With the recent revival in interest in Aintree (with the upcoming Festival of Motorsport to celebrate its 50th anniversary - see separate thread Aintree Festival of Motorsport 2004) I came to wonder how many Northern TNFers would have been at last F3 meeting, held on the club circuit on 19th April 1975.
This was quite an event for the Aintree Circuit Club who had been in the habit of running low-key, mainly local-based "clubbies" since the demise of the long circuit. The circuit was based on the right-hand half of the GP circuit with absolutely no facilities whatsoever - the pits were a lay-by behind a rail of Armco and race control/commentators box were a double-decker bus. Local Ford dealers Blakes put up sponsorship of £500 for a non-championship F3 race which attracted the works Marches of Gunnar Nilsson (or Gunnar Bilsson as the programme would have it!) and Alex Ribeiro, Danny Sullivan in the works Modus, Rupert Keegan (BAF March 743) the Bang & Olufson Marches of Pierre Dieudonné and Hervé Regout as well as Larry Perkins' Ralt RT1 and Antigua's greateest racing driver Mike Tyrrell with his GRD.
Does anyone have a list of the full results as I failed to fill in my programme.
Eddie Jordan, along with a lot of Irish hotshoes, were regular visitors, being near to the Irish ferry terminal, and he featured in the FF race with Derek Daly and Bernard Devaney. Tony Dean brought his Chevron B28 for the Formula Libre encounter, which also featured Richard Mallock with the fabulous Libre 1850cc Mallock mk17, also campaigned at Aintree by Frank Sytner.
The last Formula 3 meeting at Aintree
Started by
Alan Cox
, Oct 10 2004 11:10
109 replies to this topic
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#2
Rob29
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Posted 10 October 2004 - 15:45
I was there,though a southerner in those days-my first visit to Aintree since 1964.It was possible to get there and back from London by train in a day. Sorry no programmes have survived from that era.
#3
MCS
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Posted 10 October 2004 - 19:20
Alan
I'm sure I have a list of full list of results somewhere - I'll see if I can dig them out.
But in the meantime, some of my memories, for what they're worth...
I can remember Gunnar Nilsson and Alex Ribeiro doing battle in their works Marches for much of the race and Stephen South's new black F3 Ray. Mike Tyrrell was in a March 733 and really flew I recall. I found some old slides recently and it was Tyrrell who chased the works Marches during the early stages. In fact he finished second to Nilsson after the two works cars collided, setting fastest lap into the bargain. I don't really recall him re-appearing much after that which was a shame.
South was third, Tony Rouff was fourth in the Ehrlich, Graham Hamilton was fifth in his Ecurie Ecosse March and Rupert Keegan was sixth in his March 743 - having smashed his nose-cone along the way.
Wasn't there some statistic that Keegan went through 19 different nose-cones in 1975
MCS
I'm sure I have a list of full list of results somewhere - I'll see if I can dig them out.
But in the meantime, some of my memories, for what they're worth...
I can remember Gunnar Nilsson and Alex Ribeiro doing battle in their works Marches for much of the race and Stephen South's new black F3 Ray. Mike Tyrrell was in a March 733 and really flew I recall. I found some old slides recently and it was Tyrrell who chased the works Marches during the early stages. In fact he finished second to Nilsson after the two works cars collided, setting fastest lap into the bargain. I don't really recall him re-appearing much after that which was a shame.
South was third, Tony Rouff was fourth in the Ehrlich, Graham Hamilton was fifth in his Ecurie Ecosse March and Rupert Keegan was sixth in his March 743 - having smashed his nose-cone along the way.
Wasn't there some statistic that Keegan went through 19 different nose-cones in 1975
MCS
#4
petefenelon
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Posted 11 October 2004 - 09:12
Originally posted by MCS
Alan
I'm sure I have a list of full list of results somewhere - I'll see if I can dig them out.
But in the meantime, some of my memories, for what they're worth...
I can remember Gunnar Nilsson and Alex Ribeiro doing battle in their works Marches for much of the race and Stephen South's new black F3 Ray. Mike Tyrrell was in a March 733 and really flew I recall. I found some old slides recently and it was Tyrrell who chased the works Marches during the early stages. In fact he finished second to Nilsson after the two works cars collided, setting fastest lap into the bargain. I don't really recall him re-appearing much after that which was a shame.
South was third, Tony Rouff was fourth in the Ehrlich, Graham Hamilton was fifth in his Ecurie Ecosse March and Rupert Keegan was sixth in his March 743 - having smashed his nose-cone along the way.
Wasn't there some statistic that Keegan went through 19 different nose-cones in 1975
MCS
I was there, first "international" race I'd seen! -- Gunnar had a slight habit of tangling with Alex, IIRC. The Ray looked very different to other F3 cars of that era, I remember it looking like a tiny little thing relative to the Marches - more like a big FFord (or an old 1.6l f3) than a small F2!
Where was Danny Sullivan in all this, he was in the works Modus and pretty quick....
#5
MCS
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Posted 11 October 2004 - 10:27
Originally posted by petefenelon
I was there, first "international" race I'd seen! -- Gunnar had a slight habit of tangling with Alex, IIRC. The Ray looked very different to other F3 cars of that era, I remember it looking like a tiny little thing relative to the Marches - more like a big FFord (or an old 1.6l f3) than a small F2!
Where was Danny Sullivan in all this, he was in the works Modus and pretty quick....
Didn't start for some reason - I'm sure he practised though.
Mark
#6
petefenelon
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Posted 11 October 2004 - 10:54
Originally posted by MCS
Didn't start for some reason - I'm sure he practised though.
Mark
Yes, I remember the car being there and looking very impressive!
