John and Mike Young

[RAP]

In the early '60s I was a great fan of John and Mike Young who raced maroon Ford Anglias entered by Superspeed Conversions. Can anyone provide background on these guys? I assume they were brothers. In particular, are they the same chaps as the J and M Young that raced A type Connaughts in the mid '50s. Heck of a coincidence if not.

[gfm]

They had a Ford Dealership in Essex didn't they. Beautiful cars. There were a few 'specialists' from that neck of the woods. We could just imagine interesting 'conversions' done round the back of the Dagenham plant.
The one I remember the best was Brian Peacock who was a Brands specialist, with a Twink Anglia, who was a Ford development engineer. Very quick club car around 1968.

[Andrew Kitson]

I think Mike Young's original superspeed Anglia is still raced in historic saloons by Glen Maskell.

[mickj]

Was Colin Hawker of 'DFVW' and the Tolman Capri fame a mechanic at the Youngs dealership?.

[Dan Rear]

Is this Mike Young the same one who raced the Supervee Modus in 75, then F3 the next year ??

[David McKinney]

Wasn't he a furriner?
Or am I thinking of someone else?

[Steve Wood]

John and Mike Young were favourites of mine too, in the sixties. They ran a garage, and I think, Superspeed, in Ilford, Essex. Mike was in his early twenties in the mid-sixties, so I very much doubt if they were the Connaught pair. From the notes in a Crystal Palace programme at the time, I got the impression he hadn't been racing long.

I believe John, until recently, and maybe still, raced either a Mustang or Camaro in historic events.

[RAP]

Thanks to all for contributions. John Y started with a 100E Anglia but I recall that Mike did not seem to appear until about 1962 so it figures that he was the younger. I have dug out a photo in Autosport 5/8/55 of Michael F Young alongside his Connaught. Its difficult to tell but he doesn't look in his 'teens which would be the case if he was the Anglia Mike as Steve says.

[David McKinney]

I've been hoping someone might come up with a definitive answer to the original question.
I'm fairly sure the Connaught John and Mike were not related to each other. Equally, if one of them had been a teenager I'm sure the magazines would have mentioned it

[Steve Wood]

Just looking at the programme for Crystal Palace,31/7/65, which features a profile of Mike Young. I'll mention the salient points.

Aged 21........began career in March 1962 in 997 Anglia....
..won class at Crystal Palace in September 1962......now driving 1650 Anglia in Spring Grove championship. The rest is just how he likes the circuit, and some of his 1964 Crystal Palace results.

The back cover of the 18/5/64 programme features an advert for Small Car magazine, and is a very stylish profile of another Anglia ace, Chris Craft.

[RAP]

Steve. Thanks, that's certainly conclusive on Mike. Can anyone nail John ?? Chris Craft's "Orange Peel " Anglia brings back the memories too, plus Alan Peer's dark green one.
Richard

[ianselva]

I think you'll find Chris called his Anglia - Orange Box.

[Slowcoach]

re Steve Wood's comment about John racing until recently a Camaro or Mustang. I think he shares both of the aforementioned with Alec Hammond although I think the Mustang was advertised for sale recently in Autosport - theres a phone number there so you might be able to call and speak to the man himself......I think they did some of the top hat stuff this year and have certainly raced extensively in the Camaro over the last 3 or 4 years.

[Bob Westwood]

Hi, I am new to this forum, there was a posting about Superspeed anglias and the Young brothers(a while ago) , I worked for John Young during these heady day at Superspeeds building and preparing the Anglias and Escorts etc for group 2 and Group 5
Regs, I may be able to help with info on these time if still interested. Regards
Bob Westwood

[Haydn]

Bob, I remember your name through I think an article or a forum to do with Holbay. Also from memory you were/are an Aussie. Amazing how people actively involved with motorsport from 40+ years ago pop up in forums.

You would possibly remember the immaculate presentation of the Superspeed cars. I am fortunate to be "the custodian" of the "Superspeed Lola" F.J. owned by John Young and driven by Peter Ashdown during 1962 (Mk.5). This car appeared on the grid in as new condition at every meeting in the U.K. and also when raced in Australia in the mid 60's.

I believe there may have been a connection between John Young and Lola Cars in the early 60's as many Lola openwheelers of this era were fitted with Superspeed engines.

Would welcome further info re the Young brothers history.

Cheers

HaydnM