we believe will maximise Aintree's significant motor sport heritage.

Entry fees received to date will be refunded and the Club wish to thank the Aintree Racecourse Company Ltd, The Motor Sports Association, Event Officials and Organisers and Suppliers of Services to the Event, who have been extremely supportive.

ENDS"

:wave:



#209 elansprint72

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Posted 30 April 2010 - 09:58

Thanks for that Steve, an understandable decision under the circumstances. I'm beginning to wonder if there are just too many events for classic/vintage motors now. Never thought I would say anything like that but entries do seem to get spread pretty thin these days.
Another case of too much money driving out the enthusiast owner/driver?

#210 Stephen W

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Posted 03 May 2010 - 09:07

Thanks for that Steve, an understandable decision under the circumstances. I'm beginning to wonder if there are just too many events for classic/vintage motors now. Never thought I would say anything like that but entries do seem to get spread pretty thin these days.
Another case of too much money driving out the enthusiast owner/driver?


I don't agree; I think in this case it is more like too little too late. The limitations of running a sprint on that part of the track is that you end up with such a short course. Put that together with the late announcement of the event at a time when most championships had fixed their calendars and you have the main reasons for the lack of entries. I also think they may have struggled for trained marshals - certainly for the latter reason.

:wave:





#211 elansprint72

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Posted 04 May 2010 - 09:34

..................................................... I also think they may have struggled for trained marshals - certainly for the latter reason.

:wave:


Yes, the average age of the marshals is creeping up each year too. :|


#212 Stephen W

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Posted 04 May 2010 - 13:32

Yes, the average age of the marshals is creeping up each year too. :|


We have a young lad who is very keen to start marshalling, unfortunately he isn't old enough yet. We are however utilising his time with none trackside jobs hoping that he will stick with it!

Getting people to marshal is becoming more and more difficult I wish I could come up with the answer!

:well:



#213 Giraffe

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Posted 04 May 2010 - 14:25

We have a young lad who is very keen to start marshalling, unfortunately he isn't old enough yet. We are however utilising his time with none trackside jobs hoping that he will stick with it!

Getting people to marshal is becoming more and more difficult I wish I could come up with the answer!

:well:


I was kidnapped by a pressgang (well the Chairman of the then BMRMC actually)& was marshalling at Aintree at 14 & trackside at 15 years old latest, flagging at 16! Well it was a choice of either that or going down the mines. (I could have claimed human rights had it been today, I suppose!)

#214 Phil Rainford

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Posted 04 May 2010 - 18:11

Yes, the average age of the marshals is creeping up each year too. :|


Which is a problem I suggest when trying to attract younger people; as they will either:

1. See marshalling as something only old fogies do

or

2.Feel intimated to join when everybody else is older/far more experienced/ already in a clique


PAR

Edited by Phil Rainford, 04 May 2010 - 18:11.


#215 Stephen W

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Posted 04 May 2010 - 18:21

I was kidnapped by a pressgang (well the Chairman of the then BMRMC actually)& was marshalling at Aintree at 14 & trackside at 15 years old latest, flagging at 16! Well it was a choice of either that or going down the mines. (I could have claimed human rights had it been today, I suppose!)


You can't do go trackside at 15 now.

:wave:

#216 Alan Cox

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Posted 10 May 2010 - 17:24

Have you all noted that one of the corners on the new Silverstone loop is called "Aintree" in honour of it being a former host of the British GP?

#217 Paul Hurdsfield

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Posted 10 May 2010 - 19:26

Yes I noticed that........nice touch :up:

#218 Stephen W

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Posted 10 May 2010 - 19:31

Have you all noted that one of the corners on the new Silverstone loop is called "Aintree" in honour of it being a former host of the British GP?



Yes I noticed that........nice touch :up:



I'll bet there isn't a corner named after Brands Hatch! :eek:

#219 elansprint72

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Posted 10 May 2010 - 22:15

I'll bet there isn't a corner named after Brands Hatch! :eek:


 ;)

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#220 Peter Morley

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Posted 12 May 2010 - 12:19

I'll bet there isn't a corner named after Brands Hatch! :eek:


Or Donington!!!

#221 elansprint72

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Posted 14 November 2010 - 13:13

Trying to organise my files, came across this. If only I had known that the '04 event was to be a one-off, I would have taken a proper camera and not spent so much time chatting to old fogeys.

Posted Image

I think this was a "pay for a ride" thing, with Mr Dewis doing the honours in the Jag.

#222 Giraffe

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Posted 14 November 2010 - 16:14

I think this was a "pay for a ride" thing, with Mr Dewis doing the honours in the Jag.


