13 replies to this topic

[Derwent Motorsport]

I was competing at Prescott over the weekend and Barry Williams was competing in a Renault Zoe. It went quite well, if silently, but needed "plugged in" between each run.

It reminded me that not too many years ago there were plans for a electric hill climb single seater. I am sure I saw photos of it but did it ever reach a start line?

Edited by Derwent Motorsport, 26 May 2015 - 10:29.

[sabrejet]

It was called the Watt 4 (later Bee 4) and was going to be badged as a BRM. Graeme Wight, jr was behind it and as a result would no doubt have been a potent weapon. Sadly it came to nought, though I recall that basic components had been made and some of the driveline tested.

 

Bit about it here:

 

http://www.telegraph...ampionship.html

Edited by sabrejet, 26 May 2015 - 17:51.

[Derwent Motorsport]

Thanks, I knew there was a BRM connection. Do we know why it failed?

[sabrejet]

Not sure it failed exactly - GWJ was busy with his Predator and Raptor hill climbers at the time and I think it was maybe a project too far. Shame really because on the few occasions that I've seen electric hill climbers, they attract a lot of attention.

 

It would certainly stop the NIMBYs at Prescott from complaining too.

[arttidesco]

 

The nimby friendly Westfield iRacer being demoed at Prescott in 2012, the prog made no mention of who the driver was, does anybody else recognise him or her ?

[john aston]

There has also been a Mitsubishi leccy car in Sprints and Hillclimbs this year; as well a traditional Westfield a year or two ago.Unlike the Petrolhead Clarkson stereotype I find them fascinating, as I did the stunning Tesla S I saw last week . 

[Stephen W]

 

The nimby friendly Westfield iRacer being demoed at Prescott in 2012, the prog made no mention of who the driver was, does anybody else recognise him or her ?

 

I have asked the question as I wasn't at this one.

[arttidesco]

I have asked the question as I wasn't at this one.

 

Thanks Sarge, you missed a lot of rain   

[sabrejet]

Don't forget John Lilley in the Vindicator Sprint in 2013.

[Stephen W]

 

The nimby friendly Westfield iRacer being demoed at Prescott in 2012, the prog made no mention of who the driver was, does anybody else recognise him or her ?

 

The driver was Matt Hillam - currently contesting the British Sprint Championship in a Dallara.

[arttidesco]

Merci Steve

[Cirrus]

Mention of the Tesla S in post #6 reminded me of this hugely impressive YouTube video - apologies for going OT...

 

[Hamish Robson]

Of course Rod Millen was very successful at the Pikes Peak event with an electric Toyota/Radical.

 

Search Rod Millen Toyota EV P002

[sabrejet]

Electrics do well at Pikes Peak - no power loss with altitude. But who was first up the mountain in an electric car?