As this issue reaches the magazine racks the Lombard RAC Rally will be just about getting under way from Harrogate. In order to put the present event into context, GP recalls the history of the event and then goes on to explain the meaning of the Pace Notes system which has been introduced this year.
To The Woods. . .
Imagine an RAC Rally without any forests! Unthinkable, isn't it — almost like...
N.B.—Opinions expressed are those of our Correspondents and "Motor Sport" does not necessarily associate itself with them.—Ed.
Rover's Reply
Sir,
My attention has been drawn to the Editorial of the February issue. As you pointed out, we were of course mistaken in claiming that for the first time in history a motor magazine has elected "The Car of the Year," and I enclose a revised copy of our...
The Vintage Sports-Car Club’s 2009 fixture list includes race meetings at Oulton Park, Mallory Park and Donington circuits, with a ladies’ race at the last named venue. This reminds me of how cautious the Brooklands authorities were over such a race, in spite of the sensible driving of the girls in other clubs’ events. But by 1929 the BARC finally did provide such a race, albeit with more modest...
Some competition cars which are outwardly similar to others in their class win far more races than their competitors. This is very often due to the car having a. superior driver or a more powerful engine, or better "sorted" handling, but very seldom is the success of a car attributed in part to its gearbox. When the gearbox is an automatic one then the chances of success appear to be remote...
The South African Grand Prix, which takes place at the end of this month, should have seen the end of the present Formula for Grand Prix racing, for the 1 1/2-litre Formula was laid down to run from 1961 to 1963. However, after seeing how it progressed the F.I.A. decided to continue it for another two years, which is to say, for the years 1964 and 1965, and even now they are considering proposals...
Remarkable Australian Murray Rainey built a remarkable Cooper 500 in the late Fifties. Following his reunion with it after 42 years, his daughter Joy reminisces...
I was just a kid when Dad took delivery of a Cooper in Australia in 1955. But when, almost 50 years and half a world later, I sat behind its wheel at Shelsley and watched him inspect his handiwork — its independent front suspension and...
Where the action is.
May
2 Boxing: The Amateur Boxing Association Finals, Wembley.
3 Football : F.A. Cup Final, Wembley.
3 Rugby : Middlesex 7 a-side Finals, Twickenham.
3 & 4 National Drag Race Meeting, Snetterton. 5-10 Motor Cycle Trial :
Scottish six day Trial.
10 Rugby League: Cup Final, Wembley.
12-18 Tennis: British Hard Court Championship, Bournemouth.
17 Football : Wales v Scotland,...
Silverware doesn't mean much to me but the cars I raced through the '70s do. They are prized relics of my old life and each has a story of its own. They're not a bad investment, either
By Damien Smith
The past is of little relevance to Jody Scheckter. He lives in the moment, so buffalo, mozzarella and ice-cream fill most of his waking thoughts — and probably his dreams, too. Laverstoke Park, his...
Brands Hatch thrived under racing's great promoter, John Webb. He talks to Simon Taylor
John Webb was one of the great motorsport visionaries. For 25 years, from 1964 to '89, he ruled Brands Hatch, grew the circuit into the most successful in the country, and went on to add Mallory Park, Snetterton and OuIton Park to his portfolio. He was determinedly commercial, consistently creative and...
Events or note
MAY
23/25 Norwich Union RAC Classic (GB)
Entries are now closed but a fine day of spectating is still on offer.
tr 01753 681736
24/25 Spa-Francorchamps (B)
Trophee des Ardennes. Big annual Historic meeting features the CanAm monsters of the International Supersports Cup, and the European Sports Prototype Championship.
Tr (0033) 145 11 11 11 26
Crystal Palace (GB)
Sprint on a...
