147 replies to this topic

[Jerry Entin]

Gus Hutchison's Lotus 41 with the body off

This is what Gus Hutchison thought of his Lotus 41:
"Then came the Lotus 41 F-B. It was lighter, sleeker and faster than anything I had driven. Even though the early ones had some bump steer under braking, that was soon corrected. The record shows my 41 to be the fastest F-B in 1967 but I am not so sure if it was as fast as the highly touted Brabham BT-21. The Mclaren was quick as well."
photo lent site David Seibert collection.

Antony: Thank you for posting your picture from Watkins Glen.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 19 February 2016 - 22:42.

[Jerry Entin]

Gus Hutchison in clean room
This is Gus's day job as we say over here. Gus has a company that invents different applications for special type lights. Here is how Gus Hutchison tells of his degrees:
"My degree is in chemistry with a minor in physics. I haven’t practiced chemistry since 1975. I am a practical engineer having learned most shop skills from John Miller. I was the founder and president of Solar Kinetics, Inc from 1975 until 2005."

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by antony duprat

Just for illustre your recit...But have you others pics of this "adventure"?

I wonder what Ron would have thought about that routing of the water pipe?

This was, truly, the best looking F1 car ever once they grew wings. And only the Eagle of '67 and perhaps the Lotus 33 ever looked better in the rear engined period.

Jerry, I think you'll have to upload and post that Lotus 41 pic again, seems to have failed...

[Jerry Entin]

Ray: David Seibert had told me the same thing about the Lotus 41 photo. I have reposted it. I saw it fine, I hope everyone can see it again. And yes those are LeGrand wheels on the Lotus 23 of Dave Bland above.

[Ray Bell]

No, still no sign of it here, Jerry...

Did you upload it again, or simply repost it?

[Catalina Park]

I can see it and I could also see it last night.

[Rob Ryder]

Jerry
I found this image some years ago on an 'autograph' website. I wonder if you could ask Gus if he has any info..
... where,when etc.?
Thanks
Rob

[asag]

Hi Rob,

Here is info:

Post 51- The Autograph photo of the Lotus 41 was taken at Continental Divine Raceway which was near Denver. The Continental Series was named after this circuit. The FB guys couldn't get the SCCA to do a Pro Series, so they organized one themselves. He said it was a very challenging course with lots of elevation changes.

regards Anton

[fines]

Continental Divide Raceway, and I don't think they named the championship after it - rather a coincidence.;)

[David McKinney]

I was going to say the same thing
Also, there was a strong SCCA Pro FB series at the time, with races supporting (or combined with) the Conchamp FA rounds

[David M. Kane]

Gus said Continential Divide was a really good circuit that he found very challenging and a lot of fun. He felt his driving that year was some of his best.

Another great circuit gone.

[Rob Ryder]

Originally posted by asag
Post 51- The Autograph photo
.......
regards Anton

How did I miss (or forget) that? Maybe a senior moment?
Thanks Anton
Rob

[Jerry Entin]

Rob: I am about 11 years older than you and believe me those moments come. Hope you are enjoying reading about a great guy Gus Hutchison.
This site is only possible because Eric Haga was kind enough to introduce Dave Kane to Gus. I am only helping Dave tell the story. It really is the idea of Dave Kane. And we have Gus Hutchison to thank for sharing all this information with the members of the Forum.

[Jerry Entin]

John Miller in his Tricor Porsche Special
Gus Hutchison feels that if he were to pick anyone as being a mentor to him in racing, it would be John Miller.
Gus held John Miller in the highest esteem.
photo lent site Richard Macon collection.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 19 February 2016 - 22:55.

[Jerry Entin]

Rob: As we say over here. "The plot thickens." After looking at your picture further Gus now thinks it isn't from Continental Divide. Here is what Gus Hutchison has to now say about your picture.
"The photo of the Lotus Mk-41 was not taken at Continental Divide. I ran #53 there. I ran #42 at some Texas Regional SCCA races. Could be Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma or Texas."
So this is anyone's guess as to where the photo was taken.

