Bulletin Of the british racing drivers' club - Volume 28 No 1 Spring 2007 - British Racing Drivers' Club
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Bulletin Volume 28 No 1 • Spring 2007 Of the british racing drivers’ club
The stunning new Jaguar XKR which will be running in this year’s FIA GT3 Championship will make its debut at Silverstone on 5-6 May 2007. It was launched at the Clubhouse in March by BRDC Members Richard Lloyd and Harry Handkammer who are behind the factory endorsed project. BRDC Members will get an exclusive chance to hear about the return of Jaguar to sportscar racing at the first ‘Evening With...’ Clubhouse talk of the year, on Friday 4th May – the eve of the FIA GT meeting. Ian Callum, designer of the XKR will be joined by other Jaguar luminaries in what promises to be a fascinating early evening talk followed by an informal supper. Booking details are on page 49.
contents
The British Racing Drivers’ Club
President in Chief
HRH The Duke of Kent KG
President
Volume 28 No 1 • Spring 2007
Damon Hill OBE
Chairman
07 President’s Letter 30 Dan Wheldon
10
Stuart Rolt
Directors Damon Hill Our man from over here who is
Lord Beaverbrook
Ray Bellm doing rather well over there
Robert Brooks 08 Chairman’s Letter
Peter Gethin
Tony Jardine
Ross Hyett
Stuart Rolt 31 Beckett’s Corner
Jackie Oliver The Assistant Secretary’s regular
Stuart Rolt
Ian Titchmarsh
10 Australian Grand Prix report observations on motorsport
Mixed fortunes for Club Members
Club Secretary
Stuart Pringle 32 Le Mans preview
Tel: 01327 850926 12 Master Plan 2007 entry list, hot off the press
email: stuart.pringle@brdc.co.uk
Assistant Club Secretary
James Beckett
24 The first of new regular updates
on the redevelopment progress 34 Obituaries
Tel: 01327 850925
email: james.beckett@brdc.co.uk
14 2007 season preview 40 Blast from the past
PA to Club Secretary
Jan Stevenson
The what, where and when of A regular delve into the archive.
Tel: 01327 850922 international motorsport This edition, courtesy of WB
email: jan.stevenson@brdc.co.uk
BRDC Bulletin Editorial Board
Ian Titchmarsh, Stuart Pringle, James Beckett
18 2007 BRDC Silver Star 42 Secretary’s Letter
Early season action in the BTCC Stuart Pringle
28
BRDC
Silverstone Circuit
Towcester
Northants
19 One to watch 43 Member News
NN12 8TN Alex Lloyd What we are up to
Sponsorship and advertising
Please contact Michaela Reeeves
Tel: 01423 851150
20 BRDC Historic Sportscars 47 Book review
email: michaela@barkerbrooks.co.uk Our flagship Championship in 2007 Howden Ganley advises on what to add
© 2007 The British Racing Drivers’ Club. All rights in and relating to to your motorsport library this Spring
this publication are expressly reserved. Nothing in this publication
may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written 22 Father & son
permission from the BRDC. The views expressed in Bulletin are not
necessarily those of the editor, the BRDC or the publishers. This regular feature on Club dynasties 47 Club and regional events
Design starts with Steve and Matt Neal The whole year for your diary
Stephen Croucher
Produced by
Barker Brooks Media Ltd
Barker Brooks House
24 Rising Stars Front cover: Lewis Hamilton. What a start to his debut Grand
4 Greengate, Cardale Park An important part of Club business, Prix season: Australia 3rd, Malaysia 2nd. (Photo LAT)
Harrogate
HG3 1GY but who are they this year? Back cover: Clay Regazzoni at Silverstone in 1979 when
Tel: 01423 851150
email: info@barkerbrooks.co.uk he won the British Grand Prix to give Frank Williams his
www.barkerbrooks.co.uk
28 Road Test first win as a constructor. As it turned out, it was Regga’s
30
last win as at Long Beach the following year he suffered a
www.brdc.co.uk The quarterly antidote to ‘star career ending accident (Photo LAT)
in a reasonably priced car’
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 3
Saturday 20th July 1957, Stirling Moss wins the European Grand Prix. Having taken over the Vanwall of Tony Brooks after 26-laps in 9th place, Stirling takes the chequered flag in front of the packed Aintree grandstands some 64-laps and two hours later to achieve the first win ever for a British car in a Formula One World Championship race. 50 years on, this historic win by Vanwall will be celebrated by the BRDC at ‘An Evening with...’ on 11 October, at Bonhams, London. An early evening reception will be followed by interviews with Sir Stirling Moss OBE and Tony Brooks, both in the presence, hopefully, of a Vanwall. Details of how to book are on page 49.
2007 BRDC Grand Prix Ball
The President of the British Racing Drivers’ Club requests the pleasure
of your company at the 2007 BRDC Grand Prix Ball
7.00pm, Friday 6th July
The Clubhouse, Silverstone
Champagne reception, dinner, live music
Black tie
Tickets £70
For tickets and enquiries please contact Rachel Greenwood on + 44 (0) 1423 851150
or email grandprixball@brdc.co.uk
Damon scored a hat-trick of victories in his first full season of Grand Prix racing by winning this race, the 1993 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. After coming very close to winning the British Grand Prix that year, Damon’s run of winning success started with his maiden victory in Hungary, followed by an impressive drive to the chequered flag at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. (Photo LAT)
Damon Hill obe
President’s letter
How quickly a year goes by. It seems like only a few months ago what we should also be about. The other assets of the Club are
that I found myself stepping forward to take up the banner of the its membership and the long and illustrious history. I wonder,
BRDC Presidency. In that year I have learned a great deal about perhaps, if they are not the most valuable assets?
the complex issues and politics of the Club, the Grand Prix, and On a brighter note, I am pleased to announce that free coffee and
Silverstone. I have also found, to my surprise and delight, that many tea is now available in the Clubhouse!
of the Members are not nearly as terrifying as their reputations and Wishing all Members a safe and successful 2007 season, and
press seemed to suggest! especially the famous four: David Coulthard, Jenson Button,
It is my belief that nearly all problems can be resolved by Anthony Davidson, and new boy Lewis Hamilton. This is the
dialogue, provided that each party is prepared to listen and take on highest British representation in Grand Prix racing for five years.
board the possibility that the other may have a valid point. It may
not always succeed at first, but the lines of communication have to Well done all of them.
be open wherever possible.
I believe that this Club can go forward and recover much of its
lost ground and prestige in the world of motorsport, and create new
areas of interest. However, there will have to be changes and some
sacrifices if we are to achieve this.
