1980 Willhire 24 hours - Snetterton

Hi everyone, I have unearthed 4 sets of negatives from the 1st Willhire 24 hour race in June 1980. I am now scanning them and want to put names to cars. The internet has drawn a complete blank in terms of any results and infuriatingly the corresponding issue of Autosport is not in my collection.

I wonder if a kind soul would please send me the results or perhaps even scan the pages from Autosport June 26th 1980.

From memory, I think Martin Brundle, Jonathon Palmer and Stirling Moss all drove.

Thanks in advance.

Julian

Funnily enough as a prelude to all the programmes I'm about to sell the results are in my hand even as we speak - but no names....

Oh just found Autosport too.....

Just opened Autosport and found a load of other sheets

PM address and I'll mail copies

I was lucky enough to marshal at all of the Snett 24hr races, and although only 13 at the time in 1980 I was still allowed to sign on and act as 'Race Runner' as well as updating the old scoreboard on the inside of Russell every hour.
It was a gloriously hot weekend. I remember Stirling driving a VW Scirocco,shared with Tony Lanfranchi and Desire Wilson with sponsorship by Mayfair magazine.
Martin Brundle shared a Toyota Celica with his father John and brother Robin.
I'm sure John Cleland shared a Mitsubishi Colt with a certain E.Jordan, and I will never forget the little Alfasud (can't remember who drove it) under the 'Silly Suds' banner!
I stand to be corrected but I dont remember JP racing in the 24hr, although it is possible as this was the year he would have been doing FF1600 in that yucky brown RF80!

I'm glad you mentioned Eddie Jordan, I was sure he was there too. Also I recognise Desire Wilson in one of the pit photos, she was teamed with Sir Stirling and Tony Lanfranchi and some others. In the 1st year it was a relay race with teams of 3 or 4 cars (I think), a sash had to be carried and handed over in car changeovers which (again all from memory so apologies for inaccuracies) took place behind the pits as the pit line was too narrow for teams of that many cars.

A very fond memory was being in the throng listening to Gerry Marshall and Tony Lanfranchi holding court in the bar around midnight - during the race - Tony had a pint of bitter in a jug and Gerry had 2 drinks on the go (Pils I think), when quizzed he said "it's a balanced diet, a drink in each hand" !

The next afternoon, having run out of film I was spectating on the outside of the 1st corner (I can never remember Snetterton corners). Suddenly the heavens opened and Tony Lanfranchi in the Mayfair Scirocco lost all control and understeered into the bank VERY hard right in front of me - the car was wrecked.

The next year was for single car teams. I was pit signaller/gopher for a Ford Capri team. During the night I was sent to scrounge some brake fluid, the only team I knew was Gerry Marshall's. He had a sumptuous marquee (!) with lights and power. As my appalling luck had it I arrived just in time for his car (it was his personal Capri he was driving in the Prod Saloon Championship) to be wheeled in having been rolled by a team mate - don't recall his name. Gerry was going absolutely berserk at the man.

Fortunately, a kind mechanic saw me approaching the incandescent Mr Marshall and pushed some brake fluid into my hands and ushered me to safety.

[QUOTE=Tim 27]...
Martin Brundle shared a Toyota Celica with his father John and brother Robin.
...QUOTE]

As I remember (this being the first Willhire I spectated at), Martin Brundle actually won the Prodsaloons race which was held before the Willhire started in that Toyota too!

I also remember a three car Morgan team, Team British Bulldog (or something) who's reace support vehicles seemed to consist of ex-army vehicles, they were set up in the grassy part of the paddock, inside Russel.

They don't make nostalgia like they used to do they?

I was lucky enough to marshal at all 15 Willhire races that took place between 1980 and 1994 and have some great memories. Whilst not one for keeping programs and results (not enough room) I am still regularly at the circuit and know a number of others who were involved with the event, so it's possible I might be able to come up with a full entry list and set of results - no promises though!

Apparently it might be worth trying

Martin Hadwen
Motor Racing Archive
Mobile: 07885 792343
Email: racingarchive@btinternet.com
Website: www.motorracing-archive.com

I drove in the '84, '85, and '86 races and managed our team '87, '88, '89

The most fun racing we ever did , sadly missed when the competitor were priced out when the circuit owner trebled the weekend rent for the venue.