#7
ian senior
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Posted 11 October 2004 - 11:01
Originally posted by petefenelon
I was there, first "international" race I'd seen! -- Gunnar had a slight habit of tangling with Alex, IIRC. The Ray looked very different to other F3 cars of that era, I remember it looking like a tiny little thing relative to the Marches - more like a big FFord (or an old 1.6l f3) than a small F2!
Where was Danny Sullivan in all this, he was in the works Modus and pretty quick....
Isn't that exactly what the Ray was - a modified FF car?
#8
Milan Fistonic
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 07:40
Before this thread slips into obscurity here are the results as published in Motoring News.
Race 1 – Formula Ford – Heat 1 – 10 laps
1. Mick Starkey, Merlyn-Scholar Mk17, 10m 51.8s, 90.58 mph
2. Derek Daly, Crossle-Rowland 25F
3. John Kent, Royale-Pegasus RP16
4. Robin Lang, Merlyn Mk 20A
FL. Starkey, 1m 03.4s, 93.12 mph
Race 2 – Formula Ford – Heat 2 – 10 laps
1. Kelvin Hesketh, Crossle-Minister 30F, 10m 54.4s, 90.22 mph
2. David Harbour, Crossle-Scholar 20F
3. Brian Thompson, Royale-Brown RP16
4. F. Potts, Hawke-Lloyd DL11
FL. Hesketh & Harbour, 1m 04.2s, 91.96 mph
Race 3 – Modsports – 12 laps
Overall
1.Brian Mills, 3.8 Jaguar E, 13m 17.2s, 88.87 mph
2. Bryan Litherland, 4.5 Jaguar E
3. Stuart Turner, 1.6 Lotus Elan
4. Kenny Allen, 1.0 Clan Crusader
Over 2000cc
1. Mills
2. Litherland
3. R. Gretton, 5.3 Jaguar E
FL. Litherland, 1m 05.2s, 90.55 mph
1301-2000cc
1. Turner, 13m 49.4s, 85.42 mph
2. D. Allen, 1.6 Lotus Europa
3. A. Smith, 1.6 Lotus Elan
FL. Turner, 1m 04.4s, 91.68 mph
1151-1300cc
1. R. Grice, 1.3 MG Midget, 13m 18.2s, 81.36 mph
2 M. Taylor, 1.3 AH Sprite
3. B. Lancashire, 1.3 MG Midget
FL. Grice, 1m 09.4s, 85.07 mph
Up to 1150cc
1. Allen, 13m 54.8s, 84.87 mph
2. I. Hall, 1.1 Mini Jem
3. K. Hopwood, 1.1 MG Midget
FL. Allen, 1m 07.0s, 88.12 mph
Race 4 – Formula Libre – 15 laps
1. Tony Dean, 5.0 Chevron-Morand B24, 13m 48.4s, 106.90 mph
2. Chris Choat, 2.0 Brabham-Racing Services BT36
3. Richard Jenvey, 2.0 Vogue SP BDA
4. Jim Charnock, 1.6 Brabham BT30 FVA
FL. Dean, 53.6s, 110.14 mph, new outright lap record
Race 5 – Saloons – 12 laps
Outright
1. Dave Millington, 2.3 Vauxhall Firenza, 12m 26.8s, 94.87 mph
2. Tony Sugden, 1.8 Ford Escort BDE
3. Gerry Gough, 1.3 Cooper S
4. Peter Cartlidge, 1.0 Austin A40
Over 1300cc
1. Millington
2. Sugden
3. P. Thomalla, 2.3 Ford Tianglia
FL. Millington & Sugden, 1m 00.8s, 97.10 mph
1001-1300cc
1. Gough, 13m 00.2s, 83.24 mph
No other finishers
FL. Gough, 1m 08.4s, 86.32 mph
851-1000cc
1. Cartlidge, 13m 01.6s, 83.09 mph
2. C. Flynn, 1.0 Mini
3. M.Wilson, 1.0 Cooper S
FL. Cartlidge, 1m 09.0s
Up to 850cc
1. B.Chappel,, 850 Mini, 12m 43.6s, 77.32, 10 laps
2. H. Nuttall, 850 Mini
No other finishers
FL. Nuttall, 1m 14.4s, 79.33 mph
Race 6 – Formula 3 – 25 laps
1. Gunnar Nilsson, March-Toyota 753, 23m 57.2s, 102.70 mph
2. Mike Tyrrell, GRD-Brown 373
3. Stephen South, Ray-Novamotor 75FS
4. Tony Rouff, Ehrlich-Vegantune EH5
5. Graham Hamilton, March-Brown 753
6. Rupert Keegan, March-Novamotor 743
FL. Tyrrell, 56.2s, 105.05 mph, establishes record
Race 7 – Clubmans – 15 laps
Overall
1. Barry Smith, U2-Holbay Mk 11b/14, 15m 45.0s, 93.71 mph
2. John Muirhead, U2-Holbay Mk 14
3. Geoff Lambert, U2-Holbay Mk 14b
4. G. Brown, U2-DBRE Mk 11b
Race 8 – Formula Ford – Final – 15 laps
1. David Harbour, Crossle-Scholar 20F, 16m 14.6s, 90.87 mph
2. Bernard Devaney, Hawke-Rowland DL12
3. Kelvin Hesketh,Crossle-Minister 30F
4. Derek Daly, Crossle-Rowland 25F
5. Bruce MacMichael, Crossle-Scholar 20F
