EVERYONE’S A WINNER AT THE SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

EVERYONE’S A WINNER AT THE SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

Sir Jackie Stewart presenting trophy's at the Classic

Boasting an unrivalled programme of 21 epic retro races, there was no shortage of winners at last weekend’s record-breaking Silverstone Classic – some were even presented with their coveted trophies by racing legends including three-time World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart, touring car ace Gordon Spice and rally star Paddy Hopkirk.

They were not the only winners, though, with a host of other trophies being awarded to worthy recipients throughout the action-packed weekend, topped by the two Scarf & Goggles Awards. These honour the founding achievements of Stuart Graham and Mervyn Garton – two of the driving forces behind the groundbreaking festival’s creation back in 1990.

As a director of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, Graham masterminded the on-track racing while Garton was charged with providing visitors with off-track entertainment – two of the Classic’s pillars to this day.

This year the Stuart Graham Scarf & Goggles Award for the Most Admired Racing Car was won by the stunning flat-12 cylinder 1965 Ferrari 1512 as raced by Joe Colasacco in the pair of evocative races for the Gallet Trophy for Pre ’66 Grand Prix Cars (HGPCA). Graham presented the trophy to Larry Auriana, the Italian/American owner of the beautifully restored and cherished scarlet F1 icon.

The equally-prized Mervyn Garton Scarf & Goggles Award for the Best Off-Track Visitor Attraction at this year’s Classic was presented to the Sporting Bears Club by Mervyn’s widow Janet. By offering visitors Dream Rides in a selection of great cars, Sporting Bears not only fulfilled many lifelong ambitions but also raised more than £4,000 for children's charities.

The Adrian Flux Trophy for the Best Car Club Display went to the ever-enthusiastic and friendly UK S2000 Owners Club which marked the Honda soft-top’s 20th anniversary with an impressive and immaculately turned-out display of two-seater sportscars.

Equally deserving were the two Yokohama Trophy winners. The Club Car of the Show award being presented to the unique Routledge Special RA4 – an Alvis-based creation raced by its creator Norman Routledge at Silverstone 65 years ago, while the Supercar Legends Car of the Show was won by a crowd-pleasing De Tomaso Pantera GT5 – a real eye-catcher in the Supercar Legends Display, presented by Yokohama.

Finally – and, perhaps, best capturing the incredible passion and excitement of the racing at the Classic – is the accolade introduced last year in memory of much-missed commentator Henry Hope-Frost who lost his life in a road accident.

Henry’s knowledge and euphoria behind the microphone inspired many visitors to the Classic, and the #FEVER Award honours his contagious enthusiasm for motorsport. It was presented to Miles Griffiths for his victory in Saturday’s sensational HSCC Historic Formula 2 showdown. The thrilling three-car battle for top honours in challenging slippery conditions epitomised what Henry relished about the Silverstone Classic.

RECORD-BREAKING CLASSIC WOWS HUGE CROWDS

RECORD-BREAKING CLASSIC WOWS HUGE CROWDS

50th anniversary of Woodstock at the 2019 Silverstone Classic

The curtain has come down on another record-breaking Silverstone Classic that wowed the crowds from Friday morning through to Sunday evening.

This 2019 edition of the hugely popular blockbuster event attracted record grids, record car club attendees, record spectator numbers giving a total attendance of 109,000 over the weekend – a significant increase on previous years.

A total of 21 spine-tingling retro races, countless off-track entertainment, packed car club displays and iconic anniversary parades elevated the world’s biggest classic car motor racing event to even greater heights.

Following the opening 12 races on Super Saturday – as well as a second night of ‘rocking’ at the Classic’s renowned live music festival, which this year celebrated the 50th anniversary of Woodstock – there was yet another packed day of entertainment waiting on Sunday.

The final day’s on-track headlines arguably belonged to Steve Hartley in the ex-John Watson McLaren MP4/1 – the car in which ‘Wattie’ famously raced from 17th on the grid to the top step of the podium in the inaugural Detroit Grand Prix back in 1982.

It was a beautiful scene of yesteryear as Hartley’s red and white McLaren went toe-to-toe with the Williams FW07C of Mike Cantillon, the former eventually won the closely fought Sir Jackie Stewart Trophy for FIA Masters Historic Formula One contest by just 0.382s.