It is all too easy to become pre-occupied with issues that are
more to do with finance and property development, than motor
racing and the lot of the British racing driver. That is not to say that Damon Hill OBE
we should ignore those thorny issues, but rather always remember President, BRDC
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 7
stuart rolt
Chairman’s letter
Dear Fellow Members,
2007 has started positively for the Club. We have had an EGM to players in the local authorities and to show his support for our plans.
agree the letting of land to Porsche Cars GB, and to approve the There remains a huge amount of goodwill towards us, and we will
changes in the Articles recommended by the Garner report. need all of that in the future.
Both of these proposals were given a resounding approval by you, The AGM is coming up fast, and I will be in touch again before
for which many thanks. then. We will require a strong crop of new Directors, so please give
Porsche have put a planning application in that some of our serious consideration to what you can bring to the Board, and let’s
Members saw at February’s Members’ forum in the Clubhouse, and have your name in the ring.
I think you will approve of their vision.
Having been approved by you, the Garner recommendations With best regards,
have been implemented. Charles Auld has now chaired three SHL
Board meetings, and he, Neil England and Simon Gulliford are
going through an intensive learning period.
Meanwhile the Property Advisory Group of Members has
delivered its report, which has been accepted by both Boards, and is
being implemented.
We had a successful forum on that subject in February. On 20 Stuart Rolt
March the Minister of Sport came to Silverstone to meet all the key Chairman, BRDC
8 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1
silvesrtone circuits ltd
news from your circuit
Damon backs the Brits for the 2007 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix
F
or the first time since 2002, this year’s be at the legendary circuit for the big race winning the British Grand Prix, it really is a
Formula One Santander British on 8 July. fantastic feeling – mainly because you’re on
Grand Prix will see no less than four “We need to be very proud of the four home soil, and it is legendary for a British
British drivers lining up on the starting British drivers we have in Grand Prix driver to win at Silverstone,” he continued
grid. Now with British Racing Drivers’ Club racing this year. Silverstone’s ‘Back The when asked about his Formula One victory
President and 1996 Formula One World Brits’ campaign is to show support for our and hopes for another ‘Brit Pack’ win at
Champion Damon Hill adding his support ‘England Squad’ and, of course, our Scottish Silverstone.
to Silverstone’s season-long ‘Back The Brits’ Captain Coulthard,” said Hill, speaking at The Fab Four – Jenson Button, Lewis
campaign, there’s even more of a reason to the recent campaign launch. “You can’t beat Hamilton, Anthony Davidson and David Silverstone’s new Mygale single-seater.
Coulthard – make up just under one fifth of
the Formula One grid this season and are
now all eagerly awaiting the British Grand BRDC Members can enjoy a 20% saving
Prix at Silverstone on 8 July. on all Silverstone Driving Experiences and
products.
SILVERSTONE EXPERIENCE CENTRE
Last Christmas would have been a happy 2007 RACE CALENDER
occasion for fans of motorsport and driving. If you prefer to be part of the action,
Our Silverstone Driving Experiences proved but off the track, our 2007 race calendar
to be a popular gift option over the festive provides the very best in both two and
period, with sales of the Christmas gift four-wheeled action. Start the year at full
voucher up 300% on the previous year. speed with the Bennetts British Superbike
What’s more, our Silverstone Driving Championship (28-29 April), see the
Experiences continue to go from strength debut of the Jaguar XKR GT 3 at the FIA
to strength in 2007, featuring breathtaking GT Championship (5-6 May), experience
new Single-Seaters and adrenaline- the breathtaking Corona Extra World
pumping Ferrari 360’s, the very latest Superbike Championship (25-27 May), the
additions to an already unrivalled fleet of sensational 2007 Formula One Santander
performance cars. British Grand Prix (6-8 July), and then the
Our extensive range means there’s a Silverstone Classic (27-29 July).
Silverstone Driving Experience to suit all
tastes, including supercars, rally and off- For our full 2007 race calendar visit
road action. www.silverstone.co.uk.
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 9
Australian Grand Prix
Sensational start for Hamilton
Raikkonen dominates first race of 2007 while young gun Lewis Hamilton makes dream debut
T
he new season of FIA F1 World mate, Fernando Alonso, in his rear-view temporary thing. Fernando got past me at
Championship racing started in mirrors, Hamilton seemed unfazed and set the second pitstop as he was able to stay
Melbourne’s Albert Park on March a series of quick lap times when leading out a bit longer and I lost some time behind
18th, with Kimi Raikkonen opening his before making his own first stop. backmarkers. We now have a lot of work
Ferrari account in some style. It was only during a round of pit visits ahead of us with the Malaysia test and the
Switching from McLaren at the end of that Hamilton lost the number two spot to rest of the season, but there is no doubt
last season, Raikkonen started his Ferrari the Spaniard, and third position on a Grand that we can build from what has been
from pole position, and took the early Prix debut is not to be sniffed at. achieved today.”
advantage. Pulling away from the rest of the It was an overjoyed Hamilton who Hamilton’s performance outshone that
pack, the Finnish ace was briefly headed stepped out of his car and onto the of fellow Members Jenson Button, Anthony
following his first pitstop, but once back at Davidson and David Coulthard.
the head of the field he calmly drove away The four stars have united for
to claim victory. “Lewis doesn’t seem to Silverstone’s ‘Back The Brits’ campaign
With the Ferrari faithful celebrating the ahead of July’s British Grand Prix, but
team’s first post-Schumacher era win; the get nervous before a race Button, Davidson and Coulthard suffered
“I’m absolutely ecstatic.” Grand Prix paddock had only two words on
their minds: Lewis Hamilton. – just excited…” mixed fortunes throughout.
Button struggled with his Honda. An ill-
Lewis Hamilton Making his Grand Prix debut for Ron Anthony Hamilton handling car left him a frustrated fifteenth,
Dennis’ Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team, while Davidson’s impressive qualifying
Hamilton, the reigning GP2 champion, podium at the end of the race, and he said performance was undone by a slow start
impressed hugely throughout the weekend. afterwards, “I’m absolutely ecstatic – today’s and a collision with the Spyker of Grand
Entering Formula One with the media result is more than I ever dreamed of Prix newcomer, Adrian Sutil. Despite these
spotlight firmly focused on him, Hamilton’s achieving on my Grand Prix debut.” problems, Davidson completed the course
cool persona was matched by a determined He continued, “A big thank you to the in sixteenth – unlike David Coulthard and
on-track attitude that earned him, literally, team who have worked so hard during the his Red Bull, who crashed out.
thousands of new fans around the world. winter to make sure I was as prepared as DC tangled with the Williams-Toyota of
Making a strong start, with a bold round- I possibly could be. The race was intense, Alex Wurz, resulting in both cars retiring,
the-outside manouvre into Turn One, the and I was working very hard. I made a few and an apologetic Coulthard was left to
Photographs by LAT
Hertfordshire-based Full Member, was able mistakes but nothing major and really commiserate with Wurz after the end of
to drive himself into a position to claim the enjoyed myself.” the race.