6. Mick Starkey, Merlyn-Scholar Mk 17
Race 1 – Formula Ford – Heat 1 – 10 laps
1. Mick Starkey, Merlyn-Scholar Mk17, 10m 51.8s, 90.58 mph
2. Derek Daly, Crossle-Rowland 25F
3. John Kent, Royale-Pegasus RP16
4. Robin Lang, Merlyn Mk 20A
FL. Starkey, 1m 03.4s, 93.12 mph
Race 2 – Formula Ford – Heat 2 – 10 laps
1. Kelvin Hesketh, Crossle-Minister 30F, 10m 54.4s, 90.22 mph
2. David Harbour, Crossle-Scholar 20F
3. Brian Thompson, Royale-Brown RP16
4. F. Potts, Hawke-Lloyd DL11
FL. Hesketh & Harbour, 1m 04.2s, 91.96 mph
Race 3 – Modsports – 12 laps
Overall
1.Brian Mills, 3.8 Jaguar E, 13m 17.2s, 88.87 mph
2. Bryan Litherland, 4.5 Jaguar E
3. Stuart Turner, 1.6 Lotus Elan
4. Kenny Allen, 1.0 Clan Crusader
Over 2000cc
1. Mills
2. Litherland
3. R. Gretton, 5.3 Jaguar E
FL. Litherland, 1m 05.2s, 90.55 mph
1301-2000cc
1. Turner, 13m 49.4s, 85.42 mph
2. D. Allen, 1.6 Lotus Europa
3. A. Smith, 1.6 Lotus Elan
FL. Turner, 1m 04.4s, 91.68 mph
1151-1300cc
1. R. Grice, 1.3 MG Midget, 13m 18.2s, 81.36 mph
2 M. Taylor, 1.3 AH Sprite
3. B. Lancashire, 1.3 MG Midget
FL. Grice, 1m 09.4s, 85.07 mph
Up to 1150cc
1. Allen, 13m 54.8s, 84.87 mph
2. I. Hall, 1.1 Mini Jem
3. K. Hopwood, 1.1 MG Midget
FL. Allen, 1m 07.0s, 88.12 mph
Race 4 – Formula Libre – 15 laps
1. Tony Dean, 5.0 Chevron-Morand B24, 13m 48.4s, 106.90 mph
2. Chris Choat, 2.0 Brabham-Racing Services BT36
3. Richard Jenvey, 2.0 Vogue SP BDA
4. Jim Charnock, 1.6 Brabham BT30 FVA
FL. Dean, 53.6s, 110.14 mph, new outright lap record
Race 5 – Saloons – 12 laps
Outright
1. Dave Millington, 2.3 Vauxhall Firenza, 12m 26.8s, 94.87 mph
2. Tony Sugden, 1.8 Ford Escort BDE
3. Gerry Gough, 1.3 Cooper S
4. Peter Cartlidge, 1.0 Austin A40
Over 1300cc
1. Millington
2. Sugden
3. P. Thomalla, 2.3 Ford Tianglia
FL. Millington & Sugden, 1m 00.8s, 97.10 mph
1001-1300cc
1. Gough, 13m 00.2s, 83.24 mph
No other finishers
FL. Gough, 1m 08.4s, 86.32 mph
851-1000cc
1. Cartlidge, 13m 01.6s, 83.09 mph
2. C. Flynn, 1.0 Mini
3. M.Wilson, 1.0 Cooper S
FL. Cartlidge, 1m 09.0s
Up to 850cc
1. B.Chappel,, 850 Mini, 12m 43.6s, 77.32, 10 laps
2. H. Nuttall, 850 Mini
No other finishers
FL. Nuttall, 1m 14.4s, 79.33 mph
Race 6 – Formula 3 – 25 laps
1. Gunnar Nilsson, March-Toyota 753, 23m 57.2s, 102.70 mph
2. Mike Tyrrell, GRD-Brown 373
3. Stephen South, Ray-Novamotor 75FS
4. Tony Rouff, Ehrlich-Vegantune EH5
5. Graham Hamilton, March-Brown 753
6. Rupert Keegan, March-Novamotor 743
FL. Tyrrell, 56.2s, 105.05 mph, establishes record
Race 7 – Clubmans – 15 laps
Overall
1. Barry Smith, U2-Holbay Mk 11b/14, 15m 45.0s, 93.71 mph
2. John Muirhead, U2-Holbay Mk 14
3. Geoff Lambert, U2-Holbay Mk 14b
4. G. Brown, U2-DBRE Mk 11b
Race 8 – Formula Ford – Final – 15 laps
1. David Harbour, Crossle-Scholar 20F, 16m 14.6s, 90.87 mph
2. Bernard Devaney, Hawke-Rowland DL12
3. Kelvin Hesketh,Crossle-Minister 30F
4. Derek Daly, Crossle-Rowland 25F
5. Bruce MacMichael, Crossle-Scholar 20F
6. Mick Starkey, Merlyn-Scholar Mk 17
#9
petefenelon
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 08:50
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Milan Fistonic
[/quote]
.....many thanks Milan, a few comments!
Race 3 – Modsports – 12 laps
Overall
1.Brian Mills, 3.8 Jaguar E, 13m 17.2s, 88.87 mph
2. Bryan Litherland, 4.5 Jaguar E
.....now Litherland's car, as far as I recall, was one hell of a "mod" modsports car - it looked like an E-type if an E-type had been left out in the sun and grown a bit and melted!
Race 4 – Formula Libre – 15 laps
1. Tony Dean, 5.0 Chevron-Morand B24, 13m 48.4s, 106.90 mph
FL. Dean, 53.6s, 110.14 mph, new outright lap record
......yes, a very special day indeed!