Another famous Formula 1 rivalry was renewed in the Gallet Trophy for Pre ’66 Grand Prix Cars as old adversaries Lotus and Brabham turned back the clock. Sam Wilson in the Lotus 18 beat Jon Fairley’s Brabham BT11/19 to take overall honours.

Further exciting duels followed in the International Trophy for Classic GT Cars (Pre ’66) as a couple of Cobras eventually got the better of two Jaguar E-types. It was Julian Thomas and Calum Lockie who won the showdown in their Shelby Daytona Cobra from the AC Cobra Daytona Coupe of David and Oliver Hart.

Tin top cars and stars were also out in force during the Historic Touring Car Challenge, which Ford machinery – the most successful marque in BTCC history – fittingly dominated.

Michael Lyons cruised to victory in his Spa 24-Hours winning Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, whilst Craig Davies stole second on the final corner in an identical machine. That meant Steve Dance had to settle for the final step on the rostrum overall, but he was further rewarded with the Gordon Spice Trophy as the highest placed Ford Capri finisher. The Capri celebrations continued with a special 50th-anniversary parade during the lunch break.

Current BTCC stars Colin Turkington and Adam Morgan also contested the race, but both faced heartache as mechanical woes forced their retirement.

The jam-packed HSCC Historic Formula 2 field again produced a hugely exciting race as Martin O’Connell bounced back from a last-lap spin in yesterday’s lead tussle to win the morning’s wet/dry challenge in style. 

Jonathan Kennard proved to be one of the drivers of the weekend as he took his and Mike Cantillon’s Pescarolo LMP1 to two victories in the Yokohama Trophy for FIA Masters Historic Sports Cars. Kennard and Cantillon went wheel-to-wheel with Le Mans podium finisher Emmanuel Collard to win Saturday evening’s race, but the duo completely dominated Sunday’s affair.

22-year-old Dane Christian Olsen made it a double in the HSCC Classic Formula 3, whilst Georg Hallau won today’s HSCC Thundersports Endurance encounter.

The Mini Celebration Trophy Presented by Adrian Flux provided a fitting end to a weekend which had begun with Paddy Hopkirk leading the 60thanniversary parade of Minis, driving his 1964 Monte Carlo Rally winning Cooper S.

It was current BTCC star Adam Morgan who had the final say by claiming victory in his Morris Mini Cooper S.

While the amazing variety of racing remains the heartbeat of the event, as ever a host of on- and off-track entertainment further fuelled the massive three-day festival…

As on Saturday, three-time World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart demonstrated his incredible title-winning Matra MS80-02, 50 years after winning his first British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1969 en route to the first of his three world championship titles.

Fronted by two-wheeled champions Wayne Gardner and Freddie Spencer, the World GP Bike Legends also rolled back the years with high-speed track demonstrations.

Record numbers of car clubs also attended this year’s event, providing visitors with more than 10,000 privately-owned classic cars to admire. 

The two-day Silverstone Auctions sale saw huge numbers of competition and classic road cars coming under the hammer, while Car Clinics – hosted by TV’s Mike Brewer – supplied a unique insight into classic car ownership.

There was further family entertainment from the tyre-burning Streetcar Shootout, which shared the Shift & Drift Zone with Slowly Sideways Rally Demonstrations and Terry Grant Stunt Shows.

Younger visitors were also able to enjoy all the fun of the fair with a host of rides and activities, which populated the festival’s popular Village Green.

“The Classic lived up to it's Rocking and Racing’ billing – the cars were the stars and all the families had brilliant fun,” said Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

“The race programme was the most varied yet and the Mini races, in particular, will live long in the memory. In truth, the entire race programme has been extraordinary both in terms of great cars and exceptional driving skills. 

“As ever, the racing is just part of the huge extravaganza that is today’s Silverstone Classic. This year’s event attracted an unprecedented crowd and we would like to thank everybody for coming, as well as all of the drivers, marshals, exhibitors, entertainers, performers and everyone else who made the event such a huge success.”

For those that were unable to attend – or for those in attendance who would like to relive the whole experience – you can catch all the action on ITV4 and YouTube. 

ITV4 will broadcast highlights immediately after live coverage of the BTCC from Thruxton on 18 August, and will be presented by Louise Goodman and Tiff Needell, whilst all 21-races will be available on YouTube during the coming days.

The date of the 2020 Silverstone Classic will be announced shortly.

DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL TO PROVIDE EPIC RETRO THROWBACK THIS WEEKEND

DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL TO PROVIDE EPIC RETRO THROWBACK THIS WEEKEND

The Donington Historic Festival returns for a ninth year this weekend (3-5 May), with another fabulous retro throwback to motor racing of a bygone era at the East Midlands race circuit. Historic motorsport fans have until midday on Wednesday to grab their tickets at advance prices and make savings compared to gate prices. 

Cars from the 1920s right up the 1990s will be in action at one of Donington's most popular events of the year, including several glorious machines similar to those that raced at Donington Park in the famous pre-war Grands Prix of the 1930s. Cars in action include single-seaters, touring and GT cars, Le Mans-style prototypes and sports cars, all with incredible history and many almost priceless in value. 

As well as the fierce on-track action, there is a massive range of entertainment around the venue including Formula One displays, big car club showcase areas, Sporting Bears Dream Car passenger rides, Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts, themed trade areas, pit lane walks and track parades.

The open paddock policy at the circuit also means that all visitors can get up close and personal with the star cars, and a selection of star drivers too!

Advance discounted tickets are available until Wednesday 1 May and are priced from just £10. Children aged under 13 go free all weekend.

Stunning historic racing action 

Hundreds of historic racing cars will be competing across the weekend. The oldest cars will take part in the 'Mad Jack' Pre-War Sports Car race on Saturday afternoon. This contest features a number of sprightly machines built prior to 1941, with iconic marques such as Alfa Romeo and Bentley battling it out wheel-to-wheel.

The Nuvolari and Ascari Trophy races for pre-1961 Grand Prix cars featuring Grand Prix cars from the 1930s to 1960, including the type of legendary single-seaters that first made Donington Park famous, while the popular Formula Junior category - the historic equivalent of modern-day Formula 4 - will be showcased with races for both front and rear-engined examples. 

Classic Touring Cars will again be a big feature of the event, with several races for the 1950s and 1960s machines right up to cars built before 1991. Races include the U2TC for pre-66 under two-litre Touring Cars, HRDC Touring Greats for pre-1960 cars, HRDC Coys Trophy and the Historic Touring Car Challenge with Tony Dron Trophy. 

Sports and sports-racing car action will come courtesy of the Jaguar Classic Challenge, Stirling Moss Trophy, Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy, Pre-63 GT, and the GT and Sports Car Cup for pre-66 GT and pre-63 sportscars. Meanwhile, a mixture of sports and touring cars will do battle in the HRDC Allstars contest on Sunday morning. 

Off-track highlights

In addition to three sensational days of action on the circuit, there is a huge programme of festivities taking place across the venue. 

One of the key attractions is a Formula One car display, featuring an ex-Ayrton Senna Toleman and a Benetton driven by Michael Schumacher in 1992 and 1993. Other F1 cars include a Hesketh, Osella and a Honda from the Japanese manufacturer’s foray into the sport in the late 2000s. Many of these will be taking to the circuit for demonstrations throughout the event. 

Other attractions include a historic karting area, which continues the Senna theme, with dozens of karts set to be on display and performing on a special karting circuit at the Launch Pad complex.

Up to a thousand cars are expected to be on display around the venue, thanks to a car club and classic display areas, with most of these being on the circuit infield. Visitors will also be able to enjoy passenger rides in some of these vehicles, with dream car trips in classic and supercars in aid of charity from the Sporting Bears Motor Club. 

In addition, a number of the display cars will take to the track in parades during the lunch breaks, during which visitors will also be able to enjoy pit lane walkabouts.

Attention will turn to the skies on Saturday and Sunday with Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts. A BBMF Hawker Hurricane will be in the skies on Saturday, and a Douglas C-47 Dakota will impress on Sunday. 

Finally, those wanting to take home the perfect souvenir after a great day at the races will be able to browse the numerous themed trade stalls selling a massive range of merchandise and memorabilia. 

Paired with more improvements to the Donington infrastructure over the winter months, including a big new spectator entry area and a more immersive paddock layout, this year's Donington Historic Festival will be even more accessible for all spectators.

Advance discounted tickets for the Donington Historic Festival, offering significant discounts over buying on the gate, are available until midday on Wednesday 1 May. Prices start at £10 for adults and there is free entry for children aged under 13. For more information visit www.doningtonhistoric.com or call 0843 453 9000.

