This weekend we took a step back in time as we looked into all things vintage at Silverstone. The Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) were holding their first races of the season on the National Circuit at Silverstone. This comprised of 9 races across the Saturday afternoon as the morning had been used for practice sessions.
Races included
Classic and modern motorsport (20 mins)
This was the first race of the season for classic and modern motorsport classic challenge, incorporating the Hawthorn Challenge for Jaguar MkI’s, MkII’s and XKs cars along with cars from Ecurie Classic Racing. The series is for sports GT’s built in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Fox and Nicholl Trophy Race (15mins)
Cars representing no less than thirteen pre-war marques, with the likes of Frazer Nash, Bentley, Riley and Aston Martin. Years include 1925 through to 1937.
Hawthorn Memorial and Patrick Lidsay Memorial Trophies, Pre 1966 (20 mins)
30 years of race car development is represented in this grid including the likes of Brabham BT14’s, Scarab F1’s and Cooper T-53’s. Highlighting the change that occurred in motorsport during the 1930’s to the 1960’s.
Slow Handicap Race for Pre-War Cars
One of the main highlights of the VSCC season is the handicap races.
Handicap races see what VSCC call Handicappers (apparently it is some kind of black art, well it had me confused). The Handicappers stagger the start time of the competing cars by studying previous form and theoretical fastest lap times so that in theory they all arrive at the finish line at the same time. With a staggered start to allow the slowest cars a head start. Cars within this scope include 1920’s Bentleys and Riley’s.
VSCC
The Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC) is a UK-based organization dedicated to the preservation and use of vintage sports cars. Founded in 1934, the club has grown to become one of the largest and most active vintage racing organizations in the world.
The VSCC organizes a variety of events throughout the year, including races, hill climbs, trials, and social gatherings. The focus of these events is on the enjoyment of vintage cars, rather than their competitiveness. The club also publishes a quarterly magazine, The Bulletin, which includes articles on vintage cars, event reports, and other news.
To become a member of the VSCC, one must own or have an interest in vintage sports cars. Members have access to exclusive events and benefits, including discounts on insurance and other services. The club also has a strong emphasis on safety, and all events are run in accordance with strict safety regulations.
The VSCC has a diverse membership base, with members from all over the world. The club is actively involved in the preservation of vintage cars, and works to ensure that these vehicles remain a vital part of automotive history.
The Club organises some 40 social and competitive events a year. These include:
- Extraordinary cars from the Edwardian era (1908-1919);
- Vintage (pre-1931);
- Selected post-vintage thoroughbreds (1931-1941);
- 1950s Sports Racing Cars;
- Formula 500 Racing Cars;
- Formula Junior Cars and Grand Prix single seater racing cars built before 1961 also compete at race meetings and some speed events.
More details can be found here
Gallery: images from the day
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By Matt Hancock
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