71 replies to this topic

[dazb]

Hi everyone.

This is my first official thread / post on this forum, so hello to everyone.

The reason I've joined the forum, is that my biggest passion in motorsport, was watching the Thundersports series, in Oulton Park, from approx 1983-88 (ish)

I've got a few still photo's of my own, from that time, and I've manged to 'google' a few more.
I've even mangaged to find a few minutes of video footage from 'youtube' and thats it!!

I was hoping some of you might have some pics to share?

My favourite car, was the John Foulston / John Brindley Lola T530 which came in many different guises / colours in its time on the scene. (It was also driven on occasion by - Brian cocks / Ian Flux / Mike Wilds)

Towards the end, it was in red, with 'Failsafe' sponsorship, and became distinctive, by the team removing the engine cooling scoop, from above the engine ( behind the drivers position ) in an attempt to make it even quicker !!! which it actually did by the way.

I've tried and failed on many occasions to track down the where-abouts of this and other can-am cars which entered the series, and was hoping someone out there, may have some answers?

The cars I remember, from the time were (apologies if the exact names / cars are slightly off - I was only about 15 at the time)

Lola T530 Chevrolet (Foulston / Brindley) (Haslereme Sports cars)
2x Lola T530 Chevrolet (Ian Flux / Ian Taylor & Mike Wilds) entered by Burke Ratcliffe racing (All white cars)
March 827 driven my Robin Smith (Simpson engineering)
Frisbee Gr3- Colin Pool Bill Wykenham (entered by Plumtree/wykenhams racing racing i think)
etc,
etc.

It'd be great to hear some other stories of these monster cars, and maybe see a few more pics?

Anyway. Thanks for reading.
I look forward to any replies.

Darren

[David McKinney]

Welcome Darren
This (and associated pages) might help
http://www.oldracing...m/lola/t530.htm
Photos of Thundersport racing have been posted on several threads recently - try "search BB"

[alansart]

Darren,

There are a several threads which may be of interest:

Personal Photo from the Track:
http://forums.autosp...&threadid=74567

and Personal Photos of British Club Racing
http://forums.autosp...pagenumber=1r=1

and Personal Photos of the Paddock
http://forums.autosp...y=&pagenumber=1

That should keep you occupied for a few days

[Auroraf1]

Ah, but do you photos of the Ibec P6 which Colin Bennett ran for s short while in 84. I found a couple on T'internet.

I wonder where this car has gone too, I saw it for sale in Autosport a lot of years ago, but nothing since.

[dazb]

Originally posted by David McKinney
Welcome Darren
This (and associated pages) might help
http://www.oldracing...m/lola/t530.htm
Photos of Thundersport racing have been posted on several threads recently - try "search BB"

Thanks all.

(What does search BB mean though? I'm a little clueless with the 'techno - jargon' sorry )


I take it, from some of the comments I've read on the links provided for me, that there a re quite a few Amatuer & Proffesional photographers on this forum ?

I can't even begin, to image some of the sights & sounds they've experienced over the years...... jammy buggers!

[David McKinney]

If you look at the top of each page you'll see a button labelled "Search BB"
Click on that and see what happens ;)

[taylov]

There is a section of photos and results from Thundersports at -

http://www.racingspo...o_national.html

Includes some snaps I took at the early races, such as Derek Bell in a Porsche 908 at Brands.

Tony

[Phil Rainford]

Darren

Until you master the BB function here are a trio of shots of you favourite car along with one of the Burke Ratcliffe example.












Hope you enjoy them....

Kind regards

Phil

[dazb]

Thanks very much Phil.

I really appreciate that.

I still dont think I've seen a racing car quite so beautifull, even by today's standards!!

Those monsters really had something about them. I'd love to have seen a full grid of 20+ those type of cars
roaring around the track together. (although I'd probably have pissed my pants with excitment )

Darren

[Phil Rainford]

Darren

www.youtube.com/watch?v=plddAUcLYDQ

Don't know if you have seen this already? (Clip posted by one of our contributors)

If you have not .................then I suggest you don't watch with a full bladder ;)

Kind regards

Phil

[Andrew Kitson]

Or this by yours truly:
http://uk.youtube.co...h?v=5aQ0UiLK45Y

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by dazb
Hi everyone.

This is my first official thread / post on this forum, so hello to everyone.

The reason I've joined the forum, is that my biggest passion in motorsport, was watching the Thundersports series, in Oulton Park, from approx 1983-88 (ish)

I've got a few still photo's of my own, from that time, and I've manged to 'google' a few more.
I've even mangaged to find a few minutes of video footage from 'youtube' and thats it!!

I was hoping some of you might have some pics to share?

