Tony Dron's article on historic drivers and BRDC in Octane

[R D P]

Originally Posted by Heightswitch

The old dinner party joke always comes to mind..."How can you identify a racing driver at a party?"....Don't worry he will tell you!!

N.

Not nowadays - replace that with Golf amateurs / beginners. Happens constantly in my family.....(no, I am not Golfing...).

Ralf

[andy97]

Originally Posted by rogerwills

The requirements for membership are clearly laid out.

"Membership of the British Racing Drivers’ Club is highly sought after and offered only to those who have achieved success at the highest levels of motor sport."

But that could also be as an engineer or administrator or, as Murray Walker demonstrates, as a commentator.

[terence]

Absolutely correct Andy.

[Giraffe138]

Originally Posted by andy97

But that could also be as an engineer or administrator or, as Murray Walker demonstrates, as a commentator.

Indeed, and in my experience members come from many different backgrounds, both social and economic, and cross all the age barriers too. Quite obviously the likes of myself will never aspire to be a member, but as a visiting guest I have always found the BRDC to be a very friendly and welcoming place, and it most certainly has never felt 'snobby' or elitist to me.

[terence]

I have fond memories of the occasional beer or two with a crowd of 'the old school' of members. Two of whom were more than worthy of their Associate Member Status ,but they were/are old school.

[delta]

Way back, when we would pop up to Silverstone on a Friday afternoon for a bit of testing. Lunch before hand in the old BRDC Club house open to one and all. I remember sitting next to Wattie and having a good old natter. Happy days

[Giraffe138]

There was a right old mix in there on Sunday with Martin Colvill & John Rulon-Miller in our party, Sir Malcolm Guthrie, Tim Parnell & John Surtees scullling about with historic racers Joe Twyman and Ollie Bryant amongst the younger faces.

[grantp]

Originally Posted by delta

Way back, ...... I remember sitting next to Wattie and having a good old natter. Happy days

That would be James Watt then would it Iain?

[SAMD]

Originally Posted by grantp

That would be James Watt then would it Iain?

More likely John Watson

[Giraffe138]

Originally Posted by SAMD

More likely John Watson

Never? I thought he meant Watt Tyler (see Peasant's Revolt)?!?!

[midgetman]

That would be my ancestor then...

...oh sorry, the real Midgetman name is "Tyler" (can just hear JR saying "if you used your real name not a silly nickname that would have been obvious")

[john ruston]

The TFN lot will tell you that this is Peasants Gossip column.

JT can change his name to WT.

[p261brm]

Originally Posted by john ruston

If this does happen perhaps they could take the Festival back,take Fitz on as a consultant(if he's not playing golf)and we could have two Top Historic Race Meetings a year.

Dreaming!

Yup! A return to categories of membership, as to messers Button Hamilton, et al could the club afford the cost of the space required for the badge?

[simon drabble]

Mansell always had one on his car - I cant believe they cannot find room on their car for one (unless Bernie has banned them as part of his crusade!). Would be a fitting way of thanking the club for its support in the early days

[Al Weyman]

In reference to the the 'How do you spot a race driver ' comment, I never raise the subject that I drive race cars for a hobby anymore because as soon as you do the first question they throw at you is "How much do you get for winning a race". When I reply nothing and it costs me hundreds of pounds just to enter they look back in stark disbelieve like I am some sort of madman. Gave up raising it in conversation years ago and if someone else does I try to change the subject and play it down.

[zefarelly]

the sign of a true pro

[gary396]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

In reference to the the 'How do you spot a race driver ' comment, I never raise the subject that I drive race cars for a hobby anymore because as soon as you do the first question they throw at you is "How much do you get for winning a race". When I reply nothing and it costs me hundreds of pounds just to enter they look back in stark disbelieve like I am some sort of madman. Gave up raising it in conversation years ago and if someone else does I try to change the subject and play it down.

Better not tell them you once raced against Jeremy Clarkson then. They might think you're the Stig!

[Al Weyman]

Ha ha that'll be the day! Actually I did suspect the guy that was driving the camera car may have been the new stig because he certainly could drive. Now what was his name, ah yes Nicky Faulkner I think it was.

[Giraffe138]

Originally Posted by DAYTONASME

==========================

Amongst others, are not "historic" regulars, and highly successful drivers in their own right - Gary Pearson, Martin Stretton, Peter Hardman and Michael Schryver all BRDC members?

Ed

....and there are several more in the waiting room, which probably gave rise to Tony Dron's article.....

[simon drabble]

Tony all of those guys were made members on their efforts in modern cars back in the day

[Giraffe138]

By defination, being a club they and they alone can decide upon the criteria by which they select their members. We can all have an opinion, but quite correctly those opinions stand for nothing.

[John Turner]

Originally Posted by Simon Drabble

Tony all of those guys were made members on their efforts in modern cars back in the day

Yes, Simon, you said that before but what exactly did they achieve in modern cars? Was any of it outstanding in their particular series/events? This is not a criticism merely a question to which I really don't know the answer. They are all however amongst the very best in historic racing.

[terence]

Works Porsche,Triumph Dolly Sprints for Broadspeed,[I think] Tony has earned his membership John. [He cant half drink BTW]

[John Turner]

True, and I know that, Terry, but I was asking about those 4 on the list mentioned on a previous post; he's not one of them!

[Giraffe138]

Originally Posted by terence bower

. [He cant half drink BTW]

I suspect that's useful to mention when submitting your application......