Marshal Lore
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Sir,
I really enjoyed the article ‘100 Greatest Drives’ in your January issue. I was a race marshal for 30 years and I am pleased to say my three greatest recollections were included in your ratings.
I was a flag marshal at Westfield Bend at Brands Hatch for the 1970 BOAC 1000, and I will never forget Pedro Rodriguez exiting Hawthorn at tremendous speed, with full oversteer, lap after lap, even in the wet conditions. His winning margin was unthinkable, and it was ‘his’ victory: co-driver Leo Kinnunen only drove what seemed to be a handful of laps.
At the 1985 British GP, I was an observer at the Woodcote Chicane, and when Keke Rosberg’s Williams appeared under the bridge on his 160mph lap, he was, as David Addison stated, “visibly travelling at a different speed to the others.”
I became a little worried as Keke’s left-front wheel locked under the heavy braking, but only for a microsecond; then he ‘threw’ the car through the chicane at incredible speed.
I also recall that we had a precautionary stationary oil flag displayed at our post as Nigel Mansell’s Williams-Honda had sprayed oil from its gearbox going through Woodcote just moments before Keke arrived.
For the 1985 Formula Ford Festival, I was an observer at Post Six (Druids exit). I was already a fan ofJohnny Herbert, having watched him on previous occasions earlier in the season, and I was hoping he would do well.
When he had his practice accident, I assumed he had no chance. If I recall correctly, not only did he start his heat from the rear, he also had a 10second penalty for not completing the required three practice laps.
To win the Festival from that position in such a closely fought and competitive formula was indeed incredible.
Keep up the good work — your articles keep on getting better and better.
I am, Yours etc, David Fulcher, Littlehampton, West Sussex