Mair and Duncan drove via Eurotunnel to Reims on Thursday – only FIA sub-commission meetings took place that day, so time to visit the Cathedral, all but destroyed by fire in W.W.I.   The Rockefeller foundation provided much of the restoration funds, but after further damage in W.W.II, Princess Jean de Caraman-Chimay in 1980 donated the ‘Vitraux en grisaille’ in the North Transept. We found  a friendly restaurant L’aPOSTROPhe in the evening – The ‘library’ was decorated with a job lot of second hand books, but it did include one that I had not seen before “La Torella Tigre” by Graham Hill and Robert Martin – a 1968 young teenage children’s book translated by Pierre Fisson, from the English “The Torella Tigers”.

The next morning we picked up Bryan Brophy and headed for ‘La Musee Automobile de Reims’ situated on the outskirts of the inner city; it is located in a very large open factory building  - almost all the cars, nostalgia and other vehicles are in excellent condition, and include many from the design office of Philippe Charbonneaux.  However, the startling feature of the early cars, were the number of unknown French marques – Benjamin: the Sima Violet Cyclecar, with a mini second seat; Suere; Chaigneau; Cime; later cars included the 1958 /59 Radovitch made in Reims and based on the 403 Peugeot, with doors from the DS Citroën and “son par brise d’une” Mercedes-Benz 190 SL – at least it had won 1st prize in a Concours d’elegance at Monaco.

In the 70’s the French had a thriving under 50cc microcar industry – no road tax or registration necessary and examples included William; Super Comtesse ’79; the 3 wheel Lambretta Willams-Type Sulky ’79; another 3 wheeler, the Mini Comtesse EB 49 from ’72; - a bit earlier was the larger Sylto 125cc of 1966, also a 3 wheeler; earlier still was the Mochet GM 125 of 1958, 125cc of course, made by Establissements Mochet of Puteaux.

At the other extreme, we saw the 1974 Ligier JS 2 with Ford V6 (Reg.4044 LG 52) and the 1985 Baumaun, designed by McLaren’s Gordon Murray – 1300 MG engined, and “carrosserie fibre de Vevre”. A few years earlier were the 1953 Salmson 2300’s (2320cc) and two Delahaye Type 235 from 1951, the prototype chassis #00 with 6 cylinder 3.5 litre engine, and chassis #22 with 3557cc motor.  There were many Berliet commercial vehicles which reminded me of Mr Berliet who used to attend the FIA HC meetings on behalf of the Beliet Foundation.

Last, but not least, the two futuristic Jean Pierre Wimillie cars, the prototype 01 with 4c in line 1911 cc ‘central moteur’ from 1945 and the 1947 Prototype #03 with 2158cc V8.

The Museum shut firmly at 12 noon, and we were ushered out, but just in time to buy a model MEP X-27 racing car of 1971 by Nostalgie. Bryan has recently bought a metal kit FJ Lotus 18, which will be built up to model that of Frank Keane in period, and he will be letting us have an article on this for a future mag. Also from Ireland comes news that Alan “Plum” Tyndall is following his brochure History of Crossle Cars with a full book, encouraged by Arnie Black, and has been busy interviewing the likes of Ken Fildes and others.

A quick soup at our favourite L’aPOSTROPhe, and we were embussed from the Hotel de La Paix to our conference venue at the Domaine Champagne Pommery.  Sadly HMSC Chairman John Hughes had had to fly home as his mother had passed away overnight, and HRH Prince Joachim of Denmark was also absent - without explanation, but MSA Historic Committee Chairman Rod Parkin more than ably stepped into the breach and instilled into the whole weekend’s proceedings an air of open discussion and friendly atmosphere that brought pleasure to all. It was announced that following the retirement of the much missed HMSC FIA Secretary, Frederic Champlon, he has been succeeded by Vincent Caroux, and that Bettina Pieren, who has so ably been our link at the FIA, and coordinated this and previous seminars, will be leaving and has been replaced.  He reported that the FIA World Council had emphasised that Historic Motor Sport is about celebrating the History of the Car, and the camaraderie.  Formula Junior are fully behind that, but how that squares up with Replica racing in other categories is still something of a mystery. The conference itself takes the form of presentations and discussions, with adequate coffee and lunch breaks to provide time for discussion with HMSC and subs committee members, and the other race and series organisers, stewards and national club representatives.

The World Council have also passed a few disciplinary measures. No car will be permitted into an International FIA event without a valid HTP, and there will by sanctions imposed on organisers who contravene. HTPs are also now STRONGLY RECOMMENDED at National level as well. We were also reminded that “free in Period” does not give carte blanche now. If you vary from the “standard” then you must prove that the variation was used internationally in Period before it can be used now, if not specifically authorised by Appendix K.

