On Saturday 4th April, we headed down to Thruxton for their Historic Easter Revival. Having never been to Thruxton before, I wasn't really sure what to expect, all I had heard was that it is a very fast circuit (Fastest in England)and tends to be very cold! The Easter Revival Meeting brought together a mix of all sorts of classes of cars that would have raced here in days gone by, but mainly '60's and '70's era. With an easy ride down and no queues to park at all, in fact we were the twentieth car in the car park, the earlyish start proved worthwhile.
Unlimited access to the Paddock, meant that we could get up nice and close to the competing machinery, as the customary unloading and fettling began in earnest.
It seemed some participant's cars needed a bit more work than others to get them race ready!
Anxious looking drivers could be found in the Scrutineering shed as they wait to find out if their cars have been passed suitable to race.
Not only in Formula 1, are tyres deemed very important!
On site tyre suppliers and fitters were in attendance if new rubber was needed.
The customary tyre pressure check to make sure all is in order.
On leaving the paddock and making our way to a suitable place around the circuit, we came across a gathering of classic cars, with a nice trio of Austin Healeys displayed on the grass.
An equally impressive MG, looking very smart.
Then it was time for the action to begin.
The first thing that was very noticeable as soon as they started, was that yes indeed it was a very fast track.
To give you an example of how fast we are talking about, this Hesketh did a lap at an AVERAGE speed of over 200kph!
The cars came in all shapes and sizes, this particular one being one of the shortest!
If only all racing cars were painted a nice photogenic orange colour, our life would be a lot simpler!
The beauty of the crowd being small, in fact for the first couple of hours of action the marshals outnumbered the spectators, was that you could freely move around the track and try out various vantage points. Viewing angles sometime being outweighed by wind shelter characteristics.
Big 5litre V8 engines made a glorious noise at full chat along one of the straights.
Talking of noise, you can always rely on an AC Cobra to assault your ears.
We had come to see close racing and there was plenty of action out on the track to keep you entertained.
Note the heavy duty roll bar in the cockpit, in case of mishap.
The single seaters showed how agile and nimble they could be as they darted through the corners.
Although not the fastest the Classic Touring Cars (Tin Tops) were hugely entertaining, and despite the huge differences in cubic capacity, the racing was close.
Lotus Cortinas as always very competitive in this class.
A Swiftuned Mini, whilst lacking in BHP compared to the competition, more than made up for it in agility.
Leading the pack.
A certain Mr Tiff Needell, of TV fame, back in his first ever racing car, came home a very credible third in his race.
Although a Classic event it was reassuring to note that modern safety equipment was in use as can be seen here with the HANS device attached to the helmet.
The Daffodils were out so it must be Spring!
A thoroughly enjoyable day, with plenty of room to move and freedom to explore the paddock, coupled with committed driving displays means that this will not be our only visit to Thruxton. If you have never been then I thoroughly recommend a visit. The day was cold and we never saw the sun once, but in true Motorsport spirit, we still ate a 99 from the ice cream van! Many thanks to all that took part, especially the volunteers and marshals, without whom events like this wouldn't happen.