If I recall correctly (IIRC?), Ian Titchmarsh used to refer to him as a md or director of Gyroflex. I was always enchanted by his name - it sounds straight out of a different era.

My first thought was that he had some connection to Giroflex as well -Didn't they sponsor the Porsche Club series in the early/mid-80's as well?

For some reason I've now got this vague recollection of a Giroflex-liveried 911, so I wonder if he raced in the PCGB series before moving onto Thundersports?

I think he reaced in the Porsches in the late '80s or ealy '90s - definitely rings a bell with me.

Brands, 1973. Formula Fords have differing opinions of how to take Druids

I used to work for a Giroflex dealer, he was the M.D. of the company and IIRC had involvement with the Porsche 911.

Lovely photos Alan, Brands never looked much beter than that

Dan my humble apologies, I was looking at the James Wallis Otford car in the programme and indeed the Lola is a T594CR/Mazda.

With regards to Chester Wedgewood he did quite correctly race Porsches, while Giroflex made the first ever office swivel chair in 1919



Here he is in a Jaguar sandwich at Old Hall.....



....while here he entertains the Lodge Stand regulars.

Could this be the same person?

www.chiswickw4.com/default.asp?section=property&page=esaidhouse2.htm

Kind regards

Phil

I always understood that CW's swift exit from racing was due to his position in the company when they floated. Chairman of a quoted PLC racing cars is not always seen as a good risk. IIRC they always had a stunningly pretty girl with a delectably mellifluous voice on the Reception desk at the factory down here.
Roger Lund

I'm not sure whether any corporate multi-millionaires lurk among the following... I used to love the sense of anticipation that preceded a Renault 5 practice session, because you just knew the 27 drivers would experiment with about 428 different lines through Lodge - and most of those would involve the grass. I always felt one-make series were quite entertaining (until they consumed the world at the expense of almost everything else).


Terry Blamire leads Fulvio Mussi, one of the fastest names ever to appear on an R5 entry list (although Stefano Proietti ran him close).


Keith Newland-Hodges and somebody unidentifiable.


In much the same way that nearly all French F3 drivers of the mid-to-late 1980s were called Eric (or Erik), Keith was a popular handle for contenders in the 1980 Staw Renault 5 Elf Challenge. Here, Franklin of that ilk comes under pressure from John Craddock. Apologies to fans of Mr Collier in car #55: he's the only Keith I missed.

It was always so dramatic watching the 5s racing, roll angles never came in to it! I used one in winter once, and wondered why the handbrake turns that I had perfected in Mini and Escorts, went so very wrong, as I disappeared through the hedge......how was I to know the handbrake worked on the front wheels Great photos Simon

I used to love the fact that you were totally unaware that the Renault 5s were out on track, until they arrived at the corner you were spectating at...........then there would be the scream of the tyres and the sound of French metal being bent ;)

Kind regards

Phil

I'd say Paul Donatantonio would be the quickest sounding name to have pedalled an R5 TS but i suppose its a subjective topic eh?

Or possibly Remy Bopp. A splendid name for such a series.

I can see a spin off thread here, name a Renault 5 TS driver, 1 per post only................

I feel he had too many syllables, a possible source of extra unsprung weight (the last thing you need in something as underpowered as an R5). I agree that Remy Bopp is a contender, though.

.... and just think of the extra weight he would have to carry from the signwriting of his name on the side of the car.

As for fast drivers how about Rob Hall - holder of 5 lap records by the end of 1980!

Maybe not the fastest sounding name ever to be emblazoned on the side of a Renault 5TS.... but don't forget Neil McGrath was champion in 1974,1975, 1976 and 1978.

Here is the man himself in his 1985 BTCC Rover V8 during the British GP Supporting Race.



Kind regards

Phil

The Renault 5's were great. The first time I saw then was at Silverstone and couldn't quite believe the crazy angles and lines they took.

This effort was taken, while I was marshaling, by my girlfriend of the day. Her dad had a 5 and she kept nagging him to race it - He wasn't convinced!

Cookery Tip
Take two slices of bread [Jaguar] and insert something between them e.g pork [or in this case Porker]

If the ingredients only run to one slice of Jaguar and one slice of Morgan, you don't have a sandwich, you have three cars running in close proximity.

And is the lady [at least I think it is a lady] by the Shell Oils sign a prototype Victoria Beckham?

