7 replies to this topic

[Michael Clark]

Does anyone remember a Formula Ford called 'Hermes' and raced by Tony Clarke in the early 1970s in England?

[Mallory Dan]

Very vaguely Michael, OTOH it was a modified Nike I believe. Gary C may know a little more. Not especially quick though, in 1978/79 I think.

[David McKinney]

OTOH or OTTOMH?

[Bonde]

According to Nickless, and not OTTOMH, Tony Clarke of TC Racing Ltd. of Thetford was the Hermes constructor, not driver, who did a deal with Nike's Ken Nicholls to supply frames for Clarke's bodywork in 1979 for the car called Hermes 16/79. A new Nike frame appeared for 1980's 16/80, but few were sold and the marque was gone again by 1981.

[Henk A. Hazelaar]

Michael,

From Steve Nickless "The Anatomy & Development Formula Ford Race Car":

Hermes Formula Ford

TC Racing Ltd. of Thetford, Norfolk, England was a "race car refurbishing"company owned by Tony Clarke who was impressed enough with the sturdy frame in a customer's Nike 10B to do a deal with Nike's Ken Nicholls when he decided to become a constructor.
A Nike chassis was used with a Clarke-designed bidy in the first Hermes 16/79 completed in March '79: a few production examples followed.
The''80 prototype was the 16/80, with a new Nike chassis built to Clarke's specifications.
The cars never caught on, though, and the marque was gone by '81.





Regards,

Henk A. Hazelaar

[Henk A. Hazelaar]

Michael,

From Motor Racing Directory 1979 of Mike Kettlewell:









Regards,

Henk A. Hazelaar

[Michael Clark]

Many thanks for all your efforts.

I had a chance meeting with Tony Clarke's brother yesterday who told me about the Hermes.

I'll forward this information which will be greatly appreciated - thank you again.

[Henk A. Hazelaar]

Michael Clark,

New articles of the Hermes Formula Ford from my archive:

Advert Autosport, january 11 1979:



Advert Autosport, august 22 1979:




Avert Autosport, november 1 1979 with Tony Clarke:



Regards,

Henk A. Hazelaar