In repose - David Cottingham’s entries of Ferrari and AC Ace Bristol Photo - JT

 Preamble

The BDC’s annual Silverstone race meeting always carries an extra appeal due to its 1960s old school style club ambiance, at which our members and their cars feel at home. Last year we had an enormous entry of 40 cars reduced to 37 on the day, so it was a big field to live up to this year. Shortly before closing date we had entries in the mid twenties, adequate but not brilliant. However, a late flurry brought the total up to 33, every bit as good as last year bearing in mind that, unlike last year we had, with one special exception, no invitation cars. The exception was Paul Woolmer’s red Elva Courier, JHC 292, which had not been raced for many years, and was in as a one off guest car – see the Tale of Two Elvas in the ‘NEWS’ section of this website.

Paul Woolmer pulls out of the garages in George Fordy’s Elva Courier, whilst Michael Scott warms up his Frazer Nash LMR. Photo - JT

Peter Blanchett’s, as yet unsold, RGS Atalanta, so why not give it an outing! Photo - JT

There were a number of new cars/members entered. Conrad Bos brought his MGA along and was to share the drive with Mark Ellis, who we know is quick. Edward Crossley brought along his Jowett Jupiter, fresh from the Le Mans Classic and looking a very well prepared entry. Jonathan Lupton brought along VMF 65,  one of the famous ex works Aston Martin DB2s and Steve Ward had entered his Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica.

The immaculate looking Crossley Jowett Jupiter. Photo - JT

There were a whole bunch of returnees entered. George Fordy in his Elva Courier, Andy Shepherd in his AC Ace Bristol, Mark and Jonny Shears in the Flat Rad Morgan +4, Chris Woodgate in the late Jon Gross Aston Martin DB Mk111, Richard Thorne in his Morgan +4, Peter Blanchett in what I believe to be a one-off drive in the RGS Atalanta, and Mark Campbell in his ex Privateer Le Mans DB2. None of these had raced with us this season and some for a lot longer than that. It was also good to see that David Cottingham was down to drive his Ferrari 500TRC, whilst also entering his AC Ace Bristol for Adrian King to drive.  All in all this was a fantastic and diverse entry.

To be continued.