[DJSILLS]

Gus, Jerry, and David,

Great info and photos.
Any recollections or photos of the Surtees TS11 that Gus had in 1973. This may be the last chance to ID the car.

THANKS

[Jim Thurman]

Originally posted by Jerry Entin
Rob: As we say over here. "The plot thickens." After looking at your picture further Gus now thinks it isn't from Continental Divide. Here is what Gus Hutchison has to now say about your picture.
"The photo of the Lotus Mk-41 was not taken at Continental Divide. I ran #53 there. I ran #42 at some Texas Regional SCCA races. Could be Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma or Texas."
So this is anyone's guess as to where the photo was taken.

Interesting, I intended to post about that photo and my thoughts on the location being misidentified, but have not had the time until now. Here's exactly what I was going to post:

It does not look like CDR, to me, it looks like Green Valley Raceway.

[Rob Ryder]

Originally posted by Jerry Entin
Rob: As we say over here. "The plot thickens." After looking at your picture further Gus now thinks it isn't from Continental Divide. Here is what Gus Hutchison has to now say about your picture.
"The photo of the Lotus Mk-41 was not taken at Continental Divide. I ran #53 there. I ran #42 at some Texas Regional SCCA races. Could be Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma or Texas."
So this is anyone's guess as to where the photo was taken.

Mmmmmm.

Well if the man himself can't be sure I suppose it will have to remain a mystery. Thanks for trying Jerry, and please thank Gus for looking.
Rob

[David M. Kane]

Gus is doing more research tonight.

[Jerry Entin]

Dr. Syd Demovsky driving the Surtess TS8 in 1973.
photo lent site Dan Brown collection.
DJSills:
Here is Gus Hutchison's answer to the question on the Surtess F-5000 he had in 1973:
"Yes. I bought a Surtees from a lady out of Austin or El Paso in late 1972. I bought the whole kit and caboodle, including transporter and spare tub. We ran the car for Syd Demovsky in 1973. Al Laurens was the crew chief and Dan Brown, David’s brother, was a crew member. Don’t recall who ended up buying it."

Gus Hutchison

[DJSILLS]

Thanks Gus and Jerry.

Very interesting info. Maybe Allen Brown will have additional questions. It sounds as if Gus never owned the ex-Ron Grable TS11 and only ran the TS8.

[Jerry Entin]

Gus Hutchison in his Lola T-300 at Watkins Glen in 1972
The car was bruised but still kept going.
photo Gus Hutchison collection
DJSILLS: Gus Hutchison did think very highly of Ron Grable. Gus said that Ron Grable was very impressive being the first F-5000 car to finish the Questor race, he further said he believed that only 5 of the Formula 1 cars came in before him. Quite a feat given the weight and engine power differences.

[Jerry Entin]

Here is a picture showing Gus Hutchison's F-5000 March as it is today.

March 73A/ 3.
The current owner was wondering if anyone knew the history of this car after Gus sold it.
He feels maybe someone can shed a little light on the tub as to how and why it got separated and built up in the late 80’s-early 90’s

[DJSILLS]

Originally posted by Jerry Entin

Dr. Syd Demovsky driving the Surtess TS8 in 1973.
photo lent site Dan Brown collection.
DJSills:
Here is Gus Hutchison's answer to the question on the Surtess F-5000 he had in 1973:
"Yes. I bought a Surtees from a lady out of Austin or El Paso in late 1972. I bought the whole kit and caboodle, including transporter and spare tub. We ran the car for Syd Demovsky in 1973. Al Laurens was the crew chief and Dan Brown, David’s brother, was a crew member. Don’t recall who ended up buying it."

Gus Hutchison

Jerry

Part of the "kit and caboodle" must have been the Surtees TS11, because in Sept. 1973 Gus advertised his March 73, plus a Surtees TS11 with spare tub and the TS8. If Gus or his mechanics remember anything about the condition of the TS11, please let me know.

Thanks
Don Sills

[David M. Kane]

I know all about 73A/3, they may contact me.