“I had a rubbish weekend.” lead when Raikkonen made his first stop. He added: “It was great to lead the race
Jenson Button With his double-World Champion team- for a few laps, but I knew it was only a Archie Catt
10 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1Australian Grand Prix
“I apologised to Alex for
ruining his race.”
David Coulthard
Top left: Mark Webber qualified well again at his home Grand Prix
Centre left: Lewis Hamilton was simply superb
Left: DC crashed out
Above: Kimi Raikkonen lived up to his pre-season expectations
Right: Flying high – Anthony Davidson clashed with the Spyker
of Adrian Sutil, but reached the finish on his Super Aguri debut
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 11J: 5.3 acres
K: 61.3 acres
G RA VE L TR AP
J current permission for 100,000
silverstone MASTER PLAN sqft B1/B2/B8
Master plan
L: New grandstand and multi user
L facilities: 11.8 acres
G RA VE L TR AP
Q KEY M: Manufacturer test centre:
RS
M
RS
27.7 acres
RS
Potential revised track layout
NO Existing car parking
Proposed land acquisition
N: 7.4 acres
O: 14.6 acres
Woodland C1: Outdoor pursuits
SI GN
C1
RS
The future development of Silverstone 15.8 acres PQ Existing rallycross / Country
leisure pursuit area
P: 23.1 acres
Residential 18.5 acres in total Q: 22.8 acres
ABCD
F
ollowing the Members’ Forum on 22
RS
A: 1.6 acres
P
SV
February matters are moving at a pace R1: Exhibition and conference
D1
B: 7.4 acres R1 zone / F1 paddock area :
to promote the Master Plan, which was C: 8.2 acres
30.9 acres
formulated by the Property Advisory Group and D: 1.3 acres
circulated to Members in January. S New Grandstands
and Hospitality 3.4 acres
The plan is the first step in a planning process Phase One Tech Park 14.4 acres
G1
which will zone parcels of land within BRDC in total
MT
148 .8 1
ownership for the development of a wide variety
De f
RH
1.22m
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of uses, and upon the Plan’s adoption it will RH
9m
5.4
V 1.9 acres
ef
immediately significantly increase the underlying
D
asset base of the Club. W W1 Extreme sport and Leisure
f
De
Complex 14.3 acres
y
Bd
EF Outside BRDC ownership
ard
A number of benefits will flow from this exercise,
W
W: 7.7 acres
RH
not least of which means to enable any pit and
5.49m
E: 10.8 acres total W1: 6.6 acres
paddock improvements which are required if the F: 11.9 acres total
Grand Prix is to remain at Silverstone. X X: BRDC improvements
Def
y
13.6 acres
d Bd
However, the adoption of the Master Plan by this year. Hotel / conference, boulevard and
War
HI
serviced apartments
the two planning authorities will also be the It is intended that the Master Plan will be Y Y: New pit and paddock 23.6
springboard to bring new facilities to Silverstone through the planning process and public H: 8 acres acres (stowe circuit terained)
dy
tB
ns
I: 11.1 acres
Co
such as hotels, conferencing and exhibition consultation by early 2008, leaving the Club in a
Co
Z Z: Bunded Grandstand
5.49m RH
Euro Const a nd
space. It opens up the real prospect of attracting stronger position to decide the next steps in the
further research and development companies ongoing development of the Circuit and Club New pit and paddock location
Club House
JK B1/B2/B8 Science Park options
to establish themselves at Silverstone, and an facilities. 66.6 acres in total
opportunity will be created to dovetail this into an The Master Plan was presented to Richard J: 5.3 acres T: Grandstands
B1 1.6 acres
expanding educational facility in addition to the Caborn, Minister for Culture Media and Sport K: 61.3 acres
G RA VE L TR AP
recently opened Study Centre and the College of on 20 March, and this marked the official J current permission for 100,000 C1: Showroom manufacture
E1
Motorsport, which are already on site. commencement of this all-important planning sqft B1/B2/B8 display zone 11.3 acres in total
RH
9m
A more secure financial base for the Club initiative.
5 .4
L: New grandstand and multi user D1 D1: Existing four wheel drive /
will enable the business to expand its Circuit L facilities: 11.8 acres education campus 27.5 acres in
activities which are to be given a lift by the Porsche Spencer Canning total
development due to start during the summer of Q Property Advisory Group Chairman M: Manufacturer test centre:
RS
M
RS
27.7 acres
RS
12 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 Existing car parking
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BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 13
