How did it get to be Friday again? Here's my latest offering for
Amy at Love Made My Home, who asks us to share five things each week.
Mr Anorak and I recently visited a local museum that's dedicated to the history of Formula 1 motor racing, and Castle Donington's role in the sport. There's lots to see, even if you're not a petrol head. Here's five things that caught my attention.
Apologies to anyone who reads my other blog, because I already featured this over there. Some years ago, in a bid to reduce levels of smoking in the UK, tobacco advertising was banned. Motor racing relied pretty heavily on money from the tobacco industry and tried hard to find ways around the ban when it hit home. This apparently encouraging phrase is actually Benson & Hedges, with a few gaps. Thanks to Mr Anorak for pointing it out.
This poignant reminder of the risks of motor racing belonged to Roger Williamson, son of a Leicestershire garage owner who began his racing career at the age of 11 in go-karts. (Much like Lewis Hamilton.) He worked his way up through Formula Three and Formula Two before making his F1 debut in 1973 at Silverstone. In those pre-computer days it was felt that having your blood group written clearly on your helmet would help in case of serious accidents. In the event it didn't help. Just two weeks after his debut, Williamson crashed at Zandvoort in the Netherlands. His car overturned and he was trapped underneath when it burst into flames. Fellow driver David Purley attempted a rescue but could not reach Williamson because of the intensity of the fire. He was awarded the George Medal for his heroic action. Williamson was just 25.
This is an Austin 7. It was an economy model produced by Austin between 1922 and 1939. Nicknamed the Baby because of its size and cheap running costs. It turned out to be one of the most popular British made cars ever built and outsold every other model available by the end of the 1920s. The very first BMW was a Germanic version of the Austin 7, produced under licence.
This is also an Austin 7, believe it or not. It's the twin-cam racing version that competed from 1937 to 1939 in everything from time trials to 500 mile races at Brooklands.
It's not all motor racing. There's a considerable collection of militaria at the start of the tour and I took a fancy to this little VW Schwimmwagen. I could see myself rolling down the highway in it, though it's a bit short on windows, so only on a warm day! You'll notice that, in order to maintain its waterproof condition, it has no doors. So I'm not sure how I'd get in - but I'd give it a go!
Now click on the link below to see what other Fives are on offer today.
A great 5. His interesting about the new phrase in the side of the car. I would not have out that together with B & H. My father in law had an Austin 7 and reminisced about it lots in latter years. Lovely post
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Strangely enough we had an Austin 7 carry rally in Jersey the other day. Such a treat to see so many vintage cars in one place. Have a good weekend. B x
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame about Roger Williamson. Like the litle car in the last photo, you'd have to approach getting in like climbing over a fence:)
ReplyDeleteFascinating five. Loved seeing the Austin 7 such a lovely shape and a beautiful reminder of a bygone era.
ReplyDeleteI'm no great fan of Formula 1 but we Finns have had some excellent drivers...:))
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I hadn't even thought about how losing smoking advertisement would affect things like motor racing. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFormula 1 motor racing is exciting to watch on tv, but also rather scary to see the drivers' mishaps and crashes. I've never been to a live track, but I can think of members of my family who would enjoy that. The Castle Donington displays look good. I'm sure my grandfather had an Austin 7, but will have to check some of my old photos. Thanks for sharing some iconic images.
ReplyDeleteInteresting photos, Formula 1 is not very big here in the States. Here it's all NASCAR.
ReplyDeleteA great five. I am not a fan of Formula 1 but my DH definitely is. He has been to Castle Donington and greatly enjoyed it. xx
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I like the be on edge, very humorous and a good way around the advertising thing. I didn't realise you had another blog, off to have a look! Thank you for joining Five On Friday this week, hope you have an enjoyable weekend!
ReplyDeleteSomething a bit different from you this week! It just shows there's history round every corner or tight bend, isn't there! :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks an interesting place. We went to the BMW museum in Munich and I was surprised how into it I was! It was one of the best things we did in Munich!
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