Race 5 – Saloons – 12 laps
Outright
1. Dave Millington, 2.3 Vauxhall Firenza, 12m 26.8s, 94.87 mph
2. Tony Sugden, 1.8 Ford Escort BDE
These two guys were heroes of mine - Tony still is, right to the end of his career with his "Skodas"
They were the "establishment" in saloons at Aintree and one or t'other would win the majority of the time (Tony a bit more often than Dave - Tony's car was considerably 'hotter' than Dave's Firenza!) Both sponsored by local car hire place Brook Hire, in a fairly smart white/blue/orange livery. Dave emigrated to Canada in the early 80s, I think - I don't know if he remained involved in the sport. Always good for an intra-team scrap. Great as we thought Tony and Dave were, we got an eye-opener a couple of seasons later when Nick Whiting showed up with his yellow Kent Messenger Mk2 Escort and disappeared into the middle-distance..... In Saloons, I was also a great fan of Cheshire-based Mini racers Knickers In Tins Racing - their standard of preparation was exceptional.
Race 8 – Formula Ford – Final – 15 laps
1. David Harbour, Crossle-Scholar 20F, 16m 14.6s, 90.87 mph
2. Bernard Devaney, Hawke-Rowland DL12
3. Kelvin Hesketh,Crossle-Minister 30F
4. Derek Daly, Crossle-Rowland 25F
5. Bruce MacMichael, Crossle-Scholar 20F
6. Mick Starkey, Merlyn-Scholar Mk 17 [/B][/QUOTE]
Devaney's one of the "Lost Talents" I think - he and EJ and Derek were part of a fairly legendary (on and off track) bunch of Irishmen who'd come over and party as hard as they raced.
[/quote]
.....many thanks Milan, a few comments!
Race 3 – Modsports – 12 laps
Overall
1.Brian Mills, 3.8 Jaguar E, 13m 17.2s, 88.87 mph
2. Bryan Litherland, 4.5 Jaguar E
.....now Litherland's car, as far as I recall, was one hell of a "mod" modsports car - it looked like an E-type if an E-type had been left out in the sun and grown a bit and melted!
Race 4 – Formula Libre – 15 laps
1. Tony Dean, 5.0 Chevron-Morand B24, 13m 48.4s, 106.90 mph
FL. Dean, 53.6s, 110.14 mph, new outright lap record
......yes, a very special day indeed!
Race 5 – Saloons – 12 laps
Outright
1. Dave Millington, 2.3 Vauxhall Firenza, 12m 26.8s, 94.87 mph
2. Tony Sugden, 1.8 Ford Escort BDE
These two guys were heroes of mine - Tony still is, right to the end of his career with his "Skodas"
They were the "establishment" in saloons at Aintree and one or t'other would win the majority of the time (Tony a bit more often than Dave - Tony's car was considerably 'hotter' than Dave's Firenza!) Both sponsored by local car hire place Brook Hire, in a fairly smart white/blue/orange livery. Dave emigrated to Canada in the early 80s, I think - I don't know if he remained involved in the sport. Always good for an intra-team scrap. Great as we thought Tony and Dave were, we got an eye-opener a couple of seasons later when Nick Whiting showed up with his yellow Kent Messenger Mk2 Escort and disappeared into the middle-distance..... In Saloons, I was also a great fan of Cheshire-based Mini racers Knickers In Tins Racing - their standard of preparation was exceptional.Race 8 – Formula Ford – Final – 15 laps
1. David Harbour, Crossle-Scholar 20F, 16m 14.6s, 90.87 mph
2. Bernard Devaney, Hawke-Rowland DL12
3. Kelvin Hesketh,Crossle-Minister 30F
4. Derek Daly, Crossle-Rowland 25F
5. Bruce MacMichael, Crossle-Scholar 20F
6. Mick Starkey, Merlyn-Scholar Mk 17 [/B][/QUOTE]
Devaney's one of the "Lost Talents" I think - he and EJ and Derek were part of a fairly legendary (on and off track) bunch of Irishmen who'd come over and party as hard as they raced.
#10
Mallory Dan
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 15:02
Yes Pete, but that day he was beaten by David Harbour in a much older Crossle 20F. Harbour was I think from the Liverpool area, but even when he came to Mallory, was always very quick in that old car. I wonder whatever became of him ??
#11
petefenelon
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 15:20
Originally posted by Mallory Dan
Yes Pete, but that day he was beaten by David Harbour in a much older Crossle 20F. Harbour was I think from the Liverpool area, but even when he came to Mallory, was always very quick in that old car. I wonder whatever became of him ??
I think David was an Oulton specialist, so he probably was a Northerner.
(Diz over on ten-tenths will know!)
#12
Alan Cox
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 16:24
Brilliant stuff, chaps. Thanks for those results Milan - they bring Aintree clubbies right back to life!
Do you remember Dave Millington's spectacular barrel-roll all the way down the Avenue at Oulton, with his Firenza? An amateur movie-cameraman got it on film and I remember it being shown on the northern news.
That was a great Formula Ford result for Dave Harbour - I can't think why I can't recall it. In those days they would regularly have two heats and a final - not bad for such a small club.
On another Aintree tack, can you name anyone who raced cars at Aintree (on either GP or club circuit), and also rode in the Grand National? I can think of two.............
Do you remember Dave Millington's spectacular barrel-roll all the way down the Avenue at Oulton, with his Firenza? An amateur movie-cameraman got it on film and I remember it being shown on the northern news.
That was a great Formula Ford result for Dave Harbour - I can't think why I can't recall it. In those days they would regularly have two heats and a final - not bad for such a small club.
On another Aintree tack, can you name anyone who raced cars at Aintree (on either GP or club circuit), and also rode in the Grand National? I can think of two.............
#13
Macca
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 16:46
Was one 'Fon' de Portago?
Paul M
Paul M
#14
Alan Cox
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 18:48
Indeed he was, Macca. Any other suggestions?