RACE AND RALLY LEGENDS TO APPEAR AT RACE RETRO, POWERED BY MOTOR SPORT

RACE AND RALLY LEGENDS TO APPEAR AT 

RACE RETRO, POWERED BY MOTOR SPORT 

Racing and Rally legends will once again gather at Race Retro, powered by Motor Sport, as racing drivers John Watson and John Fitzpatrick make their show debut alongside returning rally legend Rauno Aaltonen.

Held at Stoneleigh Park from 22-24 February, Race Retro welcomes Formula One driver turned pundit John Watson, who won five Grands Prix and was third in the 1982 championship.

Born in Belfast, John’s F1 career started in 1972 at Goldie Hexagon Racing but his first World Champion event wasn’t until the following year when he drove a Brabham-Ford BT37. Moving on to the BT42, John scored his first championship point in the 1974 Monaco Grand Prix. Drives with Team Surtees, Lotus and Penske followed.

John’s first World Championship podium came in 1976 coming third in the French Grand Prix with a victory to follow in the Austrian Grand Prix driving the Penske.

In 1979, Watson moved to McLaren where he gave them their first victory in over three years by winning the 1981 British Grand Prix and also securing the first victory for a carbon fibre composite monocoque F1 car, the McLaren MP4/1.

His most successful year was 1982, when he finished third in the Drivers' Championship, winning two Grands Prix before he retired from F1 at the end of the 1983 season, turning to sports car racing. John partnered Stefan Bellof to victory in the Fuji 1000km and drove a Jaguar XJR-5 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans seven times over the course of his career between 1973 and 1990 and came second in the World Sports Car Championship in 1987.

John Fitzpatrick raced professionally for over 20 years in Touring Cars, Sports Cars and GTs and was considered one of the best Porsche drivers of his era. He began his career driving Touring cars in the BSCC and ETCC, winning the British Saloon Car Championship in 1966. First it was Minis, then Ford Anglias and Escorts; BMW CSs and then Porsche 911s. He then became renowned for his expertise at driving the German machines.

John was crowned European GT Champion in 1972, and then again in 1974. He moved to the United States in 1980, driving for Dick Barbour Racing, capturing the IMSA Camel GT Championship in the process. He won the prestigious Porsche Cup in 1972, 1974 and 1980. His most prestigious wins were the Daytona 24-hours, Sebring 12-hours and the Bathurst 1000kms in Australia.

In 1981, he moved from driver to team owner-driver, with some success and spent eight years as Secretary of the British Racing Drivers Club and Director of Silverstone Circuit.

Joining these legendary racers is Finnish rally legend Rauno Aaltonen. Known as one of the Flying Finns of rallying, Rauno started his career on speed boats and later moved on to motorcycles competing in road racing, speedway and motocross. He was the first Finn to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing competition.

Before the World Rally Championship was established, Rauno competed in the European Rally Championship, winning in 1965 with co-driver Tony Ambrose. He also won the Finnish Rally Championship in 1961 and 1965.

In 1966, he partnered Bob Holden in Australia to win the premier touring car race, the Gallaher 500, in a Mini Cooper S at Mount Panorama in New South Wales.

Aaltonen finished second on six occasions in the Safari Rally, which is considered one of the most difficult courses in rallying earning him the nickname of ‘The Rally Professor’.

This amazing trio will all be interviewed on the Motor Sport Live Stage on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 February as well as taking part in Q&A sessions and autograph signings.

Tickets are now on sale for Race Retro, powered by Motor Sport, held from February 22-24, 2019 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, with free parking for all visitors. For the latest updates and ticket information, visit www.raceretro.com

RALLYING WITH GROUP B ATTRACTS EX-WORKS AND WRC CHAMPS TO RACE RETRO, POWERED BY MOTOR SPORT

RALLYING WITH GROUP B ATTRACTS EX-WORKS AND WRC CHAMPS TO RACE RETRO, POWERED BY MOTOR SPORT

This year’s Race Retro, powered by Motor Sport, has received a record number of entries for the Live Rally Stage, organised by Rallying with Group B (RWGB), with some amazing ex-works cars and motorsport legends celebrated.

Held from 22-24 February, Race Retro will transform the grounds of Stoneleigh Park on Saturday and Sunday to create some high-octane live action with over 250 entries considered for the final list of ‘runners and riders.’

