30th September 2011
Britcar 24 Hours
Porsche Club Championship / Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Race 1
It was a pleasure meeting Stuart Walker in the paddock today just after his baptism at Silverstone. Better known for his rally exploits. Sat in his camper trying to cool down, adrenalin still high, with a full sweat on after once again England bathed in glorious sunshine this autumn. In between giving his young son hydration instructions for the next event, saying I need a bottle of water right up to the start and firing mental notes at his mechanic, i was instantly reminded of my days as a racing cyclist just after finishing a hard race, still buzzing, trying to come down but all the time the experience still live in the mind as it re-winds the tape and quickly makes decisions for the next event.
“This was my first time in a proper racing car” Knock Hill considered a more restricted circuit where you never get out of 3rd gear he quipped. Seeing his video on You Tube, nerves of steel come to mind on an altogether different day on a rain drenched circuit. “Some of these guys have been doing it for 5 years or so but this is my first time”. I also sensed that Porsche effect taking hold though, the passion, that special connection with man, machine and a great race circuit. Silverstone, still the true home of motor racing for my money anyway. Memories take me back to 1972 at a young age seeing the Interseries sports car event. Porsche teams most prominent, catching site of Leo Kinnunen coming into view, going through Woodcote after catching back markers at a staggering pace, 4 laps I think it was.
Day’s of thunder they were. Porsche 917 never forgotten.
Day’s of thunder they were. Porsche 917 never forgotten.
What was it like going though Abbey ? I said “it looks so fast when taking pictures at that spot, ” He smiled and said in that lovely Scottish borders accent “I only know the main straight, turn 90 right, then the wiggly wobbly bit, long straight, turn in, then fast 90 right, opens, keep in 3rd, 4th may lose the rear end”
We both smiled, rally days still firm in his mind.
