8 replies to this topic

[epoch911]

Hi
I am trying to research the history of a '73 Porsche 911RS (and its driver) that I believe raced in the Gordon Russell Inter-marque Championship series in the 80's. The car was driven by Jim Ablett and looked after by NBR racing. I have found out that Jim (who sadly died last year) raced in the series in 1989 but I can find out very little about the series...I don't know if the series ran for longer and if it did, whether Jim raced in it, for example. I would really appreciate if anyone has any race finish sheets or other information that might shed any light on this series, the driver and the car...photos would be fantastic, of course, but I guess that might be pushing my luck too far!!

Many thanks in advance

Ant

[ghinzani]

Hello there, I remember the Intermarque well as we had a 934 which my boss raced in the Autofarm modifieds and on occasion the Intermarque. Neil Bainbridge Racing are probably still about are'nt they? If not Jock Simpson would probably know, he was the co-ordinator for the Modifieds and had an encyclopedic memory. Or Josh Sadler if hes still about, both very helpful chaps as I recall. Failing that if John Farrens anything to do with the PCGB then he would know. The Intermarque was basically Porsches vs Ferraris vs Jaguars vs Astons via their various clubs. Great series, happy days... Some real nice people in the Porsches, Eric Henricsson, Deniss Hilleard ( a car sprayer from London as I recall), Val Lindsay, Mike Holland...

[Gregor Marshall]

Hi Ant

The Intermarque was mainly organised by the AMOC and ran for many years (sponsored by Gordon Russell, Proteus Petroleum, SKF Engineering, ERF, etc) and to a degree is still running today.

I have results sheets and programs from the 1989 season (my late father raced in the Intermarque for around 15 years on and off, so have numerous years), so when I get home this evening I'll have a look for you.

I might have some photos but they would only be background shots and can't promise but I will have a look.

[Phil Rainford]

Ant

I do have programmes and pictures from Inter Marque races 1984-1986 when there were a number of Porsche 911 RS models on the entry lists....was the car driven/owned by anyone else prior to 1989?

Kind regards

Phil

[Gregor Marshall]

Hi Ant

I've not done too well but at least I've not drawn a complete blank!!

I have the programmes and results for seven Intermarque races in 1989 and Jim Ablett (from Bracknell) only appears in one of them, 29th May at Silverstone driving car number 70, Porsche Carrera 2687. He finished 13th overrall, 3rd in class and set fastest lap for the class (my Dad won the race). Jim also entered the Autofarm Porsche GB Modified Championship the same day but I don't have those results.

Hope this helps a bit but if not my advise would be to contact the AMOC as they keep extensive records and also the Porsche Club GB as I'm sure thy'll have the records for Autofarm championship.

[ghinzani]

Yes as I mentioned before Josh Sadler of Autofarm fame will probably remember and hes a very nice man. Maybe a call or email via http://www.autofarm.co.uk/about/team

[epoch911]

Originally posted by Phil Rainford
Ant

I do have programmes and pictures from Inter Marque races 1984-1986 when there were a number of Porsche 911 RS models on the entry lists....was the car driven/owned by anyone else prior to 1989?

Kind regards

Phil

Hi Phil

Thanks for this. I don't have a previous owner (other than the original owner in Switzerland.) Thanks though!

Ant

[epoch911]

Hi Gregor...that's great thanks! I have a Porsche post from 1989 that says Jim Ablett stepped in to drive at Oulton Park in May 89 - I wasn't aware of Silverstone. I am pursuing PCGB and Autofarm separately...including a couple of other leads. Your help is much appreciated though! Terrible shame that Jim Ablett died last year in Canada...I fear much of the history will have gone with him but the search goes on!

Ghinzani - thanks for the info. I am speaking to Neil Bainbridge and the car is actually at Autofarm for some...er...work so I'll keep pressing.

Great forum this!

[peterlee123]

I remember Jim Ablett !

Lovely guy, Canadian, in UK on a work assignment if I recall

He ran in the standard class, Neil Bainbridge looked after his car

Competent driver, great situational awareness

May have some results sheets, but it was a long time ago - will search

Sorry to hear of his passing.

Peter Lee