His passenger on this occasion appears to be Lurch. :eek:

Posted Image
By giraffe138 at 2010-11-14

Edited by Giraffe, 14 November 2010 - 21:28.


#223 elansprint72

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Posted 15 November 2010 - 16:14

His passenger on this occasion appears to be Lurch. :eek:

:rotfl:
I think the seating arrangement in the D-Type involves sitting on a tool-box, or something similar. Do you think they managed to get him out?


Here is a grey day at the sugar factory in '75. The fabulous F3 meeting.

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#224 elansprint72

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Posted 20 September 2011 - 20:55

:well:

Posted Image

#225 MCS

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Posted 21 September 2011 - 08:24

More please Pete!!!

Gunnar Nilsson, Mike Tyrrell and Stephen South - but which corner? Bechers?

#226 elansprint72

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Posted 21 September 2011 - 12:41

More please Pete!!!

Gunnar Nilsson, Mike Tyrrell and Stephen South - but which corner? Bechers?

Beechers? I think that it must be but I don't actually remember trekking down there that day, however I've got some long shots looking back along the straight, with Tate and Lyle in the background so it must be!
I'm very much drip-feeding these now, as there are only a couple of acceptable ones and some fuzzy ones left. :|

Edited by elansprint72, 21 September 2011 - 12:41.


#227 Stephen W

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Posted 21 September 2011 - 16:09

:well:

Posted Image



More please Pete!!!

Gunnar Nilsson, Mike Tyrrell and Stephen South - but which corner? Bechers?


It looks like Village turning onto Valentine's Way. :cool:

#228 elansprint72

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Posted 21 September 2011 - 18:43

It looks like Village turning onto Valentine's Way. :cool:


Steve's been there much more recently than me. On reflection that boundary fencing is much nearer to the rails than it is down at Beechers. It's often hard to tell exactly what is what with these long lenses. More to come; eventually.  ;)

#229 MCS

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Posted 21 September 2011 - 20:29

Steve's been there much more recently than me. On reflection that boundary fencing is much nearer to the rails than it is down at Beechers. It's often hard to tell exactly what is what with these long lenses. More to come; eventually.  ;)


I partly agree, except I am sure there was a distinct white kerb on the inside of the track at Village.


#230 Steve O'Brien

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Posted 22 September 2011 - 07:55

I partly agree, except I am sure there was a distinct white kerb on the inside of the track at Village.

Looking at the factory in the distace it looks like Club.


#231 Stephen W

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Posted 22 September 2011 - 08:49

Looking at the factory in the distace it looks like Club.


There was no boundary fence that close to Club Corner so it is a puzzle!

#232 alansart

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Posted 22 September 2011 - 08:53

I'd say Beechers with Fazakerley Hospital in the background.

Edited by alansart, 22 September 2011 - 09:59.


#233 MCS

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Posted 22 September 2011 - 09:56

I'm pretty sure you are correct Alan - Gunnar has his foot down in pursuit of his team mate who must already be headed down the Railway Straight! Marvellous. :clap:


#234 elansprint72

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Posted 22 September 2011 - 10:53

I'll get the negatives out and see what lurks on either side of this shot.

#235 Giraffe

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Posted 22 September 2011 - 11:11

I'd say Beechers with Fazakerley Hospital in the background.


Well unless they've moved the hospital, Alan is correct! :up:

#236 elansprint72

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Posted 22 September 2011 - 12:14

The Giraffe speaks with un-forked tongue. Here is a shot taken four frames later; Tate and Lyle in the background. Beechers it is. When I look at shots of Village there is an angled concrete kerb set at maybe 45 degrees, an ideal launch-pad for the unwary.

Posted Image

Edited by elansprint72, 23 September 2011 - 08:31.


#237 elansprint72

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Posted 28 April 2012 - 15:33

Good to see that motor-sport is hanging on at Aintree, although the Tate & Lyle factory has gone and a golf course now graces the infield; also lots of trees and earth banks block what was once a flat and uninterrupted view of the whole circuit. The dulcet tones of Sarge Wilko floated across the greensward from the commentary box.

Posted Image

Posted Image

Lotus 69 F/Atlantic, Dave Hampton has fitted a 2ltr BDG for this season.

Edited by elansprint72, 28 April 2012 - 16:04.


#238 Stephen W

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Posted 29 April 2012 - 08:28

Good to see that motor-sport is hanging on at Aintree, although the Tate & Lyle factory has gone and a golf course now graces the infield; also lots of trees and earth banks block what was once a flat and uninterrupted view of the whole circuit. The dulcet tones of Sarge Wilko floated across the greensward from the commentary box.