The formal presentations and discussion were, on the whole, most interesting and a considerable improvement on previous years. Jan Mienkinsky the new head of the HMSC Vehicle Compliance sub-committee, which deals with HTP’s, led the first presentation which dealt with the process of issuance of HTP’s, as well as problems.  The process now is that your HTP is dealt with firstly by the Registrar – in the UK usually DCPR, Marcus Pye or Robert Ellis for FJ’s – once the papers are complete, and the car inspected as necessary, the completed forms are given to the MSA.  Robert Ellis and/or Nikki Darnell process them for obvious errors, and pass outside to Marcus Pye to check historical and technical points.  Once they appear, on the face of it, to be in order they go straight to the FIA in Geneva, thence to VC SC Secretary, Ralf Pettersson from Finland.  Ralf then sends all forms out to his Committee who include John Hopwood (GB), Harry Vossen (NL) [who was one person to express particular enjoyment of his regular FJHRA magazine], Francesco Fazzalari (I), Kai Zimmermann (D) and others – if they are unusual or specialist cars, there may be a marque or series expert such as Dick Johae (D) who was the former SC Chairman, and it is given to that expert for comment – If no significant dissent, then the papers are approved, sometimes with a request for minor amendments – If not, then the car is referred back to the ASN with queries which are in turn referred back to the Registrar.  At the UK end, all this is going to change by June. The accountants and/or the MSA hierarchy have decided that ‘Historic Consultants’ are a luxury to be dispensed with, so there will be no expert interface between the Registrar’s and the FIA, and Nikki Darnell and Michael Duncan will just pass on the submissions as received – not good for Competitor applicants or the UK reputation, we suspect, and poor Robert Ellis is now actively looking to fill at least 2 days a week.

A new format of HTP is in the offing, as a result of the introduction of B cars and Group C cars into the Historic arena, involving many more photographs for each form. Duncan raised the question as to whether it was not now time to split Appendix K and to have two separate documents for homologated and non-homologated cars. Jan Mienkinsky certainly agreed that it would be a good idea to have separate HTP templates, and this would be further considered. We were assured that the new form should not affect the older cars so much. In future the HTP will stay with the car, but must be given, free of charge, a number by the ASN of a new owner, if it moves country.

If you change colour or extend your rollbar, so that the car looks significantly visually different, then you must amend your HTP. Similarly, if you lose your bar code [even though there is still no bar code reader in existence!] then you need a new HTP, but this is not the full fee but only the fee for an amendment, and the old one will be attached. The MSA have recently DOUBLED their fee for amendments to £62 for an ordinary amendment (ie lost bar code), and £78 for a complex amendment (ie if it has technical changes and needs to go back to the FIA). And by the way, photos for HTPs must be with the car standing on the ground! We were shown some wonderful photos of not …..! [One looked like an Elva FJ!]

There was a ‘organisers’ session, but that clashed with HTP’s, then the Chinese delegation gave a preview of the FIA China Historic Rally – interesting, once you have got the car there…..

Dinner that evening was in the Caveau Villa Demoiselle; particularly fine food and wines. We sat with Grahame White of the HSCC and his wife Brede, Steve and Debbie Earle (the Sears Point Organisers), and the President of the Danish ASN, and a lawyer himself, Mr Bent Mikkelsen and his wife.  I think we have another FJ convert! – at least he is going to let me  have details of any racing cars in another forthcoming Scandinavian Museum disposal, this time in Denmark. Steve Earle’s entries for Sears Point are officially closed, but he is looking still for a few more Formula Juniors, so do dust off the cars, and get in a late proposal. Steve is anxious to reverse the recent trend in USA that FJ fields appear to be dropping. Too many people have a selection of cars, and are bringing out the later ones.

A full day’s Seminar followed on Saturday. TWG Chairman Roberto Vaglietti assisted by TWG members Simon Hadfield and Finland’s Ralf Pettersson, gave a report on their year’s activities, particularly ROPS, and their deliberation and conclusion of incorporating the FJHRA Regulations into Appendix K. Australia’s CAMS representative Paul Hamilton, who had missed the crucial HMSC meeting where they had been approved was still expressing his intention to seek some changes, but I expressed strong views, that after 2 years, I had had enough, and I detected no appetite from any other HMSC members to see this discussion repeated after it had been finally put to bed.

Attention was drawn to App K 5.15.1 which requires crutch straps on all harnesses, and the approval of the new wet compound Dunlop Vintage 404 compound for Period F. This is of course not permitted in Formula Junior races. There was a slightly confusing statement that Para 2.2.8.3. requires the HTPs of all Historic Specials to be approved by the HMSC before issuing, but as all FJs are Formula Juniors, even if one offs, this should not affect us.

