From Watkins Glen classics to secret supercars at Silverstone: my month in racing

Through April and into July I managed 12 consecutive weekends of racing. Back to back I did Spa, Brands Hatch GP, Dijon, Watkins Glen and Zandvoort. Very special.

DIJON, JUNE 6-8

At the Peter Auto meeting John Spiers and I raced and won with his Lister, then also raced his Jaguar E-type. I was also racing with Rolf Sigrist in his Chevron and managed fastest lap and second place – a first podium for us together. Dijon is a classic GP circuit with its undulations and fast sweeps. Through the last long swooping corner you’re on a knife-edge.

WATKINS GLEN,  JUNE 11-14

The following Tuesday we flew to the US for the HSR Classic 12 Hours at Watkins Glen. I was racing with Gary Ball in his Ligier LMP3 and John Spiers in his Mustang. With John, we were on for a podium in the final race until the throttle linkage failed with 10 minutes to go. A real shame because John had driven brilliantly on his first time at the Glen. He really comes alive at such circuits.

SILVERSTONE, JUNE 16

To the Secret Supercar meet, with David Hudson in his Ferrari 250 SWB for GTO Engineering. A spectacular event: 3000 spectators and hundreds of cars, on a Tuesday! There was a McLaren Senna on track, which we managed to catch and pass…

ZANDVOORT, JUNE 20-22

At the Masters Historic Grand Prix John drove a storming stint in his TVR to take the lead, but a brake issue left him in the Tarzan gravel. We also took a class win in his McLaren Can-Am M1B.

TAZIO NUVOLARI CIRCUIT, JUNE 25

This is a track between Bologna and Milan where I was testing an ex-Tom Pryce Shadow DN5. Rolf Sigrist has bought it and this was its first run. I’ve been training Rolf to get him comfortable in an F1 car and he loved it. For me it was special, 50 years on from Pryce getting pole in the British GP, then leading until the famous downpour left him in the catchfencing. This car feels so well balanced and easy. More miles in this to come!

Our top events this month

BTCC – Knockhill

Knockhill, Fife, August 16-17
The most northerly stop-off for the touring car troupe is, at 1.27 miles, also the shortest circuit on the BTCC calendar. High kerbs lead to some spectacular two-wheeled action. These are rounds 19-21 of 30. Is Jake Hill’s crown slipping? Entry from £31.

Carfest 2025

Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton, Hampshire, August 22-24
A mix of motoring, music and mammals on the farm owned by former F1 champ Jody Scheckter. This year there’s a celebration of McLaren Automotive on track and in the paddock. If the noise gets too much go and see Jody’s water buffalo – he has 450 of them. Bands appearing include Madness, Travis and Rita Ora. Tickets from £89.

Drag Racing – FIA european finals

Santa Pod Raceway, Podington, Bedfordshire, September 4-7
Santa Pod’s most prestigious drag racing event of the year draws 250 teams from across Europe. Here’s your chance to see Top Fuel dragsters at 300mph – and that is not a typo! Tickets from £25.

Historic Acropolis Rally

Athens-Itea-Delphi, Greece, September 5-7
There’s something romantic about seeing a Mk2 Escort with British plates sliding along dusty tracks in far-off lands. The Acropolis was always one of the nuttier rallies and spectators can still get close to the cars… just not as close as in the past! As tradition dictates, the start is beneath the Parthenon in Athens.

Go japan!

Brands Hatch, Kent, September 7
Chopsticks at the ready for this late summer celebration of the JDM (Japanese domestic market) scene and titular nation’s culture (pop music and food). Entry £30 on the gate.

More events

Aug 15-16 ERT – Ulster Rally, Newry
Aug 16 US Auto Show – Oulton Park
Aug 31 F1 – Dutch GP, Zandvoort