My favourite car, was the John Foulston / John Brindley Lola T530 which came in many different guises / colours in its time on the scene. (It was also driven on occasion by - Brian cocks / Ian Flux / Mike Wilds)

Towards the end, it was in red, with 'Failsafe' sponsorship, and became distinctive, by the team removing the engine cooling scoop, from above the engine ( behind the drivers position ) in an attempt to make it even quicker !!! which it actually did by the way.

I've tried and failed on many occasions to track down the where-abouts of this and other can-am cars which entered the series, and was hoping someone out there, may have some answers?

The cars I remember, from the time were (apologies if the exact names / cars are slightly off - I was only about 15 at the time)

Lola T530 Chevrolet (Foulston / Brindley) (Haslereme Sports cars)
2x Lola T530 Chevrolet (Ian Flux / Ian Taylor & Mike Wilds) entered by Burke Ratcliffe racing (All white cars)
March 827 driven my Robin Smith (Simpson engineering)
Frisbee Gr3- Colin Pool Bill Wykenham (entered by Plumtree/wykenhams racing racing i think)
etc,
etc.

It'd be great to hear some other stories of these monster cars, and maybe see a few more pics?

Anyway. Thanks for reading.
I look forward to any replies.

Darren

Welcome Darren.

Use the Search feature here at TNF (it is amazing) and then ask questions to fill in the blanks.

Henry

[Norman Jones]

GoldCup Oulton Park 1983 Desere Wilson almost becoming the first woman to win the Gold Cup in Siggi Bruns 908 Thwarted by a broken diaphragm (the car I mean)

[alansart]

Originally posted by Norman Jones
GoldCup Oulton Park 1983 Desere Wilson almost becoming the first woman to win the Gold Cup in Siggi Bruns 908 Thwarted by a broken diaphragm (the car I mean)

Isn't it a 936?

Pressman has it on Youtube as well

http://uk.youtube.co...re=channel_page

[Norman Jones]

Alan:

Definatly a 908, he had two of them. This particular car was rebuilt after Herbie Mullers fatal accident at the 'ring in 81



This above was the "spare" in the paddock

[bigears]

Found some dramatic photos of Robin Smith's massive shunt during qualifying at the Birmingham Superprix in 1986.





From this Flickr page. Credits to Russ Cribb.

[Norman Jones]

Mr Rainfords images are far superior to mine but nevertheless:









A 935 around Oulton must have been a handfull




The late Tony Lanfranchi in the Kelly Girl Grid Gold Cup Oulton Park '84

[taylov]

Originally posted by Norman Jones
GoldCup Oulton Park 1983 Desere Wilson almost becoming the first woman to win the Gold Cup in Siggi Bruns 908 Thwarted by a broken diaphragm (the car I mean)

This is the 908 in which Derek Bell and Siggi Brun(n) - 2 spellings used in the programme - won the first ever Thundersports race at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday 1983.

Great entry that day; Martin Biranne/David Kennedy in the Ford C100; John Foulston's Lola T530; Dudley Wood in a 935K3; Eddie Arundel/James Weaver in a very quick 2 litre Chevron B36 and John Morrison's heat-winning TOJ-BMW, one the nicest looking Group 6 cars.

Tony

[Norman Jones]

The Ibec P6? Again '84 at Oulton



Apologies for quality

[Phil Rainford]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by taylov
[B]

Great entry that day; Martin Biranne/David Kennedy in the Ford C100; John Foulston's Lola T530; Dudley Wood in a 935K3; Eddie Arundel/James Weaver in a very quick 2 litre Chevron B36 and John Morrison's heat-winning TOJ-BMW, one the nicest looking Group 6 cars.

Sorry not the TOJ..but here is the Tiga 85/BMW of John Morrison and Chester Wedgewood



Kind regards

Phil

[taylov]

Here is the Morrison-Jenvey TOJ at the opening race in 1983. One of the fastest of the 2 litre TS cars. Sorry for the photo quality.

Tony

[Alan Cox]

Ian Taylor Tiga-BMW

[Phil Rainford]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Norman Jones
[B]Mr Rainfords images are far superior to mine but nevertheless:




A 935 around Oulton must have been a handfull

Norman you should not put yourself down, my pictures were taken with the benefit that a trackside Press Pass brings.

The shot above would grace any Magazine

Kind regards

Phil

[Phil Rainford]

Another of the Foulston Lola.....





....sorry about the scratch.

Kind regards

Phil

[dazb]

Originally posted by Phil Rainford
Another of the Foulston Lola.....





....sorry about the scratch.

Kind regards

Phil

Isn't that, just the most beautifull thing, you've ever seen?

I've got one of it, with the air box taken off...... prior to racing it again.