Those who did make it into the Parc Ferme include Chris Robson’s 1982 Citroen Visa UK ex-works rally car, the first purpose-built rally car to be homologated into Group B. The winner of the Up to 1300cc Class of the Pace/Autosport National Rally Championship and was runner-up in the Group B category of the Rothmans Open Rally Championship with John Weatherley at the wheel.

EGN 78X was part of a two-car assault by Citroen UK on the Rothmans Manx International in 1983, driven by Konrad Bartelski, Britain’s most successful world cup downhill skier, with co-driver Neil Wilson, and sponsored by Penthouse Magazine. This car was runner up in the championship with a class win behind John Weatherley and Ronan Morgan in the later works Citroen Visa Chrono Evolution.

Warren Philliskirk’s crowd-thrilling Renault 6R4 was built by John Price and won many tarmac rallies and championships in John’s very capable hands. Warren purchased the car in 1995 and has campaigned 62 rallies including the Icelandic Rally, winning five national rallies and the BTRDA championship in 1997. 

Ex-World Champion Juha Kankkunen’s 1999 World Rally Championship (WRC) winning Subaru will be in action. Now owned by Will Nicholls, it also won Rally Finland in 1999. Dave Kenwood’s ex-factory Opel Calibra 4x4 will also be on the start line. It was driven by ex-World Champion Stig Blomqvist on the 1993 round of the WRC.

Other Championship cars include David Wright’s Ford Focus which was campaigned by Carlos Sainz and Petter Solberg during the 2000 WRC and secured its best WRC result on the Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 2000 driven by Carlos to second overall. The Pilot Ford Cosworth, driven to victory by M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson in the 1994 British Championship and now owned by George Gauld will also be in action.

Other Fords include Clayton Parmenter’s factory M-Sport built development super Puma 1600, previously driven by ex-British champion Dai Llewellyn and current WRC works driver Kris Meeke; Michael Anderson’s Cosworth Ford Cosworth, an original Ford Motorsport France factory car was first used by Frederik Balaresque in the French Rally Championship before being reregistered as Spanish in the early 90s and campaigned by the late Juan Luis Sarasola.

RWGB organiser Tim Foster said: “The quantity of entries for Race Retro this year has been amazing but the quality of the vehicles that enthusiasts will be able to see up close and in action is off the charts!”

Tickets are now on sale for Race Retro, powered by Motor Sport, held from February 22-24 2019 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, with free parking for all visitors. For the latest updates and ticket information, visit www.raceretro.com

RACE RETRO, POWERED BY MOTOR SPORT, CELEBRATES THE LEGACY OF LE MANS

RACE RETRO, POWERED BY MOTOR SPORT,

CELEBRATES THE LEGACY OF LE MANS

Race Retro, powered by Motor Sport, will celebrate the legacy of Le Mans with a display of iconic vehicles that have competed at what is arguably the most famous motor race in the world.

There is no better place to celebrate the achievements of Le Mans 24 Hours than within the Motor Sport Hall of Fame Live at Race Retro, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from February 22-24, 2019

Organised by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and first run in 1923, the race might have seen its fair share of tragedy over the years - its darkest moment came in 1955 when more than 80 people lost their lives following an accident - but it should be remembered for its triumphs and for the supremely competitive spirit of the teams and drivers that compete every year.

The past 95 years have created some amazing moments for fans of endurance racing. Who can forget the legendary exploits of the ‘Bentley Boys’, and then there was Porsche’s dominance of the challenging circuit that saw them become the most successful winners in the event’s history. Four straight wins by the awesome Ford GT40 is special, too, while the likes of Jaguar, Mercedes, and Ferrari and many more have all tasted victory at La Sarthe.

And it’s not just car makers as the race acts as a veritable whos-who of the world’s most famous drivers with the likes of Jochen Rindt, Mike Hawthorn, Bruce McLaren, and Derek Bell all tasting victory. And then there’s Belgian ace, Jacky Ickx, who currently stands second in the list of all-time winners with six victories to his name, including the GT40 win some 50 years ago in 1969.

 Visitors to the Motor Sport Hall of Fame Live will have the opportunity to admire an exciting line-up of Le Mans racers with some very special displays planned, and one must-see car is the Audi R8C. Audi made its debut at the 24-hour race in 1999 with R8s finishing in third and fourth places, and it would go on to take overall victory on 13 occasions. 