silverstone MASTER PLAN2007 Season preview
2007 Season Preview
A look ahead to a mouthwatering season at Silverstone and around the world
event calendar – Silverstone Circuit
April June
7 British Automobile Racing Club 2 Aston Martin Owners’ Club 8 British Grand Prix
14 British Racing & Sports Car Club 3 Japanese Tuning Show 21 British Automobile Racing Club
15 British Racing & Sports Car Club 9 Ferrari Racing Days 22 British Automobile Racing Club
21 Vintage Sports Car Club 10 Ferrari Racing Days 27 Silverstone Classic
28 British Super Bikes 16 British Automobile Racing Club 28 Silverstone Classic
British GTs
29 British Super Bikes 17 British Automobile Racing Club 29 Silverstone Classic
19 Big F1 Test
May 20 Big F1 Test August October
5 FIA GT Championship 21 Big F1 Test 4 Bentley Drivers’ Club 6 Hot Trax
6 FIA GT Championship 23 MGCC International Weekend 5 Ford Fair 7 Hot Trax
12 Historic Sports Car Club 24 MGCC International Weekend 11 British F3-GT 20 Historic Sports Car Club
19 Top Hat Racing 12 British F3-GT 27 750 Motor Club 6-Hour Relay
20 British Racing & Sports Car Club July 18 750 Motor Club
26 World Super Bike 6 British Grand Prix 19 750 Motor Club November
27 World Super Bike 7 British Grand Prix 25 BRSCC Classic Sports Car 2 BRDC Walter Hayes Trophy
26 BRSCC Classic Sports Car 3 BRDC Walter Hayes Trophy
4 BRDC Walter Hayes Trophy
September
2 Trax Denotes motorcycle race meeting
8 Britcar 24-Hour Race
9 Britcar 24-Hour Race NOTE: Calendar correct at time of going to
15 Le Mans Series press. Any changes to events will be listed on
16 Le Mans Series www.brdc.co.uk
22 Classic Sports Car
29 British Automobile Racing Club Please see individual entries in the Yearbook
30 Time Attack and Honda One Diary for Clubhouse opening times.
British Superbikes
14 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 12007 Season preview
international race calendar Justin Wilson, Champ Cars
FIA F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
March 18 Grand Prix of Australia September 9 Grand Prix of Italy June 3 Milwaukee
April 8 Grand Prix of Malaysia September 16 Grand Prix of Belgium June 9 Texas Motor Speedway
April 15 Grand Prix of Bahrain September 30 Grand Prix of Japan June 24 Iowa Speedway
May 13 Grand Prix of Spain October 7 Grand Prix of China June 30 Richmond Intl. Raceway
May 27 Grand Prix of Monaco October 21 Grand Prix of Brazil July 8 Watkins Glen
June 10 Grand Prix of Canada July 14 Nashville
June 17 Grand Prix of USA INDYCAR SERIES July 22 Mid-Ohio
July 1 Grand Prix of France March 24 Homestead-Miami August 5 Michigan Jenson Button, Formula 1
July 8 Grand Prix of Great Britain April 1 Streets of St. Petersburg August 11 Kentucky
July 22 Grand Prix of Germany April 21 Twin Ring Motegi August 26 Infineon Raceway
August 5 Grand Prix of Hungary April 29 Kansas Speedway September 2 Belle Isle
August 26 Grand Prix of Turkey May 27 Indianapolis 500 September 9 Chicagoland
Fernando Alonso, F1 World Champion 2005-2006
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 152007 season preview
international race calendar Dario Franchitti, IndyCar Series
CHAMPCAR WORLD SERIES GP2 SERIES
April 8 Las Vegas April 14-15 Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 15 Long Beach May 11-13 Spain (Barcelona)
April 22 Houston May 24-27 Monaco (Monte Carlo)
May 20 Zhuhai (China) Jun 29-July 1 France (Magny-Cours)
June 10 Portland July 6-8 Great Britain (Silverstone)
June 24 Cleveland July 20-22 Germany (Nurburgring)
July 1 Mont-Tremblant August 3-5 Hungary (Hungaroring)
July 8 Toronto August 24-26 Turkey (Istanbul)
July 22 Edmonton September 7-9 Italy (Monza)
July 29 San Jose September 14-16 Belgium
August 12 Elkhart Lake (Spa-Francorchamps)
September 2 Assen (Netherlands) September 28-30 Spain (Valencia) July 14 Hungary (Hungaroring) FORMULA 3 EUROSERIES
September 9 Zolder (Belgium) September 8 Great Britain April 22 Germany (Hockenheim)
October 21 Surfers Paradise (Australia) WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT (Donington Park) June 10 Great Britain (Brands Hatch)
November 11 Mexico City (Mexico) April 21 Belgium (Zolder) September 22 France (Magny-Cours) June 24 Germany (Norisring)
December 2 Phoenix May 5 Germany (Nurburgring) October 27 Spain (Barcelona) July 1 France (Magny-Cours)
June 23 Turkey (Istanbul) July 15 Italy (Mugello)
July 29 Netherlands (Zandvoort)
September 2 Germany (Nurburgring)
Mike Conway, GP2 Series September 23 Spain (Barcelona)
September 30 France (Nogaro)
October 28 Germany (Hockenheim)
BRITISH F3 CHAMPIONSHIP
April 9 Oulton Park
April 22 Donington Park
May 20 Bucharest (Romania)
June 3 Snetterton
June 24 Monza (Italy)
July 15 Brands Hatch
July 29 Spa-Francorchamps
(Belgium)
August 12 Silverstone
August 26 Thruxton
September 9 Croft
September 30 Rockingham
16 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 12007 season preview
international race calendAr
FIA WORLD TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP FIA GT CHAMPIONSHIP LE MANS SERIES BRITISH GT CHAMPIONSHIP
March 11 Brazil (Curitiba) March 25 China (Zhuhai) April 13-15 Italy (Monza) April 9 Oulton Park
May 6 Netherlands (Zandvoort) May 6 Great Britain (Silverstone) May 4-6 Spain (Valencia) April 22 Donington Park
May 20 Spain (Valencia) May 20 Romania (Bucharest) June 16-17 France June 3 Snetterton
June 3 France (Pau) June 24 Italy (Monza) (Le Mans 24-Hour Race) July 15 Brands Hatch
June 17 Czech Republic (Brno) July 8 Germany (Oschersleben) June 29-30–July 1 Germany (Nurburgring) August 12 Silverstone
July 8 Portugal (Porto) July 29 Belgium August 17-19 Belgium August 26 Thruxton
July 29 Sweden (Anderstorp) (Spa-Francorchamps) (Spa-Francorchamps) September 9 Croft
August 26 Germany (Oschersleben) September 8 Italy (Adria) September 14-16 Great Britain (Silverstone) September 30 Rockingham
September 23 Great Britain (Brands Hatch) September 23 Czech Republic (Brno) November 9-11 Brazil (Curitiba)
October 7 Italy (Monza) September 30 France (Nogaro)
November 18 Macau (Macau) October 21 Belgium (Zolder)
FIA World Touring Car Championship
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 17BRDC silver star 2007
The race for the
is on...
Plato and Neal set the pace in the BTCC
T
he race for the coveted 2007 BRDC come away second in the championship is
Silver Star is underway following the something nobody in the team expected.
opening three rounds of the Dunlop It’s testament to all the early mornings and
MSA British Touring Car Championship at late hours everyone has worked to get this
Brands Hatch (1 April). car ready in time, and it’s still only in its
SEAT’s Jason Plato took a pair of wins and early stages of development…”
Team Halfords’ Matt Neal a single victory
in the races contested by 26 drivers. Plato’s
double gives him an early championship
lead, but reigning champion Neal’s
triumph, in a new Honda Civic still short
on development, is a warning shot to his
Top: Jason Plato won twice at
rivals as the BTCC now prepares for its next
Brands Hatch
three rounds at the Rockingham circuit in
Above: Colin Turkington
Northamptonshire on 22 April. celebrates on the podium
Plato, chasing a second BTCC crown,
Left: Matt Neal scored a
said: “We said all along that getting off to ‘surprise’ victory with his Honda
a winning start would be crucial; we’ve Below: Darren Turner drove
managed that and it’s a great start. But determindley throughout
those who said this was going to be a SEAT
walk-over can think again – the opposition
is hot on our heels and at Rockingham
All photographs by Jakob Ebrey
they’ll be even closer. This is going to be a
classic BTCC season.”
