The Richard Bell Memorial Trophy
FISCAR Inter-Marque
VSCC Spring Start, 11th April, 2026
Back in the UK and now owned by Benn Faulkner, we welcomed the return of the extraordinary Bristol 450 to our grid. This is an incredible replica of a car that no longer exists in original form. One can only imagine the visual impact when it first appeared at Le Mans in 1954 an event which also saw the introduction of the Jaguar D type. Photo - JT
Preamble
Our season opener at the VSCC Spring Start meeting is always well supported and gives some indication of what to expect for the rest of the year. Our 30 car entry list was encouraging, particularly in the light of the fact that our friends, Tony and Pia Bianchi were also running their first Revolution 50s race for owner-driven Pre 1961 cars which mustered even more entries. There was some overlap, a few doing both races, but it would be fair to say that the VSCC were positively invaded by 1950s sports cars.
By race day our 30 entries had reduced to 26 entries following 4 withdrawals. The much anticipated appearance of Mark Brett’s 1946 Delage D6, a true veteran of Le Mans warrior, on our grid had to be postponed due to magneto problems but has been entered at Donington. The other 3 withdrawals involved were all Lotus Elites. Both David Alexander and Barry Dye were denied races by clutch issues and newcomer Morgan Cleasby had not been able to test his freshly rebuilt car so wisely withdrew.
Early morning rain departed and although the sun popped out and brightened the proceedings later on, a cold wind prevailed throughout and winter clothing was the order of the day for most.
To be continued