I'll try and scan it, and get it on here (If I can figure out how?)

Also, for the statto's out there.......does anyone know, if the Atlantic Computers backed Lola, of John Foulston's (as per Norman Jones' pics) is actually the same car as in the later more modern body style, as in Phil Rainfords prints, or is it a totally different T530??

[fines]

Originally posted by dazb


Isn't that, just the most beautifull thing, you've ever seen?

Er... no!

[Stephen W]

Originally posted by dazb


Isn't that, just the most beautifull thing, you've ever seen?

Should have gone to Specsavers!

[RickT]

Hi Guys

Ive got to agree with dazb, I can remember standing as a ten year old on the edge of dear leap looking over the top of those awesome centre seat Can-Am's as they blasted past ! They make a lasting impression !! Its such a shame that it probably wont be repeated in this country again. I seem to remember one race with the Foulston Lola, possibly two Burke Ratcliffe Lola's, the Robin Smith March and also Richard Piper's later March, what a sight and sound they made thundering round through the trees.

It might also explain why Im already going deaf !

Cheers
Richard

[pressman]

Thundersports race Oulton 88 I think.

cheers
Steve.

[RickT]

Hi Steve

Wow, that was a quick response time - thats exactly the race I meant !

Thanks also for that great clip of Dad at the Oulton AMOC meeting you sent me.

Cheers
Richard

[dazb]

Here's the only photo I have. of the Foulston's Lola, with the big air scoop removed.

http://s47.photobuck...30MikeWilds.jpg

[taylov]

Originally posted by pressman
Thundersports race Oulton 88 I think.

cheers
Steve.

I counted six of the big engined Can-Am cars including the Bill Wykeham "Frisbee" A rare sight in the UK. I don't think I ever personally saw more than five in any Thundersports race.

In fact that's probably more than turned out at some Can-Am races in 1983 or 1984.

Tony

[doc knutsen]

Originally posted by RickT
Hi Guys

Ive got to agree with dazb, I can remember standing as a ten year old on the edge of dear leap looking over the top of those awesome centre seat Can-Am's as they blasted past ! They make a lasting impression !! Its such a shame that it probably wont be repeated in this country again. I seem to remember one race with the Foulston Lola, possibly two Burke Ratcliffe Lola's, the Robin Smith March and also Richard Piper's later March, what a sight and sound they made thundering round through the trees.

It might also explain why Im already going deaf !

Pardon?;)

[Allen Brown]

Originally posted by dazb
does anyone know, if the Atlantic Computers backed Lola, of John Foulston's (as per Norman Jones' pics) is actually the same car as in the later more modern body style, as in Phil Rainfords prints, or is it a totally different T530??

Foulston claimed it was the same car but had actually gone to the US and bought VDS-001. As the VDS wasn't eligible, he claimed to have rebodied the Lola T530; he'd already had a dispensation for the T530. As VDS-001 was built on a Lola T530 tub, his claim was almost believable.

There is still confusion about that car today IIRC with it often called Lola T530 HU10.

[Stephen W]

Originally posted by Allen Brown
Foulston claimed it was the same car but had actually gone to the US and bought VDS-001. As the VDS wasn't eligible, he claimed to have rebodied the Lola T530; he'd already had a dispensation for the T530. As VDS-001 was built on a Lola T530 tub, his claim was almost believable.

What a lad that Foulston was!

[alansart]

Originally posted by Allen Brown
Foulston claimed it was the same car but had actually gone to the US and bought VDS-001. As the VDS wasn't eligible, he claimed to have rebodied the Lola T530; he'd already had a dispensation for the T530. As VDS-001 was built on a Lola T530 tub, his claim was almost believable.

There is still confusion about that car today IIRC with it often called Lola T530 HU10.

As Mr Foulston seemed to be taking over most of UK motor racing at the time, it's hardly surprising that he could get away with bending the truth his way a little. I don't always agree with what he did at the time but have to admit, he did put some terrific cars on track for us to gawp at and salivate over

[simonlewisbooks]

Originally posted by Allen Brown
Foulston claimed it was the same car but had actually gone to the US and bought VDS-001. As the VDS wasn't eligible, he claimed to have rebodied the Lola T530

How come the Lola was and the VDS ..with a T530 tub.. wasn't?

There was a mysterious T530 which made one short appearacne at Castle Combe around 1984 in the Libre series. The drivers name was unfamiliar and so hasn't remained in the old memory banks. The car was the same colour red as Foulston's car but had no signwriting. It either retired very early or conked out in practice and it never reappeared as the rules for the series soon outlawed sports cars!

Who's car was it??????