Neal added: “Our win today with a car
that has barely done a day’s testing is a
bigger shot in the arm than winning the
title. The relief when I crossed the line
inside the car was something else and to
18 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1one to watch
one to watch:
alex lloyd
Stateside switch pays off for young Brit
B
RDC Rising Star Alex Lloyd is team for 2007 has now totalled five
dominating the 2007 Indy Pro Series career IndyPro Series victories.
– having won the first three rounds Lloyd has his eyes firmly focused on a
of the season. fourth consecutive victory, with the next
Driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsport, round of the IndyCar feeder series taking
Lloyd, the 2003 winner of the BRDC place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year during May.
Award, has cemented a strong career in the Commenting, Lloyd said: “It’s just been
United States following a switch from UK an unbelievable start to the season. Sam
and European events last season. Schmidt Motorsports and Lucas Oil have
Despite missing three rounds of the 2006 put together a great team this year.
season through illness, Lloyd managed to Everybody pulls together to make it all
finish seventh in last year’s Indy Pro points happen. The results on-track are the results
standings with the AFS Racing team, of huge efforts put in by the whole team
and following a switch to Sam Schmidt’s – everything is beginning to pay off.”
Photographs by LAT
Alex Lloyd has made a great start to the 2007 season with the Sam Schmidt Motorsport team
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 19BRDC historic sportscar championship 2007
Historic Sportscar
Championship
BRDC Championship set for another historic season
T
wo years ago Graeme Dodd
narrowly missed out on winning
the BRDC Historic Sportscar
Championship at his first attempt. Last
season the Oxford-based driver stamped
his authority on proceedings to win the
series at the wheel of his Cooper Monaco,
and for 2007 he will be the man to beat.
Dodd is a well-known, highly-respected,
and very accomplished racer of historic
vehicles, and during the recent past has
driven his Jaguar MkII saloon and XK120 to
many regular victories in events organised
by the Historic Sports Car Club.
When he added the Cooper Monaco to
his fleet for 2005, it was only to be a matter
of time before he won the BRDC Historic
Sportscar Championship – and 2006 was
certainly his year.
With the start of the new season fast
approaching, the Club has restructured following the announcement of a reduction numbers. of Britain’s premier circuits, as well as the
the organisation of the Historic Sportscar of rounds. All championship races will A fine calendar has been put together Dijon Grand Prix track in France.
Championship during the winter. Day-to- take place at high-quality meetings, and by the BRDC and HSCC, and the dates on Seven rounds have been scheduled,
day co-ordination switches to the HSCC, registrations are currently rolling in to the offer will see the premier historic racing and they will all count as point-scoring
and hopes of increased grid sizes are high HSCC’s Silverstone-based offices in large championship for sportsracing cars visit all races towards the overall series title.
20 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1BRDC historic sportscar championship 2007
BRDC Historic Sportscar
Championship 2007
Schedule of events
May 12 Silverstone International
Circuit
June 30-July 1 Brands Hatch Grand
Prix Circuit
July 27-29 Silverstone Historic
Grand Prix Circuit*
August 27 Oulton Park International
It is only fitting that Silverstone hosts on 12 May. this, and other racedays, during the season. Circuit
the first event of the new season, and the BRDC Historic Sportscar Championship Full details, and regular championship September 22-23 Dijon Grand Prix Circuit,
BRDC Historic Sportscar Championship competitors will battle for ‘The Reg Parnell updates, can be found at www.brdc.co.uk. France*
will headline a bumper HSCC meeting Trophy’, and Members are encouraged to *Double-headers
around the 2.2-mile International Circuit attend and support the championship at Archie Catt
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 21father & son
Steve and Matt Neal...
BRDC member Matt Neal is triumphantly carrying on his family’s
racing tradition – with the help of his father Steve
T
eam Dynamics have been the overhead. Team Dynamics – popular
team to beat in the British Touring champions.
Car Championship of late. Matt “An incredible feeling,” Matt told podium
Neal has been responsible for the driving announcer Alan Hyde. “Things really don’t
duties,while in the backroom, Steve Neal get better than this!”
has been the mastermind behind the After completing back-to-back victories,
succes. Team Dynamics have their eyes focused
While Matt has been blitzing his way to on a hat-trick of British Touring Car titles
two consecutive touring car titles on-track, in 2007, although the Neals’ Honda Civic
Steve has planned the success from his Type-R has not completed huge mileage
office, workshop – and on race weekends during pre-season tests. However, the
the pit wall. It can be a nerve-wracking job! Halfords-backed car is expected to be right
Those in the pit-lane at Brands Hatch on the pace out of the box. Prior to the Matt Neal secured his back to back championships
for the 2005 finale, or watching the action opening race weekend at Brands Hatch, at Silverstone last October, the first Independent to
on the television, will remember the looks Matt said “The team has done a great job. do so in the modern era.
Father: Steve Neal
on the faces of the Neal family when I thought they’d worked hard when we
Elected to the BRDC: 1993
Matt scooped his first British Touring Car brought out the Integra in 2004, but this has also great to welcome back Clydesdale Bank
Career Highlights: 1964-67 Driver with
Championship crown following a finale at been another mammoth job.” for their second year, they have given us
Equipe Arden; 1968-69 Cooper Car
Brands Hatch in 2005. Steve added, “We’d like to thank Honda invaluable support and we have struck up a Company; BMC works driver
“An amazing moment,” is how Steve for their technical input in what has been great working relationship.”
describes the victory.
The squad continued their superb run
a testing time. We have been racing against
the clock to get the cars ready.”
The Neal family roots are set deep in
the heart of Touring Car racing. Steve’s
Son: Matt Neal
Elected to the BRDC: 1995
of form in 2006, when in front of 33,000 He went on, “We are also delighted to career started back in 1964, racing for
Career Highlights: 2005 and 2006 British
spectators Matt delivered title number two, welcome Halfords as our lead sponsor Equipe Arden before switching to the
Touring Car champion
and this time father and son stood on the again, supported by a number of new key Cooper Car Company team for the 1968
top step of the podium, fireworks bursting brands that many will be familiar with. It’s and 1969 seasons. Minis were the cars to
22 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1father & son
Left: Smoking can
damage your Dunlops.