Ian I am fairly sure this is an Inter – Marque race in which case Morgans would not be eligible

As certain as I am Liverpool are not going to win the Premiership ( That will be 100% then) the car half hidden is this one……



....which would mean it is Tony Hildbrand in a Jaguar XK120

Kind regards

Phil

P.S. Did you see my post regarding Richard Hawkins?

Oh bugger. I should really start looking properly at things before starting to spout. This is the second total male hen up I've made recently because of this.

Having suffered the West Ham game I'm starting to agree with you on that score.

I haven't seen your Richard Hawkins post. Link please.

Did I at least get the Posh Spice bit correct?
Knowing my luck she'll turn out to be a bloke.

A'h quality Euro car handling!!

Were they Alpines, or ordinary small-engined ones?

Is the XK the John (plastic) Pearson car? regards Alan.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Simon Arron
[B]I'm not sure whether any corporate multi-millionaires lurk among the following... I used to love the sense of anticipation that preceded a Renault 5 practice session, because you just knew the 27 drivers would experiment with about 428 different lines through Lodge - and most of those would involve the grass. I always felt one-make series were quite entertaining (until they consumed the world at the expense of almost everything else).


Indeed ........



Kind regards

Phil

Mini's just couldn't 'lean' as much as the R5's

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Phil Rainford
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Simon Arron
[B]I'm not sure whether any corporate multi-millionaires lurk among the following... I used to love the sense of anticipation that preceded a Renault 5 practice session, because you just knew the 27 drivers would experiment with about 428 different lines through Lodge - and most of those would involve the grass. I always felt one-make series were quite entertaining (until they consumed the world at the expense of almost everything else).


Indeed ........



Kind regards

Phil [/QUOTE]

Did it have HELLO on the front and more importantly PTO on the underside

At this stage they were using the (fairly) standard 1289cc 5TS. Apologies if one or two of the following have appeared before, on this or other threads, but I might as well strike while interest in the Renault 5 Elf Challenge is running at an all-time high. These are from the summer of 1980, when Splodgenessabounds cracked the top 10 with their classic double A-side Simon Templar/Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps Please...


Terry Blamire is almost as close to Little Budworth as he is to the racing line (not a completely stupid idea, given the quality of contemporary bar meals at The Red Lion). Not sure about the following driver, but I think it's Roger Jones.


My photo archive suggests David Bearns spun about 36 times during this practice session/race (can't recall which). Fulvio Mussi had the best view of this incident...


...and a few laps later Bearns was still struggling to calculate the correct exit strategy. Rob Hall (#17) appears to be braking - not without reason.


Here's Hall again, being shoulder-charged by David Salter at Aintree.


Finally, Salter attempts to take a short cut from Country to Valentines Way. Note 5TS wheel-shaped scar on rear nearside panel.

You want 'lean' ?
Watch this filmed by yours truly nearly 20 years ago:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=F74I8dGQJR0

Hil-ari-ous! I don't know what was funnier - the 2CVs leaning over or the laughter of your fellow spectators!

Just the antidote to a wet Thursday!

Quote of the year!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Simon Arron
[B]Here are a couple more from the aforeposted Aintree meeting...

Brundle stalks Alan Curnow's Metro.


Stirling Moss - Metro not pictured.


This bloke rings no bells at all. He's listed as Andy Driver, but I can't remember whether he was a handy driver or, indeed, anything else about him.


Blimey, bit of a shocker, whilst idly wandering through quiet threads to come across a picture of your former life!! Those were the days when you could have fun in an upmarket series without spending big bucks. Easter bank holiday meeting, blew the clutch,straight back to base ,new clutch,straight to Thruxton for Easter Monday, blew the clutch! That golf was great fun, vividly remember a Trimoco event on Brands club circuit when I fluked a decent grid slot in drying practice, then cringed as everyone and his uncle barged past in a peeing wet race on the wrong tyres................ happy days. Great site this, I used to work for Ron Harris in the late sixties, lotus F2, then the wooden wonder, Protos, now there are some tales...........

NB: first post, hope it works.............

Oh dear. This thread has gone downhill in my absence hasn't it??

2 days away from PC, I return expecting to find Cox/Arron/Rainford-esque stuff on Lola T594/596s, and what do I see - Renault bloody 5s...Whatever next, Clubmans 'B's ??

OK you asked for it!


Above: Geoff Snape in a Clubmans B at Longridge.

Nice one Stephen,we shouldn't really have to pamper to his every need ;)

But to keep the grumpy old man happy .........a combination of Tony Trimmer ,Formula Libre and Mallory Park !!