[Jerry Entin]

Gus Hutchison and his Lovely wife Susan.
Here is a nice picture of Gus and Susan Hutchison as they look now. Gus is very proud of Susan.
" My wife Susan is a graduate of Oklahoma State. She is Managing Director of CARE (chemical awareness, resources and education). The non-profit organization is involved with alcohol and chemical abuse. They do assessment and referrals. They target at-risk teens."

Edited by Jerry Entin, 19 February 2016 - 23:43.

[Jerry Entin]

DJSILLS: Here is Gus Hutchison's answer to the question of whether he had a Surtess TS11:
"The Surtees that I bought was a TS-8 with a spare TS-11 tub. We also got a transporter and all the spares one would expect from an active team.. I think the seller was “Corsair Racing”. Maybe from El Paso, Texas.
I do not recall who drove the car before we got it."
Gus Hutchison

[DJSILLS]

Thanks Jerry,

That's very helpful. If I remember correctly, Autoweek ads were sometimes confused, especially if called in. The ad should have read "one TS11 spare tub" instead of "one TS11 with spare tub". I hope Allen Brown will be able to update the information on his site.

[Jerry Entin]

Gus Hutchison right behind Jody Scheckter at last race of 1973 season.
This is what Gus Hutchison had to say about starting at the back of the grid with Jody Scheckter at the 1973 Kent, Washington race:
" I don’t remember why Jody was at the rear with me right behind but I missed Practice/ Qualification. Just before the race I told Jody I would try to be on his bumper till clear of the back markers. He said “fine”. That worked well until one of the cars moved over to let Jody by but pulled over in front of me and I had no place to go. Jody ended up 3rd, I ended up on the trailer."
photo Carmen Entin

[Jerry Entin]

John Miller testing his Tricor Special Ed Hugus driving.
As stated before Gus felt that if he had to name a mentor in racing it would be the great John Miller. Here are Gus's thoughts on John Miller:
"I met John Miller in 1962 after moving to Dallas from Atlanta. He had a reputation for being a top flight mechanic, but he was so much more. I don’t think he had any formal training in engineering but an engineer he was. John Miller would confront a problem in a scientific way. He was interested in everyone’s qualified opinion but, in the end he made up his own mind . Like a photographer who can see the F-Stop values without a meter John could quote material specifications such as modudus, heat treat, weld-ability, machining cut rates, and tensile strengths. He dug it all out of text books and when he sought confirmation on some concept, he would turn to me or other technically educated friends. I could find any technical reference but it was easier to call John. I hung around his shop for an education in welding, machining, fabricating and more.
I helped him with the Ed Hugus prototype which I called “the frog” He worked on Hugus cars for years. He wrenched for Alan Connell before I met him and in later years built a Camaro for Gene Nearburg. Gene’s son Charles was an accomplished Formula Atlantic driver. John made the brake calipers from scratch as well as the pistons which he machined from solid material. John worked on Richard Macon‘s cars for years. I am sure there are some I never knew about.
John had modified a BMW engine and installed it in a Lotus -23. Of course he made the dry sump but it did not scavenge well enough. He had tried everything and he asked my opinion.. I had always wanted to know what went on in the crank case and proposed to put a window in the oil pan. I came up with some ¼” polycarbonate clear plastic and John installed our 4” x6” window. He started the car and I got under it with a shop light. John said “what do you see”? I replied “ thin sheets of oil coming off the rods and a 1/2” shaft of oil along the axis of the crank”. It all came together in an instant.. “Oh no”, he said, “I forgot to plug the wet sump pressure by-pass."
John never worked on my racers as the timing was always wrong. Every time I reach for a reference book, I think of John Miller. He deserves his own thread."
Gus Hutchison
photo Richard Macon.

[Jerry Entin]

This is the second car Gus raced an Elva Courier
This Elva came after Gus ran his MGA. This is from Gus: " My second race car was not a front engine Formula-Junior. It was a good looking front engine sports racer. It ran in “G” modified (up to 1100cc at the time)."
photo lent site Gus Hutchison collection.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 22 February 2016 - 02:45.

