Everyone talks about how good Le Mans was this year but how many visited a similar event on our own soil. I am referring to the 2010 Silverstone Classic which was absolutely BRILLIANT.
During the latter part of 2009 we started to hear so much about this event which the Manchester Area had attended and by all accounts had a fantastic time. Adrian and Julie Hadfield who had also attended the event with Manchester (despite hailing from Rotherham) were disappointed to learn that Manchester was not attending the Silverstone Classic in 2010 opting to go to Le Mans.
Every time I met up with Adrian, both he and Julie promoted the event so much that eventually Roger Buck and I agreed to try it out with our respective families.
We were not disappointed. Having obtained the club code for the special “2 for 1” offer from Nigel Clarke booking could not have been any simpler or friendly.
Having booked for the whole weekend we needed somewhere to stay and were recommended the off circuit campsite at Whittlebury which was just a short walk across the fields.
On the Friday Adrian arrived first shortly followed by Angie and me. After finding a flattish area we pitched our tents leaving room for Roger and Julie to camp between us. Once this was done we intended to relax with a drink but not before I had moved the Stag. However, in doing so noticed a strong petrol smell and upon lifting the bonnet saw petrol dripping from one of the carbs into the ‘V’. After a lot of pondering and a quick tool check I set about removing the carbs.
I was just about to lift them off the inlet manifold when Roger and Julie arrived, so it was down tools whilst we helped them pitch…well half pitch as once the tent was up Julie was left to fit it out and the 3 men set about the carbs. (Three men and a spanner is a dangerous combination).
The carbs were unceremoniously placed on the camping table for closer inspection much to the disapproval of the ladies present who took it in turns to make appropriate comments.
Having sorted the leak Roger insisted on playing the carbs by blowing them. He then claimed that his ultra sensitive puffs detected a blockage and advised us to dismantle the valve. (He would have done it himself but Julie was nagging him to help with making the beds!!!). Well blow me he was right, a piece of rubber hose was partially blocking the inlet to the float chambers. It’s a good job Roger is modest otherwise we would never have heard the last of it.
Having replaced the carbs we strolled towards the circuit, can of beer in hand or in Roger’s case a bag full of cans in hand. Once on the circuit we could hear ‘The Yardbirds’ entertaining the crowd in the paddock, however, as we were starving opted to listen to them from the food court where we tucked into the wide range of food available. From noodles to kebabs, and from sushi to fish and chips, of course this needed to be washed down with a beer or two.
We had to have a couple more beers when Mike Mayfield joined us after he had finished marshalling for the day.
When the entertainment in the paddock area had finished for the night we wandered over to the Harley-Davidson marquee and were entertained by a Blues Brothers tribute band that were brilliant. Eventually we drifted back to the campsite for a night cap and game of cards under the stars.
Saturday morning we arose to the distant sound of cars racing around Silverstone. After a shower and a fantastic full English we readied the cars and drove around to the circuit entrance where we were directed to our display area by Bridge.
Our three cars made up the total TSSC contingent amongst thousands of other classic cars, many with large club stands. Not to be out done we erected our gazebo, flags and banners.
Being the warm and friendly folk we are we adopted a lone TR4 who was happier joining our display than with the TR group.
Leaving the cars on display we went infield view the paddock area, go shopping in the ‘village’, ride on the fun fair and to watch the cars.
It was like going down memory lane…Lotus Cortina’s, Jags, Ford Zodiacs, Fiat 500’s and proper Mini Coopers all screaming around the track. The village had on offer model cars, clothing, the usual polish and chamois, watches, F1 memorabilia and high quality leather goods for the ladies.
Having walked our legs off we returned to our stand for a BBQ and was pleasantly surprised to be joined by Glinys and Fern from Northants. Glinys in true style had blagged her way in through the gate in her Spitfire.
Adrian mentioned that in 2009 clubs were allowed to take their cars onto the circuit on the Sunday afternoon and wondered how we could do this. After a few phone calls we managed to speak to Charlie, one of the event organisers, who we discovered is a true gentleman and very helpful chap. Nothing was too much trouble. Following some heart felt pleading by Adrian, Charlie finally agreed to see if he could squeeze our four club cars into the parade along with the 200 already registered to take part.
An hour later we received the phone call we had been hoping for – brilliant news we were in subject to signing the necessary disclaimers.
After freshening up back at the campsite we once again ventured back to the paddock to watch the evening’s entertainment which consisted of artists from 2010’s X Factor. Much to the delight of young Jordon (Adrian’s youngest son) we arrived just as ‘Jedwood’ were performing. The kids seemed to love them but us cynical old farts noticed that they were miming rather badly and grumbled that the songs were not has good as the originals.
