VSCC Silverstone
17th & 18th May, 2003
I’m having a
problem with my pictures so you have to click on the red cross to view!
The VSCC traditional June Silverstone meeting was held in May amid wet, windy and cold conditions best described as diabolical, although the slippery circuit suited a few of the more experienced competitors. It was a strange event with all VSCC races being interspersed with HSCC races and, as very few members from either club was remotely interested in the other's cars, there was an odd atmosphere. In fact it was really topsy-turvy with vintage cars arriving 'on the wheels running' and the later road cars coming on trailers.
To add to the general
feeling of dismay in the motor-home/transporter style paddock, the BRDC had
decided that viewing from their grandstand overlooking the complex was worth £5
a ticket - and lowered their standard with this tacky notice - the grandstand
remained pretty empty all weekend. The VSCC had offered the BRDC a lump payment
(as at previous meetings) for access by their members, but were inexplicably
turned down by the BRDC Secretary at the last moment.
Martin Brundle, Chairman of the BRDC, in a recent
interview said "We could just sit back and take the rent, but that would
not be good for British Motorsport. The
BRDC is unique in that way".
The
racing was largely processional due to the conditions but, as is the way with
the stoic British, a good time was had - more off the track than on. The final race really said it all when,
following a red flag some people 'opted-out' and the race re-started in
torrential rain, only to have the yellow and black flag shown. The leaders may have slowed down but they
were so far in front of the others that when the green flag was shown they were
jammed behind their own slow moving tail-enders.
It
is a fact that Silverstone with all its problems remains the most popular of
the UK circuits used by the VSCC. The International circuit was in use (2.249
miles) - next year it will be back to the National (Club) circuit (1.639
miles).
After the Saturday races about
40 members, plus umbrellas, came to drinks with TOPS to meet Patricia Hahn, our
sponsor from Road Map, who was kept busy giving out marvellous clothing -
particularly desirable and popular in the prevailing weather conditions!
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P.G.P.