Just a quick word of thanks to Jos van der Perre who has not only sent me a copy of the Autosport report, but even the BRSCC results sheet and some information sheets.

Truly very grateful for you kind help and the rest of the ten-tenthers who took the time to reply.

Now to 'tart them up' in photoshop and name them.

Cheers

Julian

Hi, new to this forum. I have a TR7 raced in 4 of the Willhire 24hr races during the 80's by Dick Adams. Does anybody have results, info or photo's etc they could share with me?

Hello,

Can anyone help me with copies of the results [or second best the entry lists] for the Willhire 24 hours in 1981, 1982 and 1983. Great event. I competed in a Sunbeam 1600 ti and an Astra Gti twice. As a rally driver they always gave me the miserable midnight to 3.00am stint. Still the car went quicker in the cool night air!

Help would be appreciated.

Russell Brookes

The rally driver Rutherford in our team stuffed our little RX7 into the Russell bank, whatever year it was. It hadn't done any harm to anyone.
All that effort, main way through the night and ... bang! Go home, fun over. Mind you, that car was bog slow.
My only DNF in 4 24hr Snett races.

It could'nt have been slower than the Skoda that did the whole race on a pad change! It went on to win it's class if memory serves well.What a shame we can't have the old circuit back!

I never went to watch it but a close family friend, Magaret Powney Jones and her husband Peter were quite involved in the running of it, in fact I think I am right in saying she was involved with Snetterton from its beginning. She has kept me amused on many occassions telling me about this race, a great shame its still not running.

Agree with Simon, it was a great event and still have some videos and plenty of pictures of the early ones, was one of the best weekends of the year when I was a kid.

My late Dad finished 2nd in the first three events (twice in a Capri and once in a BM) and did a few more after that but never won it but still fantastic and a shame there's nothing similar (not sure about the Britcar).

My late Dad finished 2nd in the first three events (twice in a Capri and once in a BM) and did a few more after that but never won it but still fantastic and a shame there's nothing similar (not sure about the Britcar).

I would be fascinated to hear from anyone who has done both Britcar 24 hour and Willhire to see how they compare. I would like to think that Britcar has captured the spirit of it.

Off the top of my head someone who certainly did the early Willhire was John Llewelyn and he also did the Britcar 24 hour 2/3 years ago (with Richard Cabburn and Guy Povey who both did late '80s/early '90s Willhires).

Has Mike Jordan done both?

I don't think any of them post on 10/10ths but I still keep in contact with John and Richard so I could ask them and then post their responses?

One story springs to mind[I also happen to know that it is completely true!]
There was one team who hired a Sierra Cosworth for the weekend,got it back to the worshop,fitted a cage and used it for this event.Upon its return,the receptionist did remark on the state of the tyres.

I would be fascinated to hear from anyone who has done both Britcar 24 hour and Willhire to see how they compare. I would like to think that Britcar has captured the spirit of it.
Yes but it needs to be at Snetterton not Silverstone. Snett is the home of night time saloon car racing in the UK.

Off the top of my head someone who certainly did the early Willhire was John Llewelyn and he also did the Britcar 24 hour 2/3 years ago
Has Mike Jordan done both?

Yes, didn't Mike win the Willhire in a BMW ( '91 ish?)

ALL the willhire 24 hr events were fantastic,I clearly remember trying to sleep from 9pm with the intention of wandering around the circuit at about 2 a.m.
However , on this occasionthe whole family were woken by an almighty crash at about midnight.Seems that the fog had descended (after a really warm day)and Gerry Marshall had gone off big time at Coram.This necessitated yellow flags all round the circuit,and I remember my boys blaming me for having missed the fun!

"they dont compare"

I was at Britcar last year and asked a friend, who was one of the team managers, how the 2 compareD (it was worth asking As he won the very first and very last Willhire events).

People were racing in similar classes in Willhire, so you had the chance of winning, but Britcar is a mixture of hugely varying levels of performance.

However , on this occasionthe whole family were woken by an almighty crash at about midnight.Seems that the fog had descended (after a really warm day)and Gerry Marshall had gone off big time at Coram.This necessitated yellow flags all round the circuit,and I remember my boys blaming me for having missed the fun!