Classic Mini action
from Steve in the works
Cooper S at Brands
Hatch’s South Bank
(now Surtees) in 1968
Below: John Rhodes
(left) and Steve Neal
(right) pictured at
Brands Hatch
(Photographs courtesy
of the Neal family)
Family fact:
When Matt married his fiancée Karen last
summer, they became the first couple to
tie the knot in the marriage-licensed BRDC
Clubhouse...
victory in the Willhire 24-Hour Race at the Matt relishes his role as a Touring Car
wheel of a BMW M3, before the Group driver, saying, “Most people hope to one
N machines made way for Touring Cars. day convert their hobby into a job – but
beat, and Steve was flamboyant behind a runner-up spot in a 300km event amongst Team Dynamics made its maiden BTCC my hobby has always been my job. I listen
the wheel of his A-Series engined machine the sand dunes of the Dutch Zandvoort appearance in 1991 with an M3. to my friends talking about their work and
in both British and European Touring Car track. It wasn’t long before Independents then realise that I’ve been doing a dream
Championship races. “A great way to go After driving a Chevron B8 in 1970, which success arrived, and the team tasted class job for 18 years.”
racing,” is how Steve recalls his antics in he shared with his brother Richard, Steve victory for the first time in 1993. Three Proud BRDC Members, the Neal family
the Mini. decided to concentrate on business before further Independents titles followed in are keen to taste victory champagne
Driving a Cooper ‘S’ Steve scored Matt took up the sport, and Ford Fiestas 1995, 1999 and 2000 before Matt had brief again this year – and given the success of
strong finishes through his ‘works’ career, in the late 1980s, to carry the Neal family forays with Peugeot and Vauxhall cars, prior Steve and Matt behind the wheel of their
including an overall victory at Crystal racing name into a new era. Production to teaming-up with Honda – a partnership respective race cars, that champagne won’t
Palace in June 1968, and later the same year saloon car racing followed, including that continues to this day. be long in being opened.
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 23rising stars
Rising
Stars
One thing BRDC Members do agree on is the need
to encourage the next generation. Here they are...
Henry Arundel Jonathan Adam Jon Barnes
T
he route to the top in modern motor racing is tough enough, Formula BMW SEAT Cupra Formula Master
but the British Rising Drivers’ Club’s Rising Stars scheme is
there to help – and it has already had tangible results.
By attaching the prestige and the recognition of the BRDC’s name to
these young stars of the future, it helps them in many ways.
Not only does it assist when they are approaching sponsors by
helping them prove that they have been picked out as a cut above the
rest, it also gives the next generation of British champions a sense of
belonging to the BRDC.
The members of the selection panel, made up of experts in the
national racing field, look carefully at the drivers’ credentials and their
track record on their way through the lower rungs of the sport, and
picks out potential world-beating talent.
Those selected by the panel are granted junior membership of the
club – but still have to prove themselves out on the race track. If their
performances continue to show they have the talent to carry the Union
Flag to the top of the sport, then they are voted back on to the scheme.
The ultimate aim is, of course, to become a Full Member of the
British Racing Drivers’ Club and achieve success on the circuit.
By underlining the British talent that is out there, the endorsement Sam Bird Tom Boardman Tim Bridgeman
of the BRDC can help to push those young drivers just a little closer to Formula 3 SEAT Cupra Formula Atlantic
the pinnacle of the sport – and that’s got to be good for everybody.
Matt James
24 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1rising stars
Oliver Bryant Ben Clucas Jonathan Cocker Ross Curnow Josh Fisher
British GT Formula 3 British GT French Sportscars Formula 3
Nathan Freke Stuart Hall Euan Hankey Ben Hanley Miles Hulford
Formula Atlantic Le Mans Series Formula BMW Renault World Series FIA GT3
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 25rising stars James Jakes Edwin Jowsey Phil Keen Jonathan Kennard Ryan Lewis Formula 3 Euro Series Asian Formula 3 Le Mans Series Formula 3 Formula Atlantic Alex Lloyd Sean McIntosh Michael Meadows Jeremy Metcalfe Ed Morris Indy Pro Series A1GP Formula 3 Formula Renault Le Mans Series 26 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1
rising stars
Alex Mortimer Matt Nicol-Jones Tom Onslow-Cole Phil Quaife Adrian Quaife-Hobbs
British GT Ginettas British Touring Cars Porsche Supercup Formula BMW
Martin Plowman Dean Smith James Sutton Duncan Tappy James Walker
Formula Renault Italia Formula Renault Porsche Cup Formula Renault Renault World Series
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 27road test
Power and grace
Assistant Club Secretary, James Beckett, drives the Prodrive enhanced Aston Martin V8 Vantage...
L
ess than one week after the carriageway. The power delivered through work in the area of the car’s suspension. The already pure lines of the car have
consortium headed by BRDC the rev band was well balanced, a new In association with specialists Bilstein and been further enhanced with an aero
Member David Richards took control throttle map, combined with the increase in Eibach, the car features a driver-adjustable package that has been designed and
of Aston Martin, the BRDC Bulletin were torque, are responsible for this. suspension system. A switch by the gear developed in a wind tunnel.
granted the honour of putting the Prodrive Once at Silverstone, the car was allowed lever allows the driver to choose between The aero package, to reduce high-speed
enhanced Aston Martin V8 Vantage through to stretch its legs, and the power increase normal and sports mode. lift, comprises of a carbon composite front
its paces. from 380 bhp to 425 bhp could be felt The normal mode has been designed spoiler and a rear mounted boot spoiler.
Already a stunning supercar, the V8 during a handful of controlled laps around to enhance the V8 Vantage’s ride and It adds to the overall effect, and I believe
Vantage has undergone a series improves its charm.
of fine revisions at the hands of The time to return the V8 Vantage
Richards’ Banbury-based Prodrive to its Banbury home came all too
company, and the result is a subtly soon, and my three-hour stint as
improved machine that is an James Bond was at an end. I may
absolute joy to drive. not have huge experience and the
If you are a petrol-head, then you intimate knowledge of driving all
know that to drive an Aston Martin things supercar, but I know what I
is a dream everyone holds. As the like, and I liked the Aston.
lucky individual tasked to put this The V8 Vantage delivers an
particular model through its paces, aggressive charm. The car feels at
I was no different. home during a drive in the green
Jumping from a Smart car into the V8 the Silverstone National Circuit. handling characteristics, while the firmer and pleasant lands of the countryside, and
Vantage couldn’t have been more chalk and The acceleration time of the V8 Vantage sports mode delivers an even more focused at home on the track when needs must.