John Hopwood also later reported that he had received verbal confirmation from HMSC Chairman, John Hughes, that he had correctly interpreted the ROPS rule for Period E [as have FJHRA] that it was NOT obligatory to have a Period F compliant ROPS provided the actual Period E roll bar reaches or exceeds the Period specification. He awaited written confirmation “for the file”.

The question of the 5 year life of HTPs was raised. It was reported that “there has been no discussion” and “no plans” formulated.

Stan Minarik gave a most interesting presentation, with films, on the European Historic Hill-Climb Championship.  This year there are two new hill-climbs in France, one at Turkheim in Alsace, sponsored by the Bugatti Factory at Molsheim and the Schlumpf Museum at Mulhouse, with plenty of wine related social activity attached, and another near Montpelier, for the last event of the year. The season starts on 28th April at Rechberg in Austria where they expect 35,000 spectators, but nothing compared with the next event in North Portugal, where you will encounter 120,000 cheering Iberians along the route! There are four events in Italy, starting with Trento-Bondone, 20 kms long, and rising 1000 metres, Cesane Casterie, where there is a special hospitality package for drivers, Pedavena-Croce d’Aune, and finally Chianti Classico, as well as Czech Republic, Slovenia and in Croatia by the town where Mario Andretti was born [then in Italy].  There are two official FJ classes, E4 for front engine and E5 for rear engine and a chance to win another FIA Historic Trophy. The Bond Team are seriously thinking of an attack on the 2013 Championship; they are now looking to add one of the Bond C-Type 500cc F3 monocoques to the Team. You can follow their fortunes on their new website www.bondracing.com.

Rod Parkin followed with a similarly interesting report on the Rally Championship. Francesco Fazzalari dealt with the Circuit Championships, running through the new classes and calendar for FJ – a little more difficult for HFO, as their calendar still has some rounds TBC. Nonetheless Dan Collins was in smiling form, and with the prospect of even one GP support race in 2012 and a healthier number of cars on the grid, the planned calendar will be restricted to Northern Europe and less travelling to Iberia and the like.

The afternoon session followed a lengthy buffet lunch, with a chance to make many contacts – we met Kristi Jeenas. from Estonia, who will make a good contact for Sarah in anticipation of the Baltic Formula Junior Series – they are restoring the Audru Ring circuit near Pärnu, which is a 3/5 kilometre track – although there was also once one at Tallin as well – I urged Kristi to search out any old Estonia 500/F3 or FJ cars, and she thought that local club official Arno Sillat, might have a small collection.

David and Lorina McLaughlin were just back from a further visit to Nassau, and brought Duncan a programme of the 2011 event. Although the 2012 event will again be demo based, they are very keen to have Formula Junior and F Vee “races” to complete the span of Period cars that competed there in the 50s and 60s. They will be sending further details. A similar proposal came from Alex Romani Balcells, the organiser of the Montjuïc Circuit Revival, who will be putting on a “demo” race and wants FJ drivers to come and show their cars. He recently put on “Auto Retro” with 60,000 visitors and 100,000 people watching. Again he will send more details.

We chatted with many others...Conny Johansson of SASF, who is about to do HTP papers for the Spyder Mk 2 FJ of David von Shinkel; our friends from Roadbook Spa, Alain Defaille, Vincent Collard, and Jean Paul Dispas about our forthcoming 6 hours meeting FJ races; former Spa organiser “Kiki” Bruyns, who was assisting French F3 Classique promoter Laurent Vallery-Masson, disappointed that, yet again, we have not managed to fit in Ledenon, although we have firm plans for 2013; as we do for Paul Ricard with Patrick Peter, but we want to stay at Pau too; Ron Maydon of “Masters”; our regular stewards, John Felix, David Gray, Francois Dumont, and Frans Lubin ;and many other regulars at these meetings, not otherwise mentioned, ex Le Mans winner, Jurgen Barth, ”Mimo” Cifaldi, OGP co-organiser, Gunther Stamm, FJ and HFO driver Joaquin Folch-Rusinol, Dieter Furst, Pierre Gosselin, Hans Bruns, Yves Bacquelaine, Alain Goupy, Karl-Heinz Loebl, reporting that Ronnie Bredhauer has now severed all connection with Historic Motor racing, and of course since his time there have never been any FIA GT or TC Championships, although there is now talk of a F 5000 FIA Championship, but just in NZ [to bring their cars back into App K line] Australia, RSA and perhaps USA, but not GB !! I hope Frank Lyons and Grahame White will change that! John Naylor from Ireland, recovering from a back op, but reporting what he thought was a FJ for sale at Cheshire Classics at Radway Green off J 16, M6, a Company recently beefed up with a new investor – we also talked with MSA’s John Symes about the Bishopscourt revival .. the report in last week’s MRNews may be a little optimistic, although they may still beat the other motor cycle track, East Fortune, if we don’t hurry; Bernard Maitre; Jean-Claude Menut; ex F1 Steward, Tony Scott –Andrews, about to retire as a Solicitor: Carol Spagg, busy with HMRN and U2TC and her other grids this season; Raoul Tanganelli from ACM.