[Jerry Entin]

Gus Hutchison in the "ASD" in the Questor GP, Denis Hulme in the M19 McLaren right behind him.
Denis went on to finish 3rd overall with a 4-5 finish in the two heats.

Gus Hutchison telling the story of running in the Questor GP at Ontario:

"Following the 1970 season I got a ride in a brand new “0ne off” F-5000 , financed by Rex Ramsey, built by Skinner and Jobe. I think it was called an ”ASD”. The race was at Ontario, CA. and was called the Questor GP. The car had not ever been driven and had some serious developmental issues. The radiator was in the wing, an interesting idea but not practical. We had frequent stops for water. I had to limit the RPM to 6800 to reduce the number of pit stops. I was told I could use 8000 if I had the opportunity to demonstrate the top end against Mario Andretti and I got an opportunity. A couple of turns before the pit straight Mario was filling my mirrors. I held him off until the turn onto the straight. He was about two lengths ahead of me when we got even with the pits and he did a double take when I passed him. This lead was short lived. When I started to brake he shot by and disappeared.
We were about as fast as Graham Hill in the Brabham. He had brakes and could turn his car but I had the power to repasss him before the next turn. He grew frustrated and started to complain with his hand motions. It was time for a water pit stop anyway.
The front wheels had so much caster that I could barely turn the steering wheel. Finally, an error had been made in master cylinder vs. brake caliper piston size and while the pedal was hard I couldn‘t stop it. There was a redeeming amount of horsepower in that engine. I think the builder used some magic dust to build it with since I could pull any one down the straight. I think we finished an amazing 14th in the second heat."
Gus Hutchison

[Jerry Entin]

Gus Hutchison and his great buddy Bob Brown

When Bob Brown saw Gus at this years F-5000 40 year reunion at Elkhart Lake he almost cried. He was elated to be able to be with his old friend. Gus felt the same. The reunion was a really great success and Gus's wife Susan and Gus had a great time.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 22 February 2016 - 03:00.

[Jerry Entin]

Gus and Susan Hutchison and Tom Schultz
This was inside the F-5000 40th Reunion tent at Elkhart Lake

photo Jerry Entin

Edited by Jerry Entin, 16 February 2016 - 23:56.

[Jerry Entin]

https://youtu.be/2FqNnUFIXno

 

The engine for the March F-5000 being Dynoed at Ted Wenz's  Savannah Engine Shop. It put out 510 hp.

 

Eric Haga the current owner of the engine and March that Gus Hutchison ran in the day is hoping to run the March with this engine in it this year.

[63Corvette]

Excellent thread Jerry. My recollection is of Gus at (I think) Seguin on the first race of the Lotus 20. he did run in Formula Jr, so it was late 62 or early 63. I also remember being at DIMS for a Continental race where he ran with a Cosworth DFV and did well. I would guess it was a Lotus 49B in 69 or 70, but I don't remember.

[Tim Murray]

I also remember being at DIMS for a Continental race where he ran with a Cosworth DFV and did well.

Possibly this race, Garrett?

http://www.oldracing...php?RaceID=DA70

1970 appears to be the only year where Dallas staged a round of the FA championship.

[63Corvette]

That's it.........................Thanks Tim, and BTW.......................John Martin was my co-driver at the SVRA Indy race in both 2014 and this year 2015

Results Laps Time/Speed Winnings

1 Gus Hutchison (F1) 3-litre Brabham BT26A [3] - Cosworth DFV V8  41 1h 02m 44.0s 98.034 mph $4950

2 John Gunn Surtees TS5A - Chevrolet V8  41 1h 03m 50.4s $3250

3 Bill Brack Lotus 70 [04] - Chevrolet V8  41 1h 03m 56.5s $2350

4 John Martin Surtees TS5A - Chevrolet V8  41 1h 04m 03.0s $1850

Edited by 63Corvette, 09 January 2016 - 03:17.

[raceannouncer2003]

https://youtu.be/2FqNnUFIXno

 

The engine for the March F-5000 being Dynoed at Ted Wenz's  Savannah Engine Shop. It put out 510 hp.