Can you remember what year this was as I don't remember Dad ever having an off at the 24 hours. Twice his car did, one of the Sears (David IIRC) and David Da Costa and I'm fairly sure Dad did 7 Willhires and I thought I had them all recorded but maybe I missed one so would be helpful. ;)

Fairly certain that was the '84 race when DS lost it at Coram in the middle of the night in the fog. The year Gerry shared with DS, Roger Clark and Sean Walker.

Gregor,had a feeling you were going to ask me that!I believe it was '84, but my sons have "borrowed"my programmes,will check with them.Attended nearly all of the willhire 24hrs ,mental times for lots of reasons,much missed by us all,we even arranged holidays around the race!Most of the family attended and we needed a week off afterwards to recover.!!!!

Gregor,had a feeling you were going to ask me that!I believe it was '84, but my sons have "borrowed"my programmes,will check with them.Attended nearly all of the willhire 24hrs ,mental times for lots of reasons,much missed by us all,we even arranged holidays around the race!Most of the family attended and we needed a week off afterwards to recover.!!!!

No problem, think it must be the 1984 event when David Sears crashed the car, a yellow-fronted Opel Monza.

I agree was a great event, I always got a lift up with my Dad's youngest brother (Dad was always there for a few days before setting up) and would then stay, great atmosphere and the videos afterwards were always good value.

i do remember one early race when a capri driven by jeremy shaw i think hit abandoned mazda at russell,quite a big accident,about 9.00 oclock on the sunday morning,the rx7 was left from an early incident.

Gregor,
can confirm it WAS '84,definitely an Opel Monza.Apologies for any confusion caused.

No problem, was just making me doubt my last 6 months work of compiling a list of all Dad's races and results but glad they both tie up eventually.

i do remember one early race when a capri driven by jeremy shaw i think hit abandoned mazda at russell,quite a big accident,about 9.00 oclock on the sunday morning,the rx7 was left from an early incident.
I think this would have been the 1980 event as I'm sure I have pictures of the damaged car somewhere. I also think the Mazda caught fire, (again, I'm sure the pictures were of a scorched Mazda) but I'm not sure if that was the reason for it's retirement, or due to the attention of the Capri.
I also seem to remember that, after the accident with the Capri, the pace car was sent out and a number of dead cars were recovered from around the circuit.

i think the mazda caught fire after contact with the bank,the capri hit it before it could be moved. I thought at the time the mazda was not left in a good place,i think the capri rolled on impact with the mazda?

Does anyone have any info on the TR7/Dick Adams entry? No. 20... (in '82).

Here's all the info I have at present.... does anyone have full results for '80, '81,'82, '83 and '84?


Willhire 7/8/82 20 car entry.

Opal Commadore (No.1) Andy Rouse, "Hissing" Sid Fox, Phil Doussett, Pete Hall.

Opal Monza (No 4) Tony Lafranchi, Tiff Needell, Steve Sofa, John Kelland.

Morgan Plus 8,(No. 9) Rob Wells, Chris Alford, Malcombe Ball (Paul?).

Morgan Plus 8 (No.8) Mike Duncan, Mary Lindsay

Morgan Plus 8 (No.14)

TVR Tasmin, (No.5) Colin Blowers

Triumph Dolimite Sprint (No.25) Ian Hunter,

Triumph Dolimite Sprint (No.24) Julius Thurgood,

Triumph TR7 (No.20) Dick Adams

MBG GT (No.22)

Ford Capri (No.6) Roger Williams, Ted Savoury, Paul Lowe,

Ford Capri (No.3) Gerald Saw, Peter Rabano, Andrew kirk, Art Marcus, Dennis Boy, Mike Andrews.

BMW 323i (No.21) Les Blackburn,

BMW 323i (No.26) Gerry Marshall, Andy Jefferies, Hamish Irving, John Clark, Alan McMillan, Colin Davies.

VW Golf Gti (No.34)

VW Scirrocco (No.30)

VW Scirrocco (No.31) John McHale,

Talbot Sunbeam (No.33)

Toyota Celica GT (No.23) Martin Williams,

Fiat Strada (No.32)

18 finished. 2 retired.

