Duncan headed up to Silverstone last Friday for the traditional HGPCA testday with support from VSCC members, with their event the following day, and FJHRA.

First stop was the HSCC offices to take photos of some pages from their 1990s FIA Year books for the forthcoming Black Book; Historic Formula Junior and F3/1000 1975-99, due outcast The Brands Hatch Diamond Jubilee celebration in July.
Then it was on to meet Mike O'Brien of Speedsport and see the Caravelle Mk II, still for sale and now very realistically priced for such a class winning car. We also had a look at the MRP archives that he recently bought at auction, emanating from the late David Baker, including some very useful 1965 F2 results, and interesting original starting money receipts signed by Richie Ginther and Mike Spence.

Afterwards it was down to the old pits to look out the FJ contingent. Nick Finburgh had the Envoy Mk1, first outing since its rebuild following Chris Scholey's accident here last year and a UK season planned.

Team Hibberd are now in charge of Nick Grewal's OSCA and Andrew spent the morning setting it up for Nick who was delayed collecting Annaline on a late flight into Heathrow but managed the first afternoon session in the dry before the heavens opened. Impressive to watch two OSCAs circulating together as Crispian Besley was out in the Sid Hoole run Peter Mullen car ahead of Monaco.

Gordon Wright was down all the way from Perthshire having his first run out in the ex-Andrew Taylor Britannia. While Peter Fenichel, buyer of Gordon's blue Stanguellini was there, but saving the car itself for Monaco.

Andrew Hibberd also had his Ford Anglia and took the opportunity to do passenger sessions, separately, for Nick Grewal, Annaline, and Dave, a new possible recruit to FJ from USA.

Hall and Hall have a full FJ contingent under their wing with John Delane (Lotus 18) and Sharon Adelman (Brabham BT6) in Lurani but in addition Tony Best (20/22) and Chris Milner in the ex Adam Sykes Lotus 20 for UK races and will also be running Tommy Rollinger's Stanguellini at Monaco. Chris Milner's Lotus had run its engine in its first test, but Tony Best was present with his 20/22 and his 21 and Alex Morton also had his 21 for a Pre Monaco shake down, and Eddy Perk had the Heron but his FJ 18 is progressing towards completion.

Simon Diffey was out testing his gold Lotus 20, though still looking to upgrade to a 22: next in the seat was Charlie Martin, the Chateau Impney Organiser, finding it somewhat different from his usual RIP vintage special. Charlie would be a good recruit to FJ and is currently looking to invite some more rear engined Class E FJs to join last year's winner, Jack Woodhouse on this year's entry list. Anyone interested for this splendid weekend please contact Sarah ASAP.

The day ended with the HGPCA AGM, now back under the Chairmanship of Barry Cannell, former 500 OA Chairman Andrew Garner having passed back the baton after 15 months, with extended business commitments. With new sponsorship and sound finances all seemed in good heart and they will be with us at Nurburgring and some other Lurani races this season.

DCPR