BRM returns to the home of British motorsport
1999 ROVER 200 BRM LE
Silverstone Circuit was always a place of mixed fortunes for the BRM motor racing team. There was the infamous non-start of the V16 on its race debut there in 1950, a glorious 1-2-3 victory at the 1957 International Trophy meeting, and Graham Hill spinning off at Copse Corner in the 1960 Grand Prix.
These days there is usually a BRM presence at historic race events like the Silverstone Classic and I didn’t think it would do any harm to attend this year’s Classic media preview in my own BRM. As visiting cars were parked on the old Stowe course, this will doubtless be the nearest it gets to the modern track.
The Rover 200 BRM was back at Silverstone again later in April when I attended a Vintage Sports Car Club evening presentation ahead of the launch of the Vintage Formula season at the Northamptonshire circuit over the weekend. My car was parked just a few yards away from a display of vintage racers, including the wonderful ERA R4A, which had been taking part in practice sessions that day.
The following morning my Brooklands Green machine was to be found parked outside Jack’s Hill café by the A5, which was host to a gathering of motorcycles, mostly from the Nene Valley Chapter of the Harley Owners’ Group. Once fed and watered, I headed back to Silverstone to enjoy the vintage cars with CCW markets guru Richard Barnett.
Incredibly, I could have indulged in a third visit to Silverstone during April, but considering that invitation was to a brewery open day, I thought it prudent to leave the car safely in the garage on that occasion!