One story springs to mind[I also happen to know that it is completely true!]
There was one team who hired a Sierra Cosworth for the weekend,got it back to the worshop,fitted a cage and used it for this event.Upon its return,the receptionist did remark on the state of the tyres.
I also know of a certain team that did the Willhire that hired the same type of Japenese car that they were using from a well known rental firm, they used it for spares all night and returned it saying it wasn't very well :rofl: One of them posts on here.

Here's all the info I have at present.... does anyone have full results for '80, '81,'82, '83 and '84?

...

Ford Capri (No.3) Gerald Saw, Peter Rabano, Andrew kirk, Art Marcus, Dennis Boy, Mike Andrews.

...18 finished. 2 retired.
Surely these names aren't quite right? Seeing that they appear to be journalists shouldn't it be Gerard Sauer, Peter Rabano, Andrew Kirk, Art Marcus, Dennis Foy, Mike Andrews?

All the info I posted above came from a video of the '82 Willhire which came with the car. Difficult/Impossible to catch the names, which car/team/final results etc. hence my appeal for help!

Hmmm I hadn't mentioned it but I agree with VIVA, a lot of the names are recogniseable but spelled incorrectly.

I'm certainly willing to take a punt on whom Steve 'Sofa' might be!! This latterly highly succesful touring car driver could never have been guilty of just sitting around...... ooh dear me I couldn't resist!!

Would anyone be kind enough to help croydebay with putting those names right?

Phil Doussett = Phil Dowsett
Tony Lafranchi = Tony Lanfranchi
John Kelland = John Cleland

And as Chunty has hinted at, Steve Sofa = Steve Soper

Surely these names aren't quite right? Seeing that they appear to be journalists shouldn't it be Gerard Sauer, Peter Rabano, Andrew Kirk, Art Marcus, Dennis Foy, Mike Andrews?

Nearly right-they were all journos on Hot Car magazine except for Mike Andrew who ran/owned Performance Car Spares in Hammersmith and the car was a long term press loan Capri from Ford.We had a very faint nod of approval before we started and a distinct nod of disapproval afterwards. Still the car was untouched unlike the Williams BT Capri which rolled comprehensivly in practice and after the result was overturned on appeal we even ended up in the money-yes there was actually a cheque for winning in those golden days.

Nearly right-they were all journos on Hot Car magazine except for Mike Andrew who ran/owned Performance Car Spares in Hammersmith and the car was a long term press loan Capri from Ford.We had a very faint nod of approval before we started and a distinct nod of disapproval afterwards. Still the car was untouched unlike the Williams BT Capri which rolled comprehensivly in practice and after the result was overturned on appeal we even ended up in the money-yes there was actually a cheque for winning in those golden days.

Wasn't it Squeaker that rolled the BT Capri and was Martin Carroll involved in it? I remember being there (as a very, very young boy and Dad laughing!!) when the car was brought back, I think the technical term was it was ******!

If anyone has some photos of the Willhire 24 Hour, the Wikipedia article could do with some: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willhire_24_Hour.

Groupc,
I keep checking this thread to see if you have scanned the negatives yet,but still no sign.PLEASE, post them when you can,if its a technical problem there are lots of seriously able guys who will be able to advise.(not me I assure you!!!!!!)
Regards snett fan55

Hi, I'm back ! Sorry, many events conspired to take me away and to be honest I forgot all about this. However, I was browsing today and found that my original post had expanded a little. I have 132 scruffy scratched and generally poor quality scans from the 1980 race and can put them on a CD for those more able than me to publish for the greater good - and even the Wikepedia article. Someone please PM me and we can sort something out. I doubt whether Russell Brookes still looks in, but I have a few images of him in the pit lane shortly after he'd rolled the Talbot looking on as his mechanics try to get a new screen in.

Once again my apologies for the enormous delay !

Sounds like an ideal candidate for the new image file.

Hi, I'm back ! Sorry, many events conspired to take me away and to be honest I forgot all about this. However, I was browsing today and found that my original post had expanded a little. I have 132 scruffy scratched and generally poor quality scans from the 1980 race and can put them on a CD for those more able than me to publish for the greater good - and even the Wikepedia article. Someone please PM me and we can sort something out. I doubt whether Russell Brookes still looks in, but I have a few images of him in the pit lane shortly after he'd rolled the Talbot looking on as his mechanics try to get a new screen in.

Once again my apologies for the enormous delay !

I have GroupC's disc. Here are a few samples.

