Surtees lends TS16 to TGP competitor

Former World Champion John Surtees has sportingly loaned FIA Thoroughbred Grand Prix Car Championship competitor Chris Perkins the ex-John Watson Matchbox Team Surtees TS1604/4 to run alongside his own TS19 this season.

“The car had been gathering dust for a long while, and with my current commitments I was not going to have time to restore it,” said the 1964 World Champion Suttees, whose team used to field a TS20 for Willie Green in to drive in Historic Formula One races.

“I saw Chris racing at Zolder last year,” said Surtees. “He is terribly enthusiastic, wants to run the car in its original trim and will return it to us in good condition so I was pleased to assist him. I think it is very important that privateer entrants are encouraged.”

Perkins, an Airbus A320 captain with Airtours, will run the car for Banbury solicitor Tim Elkins, who shared the TS19 last year. “I’m both honoured and thrilled that John Surtees has agreed to help us,” said Perkins. “His interest is clearly excellent news for the series.” MP