4 replies to this topic

[RAP]

Whilst looking for something else, I came across a brief report in The Times of a couple of races at Brooklands on 25th April 1931. The results were
Race 1 1st Mrs Wisdom 1496 Frazer Nash 55.10mph
2nd A Bevan 4.4 Bentley
3rd R Gibson MG Midget

Race 2 1st W Bradshaw 1496 Frazer Nash 50.71mph
2nd M C Lewins Austin 750
3rd H Widengren 2.2 OM

There is no mention of this meeting in Boddy's book. From the low average speeds I presume that the races were on the Mountain course, but why only two? If it was a mainly motor cylce meeting, why would these race not be mentioned too? Possibly the answer is that they were rain-delayed races from an earlier meeting?

I'm sure John Humphries will know the answer!

RAP

[humphries]

Thank you, Richard - nothing like being put on the spot!

The Junior Car Club was to hold the Double Twelve Sports car race on 8/9 May. This event drew a very large entry, originally some 54 cars and therefore a possible 108 drivers. The JCC was naturally concerned about the speed differentials between the competing cars and the fact that many of the drivers had little or no experience of racing at Brooklands or anywhere else for that matter.

The JCC approached the BARC and requested the use of the totally inappropriately named Mountain Circuit on 25 April so that its stewards could assess the ability of the inexperienced drivers and advise them of the dangers of racing on such a fast track. Two "qualifying" handicap races were arranged but unfortunately the weather was dire.

The circuit was soaking wet and sizeable puddles had formed on the finishing straight. Many of the competitors in both of the observed races took it very carefully indeed, so much so that it was impossible to judge their ability. The JCC, however, decided they would allow all the drivers to take part in official practising for the Double Twelve, which began the next day on the special 2.616 circuit but reserved the right to withdraw the nomination of any entry if the JCC felt they weren't up to it.

Some drivers did impress nonetheless. Elsie "Bill" Wisdom in a Frazer-Nash was the pick of the bunch and was to become a very successful Brooklands regular. Despite a spin Anthony Bevan in a "4 1/2" Bentley and the motorcyclist Ron Gibson in a Midget also impressesd. Henken Widengren, another who was to became a Brooklands regular, drove his O.M. well.

Whatever doubts the JCC had about some drivers I don't think any of the non-starters in the Double Twelve failed to show because of their tardiness or ineptitude.

John

[simonlewisbooks]

Originally posted by RAP


There is no mention of this meeting in Boddy's book.

RAP

From, what I recall, WB missed rather a lot of meetings out of his "complete" history.
Coverage of BARC and JCC stuff is there but he seems to ignore some events run by small clubs. Why?

MOTOR SPORT in general was never exactly a complete record of motor racing while WB was at the helm, what was thought deserving of coverage varied a great deal over the years for no obvious reason.

Simon Lewis
Transport Books
www.simonlewis.com

[RAP]

Thank you, Richard - nothing like being put on the spot !

And you came up trumps as I knew you would !

A most interesting story and certainly one I had never heard before. I'm glad I asked!

As Simon says, many of the smaller meetings are omitted from Boddy's book but as I recall at the end of the 1920s the Brooklands authorities clamped down on the use of the track by the small clubs like the Surbiton MC and Essex MC. So in the 30s, events were pretty much confined to BARC, BRDC, JCC, LCC and MCC Members days, hence my surprise at such a small event.
Thanks very much
RAP

[Ruairidh]

Originally posted by RAP


And you came up trumps as I knew you would !

RAP

Yes John did come up trumps (as usual) Great Stuff and another example why this forum is so worthwhile.