The Brundle family Celica with what looks like Gerry Marshall in pursuit.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brundle-Marsh.jpg

The Brookes Talbot in for repair.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brookes.jpg

The Stapelton Motors Morgan
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Morgan.jpg

Opel v Colt
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Opel-Colt.jpg

brilliant lets see some more

I have GroupC's disc. Here are a few samples.

The Brundle family Celica with what looks like Gerry Marshall in pursuit.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brundle-Marsh.jpg



Can't quite tell if it's Dad driving but it could be that well-known driver Mark Thatcher on their way to second place.

Can't quite tell if it's Dad driving but it could be that well-known driver Mark Thatcher on their way to second place.

Mrs T's offspring was a team mate. I take it Gerry had the map:)
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Thatcher.jpg

The JJS Veneers Team consisted of 3 Capris with Marshall, Thatcher, Eric Cook, Graham and Trevor Scarborough driving. As Gregor states the team finished 2nd.

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/JJSa.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/JJSb.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/JJSc2.jpg

Mark didn't take too kindly to being told he was too slow to drive the final stint!!
I'd say the white car is Dad (it has a BRDC badge) and if not then Eric Cook (Dad's soon to be father in law but that's another story!!) and it was their first 2nd and was followed up by 2nd in '81 and '82 to complete the hat-trick.
I think it was 1982 when they stopped having a team of cars and one car only.

The Brookes Talbot in for repair.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brookes.jpg


More of the Brookes Talbot.

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brookes2.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brookes3.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brookes4.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brookes5.jpg

The Mayfair team of 3 VW Sciirocco's had an interesting mix of drivers. Stirling Moss, Desiré Wilson, Tony Lanfranchi, Chuck Nicholson, Danny Chau and Juliette Slaughter.

Who's with Ms Wilson. Chis Meek?
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/DWilson.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Mayfair1.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Mayfair2.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Mayfair3.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Mayfair4.jpg

My sincere thanks to Alan for providing the means for these photos to finally see the light of day. Apart from hosting them, he's done a lot of work as the original scans are scratched and pitted to way beyond my photoshop recovery skills.

Julian

Nearly right-they were all journos on Hot Car magazine except for Mike Andrew who ran/owned Performance Car Spares in Hammersmith and the car was a long term press loan Capri from Ford.We had a very faint nod of approval before we started and a distinct nod of disapproval afterwards. Still the car was untouched unlike the Williams BT Capri which rolled comprehensivly in practice and after the result was overturned on appeal we even ended up in the money-yes there was actually a cheque for winning in those golden days.

Didn't Hot Car, and its' later incarnation 'Performance Car' (title changed around 1983-ish I think?) magazine field Willhire entries on a number of occasions, and at least one full-season Prodsaloon effort?

Art Markus used to do a monthly column/feature on the BTCC in the early years of 'Performance Car' under the running title 'Art on A' as I remember

I have GroupC's disc. Here are a few samples.

There's some great stuff here- I'm sure we'd all like to see more of these...


The Brookes Talbot in for repair.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Brookes.jpg




Typical rally drivers.....:laugh:

The race was won by the ICS and Sports Car Breakers Opel Commodores in the hands of Pete Hall, Phil Dowsett, Martin Carroll, Syd Fox, Hamish Irvine and Andrew Jeffrey.

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Irv_opel.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/opel_bmw.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/ics1.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/ICS2.jpg

More great pictures!!

Into the night.

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Dusk.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Night1.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Night2.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Night3.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Night4.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Night5.jpg

little know fact Andrew won the first and the last of the willhires (the last in an Escort Cosworth)


The race was won by the ICS and Sports Car Breakers Opel Commodores in the hands of Pete Hall, Phil Dowsett, Martin Carroll, Syd Fox, Hamish Irvine and Andrew Jeffrey.

Good stuff!!

That winning driver line up is full of prodsaloon experts!

Funny I never really got to see the Opel's, as their competitive and likely homologated life ran out in the early 80's just as I got into watching motor racing. It was a very successful model at this level though wasn't it?

I loved the later Monza, but by the time people like Gerry and Tony started running them, the Starion was almost upon us!!

Did that green/black ICS and Sports Car Breakers Opel Commodore end up in the hands of the late Frank O'Rourke in Ireland ? I've seen vids of a car very similar to that winning races in Mondello.