cheese, but somehow the Aston allowed has also been improved by Prodrive, with a driving experience on the road, or for It’s modern, sophisticated and chic, yet
me to feel at home straight away. The deep 0-100 km/h time of 5.0 seconds, reduced to track use. stunningly nostalgic. The Prodrive alliance
leather-clad seats were supportive and 4.7, and a top speed increase to 293 km/h. Prodrive have also engineered a with this car is no cross breed, this is a pure
Photographs by Jakob Ebrey
comfortable, and as I steered the car away Obviously these speeds were not put to the performance pack for the engine, which breed – a British pure breed, and something
from Banbury in the direction of Silverstone test during this particular road test, but has a modified exhaust system. With a low to be proud of.
the 4.3-litre engine barked briskly. these sort of returns can be believed as the back pressure sports catalyst fitted, and
In traffic the Aston didn’t feel out of place: car does have a sense of urgency about it a driver-controlled switch to override the With thanks to David Richards for his kind help
it was a smooth ride, although it certainly when pushed. car’s exhaust valve, the ability to make more and assistance, and Prodrive’s Roland Cherry and
did feel more at home on the A43 dual Prodrive have also carried out significant noise when required is a fun option to have. Jonathan Walls for their kind co-operation.
28 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1road test
“The V8 Vantage delivers an
aggressive charm...”
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 29dan wheldon
Under the spotlight:
Dan Wheldon
Wheldon dominates IndyCar Series season
opener at Homestead Miami Speedway
T
wo-time BRDC Gold Star winner,
Dan Wheldon, driving for the Target
Chip Ganassi Racing team, started
2007 with a victory for the third year in
a row, winning the season-opening XM
Satellite Radio Indy 300 at the Homestead-
Miami Speedway.
The victory was the twelfth of Wheldon’s
IndyCar Series career, and he became the
first IndyCar Series driver to win at the
same racetrack for three consecutive years
– leading a total of 179 laps to win.
Wheldon’s team-mate, Scott Dixon,
finished 6.4993 seconds behind, in a race
held under floodlights.
Reigning IndyCar Series champion Sam Banking on further success – Dan Wheldon is
Hornish Jr., driving a Team Penske Honda- chasing IRL title number two and BRDC Gold
powered Dallara, finished third to complete Star number three
the podium.
After the race, Wheldon said, “It’s great to adding to the tally as soon as possible.”
win three races in a row at Homestead. I’m The Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami was
not sure how I’ve done it, because I’ve done the opening race of a 17-event IndyCar
it with two different teams.” Series programme that centres on the
He added, “My aim is to drive as hard as Indianapolis 500 in May. The full listing of
possible, as safely as possible, bring the car IndyCar Series races can be found on page
home and ahead of as many guys as possible. 15, while the official website www.indycar.
To start the new season with a win is a very com provides the latest information from
good result, and I am looking forward to each race.
30 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1Beckett’s corner
Seeking the sun in Bournemouth
Corner
Beckett’s
R
allye Sunseeker is the traditional WRC-specification machinery. Multiple hear Burton’s V6-powered monster at
season-opener for the MSA National rally winner Marcus Dodd, and his co- full throttle.
Rally Championship, and the 2007 driver Andrew Bargery, carried the number While eyes were focused at the front
edition of the Southern Car Club-organised one on the doors of their Hyundai Accent of the field, and Dodd’s calm drive to
rally again attracted a large entry for an WRC, while a host of Subaru Impreza victory, the so-called ‘Battle of the BRDC’
event based in Bournemouth. WRC and Ford Focus WRC cars would be was taking place further down the
Hosted over two days, Rallye Sunseeker is close behind. running order.
without doubt one of the most professional Also entered was Andy Burton’s Club Director, Tony Jardine, fresh
events on the British rally calendar. Clerk spectacular Peugeot-Cosworth, a car I have from competing on Rally Norway – the
of the Course, Rick Smith, and his team of raved about previously in this very column. third round of the 2007 FIA World Rally
willing helpers are responsible, and their The Peugeot-Cosworth is Britain’s most Championship – had been invited to In the spotlight – the Beckett Skoda
superb planning and organisation make popular rally car, and I would dare to drive the new Ginetta G20 rally car in
the event enjoyable for all – competitors, suggest competition car. As on the Wyedean Bournemouth. Entered in the up to For the rest of the day the Beckett
officials and spectators alike. Forest Rally two weeks previous, spectators 1400cc Class B9, Tony’s chief opposition brothers (my brother Colin on the maps)
Heading the entry was a wide range of were keen to walk into the forests just to came by way of the BRDC’s Assistant Club kept momentum to reach the end of the
Secretary, namely me. rally and claim class victory.
At the wheel of my trusty Skoda Favorit, I have been asked on numerous
Friday’s opening two stages were run occasions why I compete on rallies and
under the spotlight of large crowds on not race the Formula Ford 1600 I own. It
Bournemouth’s seafront. Spectator stages is difficult to put my finger on, but for me
through the town’s Lower Pleasure Gardens I think it is the challenge, the unknown
saw ‘Tone’ edge ahead. An overnight halt of the forests and the great sense of
followed, before action resumed early the achievement Colin and I feel when we
following morning. A trip to Wareham forest reach the end of an event with a family-
would offer the first two challenges of the prepared car run on the weekend by
morning – and it was here that the Ginetta friends lending a hand.
would fail, and Tony’s Rallye Sunseeker We may not have access to a WRC
would end, and where I picked up the machine, we may not have the budget to
class lead. run a WRC machine (not saying that we
A broken trackrod forced the little don’t fancy having a go in one), but we can
Ginetta out, a disappointing end to an compete on rallies against them in a car
event that he loves and supports each year. purchased for two grand nearly ten years
Tony would however return later in the day ago. It’s a dream, and we enjoy it – that’s
“I do like to be beside the seaside...”, for non-competitive demonstration runs what rallying is all about.
Tony Jardine is a Sunseeker regular. through the Somerley Park spectator stage
after repairs had been carried out. James Beckett
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 31le mans 2007
24 Heures du Mans
16-17 June 2007
Tripping the night fantastic… The race is on for victory in La Sarthe as
teams warm-up for the most famous endurance race in the world.
James Beckett looks ahead to another slice of tradition
T
he Le Mans 24-Hour Race is only BRDC Members will be active in La Sarthe.
just over two months away, and the The ACO received 76 entries for the 2007
official list of participating teams edition of the legendary endurance race,
and cars has been released by the ACO. and the prototype cars of LMP1 and LMP2
55 teams have been invited to take part make up over half of the entry. The LM-GT1
in the test day on 3 June, and a host of category is incredibly strong, with six Aston
Martin DBR9 cars carrying the challenge
to the powerful Pratt & Miller-run
Chevrolet Corvettes.
