Memories of the Brands Hatch BOAC 1000
#1
Posted 25 March 2009 - 17:30
First ever event I was taken to (aged 3) - BOAC 1000 at Brands Hatch, started an interest in sportscar racing thas has stayed with me to this day. My Dad was an regular spectator as we only lived across the river in Essex. Anyway, I have started to get him to scan his thousands of slides into digital form and here is a taster...
Just realised the Ferrari 312 must be possibly a later event ?, also the BMW2002 shows how much
safer touring car racing has become !
Regards -
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#2
Posted 25 March 2009 - 17:39
The 312P shots with Tim Schenken and Ronnie Peterson are from 1972 (love the mechanic with the Davy Crockett hat) as, I think, is the Gulf. I believe some others are from 1969 and some from 1970. I was there in '69, '70 and '72 but other more knowledgeable people will be able to confirm details.
John
#3
Posted 25 March 2009 - 17:42
Is that Francoise in the Matra?
#4
Posted 25 March 2009 - 17:43
anybody know what the strange chrome thingies are on top of the T70 ?
Cheers - JB
#5
Posted 25 March 2009 - 18:04
I have a horrible feeling thats me in the background of the martini 908 flounder pic (red welly boots and bobble hat ! - never was a fashion victim )
cheers - JB
#6
Posted 25 March 2009 - 18:09
Wonerful photos!
#7
Posted 25 March 2009 - 18:09
Originally posted by martini908
I have a horrible feeling thats me in the background of the martini 908 flounder pic (red welly boots and bobble hat ! - never was a fashion victim )
Perfect clothing for a spring Brands Hatch:)
Great photos - These personal collections seem to get better and better
#8
Posted 25 March 2009 - 18:49
I think that's Jonny Servoz-Gavin driving the Matra - Pescarolo was his team mate and it's not his green helmet. That's 1970, (I wish they'd come along in 1972!) with the Vic Elford/Denny Hulme Porsche 917 behind.
I didn't see that David Piper 917 as I think it had practice problems and never made the race in 1970. The 1969 908s are, I think, Elford/Attwood and Hermann/Stommelen. The Ferrari 512 at Druids in 1970 is the Loos/ Williams car which didn't race.
In the long 1972 Ferrari paddock shot - exotic the Brands paddock wasn't it? - do you see Jacky Ickx at the back, with Andretti I think? And maybe Peter Schetty?
The 1969 GT40 is the Montjuich car of Gordon Spice (is his book ready I wonder?) and Jose Juncadella.
John
#9
Posted 25 March 2009 - 19:31
Originally posted by martini908
... anybody know what the strange chrome thingies are on top of the T70 ?
Originally posted by Milan Fistonic in the Mike de Udy thread
I've just come across the answer to the question about those things on the roof of the Lola. It's in Frank Gardner's (with DCN) Racing Driver's Manual.
"The venturi on the roof were Gardner-developed to suck cooling air through the cockpit."
#10
Posted 25 March 2009 - 21:05
Roger Lund
#11
Posted 25 March 2009 - 22:53
Originally posted by bradbury west
Lovely shot, very rare I suspect, of Chris Barber's Piper GTT in period, in a much more agreeable shade of green compared with the shade of the restored item. Many thanks
Roger Lund
That was bugging me, I just could not remember the name of the Barber car.... how did it do in the race Roger? Another thing that I have forgotten
#12
Posted 25 March 2009 - 22:54
JB, I wish I'd been at 1970 practice in the dry, before the deluge on race day! I've just been reading an article on that event and learned that Brian Redman and Jacky Ickx missed the second practice day to attend a test day at Le Mans. Does anyone know why such a test day would have been arranged on the same weekend as a World Championship race in which many of the cars and drivers would have had an obvious interest?
#13
Posted 25 March 2009 - 22:54
#14
Posted 25 March 2009 - 22:59
Originally posted by john winfield
The 1969 GT40 is the Montjuich car of Gordon Spice (is his book ready I wonder?) and Jose Juncadella.
John
I'm told the Spice book is finished and in the printing process - the author might be reading this as he is a TNFer and he might comment - apologies for OT.
Great pictures though martini908, keep then coming!!