 

Eric Haga the current owner of the engine and March that Gus Hutchison ran in the day is hoping to run the March with this engine in it this year.

 

From Eric Haga:

 

"Thought that you might be interested in this article.  It is about the engine that Gus built in 1973 and raced at Road America F5000 series race that year.  In 2012 I was visiting Gus at his home in Dallas, I asked him about the engine, explaining that I would like to try to build one like it.  Gus told me that he still had the original parts for the engine and offered them to me, so we have rebuilt the engine using those original parts (heads, manifold, block and so forth--even original valve covers).
 
The engine is now complete and set to go into the original  73A March tub (restored by Bonner) that Gus used in 1973.  I plan to run it with the F5000 Drivers Association this year, hoping to preview it at the Amelia Island race in March.  This is a tribute to Gus and his guys at HRE (Hutchison Racing Engines), it is not about "look at what I've got"!
 
http://www.enginelab...d-intake-ports/
 
Have a question, in your network can you find if Al Laurens is still living and if there is contact information for him?  Al did about 90% of the mechanical and machine work on the engine, he worked for Gus at HRE, and I would really like to talk with him."

 

Vince H.

[Jerry Entin]

 

Here is the ex Gus Hutchison March with engine fitted

 

Chassis by Marc Bahner, Bahner Engineering, Newbury Park, CA
Engine rebuilt by Ted Wenz, Savannah Race Engineering, Savannah, GA
Car build by Chris Schneider, Executive Auto Sport, Atlantic Beach, FL

 

photo: Eric Haga collection

Edited by Jerry Entin, 22 February 2016 - 03:11.

[E1pix]

Fantastic.

[raceannouncer2003]

"..Have a question, in your network can you find if Al Laurens is still living and if there is contact information for him?  Al did about 90% of the mechanical and machine work on the engine, he worked for Gus at HRE, and I would really like to talk with him..."

 

I believe Eric did find Laurens and talked to him.

 

Vince H.

 

 

 

Edited by raceannouncer2003, 18 February 2016 - 06:54.

[Jerry Entin]

Gus Hutchison's 1973 March getting ready for the coming F-5000 season

 

Vince: You are right about Eric Haga contacting Al Laurens.

 

They have spoken and Eric Haga is hoping to have both Gus and Al at Elkhart Lake in July to be reunited with the car and engine.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 19 February 2016 - 22:37.

[Gary Jarlson]

Jerry

 

In Post 131 above, it says the second car Gus ran after his MGA was an Elva Mark IV. I thought his second car was a light blue Elva Courier.

[Jerry Entin]

Gary: It didn't say an Elva Mk 1V, it said Elva. It was a  Elva Courier.

Edited by Jerry Entin, 22 February 2016 - 02:41.

[Gary Jarlson]

Post 68:

"After an unfortunate first race in a MG-A, I got an Elva Courier. It was much more suitable and although it too had an MG-A engine…"

 

Post 68:

"After graduation to the Elva MK-4, I still found myself in a steep learning mode. The first race was with Michelin tires and the car would spin without notice. The second race we put on Pirellis and the results were very good. My car had a lot of “Bondo” repairs and the nose section was extra heavy. I couldn’t afford a new one but with care and experience I found myself competitive with Lotus MK11’s."

 

Post 131:

"My second race car was not a front engine Formula-Junior. It was a good looking front engine sports racer. It ran in “G” modified (up to 1100cc at the time)."

 

Perhaps Gus was saying that the MGA wasn't the first race car he owned, just the first he raced. The Mk-4 he describes above was a pure sports racer using a Coventry-Climax engine, not an MG-powered production car like his Courier, which I'm pretty sure I ended up owning in 1961.

 

I'm just trying to keep the chronology straight.

[Jerry Entin]

Bill Wiswedel and Eric Haga and The March F-5000 car

This was at the recent Indy vintage races and Bill Wiswedel is the one who sold Eric the Tub to the 1973 Gus Hutchison March.

 

photo: Mike Miles

Edited by Jerry Entin, 21 June 2016 - 20:23.

[RA Historian]

Eric is bringing the car to Road America next month.

 

Tom