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HGPCA Test Day, Silverstone National Circuit
Friday 23rd April 2010

The weather forecast predicted a warm and sunny day and so it proved to be for this year’s pre season HGPCA Test Day where once again FJHRA was kindly invited. Several FJ cars were present and in a few cases the fortunate owners also brought along their GP cars.
A most interesting and much admired “new” FJ was the Wainer, which Alan Baillie has beautifully restored gradually over several years and is immaculate in his corporate colours of aubergine & silver. The lengthy gestation brought the reward of a completely trouble free day and Alan pronounced himself very satisfied indeed.
Erica Pilkington brought her Gemini Mk2, not seen for a few seasons, but sadly she is still not able to race the car. The family Cisitalia was parked alongside and this very pretty and petite car was also drawing much admiration.
Regular FJ exponents included Simon Diffey’s gold Lotus 20/22 and Sir John Chisholm’s Gemini Mk3 who also was trying out his Lotus 18 GP car. Paul Smeeth had his GP Lotus 18 plus his Sports Racing Elva Mk7 and “Wingco” Morton was thoroughly enjoying his GP Lotus 21 with our Tech man Grant Wilson in attendance.
Michael and Andrew Hibberd were very busy settling in a new Climax engine into Rudolph Ernst’s GP Lotus 18 ahead of a Monaco appearance whilst Stan Hibberd oversaw the activities of the equipe from his director’s chair.
Clive Temple managed to bring out his Cooper T56 after a recent period of absence from the FJ grids, as well as his Riley Brooklands. He was very brave to have shared this Riley with your scribe in a couple of BRDC 500 races at the Silverstone Classic. I recall these occasions as truly memorable experiences (for both of us!)
In the paddock outer reaches Robin Longdon had two of his Lola collection, the Mk2 FJ and the Sports Racing Mk1, whilst in the pit garages Richard Utley quietly got on with his Caravelle as usual. However, in the next door garage it was far from quiet when Jan Biekens stunning Ferrari 156 Sharknose was being enthusiastically warmed up.
David Pratley’s Lola Mk3, still in GP guise, has gone to Barry Cannell and David plus Andy O’Connor were on hand to help settle Barry into his new surroundings.
“Historic” Len Selby was busy around the paddock on business whilst Geoff Williams happily just socialised, as did your scribe.
Steve Russell was seen putting in good laps in his Cooper-Bristol and it was also nice to meet up with David Bain whose Elva 200 has been missing from the FJ grids for a long while. Sadly he had to withdraw from the recent Cadwell race due to unexpected family commitments but he is planning to compete with the car again this season.

The Cooper Cockpit Correspondent and Grant Wilson 24.04.10