#15
Posted 25 March 2009 - 23:13
Going back to the BOAC...I remember in 1970 the huge shunt near the startline at the end of the first lap, which indirectly led to Pedro being black flagged. I hadn't realised though that Barrie Smith, in the Lola that crashed, was running with dry tyres on the back! Terrifying...he did well to complete one lap. The shortage of rain tyres, and consequent non-appearance of some cars on race day, conjures up a different era.
Did the Piper race in any of the BOAC events or are it, the Lotus and the #104 Lola from some other Brands sportscar race?
#16
Posted 25 March 2009 - 23:26
Originally posted by john winfield
Did the Piper race in any of the BOAC events or are it, the Lotus and the #104 Lola from some other Brands sportscar race?
The Lotus ran in a couple of BOAC races, Brian Muir drove it one year, which one eludes me though, the 62 never conjured up the same "excitement" for me, as the fleet 47s
#17
Posted 26 March 2009 - 10:14
But what/who in the background ?
#18
Posted 26 March 2009 - 10:16
Sort out your cars and numbers from Martin's excellent site. Some readers may not be aware of this brilliant source of information
http://wsrp.ic.cz/wsc1969.html
Year at the top, click on underscored number at left side for event.
Roger Lund
#19
Posted 26 March 2009 - 10:58
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#20
Posted 26 March 2009 - 11:05
just been lying in boxes for years waiting to be seen again. My Dad was a bit of a petrolhead in his youth, having a mini traveller that had been tuned by savage (?). One memory I have is of being taken to the model car shop at Brands during the 1970 BOAC race and buying a fantastic solido model of the chapperal which I still have !. Also watching the Gulf 917 in the rain with Pedro passing everybody like they were going backwards.
I think my Dad also has a lot more sportscar slides - I know from at least most major events at brands from 67 - 75, also a lot of european touring car stuff including Group 5 BMW CSL's etc when they used to come over. Seem to remember a lot of Gr6 stuff and early group C as well
also some amazing pictures from f1 tyre testing at silverstone in the late early 80's taken in the pit lane.
I will try and get some more scanned and post when I can
Many thanks again - JB
#21
Posted 26 March 2009 - 11:18
Please scan some more!
PS: The ACO, organisers of Le Mans 24 Hours and test weekends, never even HAD any other race schedules, and certainly never took them into consideration. AND LONG MAY THEY CONTINUE NOT TO DO SO!
#22
Posted 26 March 2009 - 13:09
Some of the wettest meetings I've ever been to.
My main memory is of the river crossing Bottom Bend, and the efforts of the drivers to head towards South Bank, instead of backwards towards the infield.
Those drivers that lifted were much more likely to spin: Those who powered through the water had no problems with it. I think the water simply overwhelmed the tyre grooves, and spinning the wheels helped to clear it.
Excellent photos of a great era of racing.
Jim.
#23
Posted 26 March 2009 - 14:59
Originally posted by martini908
here's a few more..
I have a horrible feeling thats me in the background of the martini 908 flounder pic (red welly boots and bobble hat ! - never was a fashion victim )
cheers - JB
a wonderful selection of photos. Please scan and post some more when possible.
everytime time I see images of races I went to as a child, I scan the crowd and background in the hope (dread?) that I can spot myself in a hand knitted jumper, bobble hat and flairs combo that would have my kids running for the hills and social services knocking on my door if I made them wear them now!
#24
Posted 26 March 2009 - 15:57
Originally posted by jatwarks
Ahhh, the BOAC 1000km (took me years to stop calling it the BOAC 500).
Some of the wettest meetings I've ever been to.
My main memory is of the river crossing Bottom Bend, and the efforts of the drivers to head towards South Bank, instead of backwards towards the infield.
I have many memories too - but two in particular:
1. Standing with other trade guys at the back of the pits watching Pedro Rodriguez in the 917, sideways all the way from (what is now) Graham Hill to Surtees, and thus successfully holding back the equally sideways Elford and Siffert!
2. The awful, chilled atmosphere that descended on the pits when we heard the breaking news of Jim Clark's accident.
#25
Posted 26 March 2009 - 16:36
Thanks for sharing. As his name has been mentioned on a couple of occasions, any Rodriguez pictures?