After lunch came the accident and safety presentation – some film, including a recent Zolder accident in (modern) F3 or F.Renault or such like where at least two cars were destroyed by lunatic fast driving after the red flag! – Some thought provoking discussion about HANS and other safety aspects of helmets, underwear etc followed from Dr Theo Voukidis, and from FIA’s James Penrose and Dr Harjunder Chaggar, who was staying at our hotel with his Swiss wife, and baby daughter. Jamal Zakari from Morocco was the “volunteer” to demonstrate the new quick release strap that will shortly become obligatory with all helmets.

Rod Parkin then wrapped up proceedings, before the 160 + step descent down into the Domaigne Champagne Pommery Cellars for an English language conducted tour. The original cellars date from Roman times, being what remained after they had abstracted the stones. When Pommery started in the early 1800s they joined the caves with passages, and now a multimillion number of Champagne bottles of various vintages and states of fermentation are stored in the darkness at constant temperature. 10 years ago the Company was acquired by the Belgian, Vranken concern... One wonders if our friend Herli Vranken at Zolder Circuit is connected?? But it was not just Champagne that we saw, but some splendid and varied Installation Art, from a playing band of mechanical objects made from meccano, to a barking Hound of the Baskervilles that started up, unseen, as you passed a particularly dark cave!!

We had been joined on the tour by HFO winners, John Delane, with Mimi, and Terry Sayles from Doncaster, who has expressed interest in bringing a FJ along to double up with his Osella F1, and was hoping that Dan Collins would finalise his calendar to coincide with a few more FJ races... We will see. John Delane has also added a Lotus 22, ex Lou Canute (who used to race a Gemini Mk II on the West Coast}, to his stable, but will be seeking another FIA Championship in his faithful Lotus 18 again this year, starting at Monza.

Final coup de grace was a chat with Michel Ferry of the ACM. Formula Junior will be back there in 2014, as it has already been decided that we will replace the sports cars in future. The first time on the calendar again is likely to be for front engined cars.

It was back to the Hotel for a quick refit, and then again to Pommery, for the final Prize giving Dinner. We had arranged two FJ tables with Bettina, so, after a bit of juggling, we all sat together. Another excellent meal, and a variety of Champagnes, concluding with Champagne Pommery Rose, although not quite so special as the Champagne Demoiselle, Brut Rose of the previous night!! A smart young blonde lady driver collected one of the Hill-climb awards, and then followed a long list of Rally drivers, co-drivers and Teams down to 3rd in Class, before John Delane collected the first two of his FIA awards as HFO Champion and Class-winner, presented by Dan Collins. Last but not least came the Lurani Juniors, with a play of the Silverstone Classic FJ film and the Milicevic/ Wilson battle. Admittedly not Lurani, but no one films that!! Anyway it roused the floor, and was a great prelude for the pictures of our five class winners and their cars, and the Trophies presented by Duncan after a brief word to the compere on the mic. To our smiling winners, Jan Biekens , ably supported by Roos, and Dan Setford and Jenny; Andrew Tart, with Lynne and Bond Team owner, Jon Goddard-Watts and Jenny; John Delane to make his total of FOUR FIA Trophies on the night – must be a record ? and fortunately Bettina promised to post them back to USA!; Chris Chilcott, with the Scots Team, wife, Felice, and Iain and Rachel Flett, Iain much recovered, and heading for Monza shortly with both cars; and Pierre Tonetti, with wife Irene, about to be joined by his brother in Lurani, with another BT6 – next year, with all our new classes, we may outdo the Rally guys!!

We said goodbye to Bettina: she does not want to leave FIA, and has always been so helpful, so we do hope they find her a new position there. They delayed the buses as it was such a jolly party, but still left Mair behind!! She soon caught up to join the continued celebrations in the La Paix bar afterwards… luckily there was no rush for breakfast next day, and we still beat the returning half termers to the Chunnel, to greet our family at home, and still made it to Evensong …

DCPR