Thankfully Jedwood were followed by Rick Parfitt Jnr who was absolutely brilliant. The audience was buzzing, singing along and dancing around the paddock. Even my 15 year old son Mark started singing along.
All the singing and dancing and the odd beer gave all of us the munchies. So after the concert we tucked into fish and chips with a couple of us indulging in a crepe with lemon and sugar.
Sunday morning arrived and after a shower and another full English we drove around through the villages to the circuit entrance whilst the kids ran across the fields. Of course they got there first.
After setting up the stand we were joined by Mike Mayfield, who had a day off from marshalling. We spent the rest of the morning watching the big American muscle cars and the 50’ and 60’s F1 cars, which were amazing.
At 1:30pm we received our briefing prior to the club parade lap and then lined up behind Bridge with the MR2’s and Turners ready to be escorted onto the circuit. Two officials on scooters led the way and all traffic was stopped along our route – we did feel very important.
Upon entering the circuit we lined up on the Wellington Straight where we were joined by Ferrari’s, Lambo’s, Maserati’s, Cobras and some modern Citreons. After what seemed like an hour we were allowed on the circuit for our parade laps with the faster cars leading. For some reason they put the Turners in front of us.
When it was confirmed that we could do the parade lap Angie said that she wanted to drive the Stag as she had never done it before. Being the gent that I am and believing that it would be a sedate drive in convoy willing agreed.
We entered the circuit two a breast and for most of the first lap we kept in that formation passing a couple of early casualties and waving yellow flags. Angie and I were on the left with Adrian and Julie in the Vitesse to our right. Behind us was Roger and Julie plus Mike and our son Mark in the Dollys. Half way around we began to spread out a little but still believing we were to keep left did so taking some strange lines through the corners.
Travelling down the Hanger Straight Mike and Roger attacked us from both sides simultaneously. Three abreast did not quite work into Stowe Corner so Angie eased off. This meant that Adrian was leading the pack followed by Mike then Roger with Angie and me bringing up the rear with 20 or so MR2’s hot on our tail. We then realised that we could take the racing line and although still at a steady pace managed to gain a couple of places by overtaking the Turners.
Towards the end of the first lap, as we approached The Vale, there appeared to be a bottleneck and the cars in front of us were bunching up together on the corner ahead.
Angie moved to the right of the track directly behind Mike and proceeded to squeeze Roger over to the left trapping him behind the Turners. Adrian, Mike and Angie sped down the right side of the track taking the outside line around the bottleneck and onto open road.
I told Angie to closely follow Mike’s path as I knew he would be taking the racing line and in doing so we embarked on a spirited drive. I was hanging on for dear life. As we completed the first lap, through Luffield, Angie said “they’re waving green flags at us” and they were…much to my disappointment but also to my delight. I exclaimed “Put your foot down we’re racing” and SHE DID!
Mike quickly overtook Adrian and sped away. We had to wait for the straight before we could follow and Angie gradually built up speed and as we exited Woodcote Corner cruised past Adrian in his Vitesse with Julie cheering her on - GO ANGIE, GO GIRL! With this momentum and hitting speeds I did not think our Stag could do, we rapidly gained on Mike but the straight was not quite long enough for us to overtake him.
As the lap progressed Angie got faster and faster…but then it was all over as we went under the bridge we were directed off the track at Priory back onto the Wellington Straight where we parked up ready to leave the circuit via the paddock.
The four of us stayed together over the two laps having passed all but two of the Turners. We even beat one of the Cobras, but that was a shallow victory as he had broken down.
I was really proud of Angie who gave me a thrilling ride on her very first outing on a racing circuit and we are still talking about it.
As we left the paddock Mike and my son Mark entered another race – to the toilet. Well what do you expect when we had sat trackside for nearly two hours?
On returning to the stand we discovered that the gazebo was flattened by the increasing strength of the wind. But we were so high after completing the parade laps we did not care.
In summary, it was a brilliant weekend with lots to see and do, food and beer a plenty, good evening entertainment, and a very conveniently located campsite. Six thousand classic cars on display, 73,000 spectators, plus all the thrilling racing by 1,000 drivers.
Having attended both Classic Le Mans and the Silverstone Classic this year I would highly recommend the Silverstone Classic to everyone and I intend to be there again in 2011.
If you wish to go along the provisional dates are 22nd to 24th July 2011. Check out the Silverstone website for more details – www.silverstoneclassic.com