#26
Posted 26 March 2009 - 17:25
Thanks for sharing this treasure !
André Acker.
#27
Posted 26 March 2009 - 17:26
Originally posted by Mr Plug
I have many memories too - but two in particular:
1. Standing with other trade guys at the back of the pits watching Pedro Rodriguez in the 917, sideways all the way from (what is now) Graham Hill to Surtees, and thus successfully holding back the equally sideways Elford and Siffert!
2. The awful, chilled atmosphere that descended on the pits when we heard the breaking news of Jim Clark's accident.
I experienced these at Brands too, the race faded away for me, and, it was the 1st time that I cried for somebody that I had never met as a friend, but had seen so very often (at close quarters too) that I felt I knew him, the world of this (then) 14 year old had changed.
As for Pedro, sideways all the way down from Druids, as you say, along Bottom Straight, it was one of those days, you stood there with a grin on your face in awe and amazement, it is not often that anyone gets the chance to witness that level of skil
As Carlos has already requested Martini, any photos of Pedro on the lock stops?
#28
Posted 26 March 2009 - 18:12
scanned
cheers - JB
#29
Posted 26 March 2009 - 19:33
Originally posted by martini908
I think my Dad also has a lot more sportscar slides - I know from at least most major events at brands from 67 - 75, also a lot of european touring car stuff including Group 5 BMW CSL's etc when they used to come over. Seem to remember a lot of Gr6 stuff and early group C as well
also some amazing pictures from f1 tyre testing at silverstone in the late early 80's taken in the pit lane.
I will try and get some more scanned and post when I can
Many thanks again - JB
You really have posted some wonderful images- I'm a little too young to share the memories of that period of sportscar racing, but that doesn't mean the pics are any less fascinating for me.
You mentioned early Group C? 956s, Lancias, Ford C100s? Yes please!!!!
#30
Posted 27 March 2009 - 13:38
more to come once I can get time to scan the negs
cheers - JB
#31
Posted 27 March 2009 - 16:39
Those Lotus' photos are sensational !
Do you have more photos from 1971 and 1972 BOAC 1000 kms ?
Many thanks and best regards !
André Acker.
#32
Posted 27 March 2009 - 17:09
many thanks - JB
#33
Posted 27 March 2009 - 17:19
Pete
#34
Posted 27 March 2009 - 17:22
For me, this was the cream of your first post:
Something about the casual nature and informality of it all.
#35
Posted 27 March 2009 - 18:34
I seem to remember it ran very well at the brands race and would have won but for a suspension failure late into the race.
Cheers - JB
#36
Posted 27 March 2009 - 23:10
#37
Posted 28 March 2009 - 17:33
[B]long time lurker on this forum, but thought I had better contribute something..
First ever event I was taken to (aged 3) - BOAC 1000 at Brands Hatch, started an interest in sportscar racing thas has stayed with me to this day. My Dad was an regular spectator as we only lived across the river in Essex. Anyway, I have started to get him to scan his thousands of slides into digital form and here is a taster...
From L to R
Nigel Bennett Firestone
Gordon Huckle Lotus
Mike Brett Firestone
Bruce Hare Firestone
[
#38
Posted 28 March 2009 - 17:51
I see Ferret (N. Stroud) looking over the lotus, was he involved with it or just spying (ferreting)?
#39
Posted 30 March 2009 - 12:52
Dear Mister,
Are you sure it was at Brands Hatch during BOAC ?
Do you know pilot name ?
Best regards
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#40
Posted 30 March 2009 - 20:27
i will have to try my dads memory to see if he can remember which year it was
thanks - JB
#41
Posted 30 March 2009 - 21:10
Originally posted by martini908
as far as i'm aware the bmw was crashed during a support race for the BOAC
i will have to try my dads memory to see if he can remember which year it was
thanks - JB
I could be wrong martini, (and often am ) but I am not aware of any support races for the BOAC, the length of the race usually saw to that. Was it the ETC round in 1967 won by Dieter Basche and Hubert Hahne in a 2002 Turbo I wonder?
