VSCC Seaman Memorial Trophies

July 7th 2014

Norfolk

ODAY’S SNETTERTON CIRCUIT IS very different from the World War II Norfolk aerodrome on which motor sport made its debut in October 1951. The Vintage Sports Car Club had not run a meeting there before its Seaman Memorial Trophies season-closer on September 30, yet the feature result mirrored history. Ken Wharton set BTD in the inaugural sprint, driving Peter Bell’s ERA R1 1B. Supplied to Reggie Tongue in 1936, ‘Humphrey’ was invincible. David Morris piloted it to his eighth Historic Seaman victory, equalling his late father Marlin’s record in it.

With the waft of racing oil on the stiff east wind, 200 charismatic racers from Austin 7s and Rileys to lairy specials packed what Snetteton devotees hailed as its best-looking paddock in Hying memory. And the unusually strong spectator turnout was royally entertained. AferociousHawborn International

Trophy scrap between Julian Majzub (Sadler-Chevrolet M k2), Tony Bianchi (Allard-Cadillac) and Philip Walker (Lotus 15) had the gallery cheering. The spectacle of the trio scrabbling from Chapman kink onto the Bentley Straight, where the V8s topped 160mph, was awesome. Walker won brilliantly, adding to his earlier Lotus 16 victory in the Flockhart Trophy. Another highlight was MercedesBenz Fl boffin Robin Tuluie retaining his Vintage Seaman crown at the helm of his thunderous self-built Riley Menasco Pirate, while Bahamasbased Will Mahany (HRG) landed his eighth successive Spero Trophy. Marcus Pye