Glasgow

May I subscribe a few thoughts from an erudite reader about any relationship between musicians and competition drivers. Personally I don’t think there is any. Race drivers are by nature competitive beings and musicianship does not require the “Tiger in the belly attitude.” I was for several years a professional piano musician in several large and small orchestras, sadly terminated by business commitments, but I don’t think it ever played any part in my ten years or so of motor racing. The late Philip Scragg, a great friend of mine, studied under the talented John Ogden, and we played over the years many duets etc, on my much admired 5 ft 6 in Bechstein. He would have perhaps made a good concert pianist had he lived, but like myself enjoyed both worlds immensely, but we never went any quicker, because of any musical ability.

In passing I still play every day and would like to race drive again, but at the age of seventy it is hardly possible, though I still drive my prized Ferrari 308GTB, which emits another sort of music.

I have been reading the “Nitty Gritty” in MOTOR SPORT for about 40 years and long may it prosper in these troubled times. Woore JOSH RANDLES