#42
Posted 31 March 2009 - 04:15
#43
Posted 31 March 2009 - 06:31
Originally posted by calex_fr
Dear Mister,
Are you sure it was at Brands Hatch during BOAC ?
Do you know pilot name ?
Best regards
Maybe the car in the following photo link?
http://www.racingspo...9-05-25-071.jpg
From Frank de Jong's excellent site on touring car racing:
http://www.touringcarracing.net/
Guards International European 6 Hour Saloon Car Race
Brands Hatch International Circuit, Kent, Great-Britain
Date: 21/6/1969 to: 22/6/1969
DNF? Escuderia Nacional CS BMW 2002 TI Jorge de Bagration, E Helmut Zarges, D
What country's licence plate is on the crashed BMW?
Edit: Had a look. In 1969 ETCC events leading up to the Brands Hatch DNF, de Bagration raced a BMW 2002 TI. In 1969 ETCC events after Brands, he raced a Porsche 911. Hmmm....
Vince H.
#44
Posted 31 March 2009 - 07:46
Edit: Licence Plate is German.
#45
Posted 31 March 2009 - 08:23
Originally posted by Andre Acker
Do you have more photos from 1971 and 1972 BOAC 1000 kms ?
Many thanks and best regards !
André Acker.
1971 BOAC 1000km
Rodriguez/Oliver Porsche 917
Siffert/Bell Porsche 917
Muller/Hertzog Ferrari 512M
1972 BOAC 1000km (Better camera!)
Ferrari 312P lineup
Ickx/Andretti Ferrari 312P
Elford/Marko Alfa Romeo T33 TT
Lola T280 Wisell/Bonnier
Rolf Stommelen & Clay Regazzoni
Start of the pace lap.
#46
Posted 31 March 2009 - 08:40
Originally posted by raceannouncer2003
Maybe the car in the following photo link?
http://www.racingspo...9-05-25-071.jpg
From Frank de Jong's excellent site on touring car racing:
http://www.touringcarracing.net/
Guards International European 6 Hour Saloon Car Race
Brands Hatch International Circuit, Kent, Great-Britain
Date: 21/6/1969 to: 22/6/1969
DNF? Escuderia Nacional CS BMW 2002 TI Jorge de Bagration, E Helmut Zarges, D
What country's licence plate is on the crashed BMW?
Edit: Had a look. In 1969 ETCC events leading up to the Brands Hatch DNF, de Bagration raced a BMW 2002 TI. In 1969 ETCC events after Brands, he raced a Porsche 911. Hmmm....
Vince H.
Interesting, but I am not sure it was Jorge de Bagration at the wheel during this accident...
http://www.f1rejects.../biography.html
Perhaps Helmut Zarges ?
#47
Posted 31 March 2009 - 08:49
#48
Posted 31 March 2009 - 13:23
Originally posted by john winfield
Thanks for the update Gregor.
Going back to the BOAC...I remember in 1970 the huge shunt near the startline at the end of the first lap, which indirectly led to Pedro being black flagged. I hadn't realised though that Barrie Smith, in the Lola that crashed, was running with dry tyres on the back! Terrifying...he did well to complete one lap. The shortage of rain tyres, and consequent non-appearance of some cars on race day, conjures up a different era.
Did the Piper race in any of the BOAC events or are it, the Lotus and the #104 Lola from some other Brands sportscar race?
Best thing about the Barrie Smith Lola T 70 is that there are now no less than three cars running around in Historic and Vintage racing claiming the identity
#49
Posted 31 March 2009 - 13:48
Originally posted by drivers71
Rolf Stommelen & Clay Regazzoni
....not forgetting Arturo Merzario in the white cap.....
#50
Posted 31 March 2009 - 13:53
I think that's Arturo Merzario standing behind Stommelen and Regazzoni..and you see that sleeve to the right with the same design as Rolf's Alfa jacket, that looks like Andrea de Adamich.
I don't know why but, in that photo, the man brushing his hair back looks familiar as does the spectator with the camera who could be Burmese (?). I have an eery sense of being back in that Paddock in 1972 because that just could be mop-haired, chubby cheeked me, aged 14, in the distance, peering over de Adamich's shoulder.
Sorry! Too slow with the Merzario note! The Alfas and Lolas look good by the way.