Fantastic pictures though... really amazing. Thanks Julian/Alan.

A few more showing the novelty of the Willhire.

Morgan, TR7 and Toyota.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/mix1.jpg

Morgan, Ginetta, Toyota and Opel.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/mix2.jpg

Renault 5 and MGB GT V8.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/mix3.jpg

Alfa GTV, the battered Talbot followed by Chris Meeks Panther Lima.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/mix4.jpg

These really are brilliant- I'd much rather see a strong Prodsaloon category than all the one-make stuff that supports the BTCC...

These really are brilliant- I'd much rather see a strong Prodsaloon category than all the one-make stuff that supports the BTCC...

I quite agree, but could you ever put together a Prod Saloons/Sports Car race with so many topline drivers.

A few more..

Jeremy Shaw's Colt Lancer was shared with Barrie Williams, John Cleland and Eddie Jordan!
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/colt.jpg

The 2 Car Alfa GTV team featured John Dooley, John Mysercough, Rob Kirby, Derrick Brunt, Peter Baldwin and Leo Bertorelli.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/AlfaGTV.jpg

The Carrolls Transport Capri, seen here checking out the scenery, had Mike Knight, David Piper and Tony Trimmer on duty.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Carrolls.jpg

An unusual entry was the Panther cars, Lima for Chris Meek, Peter Clark and Martin Birrane.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/meekpanther.jpg

The SOS Talisman 2 Car Opel Commordore Team had Paul Everett, Sid Harrison, Jock Robertson, David Da Costa and Steve McHale on duty.
http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/sostali.jpg

Interesting to see the MGB,that car is still being raced today by Jim Bayman.

I had the great pleasure of competing in the 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1986 Willhires. Looking back I would say these were the most enjoyable motorsport experiences I ever had.

Indeed, I first met my wife during the 1980 race (she was keeping the team's drivers well nourished). We married in '81 and are still together so you could say that race was a life changing experience for me.

Cars used were:

1980 - My Ginetta G15 with the G15s of Mark Smith and Bill Hunt (8th overall and 3rd in class)
1981 - as above but 12th overall and 4th in class
1982 - Triumph Dolomite Sprint (single cars only from this year - finished 17th)
1983 - Skoda Rapid - 13th and 1st in class
1984 - Skoda Rapid - finished but can't find results!
1986 - Skoda Estelle 130L - 17th and 2nd in class

Will post some photos soon - happy days!

Andy,is it true that in 83 the Skoda only needed a brake pad change?
A very good friend,Chris Conoley used to compete in a Capri in those years.

I had the great pleasure of competing in the 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985 and 1986 Willhires. Looking back I would say these were the most enjoyable motorsport experiences I ever had.

Indeed, I first met my wife during the 1980 race (she was keeping the team's drivers well nourished). We married in '81 and are still together so you could say that race was a life changing experience for me.

Cars used were:

1980 - My Ginetta G15 with the G15s of Mark Smith and Bill Hunt (8th overall and 3rd in class)
1981 - as above but 12th overall and 4th in class
1982 - Triumph Dolomite Sprint (single cars only from this year - finished 17th)
1983 - Skoda Rapid - 13th and 1st in class
1984 - Skoda Rapid - finished but can't find results!
1986 - Skoda Estelle 130L - 17th and 2nd in class

Will post some photos soon - happy days!

Yes please! Although I never got to a Willhire, I watched quite a bit of Prodsaloon racing from 1985/6 on- as you say, happy days!:cool:

Actually, I don't believe we ever changed the brake pads on any of the Skodas that I drove in the Willhires - but then with such a low powered but good handling car we were only using the brakes twice a lap (at Sear and The Esses) as the old Russell chicane layout was 'flat' in those days.

Those Skodas were ever so reliable though. The only problem I can remember was when we graduated to the 130L in '86, which had a 5 speed box, with reverse opposite 5th. In practice I managed to engage reverse while trying to find 4th, which required a gearbox change.

I have a strong memory that, I think was from 1986, of Tiff Needell spinning off in the Porsche 911 as he followed me through Sear. At the time I was sure that I had outcornered a 911 in a Skoda, but on reflection he probably spun because he had to brake mid-corner to avoid hitting me!

