Although, unusually, I did not roam abroad, 29 events, many strongly supported multi-day affairs – bookended by the Classic Sports Car Club’s Silverstone Grand Prix circuit experiment in late February and the Walter Hayes Trophy Formula Ford staple there in early November – kept me busy at the laptop reporting and on commentary duties.
Sadly, I could not make the pilgrimage to Francorchamps for the 30th Spa Six Hours historic showcase due to a family commitment, but it remains my favourite event and I’ll be back. Looking ahead, my wish list for 2024 includes a return to South Africa’s Passion for Speed historic events, a national hillclimb round and Santa Pod’s Dragstalgia, which old friends raved about in the summer.
Racing in the rain
Rain has always been a great leveller, and there was plenty for racers to contend with this season. The best always star when conditions get ultra-slippery and visibility is poor. At Snetterton in April, where the revived Autosport 3 Hours race highlighted the Historic Sports Car Club’s season-opener, Nigel Greensall’s ability to steer client Ben Snee’s Lotus Elan to victory opened a programme in which the veteran driver coach surpassed 100 starts! Youngsters Horatio Fitz-Simon (Elan) and Harry Barton (TVR Griffith) excelled that day too.
Greensall’s fingertip control of John Spiers’ Lister-Jaguar also made him peerless in the Oulton Park Gold Cup’s Stirling Moss Trophy race. Triple World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx’s RAC TT Celebration win at the Goodwood Revival in William Paul’s Jaguar E-type was in the same league.
Vintage Bentleys at Castle Combe
There is nothing like the thud of a vintage Bentley’s engine, so the spectacle of a full grid of Benjafield’s Racing Club members thundering round Castle Combe on May Day was joyous to behold. As at Donington Park’s previous event, the purpose for the ‘Bentley Boys and Girls’ – many novice racers – was to gain experience and licence signatures towards a dedicated race at Le Mans to commemorate the 24 Hours’ centenary and the marque’s six victories. Astonishingly, 73 cars took to La Sarthe!
At Combe, the camaraderie on and off track was outstanding and left an indelible mark on spectators. William Medcalf was uncatchable in the double-header, but young Louisa Getley’s fastest lap in race one and two top-six finishes opened eyes.
INSIGHT: A celebration of Bentley's story at Le Mans
Source: Autosport