3 replies to this topic

[Ferdia]

I have subscribed in the past to the "Favourite Amon Stories" and find it truly wonderful that a man (a giant, in my opinion) who never won a Grand Prix can generate such kind, detailed and truly enthusiastic interests, so many years later.

In the same manner, I would like to humbly introduce a Tommy Reid thread.

When I was a child, this man was my absolute hero. Because he was such a good driver (when he felt like, it seemed he could beat anyone in his private Brabham BT30). But, also because when I approached him as a shy, introverted, complicated kid, he always had a kind word and an invitation to "get into the car (pointing to the ruby red BT30). - as soon as you have a driver's license (then 6 years away!!) you can drive it from the paddock to the grid"

One time he gave me the most detailed description possible on how to read a Smiths mechanical Tacho - explaining in the most fatherly voice imaginable, that it "was usually about 2,000 revs behind what is really happening" "Never trust one of these things!!! - it will cost you an FVA rebuild every time if you do" “We were not put on Earth to make Cosworth richer than they already are!!” “Listen, listen, listen… …you can hear the revs better than you can see them on this”

Anybody else with stories about Tommy - a true gentleman if ever I met one?

[neville mackay]

No stories but I remember him as one of a a handful of Irish drivers - John Watson and Brian Cullen included - who livened up the national racing scene in the early 70's and made the occasional foray into international racing. IIRC, Tommy tried his hand at the first ever international race to be held at Paul Ricard in 1970 - a full blown round of the European F2 championship. 36 starters and a grid that included JYS in the Coombs Brabham, Rindt, et all. Tommy qualified at the rear of the grid but, hey.....he was there!

Neville

[Coogar]

I've been out of touch for the past couple of weeks and nearly missed this one !Tommy Reid was - and still is - one of the stars of Northern Ireland racing.
I didn't know about the Ricard appearance, but I know he contested the Japanese GP - was it the first one ? - which was won, I think, by Peter Warr. Tommy drove his Irish Racing Cars Brabham BT30, and I recall at the time IRC principal Mick Mooney expressing his disgust at a number of Northern Ireland firms & institutions who, when offered free advertising space on the car for the race, were unable to make up their minds whether or not to accept !
The car eventually ran with 'Irish linen' emblazoned on the front wings......
Tommy also went to Israel for the stillborn F2 race at Ashkelon - were there ever any photographs from that I wonder ? - and contested numerous UK events in (mostly) an assortment of Crossles.
He is still active - and quick ! - in local FF1600 at the age of 70, and held the Kirkistown outright record until two years ago in his Lola T87/50 F3000 car.
Not bad for a man now in his fifth decade of racing !

[Vitesse2]

Originally posted by Coogar

Tommy also went to Israel for the stillborn F2 race at Ashkelon - were there ever any photographs from that I wonder ?

Oh yes ....

http://forums.atlasf...&threadid=33632

and follow the linked threads at RaceSimCentral. Reyna seems to have deleted his picture though ...