Audi is also famous for entering the R10 TDI, the first diesel-powered racer to win Le Mans. With such an impressive contribution to the history of the tough event, the R8C is just one of the thrilling machines that enthusiasts of endurance racing won’t want to miss at this year’s Race Retro.

“The Le Mans 24 Hours is a motor race like no other,” says Acting Show Director, Lee Masters. “With a history stretching back almost 100 years it sits at the very pinnacle of motorsport, which is why we are very proud to be celebrating its legacy at this year’s show.”

The Motor Sport Hall of Fame Live will also include other racing and rally cars, with a number of key milestones celebrated, along with special guests, many of whom will be interviewed on the Motor Sport Live Stage.

Tickets are now on sale for Race Retro, powered by Motor Sport, held from February 22-24 2019 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, with free parking for all visitors. For the latest updates and ticket information, visit www.raceretro.com

SOUGHT-AFTER AUTOMOBILIA COLLECTABLES REBORN - EVEROAK

SOUGHT-AFTER AUTOMOBILIA COLLECTABLES REBORN WITH RARE HANDMADE REPLICAS & MERCHANDISEF

A popular icon of 1950’s and 60’s motoring, Everoak Helmets were the protection of choice for motorists and bikers alike, including Stirling Moss, Graham Hill and Pedro Rodriguez. The iconic Everoak has endured as a much loved symbol of the classic era of racing and with the resurgence of retro brands, Everoak is set to make a longed for return. Step forward master craftsman Bill Vero to handcraft perfect replicas of these world-famous helmets!
 

Bill Vero, one of the most experienced helmet makers in the world, will be using a lifetime of experience and craftsmanship to make replicas from the golden age of motoring. Grandson of original founder Everitt W Vero, Bill Vero has re-started hand making individual Everoak helmets, exact to their original design and specification. The perfect display item for a collector or enthusiast, Bill can replicate helmets worn by famous drivers who won National Championships; for example Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Jack Brabham, Graham Hill, Pedro Rodriguez, Innes Ireland and Jim Clark. Taking nearly a month each to create, the helmets are manufactured using traditional processes and each will be a rare, unique and special piece, meeting the client’s exact specification. Nothing else like this exists and Bill has both the knowledge and skill to bring each one to life. 

Maker Bill Vero says "There's no way these could be worn today for historic racing; they're display pieces, but you could wear one in your classic to go down the pub."

Anyone interested in seeing one for real or owning the legend that is an Everoak Helmet, should pop into The Signature Store or go along to Goodwood Revival (12-14  September 2014), where a classic ‘Moss’ and a Jack Brabham replica will be on display on the Porter Press stand in the market.

In addition to re-launching this range of exclusive, iconic helmets, Everoak are also set to launch a merchandise line in the next few weeks, starting with T-Shirts in partnership with RetroF1 and with more merchandise planned for the future.

Helmets cost from £695 and will be one of a kind replicas made by Bill Vero. For more information visit www.everoakhelmets.com

                                       

                                                      

                                                 

 

 The History
Originally purchased through retailers such as Herbert Johnson, Les Leston & Griffin, the name Everoak was highly respected as a maker of crash helmets for over a century. Everoak was established in 1878, making pith helmets and ‘skidlids’ for dispatch riders. Post 1945 saw a boom in demand for motorcycle helmets and Everoak became a leading helmet manufacturer.

In the 1950s, Everoak released a glassfibre helmet shell which was selected by Mike Hawthorn as his racing apparel. Following his Championship winning success in the 1958 F1 season, the helmet was redesigned and released as ‘The Racemaster’.

Racemasters proved enormously successful throughout the 1960s and with the introduction of polystyrene and the development of a full face helmet in the 1970s the family company continued well into the 1990s before Bill moved on to form his own company working with Kevlar and carbonfibre, making carbon-composite riding hats.

Retired since 2012, Bill started making Racemasters again, initially as a hobby. Individually handmade, Bill employs Madge Gage who worked at the Vero factory to produce all the leather parts. Bill makes every helmet by hand, using tooling from the factory; you can choose your headband diameter within the shell, and of course the design on the shell. To emulate your boyhood hero you can have a Hawthorn, a Brabham or a Moss, but what you can be certain of is the exclusivity and quality of a product made by the most experienced helmet maker in the world.

Source: IMAGES & TEXT Copyright © *2014* *Everoak 2014* All rights reserved.