9 replies to this topic

[Jon Saltinstall]

The question of the Brands Hatch tractor races came up in a discussion with D-Type on another sub-forum topic, and I must confess I had forgotten about them. In fact, the only one I can recall seeing a photo of was from the 1972 event which was run before the Rothmans 50,000 Formula Libre race (there's a colour pic in "From Brands Hatch To Indianapolis"). Does anyone know how many such races there were, and who took part in them? 

[Tim Murray]

The tractor race at the Rothmans 50,000 was run over one lap of the club circuit and featured six invited drivers in Fordson tractors. After much corner-cutting and a few hairy-looking wheelies, Carlos Reutemann just had the edge ahead of Emerson Fittipaldi, Tim Schenken, Jody Scheckter, Henri Pescarolo and Graham McRae. The new tractor lap record was 3' 37".

(Source: Autosport)

I've checked that year's British GP report and the 'entertainment' there was a cycle race. Were there any other tractor races? I don't recall any at the meetings I went to.

[D-Type]

I think that one of the "Ford sport" days may have included a tractor race but driven by lesser luminaries, not GP drivers.

[EDWARD FITZGERALD]

Was at Fordsport Day in 72 no tractor race GP drivers and others in black Capris , I do recall.photos of a tractor race at Thruxton probably the same year

[EDWARD FITZGERALD]

Was at Fordsport Day in 72 no tractor race GP drivers and others in black Capris , I do recall.photos of a tractor race at Thruxton probably the same year

[Tim Murray]

Googling for info on the tractor races throws up the site below. You'll need to scroll down a long way through a lot of tedious stuff relating to Ford tractors, but it'll be worth it. There are a number of photos of victory parades after F1 races with the winning cars and drivers (Brabham, Rindt, Clark, Scheckter, Gethin etc) on the back of tractor-towed trailers, plus an account from the man who towed Brabham's trailer in 1966.

There's also a photo of what I think might be the tractor race at the Rothmans 50,000, but captioned 'Tractors escorting the parade'. There are many other mistakes in the captioning (apparently Patrick Head accompanied Rindt and Chapman on the 1970 GP victory parade) but the photos themselves are well worth a look:

http://www.johnbaggaley.co.uk/?p=917

[Vitesse2]

Maybe Patrick Head is the name of the bloke driving the tractor? The blog author does seem to know most of the drivers' names!

 

The colour picture does look to be at the 50000. Here's a picture of Emerson on the grid - the position of the number appears the same as on the colour one.

 

[Vitesse2]

And from the other side:

 

[Vitesse2]

And if you have $135 to spare, you can even buy a scratchbuilt model of Reutemann's tractor on eBay! Item #152010301187.

 

 

 

Another action shot:

 

[Jon Saltinstall]

Was at Fordsport Day in 72 no tractor race GP drivers and others in black Capris , I do recall.photos of a tractor race at Thruxton probably the same year

 

The Ford Capri Challenge Brands Hatch Pro-Celeb Race took place on  14/7/72, using 16 identical Ford 3-litre Capris in top-of-the-line 3000E (for Executive) spec, all in black with red coach line and black vinyl roof.  there's a comprehensive thread at forums.autosport.com/topic/91842-28051972-brands-h...