Opened by the Royal Air Force in 1943, as a “bomber station”…. the 3 runway airfield was converted into Silverstone race circuit in 1948 just in time for the inaugural British Grand Prix!), by local resident Maurice Geoghegan.and circuit promoter, the Royal Automobile Club. In 1949, the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) held its first race meeting at the circuit and on April 23rd, it returned for its 62nd visit. Thanks to an invite from near neighbour, BRDC member and ‘71 and ’72 British Formula Atlantic Championship runner up Cyd Williams, I was able to enjoy the days racing from the unique vantage point of the British Racing Drivers Club’s clubhouse.
With over 6,000 spectators, 11 races and 368 entries, VSCC racing has never been so popular and as ever, a walk through the paddock and infield, revealed several interesting Ferrari’s; including a black F50, an early production Enzo, Alex Boswell’s 500/625 single seater and my favourite…historic race preparer Neil Twyman’s Ferrari 250TR replica, complete with purpose built hardtop! Alongside the racing, these were my highlights….
- Attracting much attention in the paddock , were 4 of Nick Mason’s favourite race cars, superbly presented by his Ten Tenths team and lead by one of his 2 Maserati Birdcages. So called, because of the approx 200 chro-moly steel tubes which make up the chassis; 16 examples of the T60 and T61 were built between 1959 and 1961, with outright success at Le Mans in mind, although recurring gearbox maladies, prevented all but limited success.
- Directly adjacent to the main entrance of the BRDC suite, is a memorial celebrating the life of Paisley born, Archibald (Archie) Scott Brown. Born without shinbones, his feet were both clubbed and reversed, and his right hand missing….dozens of operations in his childhood eventually allowed him mobility, and thanks to Brian Lister, an entrant convinced of his racing ability. Dogged by uncompetitive machinery and his suitability to hold a race licence constantly questioned, it took until 1957 for him to demonstrate his true potential, with BP sponsorship and a 300bhp Lister Jaguar - winning 12 races from 14 starts. Sadly he was killed at Spa Francorchamps on May 18th, aged just 31.
- 77 years of ERA. Conceived pre war, by the triumvirate of Peter Berthon, Humphrey Cook and Raymond Mays, the Riley derived 1,500cc voiturette was at the forefront of motorsport either side of World War II and has been a backbone to Vintage Sports Car Club and historic racing ever since.7 of the 17 remaining cars were on track and it was fitting, that one of the most original examples (R3A), was again a winner thanks to Mark Gillies, in the combined Patrick Lindsay and Amschel Rothschild Trophy race
Thanks again to Cyd for his kind hospitality and I’ve just enough time to post this , before heading to the UK’s only active, and recently revived, pre-war race circuit, Donington Park, and the all new Donington Historic Festival….. see you there!
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