The Skodas were all owned and entered by the UK distributor so I was very fortunate to be selected to drive for the team. All I had to do was just turn up and drive at no cost to me. However, my selection might just have had something to do with the fact that I had married Bill Hunt's sister. Bill was at the time Skoda GB's Motorsport Manager.

I had a long lay off from racing from 1990 to 2004 due to family commitments. Now my kids have grown up in recent years I've been racing a Reynard 903 F3 car in the Monoposto Championship. I share the car with Mark Smith who drove in the Ginetta team in the 1980 Willhire and achieved the tremendous feat of finishing the event in his Ginetta in one of the later Willhires when one car had to do the whole distance (either 83 or 84 - I can't remember which year it was).

Snetterton is still one of my favourite circuits though I had a major shunt there on 18 October this year when the throttle stuck open as I braked for Riches. It ended up with me going backwards into the tyre barrier at very high speed - ouch!

Andy Woolley

Top, top post Andy, many thanks!

Amusing anecdotes like yours help to maintain the forum as one for the true enthusiast's !!

Look forward to hearing more from you!

hi there

anyone got a photo of the Alex Rogan Slick 50 Capri that raced one year?

db

A little story that I've just remembered from that first Willhire in 1980. We had three Ginetta G15s in the team, belonging to me, Mark Smith and Bill Hunt (that's the white one in one of the pics on this thread).

We lost Bill's car on Sunday morning due to a stub axle failure, which stranded it out on the circuit, so only had 2 cars left. I was driving mine when the ignition light suddenly went on so I headed straight for the pits and handed over ot Mark's G15. Examination revealed that the crankshaft pulley had disintegrated, so the fan belt had come off. We had spare fan belts but no spare pulley so had the commentator make an announcement on the PA that asked if anyone with a Hillman Imp in the car park would mind lending the Ginetta team their crankshaft pulley for the duration of the race. Amazingly some poor fellow came forward and as fast as you could say Ginetta we had removed the pulley from his engine and fitted it to my G15, just in time to take over form Mark when his stint was finished. Hard to believe that folk would be that trusting/generous today isn't it!

Anyway come the end of the race we put the pulley back onto his Imp and said our thanks. The only problem was how to drive my G15 back to London. This problem was solved by removing the pulley from Bill's recovered car and fitting it to mine as his car was returning to London on a trailer.

Driving back to London straight after a 24 hour race wasn't the brightest thing to do but I was supposed to be at work on the Monday morning. It was bloody hard to stay awake but I found that driving very fast produced enough adrenalin to keep me awake. One does these things when one is 25!

Right, now for the pics from the 1980 Willhire:

My G15

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My G15 waiting to go out during the night.

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Mark Smith's G15

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Bill Hunt's G15

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And finally the 'Surprising Skoda' 130L in the '86 Willhire - me driving through the old Russell chicane.

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1980 - The Renault 5 out for a Sunday drive.

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Ren5-2.jpg


Early morning sunshine.

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/morn-cap_opel.jpg


It's a pity this one's out of focus, but it shows even in a 24 hour race they were still throwing the cars around. I wonder what was of interest to the 4 spectators in the background?

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/Coltdrift.jpg

Early Morning Sunshine

All very worrying really as the the Observer in charge (in the blue anorak) is my old mate Martin Shalders (lately known as Black Adder) and next to him 'smoking a fag!' is myself on flags, all 28 years ago!

Are there any onther photos with marshals in ?

Bladders........................

Alan,
many thanks for sharing such wonderful pictures.They truly prove what a great series the Willhire was,and it all brings back such great memories,seems as if the weather was always good!The friendships gained and freedom to go wherever we pleased are just a few of the things that will always stick with me,thanks also to Andy Woolley for his interesting reminisces.
A great thread,trouble is I spend so much time here...
Regards to all.

Early Morning Sunshine

All very worrying really as the the Observer in charge (in the blue anorak) is my old mate Martin Shalders (lately known as Black Adder) and next to him 'smoking a fag!' is myself on flags, all 28 years ago!

Are there any onther photos with marshals in ?

Bladders........................

Not many I'm afraid, apart from these:)

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/willmar1.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/willmar2.jpg

http://www.alanraine-graphicillustration.co.uk/willmar3.jpg