LM-GT2 has also attracted a strong
turnout, although this year Ferrari look
set to have the upper-hand over Porsche,
with five 430s taking to the track over
four Stuttgart-manufactured machines. Rollcentre Racing will use a Pescarolo-Judd this year
Panoz and Spyker are also on the entry list,
making this category the most wide-open
of all. The diesel-powered Peugeot 908
The ACO has been busy over the winter
months, constructing five additional
pit garages. They have also enlarged
the paddock area and made a track
modification at Tertre Rouge. Spectators
will be pleased to learn that the ‘Village’ is
also to be enhanced this year, bringing new
character to the circuit’s famous facilities.
The Bulletin will be present again this year
to bring you all the news from Le Mans.
32 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1le mans 2007
Le Mans entry list
LMP1 LM GT1
1 Audi Sport North America Audi R10 006 A.M.R. Larbre Competition Aston Martin DBR9
2 Audi Sport North America Audi R10 007 Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin DBR9
3 Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R10 008 A.M.R. Larbre Competition Aston Martin DBR9
5 Swiss Spirit Lola Audi B07-10 009 Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin DBR9
7 Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 53 JLOC Isao Noritake Lamborghini Murcielago
8 Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 54 Team ORECA Saleen S7R
9 Creation Autosportif Ltd Creation Judd CA07 55 Team Oreca Saleen S7R
10 Arena International Motorsport Zytek 07S 59 Team Modena Aston Martin DBR9
12 Courage Competition Courage AER LC70 63 Corvette Racing Corvette C6.R
13 Courage Competition Courage AER LC70 64 Corvette Racing Corvette C6.R
14 Racing for Holland Dome Judd S101 67 Convers Menx Team Ferrari 550 Maranello
15 Charouz Racing System Lola Judd B07-17 72 Luc Alphand Aventures Corvette C.6R
16 Pescarolo Sport Pescarolo Judd 73 Luc Alphand Aventures Corvette C.5R
17 Pescarolo Sport Pescarolo Judd 100 Aston Martin Racing BMS Aston Martin DBR9
18 Rollcentre Racing Pescarolo Judd
19 Chamberlain-Synergy Motorsport Lola AER B06-10
LM GT2
LMP2 76 IMSA Performance Matmut Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (997)
20 Pierre Bruneau Pilbeam Judd MP93 78 AF Corse Ferrari F430 GT
22 Rollcentre Racing Radical Judd 80 Flying Lizard Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (997)
24 Binnie Motorsports Lola Zytek B05-40 81 Team LNT Panoz Esperante
25 RML Lola AER B05-40 82 Team LNT Panoz Esperante
28 Team Bruichladdich Radical Radical AER SR9 83 Seikel Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (997)
29 T2M Motorsport Dome Mader S101-5 85 Spyker Squadron b.v. Spyker C8 Spyder
3 Noel Del Bello Courage AER LC75 86 Spyker Squadron b.v. Spyker C8 Spyder
32 Barazi Epsilon Zytek 07S/2 87 Scuderia Ecosse Ferrari F430 GT
33 Barazi Epsilon Zytek 07S/2 90 White Lightning Racing Ferrari F430 GT
35 Saulnier Racing Courage AER LC75 93 Autorlando Sport Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (997)
40 Quifel-ASM Team Lola AER B05-40 97 Risi Competizione Ferrari F430 GT
44 Kruse Motorsport Pescarolo Judd 98 Risi Competizione Ferrari F430 GT
Chevrolet Corvette C6.R An Aston Martin Racing DBR9
Le Mans 24-Hour Race 2007
Provisional Timetable
3 June Test Day
11-12 June Sporting Checks and Scrutineering
13 June First Qualifying
14 June Second Qualifying
15 June Drivers’ Parade (city centre)
16 June 3pm Start of the 75th “24 Heures du Mans”
BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1 33obituaries
Baron Emmanuel ‘Toulo’ de Graffenried
B
aron Emmanuel de Graffenried has Berne and at occasional foreign events until the finished second at Pau and in the Jersey Road and Maserati, finishing fifth in Berne and sixth
died at the age of 92. He was elected an outbreak of World War II in 1939. Race, before winning the British Grand Prix at at Pedralbes.
Honorary Member of the BRDC in 1936. When hostilities ended he established Team Silverstone. The season concluded with second He returned to Maserati in 1952 and was
The Baron was a leading F1 driver in the early Autosport with Christian Kautz and gained place finishes in the Swedish Summer Grand sixth in Berne, but did much better in non-
years of the World Championship and won the good results, finishing fifth in the Grand Prix des Prix at Skarpnack and the Zandvoort Grand Prix championship events at Cadours and Aix-les-
first British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1949. Nations on the streets of Geneva in 1946 and in Holland. Bains where he was third on each occasion. The
Baron Emmanuel de Graffenried, known as then third in the Grand Prix de Lausanne the In 1950 he entered his own Maserati in 1953 season would be rather more successful
Toulo to his friends, was born in Paris in 1914 but following year. In 1948 he was third at both a number of events in the new FIA World with a fourth place finish in Belgium, and strong
grew up in his native Switzerland. In the 1930s Monaco and Geneva. Championship and scored points in Switzerland results in both Holland and Germany. The Baron
he decided that he would like to go racing, and After the death of Kautz at Bremgarten, de and Italy, and at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo scored victories in non-championship races at
acquired a 1.5-litre Maserati voiturette which Graffenried closed the team and in 1949 joined finished second in the Grand Prix des Nations Syracuse and Goodwood and in the Formula 2
he raced at events on the Bremgarten circuit in forces with Enrico Plate’s Maserati team. He in Geneva. In 1951 he raced for both Alfa Romeo race at the Nurburgring.
Further wins in non-championship events in
South America at Gavea and Interlagos followed,
and during this time he even found time to star
on the ‘silver screen’ as a double for Kirk Douglas
in action scenes for the movie Such Men Are
Dangerous which was released in 1955.
He made his final appearance at Monza in
1956 where he raced a Maserati 250F, and at the
age of 42 he decided it was time to stop racing
to concentrate on his garage in Lausanne, from
where he sold Alfa Romeos and later Ferraris and
Rolls-Royces.
He spent time in the F1 paddock during the
1970s as an ambassador for the Lausanne-based
Philip Morris tobacco company’s Marlboro
brand, and was actively involved with the
Anciens Pilotes du Grand Prix right up until
his death.
Howden Ganley
Toulo en-route to winning the 1949 British
Grand Prix at Silverstone in his 1.5-litre
supercharged Maserati 4CLT/48, a car
that became known as the San Remo
34 BRDC Bulletin Vol 28 No 1You can also read