Posted Image


Dr Keith Wilford's Europa complete with "snorkel" airbox laying down some rubber!

Yes things have changed at Aintree since I went to my first event there back in 1959! Mind you the carbuncle that is the 9 Hole Golf course is probably the worst! I understand that the race course make more money on one day of sprinting than they do in the whole of the month from the golf course - what a waste!

:wave:

#239 Alan Cox

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Posted 29 April 2012 - 09:04

How much of the club circuit constitutes the sprint course chaps?

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#240 Stephen W

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Posted 01 May 2012 - 09:23

How much of the club circuit constitutes the sprint course chaps?


The sprint start is on the startline for the Club Circuit next to the lay-by that passed as pits!

The sprint finish is on Railway Straight more or less opposite the start line.

The finish used to be closer to Club Corner but after a couple of cars failed to stop and ended up parked against the gates to the circuit the finish line was moved further back towards Bechers.

:wave:

#241 Hawkeye

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 15:34

Some nice photos from Aintree days:

 

 http://www.liverpool...e-grand-6157729



#242 Alan Cox

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 18:04

Some nice photos from Aintree days:

 

Some nice shots, indeed, Hawkeye. But oh, woe is me - the captions leave a good deal to be desired.



#243 elansprint72

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Posted 16 October 2013 - 18:10

Lovely photos and the caption howlers made me smile! :rotfl:



#244 MCS

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Posted 17 October 2013 - 17:54

Lovely photos and the caption howlers made me smile! :rotfl:

Some terrific images.  It’s at times like this that you wish you had been born ten years earlier and could have seen some of the racing in the late fifties and early sixties.  Ah, well. 

 

I like the way the Melling Crossing gates have just been put to one side in the picture of Graham Hill’s BRM!



#245 Barry Boor

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Posted 18 October 2013 - 10:08

I love Avon Corner! And isn't the picture with Tony Maggs in Cooper #41 leading an F. Junior pack, from 1962, not 1963?

 

Clark, Taylor and Burgess have morphed into McLaren, Maggs and Raby! Hilarious.


Edited by Barry Boor, 18 October 2013 - 10:11.


#246 Morris S

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Posted 19 October 2013 - 23:41

I spent a great day (yet again) at LMC's superbly organised biannual track day a couple of weeks ago and despite the fact that yes only half the original circuit can be used (Club) it really does have a great atmosphere, even the paddock road is part of the old circuit (Sefton Straight).

 

 

track-425x331_zps40d14972.gif

 

 

Most of the cars are modern day track toys, but not all...

 

CopyofDSC_0991-001_zps2166c8b8.jpg

 

CopyofDSC_1003-001_zps5dd075c9.jpg



#247 Morris S

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Posted 20 October 2013 - 00:04

One more....

 

1375810_631950426827703_1875523215_n_zps



#248 Stephen W

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Posted 28 October 2013 - 15:15

 

 

 

track-425x331_zps40d14972.gif

 

 

 

 

 

 

The section of the track bounded by Sefton Straight, Cottage Corner, Country Corner and Village Corner was known as Picnic Loop.  The short straight between  Waterway Corner & Anchor Crossing was known as "Canal Side" whilst the straight between Tatts and Waterway was known as "Finishing Straight".



#249 Alan Cox

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Posted 22 December 2014 - 22:32

Some lovely photos from Aintree on this gent's Flickr page - including some of John Surtees with the streamlined Parnell/Bowmaker Cooper

https://www.flickr.c...th/15318049316/


Edited by Alan Cox, 22 December 2014 - 22:34.


#250 bradbury west

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Posted 19 January 2015 - 21:20

Bump. And for those of you who like something different,  scroll down a bit and see the delightful John Campbell Jones in the Emeryson. A rare shot of a rare motor car. I have only seen 2 other shots of it, one wrongly captioned as an FJ car on a photo website, and the other, a Rabagliati shot, in Mike Lawrence's F 1 book. John raced it in several races that year, often telling me how well it went in wet practice at Silverstone with a 4 pot Climax. The car had a lay flat radiator which funnelled the air up and over, offering rudimentary  ground effect, an advantage lost as the track dried when bhp of the V8s came in to play. The car later, with its stressed skin spaceframe  was dismantled ISTR to become a Scirocco perhaps. It certainly ceased to exist in that iteration.

An other  interesting shot is of Lex Davison in the Essex Zagato Aston. I believe that might have been the meeting where he was  later bundled off by one of the Jaguar 3.8 drivers in the saloon race.

Roger Lund