miscellany, September 1997

Piston failure in a test session on the eve of last month’s Coys International Historic Festival sadly precluded Martin Stretton from racing Nick Harley’s Ferrari 555 Super Squalo (tested in August’s MOTOR SPORT) in the Pre-1960 Grand Prix Cars event.

McLaren Cars has announced that production of the F1 supercar will end this October. McLaren MD Ron Dennis has stressed that spares for road and race versions will continue to be provided. Sales director David Clark will leave the company when the final car is delivered and has plans for an exclusive tour for McLaren owners.

Automotive artist and designer Robin Owen died on July 11, aged 60, following a long illness. Motor Neurone Disease prevented Owen from furthering his beloved artwork in his last two years, but prints and limited editions are still available from 01608 686433.

Following their superb showing at Brno last season, Americans Bud Bennett and sons Craig and Kiri are back in Europe to contest August’s Supersports Cup rounds at Zandvoort and the Nurburgring, with Can-Am Lola 1163, Lola T222 and Shadow Mk3 respectively.

Jackie Stewart is guest of honour at the Masaryk Grand Prix at Brno, Czech Republic, on September 12-14. The event features German Open and Austrian Historic rounds, the FIA Cup for Thoroughbred GP Cars and the International Supersports Cup. An Appendix K GT race will be run subject to 25 entries. Call Bernard de Albuquerque on 0171 225 2088 if you want to race on one of Europe’s finest tracks.