#15
MCS
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 18:55
Originally posted by Alan Cox
......That was a great Formula Ford result for Dave Harbour - I can't think why I can't recall it. In those days they would regularly have two heats and a final - not bad for such a small club......
Remember the Formula Ford Festival that Ian Smith brilliantly organised...?
Won by Yves Sarazin in a Tiga, I think
What happened to him?
Mark
#16
Alan Cox
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Posted 13 October 2004 - 21:39
Yes, Ian Smith's contribution to motor sport in the north, at grass-roots k=level, was enormous. Formula E was a brilliant idea, and he also used to do the commentaries at Aintree. A man with his heart in the right place.
#17
Alan Cox
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Posted 15 October 2004 - 16:11
No takers for another name who rode and drove at Aintree? Well, the name I have is John Carden who, I believe, was a Liverpool lawyer and rode in the National as well as drove a low-drag E-Type Jaguar in historics on the club circuit. Also a clubmans driver, I think.
#18
Alan Cox
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Posted 07 February 2006 - 19:26
I thought I would add apostscript to this thread, as, now I have some limited scanning skills, a few photos from that day may be of interest to the previous posters on this thread.
Gunnar Nilsson
Alex Ribeiro
Nilsson's March
Sullivan's Modus
Start
South's Ray
Keegan - March 743
Richard Hawkins gets out of shape
It was a bad day for works March nosecones!
Bryan Litherland - an Aintree fixture with his modsports E Type
Dick Mallock withe the "Formula Libre" Mallock, a fantastic car
Gunnar Nilsson Alex Ribeiro Nilsson's March Sullivan's Modus Start South's Ray Keegan - March 743 Richard Hawkins gets out of shape It was a bad day for works March nosecones! Bryan Litherland - an Aintree fixture with his modsports E Type Dick Mallock withe the "Formula Libre" Mallock, a fantastic car
Edited by Alan Cox, 24 October 2009 - 15:26.
#19
petefenelon
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Posted 10 February 2006 - 17:21
Alan, many thanks - what a splendid set of pics, I can even smell Aintree looking at them.
You must've been standing no more than a few feet from me and my dad at the start of the race. Love the Bryan Litherland E-type; maybe now people have started picking up an interest in Special Saloons, modsports will follow....
You must've been standing no more than a few feet from me and my dad at the start of the race. Love the Bryan Litherland E-type; maybe now people have started picking up an interest in Special Saloons, modsports will follow....
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#20
Allen Brown
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Posted 12 February 2006 - 00:03
Excellent pictures Alan.
I don't suppose you caught a shot of Dean on his way to that new record? I would love to know which Chevron he managed to resuscitate in time for this race.
Allen
I don't suppose you caught a shot of Dean on his way to that new record? I would love to know which Chevron he managed to resuscitate in time for this race.
Allen
#21
Alan Cox
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Posted 12 February 2006 - 22:41
You are in luck, Allen. Tony Dean during his lap record-breaking Libre win.
One for petefenelon - Another Aintree modsports favourite, Brian Murphy, who regularly challenged Bryan Litherland.
Not the F3 meeting, but one year later and Murphy has continued the development of the E Type. Lapping Viv West's Sprite.
"The Weasel" took up his motor racing career again after release, and turned up at an old stamping ground of his - albeit not on the full circuit any more.
Nick Whiting seemed to like the place, and was a frequent visitor.
One for petefenelon - Another Aintree modsports favourite, Brian Murphy, who regularly challenged Bryan Litherland. Not the F3 meeting, but one year later and Murphy has continued the development of the E Type. Lapping Viv West's Sprite. "The Weasel" took up his motor racing career again after release, and turned up at an old stamping ground of his - albeit not on the full circuit any more. Nick Whiting seemed to like the place, and was a frequent visitor.
#22
Allen Brown
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Posted 12 February 2006 - 22:58
Fantastic! Backwards-facing roll hoop stays so that must be B24-73-01 which means several things on my Chevron B24 page are proven wrong. I like proof. Even when it's proving the wrong thing. I thought his Aintree car had to be B24-73-07 but there was always a chance he'd painted his red car blue. Back to the drawing board...Originally posted by Alan Cox
You are in luck, Allen. Tony Dean during his lap record-breaking Libre win.
Could I use that picture?
You weren't at any other obscure Northern libre events in 1975 were you? Rufforth 24 May? I now really, really need someone with pictures from Rufforth 24 May 1975.
Allen
#23
petefenelon
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Posted 13 February 2006 - 10:13
Originally posted by Alan Cox
You are in luck, Allen. Tony Dean during his lap record-breaking Libre win.
Another great set. I remember Tony Dean's lap record, and Nick Whiting's first visit where he gave Tony Sugden and Dave Millington a bit of a wakeup call! Not sure I haven't been confusing the Litherland and Murphy Es in my brain!
My dad gave me a sound clip round the ear'ole when I said I hoped Roy James didn't break down on the Railway Straight. (not that there was much railway there by then!)
#24
MCS
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Posted 13 February 2006 - 10:18
You weren't at any other obscure Northern libre events in 1975 were you? Rufforth 24 May? I now really, really need someone with pictures from Rufforth 24 May 1975.
Allen
Obscure ?!!
They were invariably great. I saw some quite wonderful libre races oop north in the seventies and always thought it was a great shame there weren't more at Oulton Park.Fantastic pictures Alan. The racing at Aintree always seemed to be good. I absolutely adored the place and even took to going down there on Tuesday evenings for the weekly practice session where you could almost always be surprised by who and what turned up.
A lovely period.
#25
petefenelon
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Posted 13 February 2006 - 10:22
Originally posted by MCS
Fantastic pictures Alan. The racing at Aintree always seemed to be good. I absolutely adored the place and even took to going down there on Tuesday evenings for the weekly practice session where you could almost always be surprised by who and what turned up.
