The reason for racing

Sir,

As a person of many years association with racing at a far closer range than I, I wonder if you could inform me if an impression I have is correct—or is it just “old age”?

In the old days drivers competed with cars of varying degrees of design and reliability on circuits “closed for the duration” and with little or no protection, even for the public Of course accidents occurred, some tragic (e.g. Richard Seaman) as can only be expected. As the old Brooklands pass stated “motor racing is dangerous”. Those drivers competed under all weather conditions on circuits far removed from today’s, but from reports the GP driver of today demands protection which seems to be becoming ridiculous and organisers stop a meeting because it rains (in England!). Caracciola must be spinning in his grave!

Perhaps, having been brought up with Brooklands, Crystal Palace, Donington, etc., I’m just old fashioned for my 55 years, but in the very little racing I ever managed to afford (with a TT Replica Frazer Nash) the chance to compete was all we asked.

Am I wrong—or?

May I, in closing, thank you for the many hours of good reading about the Sport which you have provided in the past—my bookshelves are still graced by bound copies of Motor Sport—not to mention “Brooklands” Vols. I, II and III, to which I often refer (escapism?) and wish you the very best of everything in the years to come.

Avondale, Rhodesia B. M. HELPS