Snettertons past in pictures. On this day 50 years ago is the theme of todays picture. On March 14th 1964, the Snetterton Motor Racing Club hosted the International Daily Mirror Formula 1 Trophy race - a meeting held in appalling conditions. Gale force winds from the north and driving cold rain did not deter a huge crowd to come and see their heroes, this was the last F1 race at Snetterton to feature contemporary Grand Prix drivers and cars, in the days when there were several non-championship races for the F1 teams. Snetterton had already earned the nickname The Blasted Heath, because of the sometimes unkind weather, although scheduling a big International meeting in mid-March was always a risk. This early season F1 fixture had become a race for teams to try out new cars and engines, named the Lombank Trophy from 1960 until 1963. The field of 18 cars are seen at the start for the 50-lap race, reduced to 35-laps because of the conditions. Jim Clark on pole position in the Lotus 25 with Graham Hills BRM and Peter Arundells Lotus on the front row. Jo Bonnier, Bruce McLaren, Jack Brabham and Phil Hill set off behind. Also in the field were Carlo Baghetti, Innes Ireland, Trevor Taylor, Mike Hailwood, Chris Amon, Peter Revson, Ian Raby, Jo Bonnier, Jim Russell, Jackie Epstein and Andre Pilette. Graham Hill took an early lead, but famously aquaplaned off the road approaching the Esses, resulting in a spectacular accident, hitting the earth bank and losing a wheel but he was unhurt. Clark, Arundell and Brabham also retired and it turned into a race of attrition, only 7 of the 18 starters finished. Innes Ireland won the race in the BRP-BRM, the only Formula 1 victory for the British Racing Partnership, with Bonnier second in Rob Walkers Cooper and McLaren third in the works Cooper. The day had started with a British Saloon Car championship race, also in appalling weather. Jack Brabham won this event in a Ford Galaxie from Jim Clarks Lotus-Cortina. To round off a thoroughly wet day was a 10-lap F3 race, although many spectators had headed home by then for an early hot bath. A young Scot was making his single seater debut, driving Ken Tyrrells Cooper. In pouring rain he won the race by 44 seconds, never putting a foot wrong. His name - Jackie Stewart. One of Snettertons important days, despite the conditions. The photo is a clip from the British Pathe newsreel.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 08:33:49 +0000
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