And for the record - dazb I'm with you on that VDS car, it looks glorious to my eyes. Happy days

[Phil Rainford]

Originally posted by alansart


As Mr Foulston seemed to be taking over most of UK motor racing at the time, it's hardly surprising that he could get away with bending the truth his way a little. I don't always agree with what he did at the time but have to admit, he did put some terrific cars on track for us to gawp at and salivate over

There is no doubt about the quality of his cars






Kind regards

Phil

[Allen Brown]

Originally posted by simonlewisbooks
How come the Lola was and the VDS ..with a T530 tub.. wasn't?

As centre-seat cars, neither was really eligible. But as Foulston had bought two of them and as he was then, IIRC, sponsoring the series, they were allowed in. The dreadful March 827 and a Frissbee that turned out not to be a Frissbee were also allowed in at some point but bringing in the much more advanced VDS would have been taking the micky.

Originally posted by simonlewisbooks
There was a mysterious T530 which made one short appearacne at Castle Combe around 1984 in the Libre series. The drivers name was unfamiliar and so hasn't remained in the old memory banks. The car was the same colour red as Foulston's car but had no signwriting. It either retired very early or conked out in practice and it never reappeared as the rules for the series soon outlawed sports cars!

Who's car was it??????

Alan Fowler's ex-Foulston HU1.

[simonlewisbooks]

Originally posted by Allen Brown
As centre-seat cars, neither was really eligible. But as Foulston had bought two of them and as he was then, IIRC, sponsoring the series, they were allowed in. The dreadful March 827 and a Frissbee that turned out not to be a Frissbee were also allowed in at some point but bringing in the much more advanced VDS would have been taking the micky.

Alan Fowler's ex-Foulston HU1.

Alan Fowler ! Thats the name. Well done Allen. Did the car race much/at all?

As for the Frisbee. Weren't they Lola T332s with different bodywork in any case?

And how did clubmans cars get in? They have no room for a second seat....neither did some of the special saloons from memory. Frankly I never cared about that at the time. The more cars on the grid, the merrier and seeing a T530 was worth the ticket price alone.

[alansart]

Originally posted by Phil Rainford


There is no doubt about the quality of his cars

Agreed!

[Phil Rainford]

The view most drivers had of the Foulston Lola.;)



Kind regards

Phil

[simonlewisbooks]

Originally posted by pressman
Thundersports race Oulton 88 I think.

cheers
Steve.

Blimey I had forgotten so many single-seat Can Am cars ever appeared together in one race ! Surely the best top-end entry the series ever had?? What a crying shame about the weather.
Odd title for this clip..."T sports wet"....how on earth did you find it? Or should I not ask?

[Alan Cox]

Originally posted by simonlewisbooks
Odd title for this clip..."T sports wet"....how on earth did you find it? Or should I not ask?

Simon, I think you will find that pressman (Steve Jones) will have found it buried in his vast libraray of video films which he took of every race at Oulton over a period of about 20 years, before becoming press officer at the circuit.

[simonlewisbooks]

Originally posted by Alan Cox

Simon, I think you will find that pressman (Steve Jones) will have found it buried in his vast libraray of video films which he took of every race at Oulton over a period of about 20 years, before becoming press officer at the circuit.

Then I guess I should rephrase the question - Steve why does the clip have a title that makes it sound like soft porn ? Just look at the 'associated clips' lined up alongside it.....

...And weren't you also a photographer at Castle Combe, or am I mixing you up with someone else?

[alansart]

Originally posted by simonlewisbooks


...And weren't you also a photographer at Castle Combe, or am I mixing you up with someone else?

I think you will find there are 2 Steve Jones (or more) who were photographers at the time.

[pressman]

Originally posted by simonlewisbooks




Then I guess I should rephrase the question - Steve why does the clip have a title that makes it sound like soft porn ? Just look at the 'associated clips' lined up alongside it.....

...And weren't you also a photographer at Castle Combe, or am I mixing you up with someone else?

Hi Simon
Your right the title is a bit misleading, I` just looked at the associated clips ,and cheerleaders wet t shirt
contest sports mix looks quite appealing !!! As Alan said I recorded nearly every race there from 83 /90 any requests ?.

and I`m the northern Steve Jones Everton supporter not the southern Steve Jones Charlton Athletic supporter.
Cheers
Steve.

[pressman]

Heres a practice season from the same year ,
may be the same meeting


sorry no good with dates.


cheers
Steve.

[Rosemayer]

And here is a film of my favorite CanAm Era.


http://uk.youtube.co...h?v=tRlcOnccfgg


http://uk.youtube.co...h?v=k6JfBpDIxK0

[David McKinney]

I think you'll find this thead is about the British Thundersports series