A lovely period.
Great evenings indeed, what better way to spend a few hours on a Tuesday than ambling around looking at racing cars? -- you could get anywhere from half a dozen cars upwards. I think if any car ever convinced me that "old racing cars are better looking" it was Richard Thwaites' Elva.
#26
Alan Cox
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Posted 14 February 2006 - 08:31
A few more on the Spirit of Aintree theme, although not strictly adhering to the title of the thread..
A view familiar to many of you who have previously posted - Clubmans race in progress
The "Classic Cars" series brought many wonderful cars to Liverpool - Willie Green leads away in the JCB Lister
John Cooper - GT40
The immaculately numbered Project 212 Aston of Mike Salmon
Paul Weldon's Mirage
Modsports ace John "Plastic" Pearson's XK120
Harry Phillips was another 'crowd pleaser'
Jeremy Lord - Minilite Lola DFV
Northern FF regulars Kelvin Hesketh
and Stuart Baird
A view familiar to many of you who have previously posted - Clubmans race in progress
The "Classic Cars" series brought many wonderful cars to Liverpool - Willie Green leads away in the JCB Lister
John Cooper - GT40
The immaculately numbered Project 212 Aston of Mike Salmon
Paul Weldon's Mirage
Modsports ace John "Plastic" Pearson's XK120
Harry Phillips was another 'crowd pleaser'
Jeremy Lord - Minilite Lola DFV
Northern FF regulars Kelvin Hesketh
and Stuart Baird
#27
Mallory Dan
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Posted 14 February 2006 - 11:20
Alan, absolutely superb pics, keep 'em coming!
#28
petefenelon
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Posted 14 February 2006 - 12:34
Yet more splendid shots - particularly loved Pearson's XK -- these days you'd get arrested for blasphemy like that -- isn't it marvellous?;)
And is that really a 'Vette racing against a Spridget? -- I assume lapping is taking place ;)
And is that really a 'Vette racing against a Spridget? -- I assume lapping is taking place ;)
#29
David Beard
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Posted 14 February 2006 - 12:50
Originally posted by Alan Cox
Northern FF regulars Kelvin Hesketh
I recall Kelvin Hesketh from the fearsome cliff top kart circuit he and his father Bert ran on Heysham Head near Morecambe. They took over Blow Karts, which were made in Chesterfield, and renamed them Star karts, manufacturing them in the hut at the circuit.
#30
David Beard
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Posted 14 February 2006 - 12:54
Originally posted by petefenelon
Great evenings indeed, what better way to spend a few hours on a Tuesday than ambling around looking at racing cars? -- you could get anywhere from half a dozen cars upwards. I think if any car ever convinced me that "old racing cars are better looking" it was Richard Thwaites' Elva.
I went to one of those evenings with Andy Best and his Getem. A steering arm broke and he went straight on at the end of the main straight. Fortunately the scenery was quite accomodating. Did you ever get a shot of that car Alan, circa 1977?
#31
Mallory Dan
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Posted 14 February 2006 - 13:30
Originally posted by petefenelon
Yet more splendid shots - particularly loved Pearson's XK -- these days you'd get arrested for blasphemy like that -- isn't it marvellous?;)
And is that really a 'Vette racing against a Spridget? -- I assume lapping is taking place ;)
Pete, think you're right it'll be a lapping move - the Spridget lapping the Stingray that is. Harry Phillips (backed by the Endrust Weathershield Group IIRC) was never very quick in that car.
Spectating as kids, my little bro and I would select a likely winner; he'd go for the car with the biggest engine, like Harry's here, I'd use a little more knowledge of 'form', guess who usually won! Others he'd pick, using his special talent of going with the most cc, would be Bill Cox's Capri, Tony Wingrove's big Porsche, Doug Emms Camaro, Rod Grettons E-Type. Took him years to twig on that he was being taken for a ride...
#32
Alan Cox
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Posted 14 February 2006 - 18:44
Sadly, don't recall having a pic of the Getem, David. If I find one, I shall post it.
I'm sure you are right, Dan. The Spridget would be lapping the Corvette - I have a picture from later in the race when Harry is rejoining the circuit after an "off". Compare his positioning of the car on the circuit with that of Jeremy Lord taken at the same corner.
And another photo which I omitted from the previous post - Willie Green again, in Bamford's ex-Cunningham lightweight E type
I'm sure you are right, Dan. The Spridget would be lapping the Corvette - I have a picture from later in the race when Harry is rejoining the circuit after an "off". Compare his positioning of the car on the circuit with that of Jeremy Lord taken at the same corner.
And another photo which I omitted from the previous post - Willie Green again, in Bamford's ex-Cunningham lightweight E type
#33
Alan Cox
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Posted 06 May 2006 - 23:07
Reviving this Aintree thread, as I have come across these snaps, which will mean something to Aintree afficionados.
This chap's name came up at the last TNF Northern pub night- Eike Welhausen
Mentioned previously by petefenelon, saloon ace David Millington
..and his Brook Hire team-mate/sparring partner Peter Sugden
Oulton and Aintree regular Derek Walker/Flowflex Fiat
Clubmans' aces Frank Sytner and Geoff Friswell
Frank with the libre BDA-Mallock - what a lump!
This chap's name came up at the last TNF Northern pub night- Eike Welhausen
Mentioned previously by petefenelon, saloon ace David Millington
..and his Brook Hire team-mate/sparring partner Peter Sugden
Oulton and Aintree regular Derek Walker/Flowflex Fiat
Clubmans' aces Frank Sytner and Geoff Friswell
Frank with the libre BDA-Mallock - what a lump!
