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[petestenning]

In the late 1960's and into the 70's programes often had little profile of some of the drivers of the day, so here is the first one , i have put into my own words so as not to infringe copyright.

B.D.L.R.Smith
Brian Smith was a motoring journalist, who spent his lfe running out of money half way through a season and stopping racing for the rest of the year.

At Goodwood in 1963 during a race the suspension collapsed on his 1.0 litre Lotus 7 and hit a bank.
He had to scrimp and save to repair it so he could sell it on.

In 1964 he had several class wins in a Lotus 23 with a 1098 cc engine, but his bad luck struck again when mid season the engine blew up.

1965 went a little better as he lasted until July before mechanical disasters hit , but not until he had won 7 times in his class and got 3 lap records.

Building up funds he reappeared in 1967 in Formula Ford with his Bardahl Special , built from a crashed Brabham F2 BT18.

The above car is perhaps the one he is remembered for most.

Although not a prolific winner in Formula Ford he was a constant placed runner.
He started the 68 season with 2 disadvantages 1) only a 1500 cc engine and 2) Tim Schenken as a rival.
He soon upgraded to a 1600 engine but like the rest had no answer to the conquering Schenken.

Aged 32 in 1968 when this profile was written he like a lot of other drivers had ambitions to race F1.

He spent time in South Africa covering the Springbok series of motor races.He also took part in the Mobil economy runs , but outright victory had eluded him .




Pete

If anyone can add to this please do .