Kind regards

Phil

"Now Ambassador you are spoiling us!"

http://forums.autosport.com/showthread.php...threadid=102674

Kind regards

Phil

[QUOTE]Originally posted by A D River
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Simon Arron
[B]

This bloke rings no bells at all. He's listed as Andy Driver, but I can't remember whether he was a handy driver or, indeed, anything else about him.


Blimey, bit of a shocker, whilst idly wandering through quiet threads to come across a picture of your former life!! Those were the days when you could have fun in an upmarket series without spending big bucks. Easter bank holiday meeting, blew the clutch,straight back to base ,new clutch,straight to Thruxton for Easter Monday, blew the clutch! That golf was great fun, vividly remember a Trimoco event on Brands club circuit when I fluked a decent grid slot in drying practice, then cringed as everyone and his uncle barged past in a peeing wet race on the wrong tyres................ happy days. Great site this, I used to work for Ron Harris in the late sixties, lotus F2, then the wooden wonder, Protos, now there are some tales...........

NB: first post, hope it works............. [/QUOTE]

Andy, nice to see you here.

I'm sure there are quite a few people in TNF who will be be delighted to pick your brains about Ron Harris, Protos and Lotus F2.

Nothing wrong with Clubmans 'B's! Alex Ferrada was superb!

Indeed .......I remember he struggled to find room for all the Shell stickers on his car after winning so many races ;)

Also his helmet design was one of my favourites at the time

Kind regards

Phil

Just joined this forum and really impressed with all these photos from "back in the day", so i thought i would share some of mine with you all. I can only Identify Stirling Moss in the Richard Lloyd Audi, any offers on the others ?

As Renault 5 appears to be of interest having seen so many of the pictures on here, again here are a few of mine. I shared this car with Steve Brassington during the 1979 and 1980 seasons.


Noticed a few of Terry Blamire, so here i am leading him out of Old Hall in 1980.


Hairpin at Brands in 1979.


Steve Brassington on the left, myself on the right and a couple of promotional girls !!!

Perhaps the R5 Challenge did have a couple of things in its favour after all...

Anything from the Renault 5 turbo Pro-Am race at the 1986 Birmingham Superprix?

Welcome to TNF Raymondo.
It's funny to see what was fashionable way back then. At least your hairdressing bill is less nowadays.

1980 I think? The Datapost Fiesta is Richard Longman
http://uk.geocities.com/martin.essam@btinternet.com/btcc.htm
http://www.fiesta-mk1.co.uk/press_releases...ng_team_003.asp

The Spice Capri looks like it could be Andy Rouse,

and the Triplex Rover is possibly Rex Greenslade or Jeff Allam?
http://rupert8766.fotopic.net/p4780801.html

Alan, many thanks for the welcome. More than happy to recall former times, just that at the time I didn't realise I was having the time of my life, wish I had being paying more attention!!

If there are threads more suited to these specific themes please point them out. I was not a great picture taker but I will look out what is in the loft, some Lotus stuff, spent some time at Tecnno building the original F2 cars,plus Protos pics, will need to scan them etc.

Andy.

I've always been fascinated by the Protos cars. Doug Nye posted some nice pictures of a Protos tub under construction a few years ago, but I for one would love to see your pics.

Alan, built in a tiny cave in Snowdonia, I collected the protoype, strapped to the roof of a mini-van. Got back to w/shop at Maidenhead early a.m , rather than leave outside in the rain drove the van into w/shop, loud crack,too high for doorway, did a power of no good to the roll hoop, just wood , the hoop did not go into chassis, attached to chassis wth 3 wood screws each side!! Expected to get my P45 next day, told to take 2 bob out of petty cash and buy a bottle of that white wood glue. Mind you compared to Pedro's shunt at Enna................
( now he was a total gent..... )

Andy.

Thanks for the info Kevan. I have another of the Rover here with another driver, so it sounds like i have both of them. Also a Capri taken at Mallory.
Hi Diz , i had noticed you were here when i saw that rather fetching pic of you in your running gear. Yes i am keeping my hair a lot shorter than i was then but fortunetly its still all there, if i need to grow it again. Hope your well and full of good cheer with Xmas on the horizon.

The Capri belongs to Vince Woodman.

Anyway, as a former R5 driver, wouldn't "foreverlurching" be a better username?

Here's a thread that may make a suitable repository. I'm sure many of us would be fascinated to hear your memories of the Ron Harris team.

Allen

Renault 5s Happy days










Oh dear is that you Foreversideways ?
cheers
Steve.