#34
Mallory Dan
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Posted 08 May 2006 - 09:44
Alan, great stuff as ever. That Derek Walker Fiat was a real flyer, what was it based on does anyone know? He must have been a talented Engineer, 'cos as I recall he later made a v quick Skoda, which was more than a match for those based on Chevrons/Lolas. Wasn't he a market-gardener ?
#35
petefenelon
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Posted 08 May 2006 - 12:04
Excellent stuff - the FIAT was a firm favourite. And doesn't Fearless look sinister in that Mallock?!;)
#36
Alan Cox
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Posted 08 May 2006 - 18:44
Yes, Dan, Derek was a market gardener from Altrincham. At one time he held the record of more race wins at Oulton than any other driver - don't know if his record still holds up, I suspect it does. He now races the ex-Dave Rees Terrier in historic Formula Junior, a car he used to work on in the sixties when Dave raced it.
#37
Ian Smith - Diz
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Posted 17 July 2008 - 00:23
No idea Mark.Originally posted by MCS
Remember the Formula Ford Festival that Ian Smith brilliantly organised...?
Won by Yves Sarazin in a Tiga, I think
What happened to him?
Mark
Sorry it's taken me a few years to pick up on this thread.
Aw schucks, I'm getting all embarrassed now.Originally posted by Alan Cox
Yes, Ian Smith's contribution to motor sport in the north, at grass-roots k=level, was enormous. Formula E was a brilliant idea, and he also used to do the commentaries at Aintree. A man with his heart in the right place.
And now Ladies and Gentlemen - Back to the thread topic.
The highlight of my race secretary years was taking on the might of Brands Hatch and winning. You will be familiar with calendars changing because BTCC want that date, or the SuperBikes want to switch dates etc. Well this is nothing new. Just about every year the Brands Hatch hierarchy made late changes to the Oulton Park dates and every time, little Aintree changed to suit. Well not in 1975 they didn’t. The two circuits were about 35 miles apart and having two meetings on the same day would be a loser for one party. So off I went to challenge the big boys.
I suppose this date clash meeting in 1975 was my first involvement with F3. I got sponsorship and put a Formula Three race on. The formula had just changed engine size and the teams were keen to get mileage on the cars. I was even cheeky enough to take an advert in the programme at the preceding Oulton meeting.
Anyway, guess who had the better meeting. That autumn, Brands even rang me to check on what dates we were putting forward for 1976. From 1976 – for a few years – there were two regulations in the Blue Book that weren’t there in 1975. Firstly you couldn’t pay more prize money for a class than the recognised championship paid {I paid double} and secondly you couldn’t hold race meetings on the same day at circuits less than 40 road miles apart. I class that as a result.
It was in the mid 1970s’ that I had some involvement with Irish FF drivers, as we arranged for their cars to be collected from Liverpool docks at 7.00am on a Saturday morning and be taken six miles up the road to Aintree – they just pushed their race cars onto the ferry. This developed into hawking around the country with one Edmund Jordan in a VW Transporter pickup with a Crossle on the back, a terrifying experience, but at least I got a mention in his autobiography, even if I didn’t make it onto This is Your Life.
#38
Phil Rainford
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Posted 21 July 2008 - 19:35
Aintree last month...worth the wait on the start line.
He comes into the paddock rather quickly, I hope he got a ticking off from Mr Wilkinson ;)
Kind regards
Phil
#39
Stephen W
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Posted 22 July 2008 - 08:57
Originally posted by Phil Rainford
Aintree last month...worth the wait on the start line.
He comes into the paddock rather quickly, I hope he got a ticking off from Mr Wilkinson ;)
Kind regards
Phil
If you listen very carefully at the start of the clip you can hear some demented idiot attempting to do a commentary - that was me!
However Henryk's speed into the paddock was relatively slow compared to one incident years ago when a F3000 Lola arrived at 100mph+ - now he did get his collar felt!
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#40
Steve O'Brien
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Posted 22 July 2008 - 09:36
Long shot I know but I wonder has anyone got a photo of my father Harry O'Brien in his Lotus 19 at Aintree would have been 1965 by any chance
Steve.
Steve.
#41
Silkolene
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Posted 12 September 2008 - 12:44
Fabulous new Association that is reviving all these great Historic Modsports and Special Saloons HMSA
Historic Modsports and Saloon Association www.historicmodsportsandsaloons.com
Could be a good place to join with our space framed Modsports Jaguar E Type,we wouldnt be supprised to see some other nice cars in this HMSA that you have mentioned in this forum.
Some of the best Motor Racing we have ever seen was at these Modsports and Special Saloon events held around the UK in the 1970s and 1980s.
Historic Modsports and Saloon Association www.historicmodsportsandsaloons.com
Could be a good place to join with our space framed Modsports Jaguar E Type,we wouldnt be supprised to see some other nice cars in this HMSA that you have mentioned in this forum.
Some of the best Motor Racing we have ever seen was at these Modsports and Special Saloon events held around the UK in the 1970s and 1980s.
#42
Stephen W
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Posted 12 September 2008 - 13:26
Motor Racing Returns to Aintree
Above: the Sandbach High School's New No 2 en route to victory in the Formula 24 four hour race on Wednesday.
The IMechE Greenpower 2008 Series stopped in at Aintree top revive 4 wheel racing at the circuit. There were two races (Formula 24+ and Formula 24) and all the teams had a great day racing round the Liverpool circuit. The Formula 24+ race (one and a quarter hours duration) which is for older pupils and appentices was won by "Y" Pod? the Chipping Sodbury School's entry with Sandbach High School's BRIAN in second three laps in arrears. Third went to the Team Bentley Greeenpower Continental DC a further 2 laps adrift.
