Historic Racing Drivers - Page 2

**Peter Mallett** · 4 Apr 2003, 06:56 (Ref:557989)

Um,

There is a theory that the winners were selected before the races at Coys. But I wouldn't subscribe to that.

**John Turner** · 4 Apr 2003, 19:49 (Ref:558733)

Yes, Peter, very um! Now what about a theory that I can live with? Anyone else want to comment?

David McKinney · 5 Apr 2003, 18:18 (Ref:559449)

According to what Willie told me at the time, the wet conditions masked some of the (unspecified) problems they had been having with the Alfetta. In the same race Stretton struggled whenever the revs dropped. Next day, in the dry, the Maserati pulled away at 2.5sec per lap.
For some time now Willie has been coming out of retirement only once or twice a year, whereas at the time of that race (1997) Stretton was racing much more regularly. I don't think we've seen Willie at his best for some years, whereas Dangermouse is still at the top of his form.
Oh, and Whitney Straight never raced a 4CM.

**John Turner** · 10 Apr 2003, 19:28 (Ref:565432)

David, thank you, that explains much. Yes, I realise that we are comparing drivers from different generations and that Willie races much less frequently now but it was great to see them both in the same race. I have been fortunate enough to see Willie racing on a number of his recent rare outings and was even able to have a brief chat and get his autograph at Donington a year or so ago. I particularly enjoyed his win with the Ligier over Jonathan Baker at Silverstone (2000 was it?).

PaulSands · 14 Apr 2003, 06:53 (Ref:568779)

After this weekend I think I'll change my vote to Edwin Jowsey...very jarring seeing what still looks very much like a little boy strapping himself into a beast of Lola F5000.

krt917 · 15 Apr 2003, 08:51 (Ref:569884)

Yes, I think it's great that younger drivers are having a go at historics, even pros like Darren Manning. Probably because they realise that the driver quality is so good and they get to really drive the things!

I've seen most of the drivers mentioned at some time or other, but being just 21 I haven't seen any of Neil Corner's efforts (though I have seen Nigel's) and only a few of Willie's. Anyone got any particular memories of either?

Ted Walker · 15 Apr 2003, 18:56 (Ref:570380)

Nobody but NOBODY(apart from Fangio or Behra) could drive a 250F like Charles Lucas.

gfm · 15 Apr 2003, 19:05 (Ref:570392)

Ted - if you can Ferret out a really good picture or two of Charlie Luke doing it in a 250, I'll buy it/them. You're right, a real classy performer with the 250F.

**John Turner** · 18 Apr 2003, 08:27 (Ref:572885)

Yes, how could I have forgotten Charlie Lucas? A picture on here would be great!

macca · 1 May 2003, 09:01 (Ref:585975)

As I recall, the Alfetta had brake problems which didn't show up so much on the wet Saturday at Coy's that year, but on the dry Sunday Martin Stretton was able to keep ahead until Willie had to back off.

I saw John Harper's name mentioned in passing, he is one that I would put right up near the top of the list.

**John Turner** · 5 May 2003, 08:25 (Ref:589841)

Thanks Macca, I wonder if that is the unspecified problem mentioned by David. At least it all reassures me I was right to be puzzled by the results that weekend!

Yep, John Harper, a great driver. Super dominant win in the BRM P25 at a very wet Goodwood Revival against a very classy field a couple of years ago, is a good example.

krt917 · 5 May 2003, 12:10 (Ref:589958)

Yes, in a race where Derek Bell was second, Willie Greene third and Stirling Moss was fourth!

macca · 6 May 2003, 08:21 (Ref:590632)

Talking of dominant performances at Goodwood, if I had a rear-engined car of any type, I would want Geoff Farmer to drive it. A great sportsman too; in the HSCC Classic Racing Car series, when he does the odd race he generally starts from the back to make it more interesting for everyone, and still mostly gets the win against a couple of pretty good regulars, in short races.

The most remarkable performance in a historic race that I personally can remember seeing was the great John Surtees (when IS he going to get that overdue knighthood?) in David Piper's Ferrari 250LM at Goodwood in 2001.

krt917 · 6 May 2003, 11:26 (Ref:590820)

It was a good drive, though I think the LM was the quickest car in the race and it did look a bit out of place against the front-engined GTs. I'm glad they've got a mid-engined GT race at Goodwood now!

As for Goodwood performances, my favourite has to be Grant Williams in the 1999 Saloon race. 4 laps of the most incredible wet weather driving I've ever seen, until he crashed...twice!

fangio · 8 May 2003, 11:30 (Ref:593371)

How come you all only mention English drivers????

macca · 8 May 2003, 11:36 (Ref:593373)

Duncan Dayton is American; I'd also add to my list that young American F3 driver whose name I cannot recall who was so quick in a Cooper in the Glover Trophy in 2001 until Frank Sytner and he collided.

Burkhard von Schenk.

PaulSands · 8 May 2003, 13:06 (Ref:593476)

Frank Sytner collided with another driver??? surely there must be some mistake

Joe Twyman · 8 May 2003, 16:15 (Ref:593671)

[QUOTE]Originally posted by macca
[B]Duncan Dayton is American; I'd also add to my list that young American F3 driver whose name I cannot recall who was so quick in a Cooper in the Glover Trophy in 2001 until Frank Sytner and he collided.

Paul Edwards, who is now racing in Dallara Nissan...i think.

krt917 · 8 May 2003, 16:56 (Ref:593712)

Quote:

How come you all only mention English drivers???

Perhaps it's because they're generally the best!

Or maybe because, many of us here, tend to have seen - predominantly at least - british racing.

If you've got some suggestions, Fangio, I'm sure we'd be happy to hear them!

How about Flavien Marcais?

macca · 9 May 2003, 10:53 (Ref:594396)

Again, as for all being English - there's Lindsay Owen-Jones, who is Welsh, I believe!

Jenny · 13 May 2003, 14:58 (Ref:597972)

Enjoyed reading the thread and co-incidentally, I am looking for a race coach to move me up a level in historic single seater racing. So, Forum Panel, who would you suggest I contact to improve my racecraft and speed?!

PaulSands · 13 May 2003, 15:07 (Ref:597994)

We need to see that gorgeous Tecno at the sharp end

Jenny · 13 May 2003, 15:47 (Ref:598028)

Absolutely right, Paul. Last season was a virtual wipe out with carb problems from Feb to October and only 8 finishes out of 14 starts. Castle Combe was more like it though - over took six in the race, two on the last corner of the last lap - YES! Car seems better now after two races and I am hoping to get the bit between my teeth now - hence the race coach needed!

PaulSands · 13 May 2003, 19:32 (Ref:598247)

Justin Wilson isn't up to much in the weeks is he?

macca · 14 May 2003, 09:38 (Ref:598577)

Funnily enough, I understand Justin Wilson does still help out occasionally at Jonathan Palmer's driving centre/autodrome at Bedford (he is the most succesful graduate of Formula Palmer Audi, of couse), so there you are!

By the way, I saw someone mention John Beasley in their list of stars - another top bloke. And on non-English drivers, Carlos Monteverde is getting pretty good now.

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