In the Formula 24 race Sandbach High School went into an immediate lead with New No 2 and held on throughout the race. Team SKS from Samuel Kings School took second ahead of BRIAN that was now driven by the younger pupils.
Above: Formula 24+ winners "Y" Pod?
Above: the Sandbach High School's New No 2 en route to victory in the Formula 24 four hour race on Wednesday.
The IMechE Greenpower 2008 Series stopped in at Aintree top revive 4 wheel racing at the circuit. There were two races (Formula 24+ and Formula 24) and all the teams had a great day racing round the Liverpool circuit. The Formula 24+ race (one and a quarter hours duration) which is for older pupils and appentices was won by "Y" Pod? the Chipping Sodbury School's entry with Sandbach High School's BRIAN in second three laps in arrears. Third went to the Team Bentley Greeenpower Continental DC a further 2 laps adrift.
In the Formula 24 race Sandbach High School went into an immediate lead with New No 2 and held on throughout the race. Team SKS from Samuel Kings School took second ahead of BRIAN that was now driven by the younger pupils.
Above: Formula 24+ winners "Y" Pod?
#43
Silkolene
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Posted 12 September 2008 - 17:42
Now these look good,might be at the back of the grid though racing against the Historic Modsports in the HMSA.
Keep up the good work you lads and lasses it may be the future.
Keep up the good work you lads and lasses it may be the future.
#44
Phil Rainford
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Posted 12 September 2008 - 18:26
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stephen W
Motor Racing Returns to Aintree
Above: the Sandbach High School's [B]New No 2 en route to victory in the Formula 24 four hour race on Wednesday.
Could the teacher be a fan of Steve McQueen and "Le Mans"
Kind regards
Phil
Motor Racing Returns to Aintree
Above: the Sandbach High School's [B]New No 2 en route to victory in the Formula 24 four hour race on Wednesday.
Could the teacher be a fan of Steve McQueen and "Le Mans"
Kind regards
Phil
#45
petefenelon
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Posted 12 September 2008 - 19:04
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Phil Rainford
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stephen W
Motor Racing Returns to Aintree
Above: the Sandbach High School's [B]New No 2 en route to victory in the Formula 24 four hour race on Wednesday.
Could the teacher be a fan of Steve McQueen and "Le Mans"
Kind regards
Phil [/QUOTE]
OR was the driver conceived when Stefan Johansson was driving the Gulf Audi?;)
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stephen W
Motor Racing Returns to Aintree
Above: the Sandbach High School's [B]New No 2 en route to victory in the Formula 24 four hour race on Wednesday.
Could the teacher be a fan of Steve McQueen and "Le Mans"
Kind regards
Phil [/QUOTE]
OR was the driver conceived when Stefan Johansson was driving the Gulf Audi?;)
#46
Stephen W
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Posted 14 September 2008 - 08:04
Quotes:
Could the teacher be a fan of Steve McQueen and "Le Mans"
or
Was the driver conceived when Stefan Johansson was driving the Gulf Audi?
Apparently neither! The suggested colour scheme came from one of the girls whose Dad is a Porsche fan!
SERIOUSLY if you get the chance to see one of the Greenpower events do so, they are really fun!
Could the teacher be a fan of Steve McQueen and "Le Mans"
or
Was the driver conceived when Stefan Johansson was driving the Gulf Audi?
Apparently neither! The suggested colour scheme came from one of the girls whose Dad is a Porsche fan!
SERIOUSLY if you get the chance to see one of the Greenpower events do so, they are really fun!
#47
BruceM
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Posted 02 January 2009 - 15:29
What a great thread. I remember the meeting very well, like others writing here not least because Edde Jordan was there - he helped me by lending me a suspension link from his Crossle while he helped get mine fixed. Happy days.
I don't suppose anyone has any photos showing my Crossle? (Race 8) Sadly I never collected many while I was racing.
Bruce Macmichael
I don't suppose anyone has any photos showing my Crossle? (Race 8) Sadly I never collected many while I was racing.
Bruce Macmichael
#48
Allen Brown
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Posted 26 January 2009 - 09:06
I have a plea to you Aintree old-timers. Does anyone recall the Vincent family (of Cranberry Lodge Garage, Wigan) who ran a Chevron B19 at Aintree in 1972?
The only result I have for it is a NSCC meeting on Whit Monday 28 May 1972 when one of the Vincents (MN and AS disagree over who it was) won the sports car class of the libre race. I'd have thought it would have been one of the newest cars in the paddock at that time.
The Vincents also had a Brabham BT30 about the same time.
The only result I have for it is a NSCC meeting on Whit Monday 28 May 1972 when one of the Vincents (MN and AS disagree over who it was) won the sports car class of the libre race. I'd have thought it would have been one of the newest cars in the paddock at that time.
The Vincents also had a Brabham BT30 about the same time.
#49
Giraffe
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Posted 26 January 2009 - 09:27
By giraffe138
This is Bob Vincent who regularily ran his Ford GT40 at Aintree and brought it down to Aintree Tuesday night practice as well as the meetings, late 60's early 70's. I believe it was an ex-Ron Fry car, one of two Bob had over the years.
I do recall Bob being entered on one occasion in a B19, but I'll have to check my programmes.
I seem to recollect that Bob was no spring chicken at the time, and I believe he was part of the Vincent motorcycle dynasty. I'd love to know where his glorious red GT40 went..............
#50
Alan Cox
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Posted 26 January 2009 - 09:32
I do rememeber that Bob Vincent also ran a lightweight E Type (reg no RV 7) prior to aquiring the GT40. Without checking, I don't recall whetehr it was a genuine lightweight, but in those (far-off) days, it probably would have been.
