Mick Walsh From the cockpit
‘As last out of the pits, we had a clear run. The E-type stepped sideways with little provocation through Madgwick and St Mary’s’
Sharing prized classic cars and raising funds for good causes is an uplifting experience. Collector Peter Neumark has owned some of the greatest cars in the world but he is equally passionate about his charity work. He’s been involved with track days at Anglesey in support of a children’s hospice through to a brilliant new fundraiser at Goodwood, and, in just three years, the money raised at the annual Veloce event has rocketed from £40,000 to £140,000 for Hope for Tomorrow and the Halow Trust.
On offer are 75 rides around the circuit with star drivers in an amazing group of historic cars. The 21 diverse machines run in three alternate batches, ranging from chain-drive Mercedes to hi-tech Laferrari Aperta, with Grand Prix legends and multiple Le Mans winners driving just days after the Revival. Regular supporters include Damon Hill and Derek Bell, so it was an honour when Neumark asked if I’d like to take his Alfa 8C Monza for the day. Driving a dream car around Goodwood for a rewarding cause is special, but the enthusiastic reactions from passengers, amazed by the performance of the 1932 Grand Prix great, really made the day.
Stand-out heroes were the owners of the earliest cars, totally exposed to the wet weather. David Ayre couldn’t fit his mighty 1907 Itala on the trailer, so, despite the grim wet forecast, he set out from Berkshire in his Peking to Paris veteran and stunned guests around the waterlogged track. Ben Collings gave passengers the ride of their lives in his 60hp Mercedes, drifting the world’s first supercar at amazing angles.
It’s always great to catch up with Willie Green, historic race supremo and former C&SC track tester. He has retired from racing but is still very active with tuition, and is a long-time supporter of Neumark’s events. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to drive so many great cars,” said Green, who was entrusted with Lord Bamford’s 250GTO. “It’s good to give something back.”
Typical of Green was his determination with a predicament at a previous Tŷ Gobaith charity day at Anglesey circuit. A 14-year-old lad in a wheelchair was looking despondent about the challenge of getting into a Ferrari, but Green wouldn’t give up. A Porsche with more space was located, and the boy was lifted in for an unforgettable ride with the historics ace. “Moments like that are really special,” enthused Green.
Those that experienced a lap, the GTO drifting beautifully through Madgwick and Lavant, stepped out with huge smiles. “I wanted to clear the water for the others,” he laughed.
There were many surreal moments, none more so than in the final session. As the Alfa Monza was pushed away to its transporter, its work done for the day, Gregor Fisken came over to chat. “I’ve got to rush back to pick up the twins from school,” he said. “Do you want to drive our E-type in the final group?” The offer was impossible to resist, particularly because the ’61 roadster had just contested the Kinrara Trophy. “Have fun,” was his parting comment.
With a full cage, the E-type was a challenge to climb into – particularly for the tall passenger who’d elected to ride with me in the by then torrential conditions. The rain meant many of the apices were so flooded a pace car came out to lead around. But, as the last out of the pits, we had a clear run. The E-type stepped sideways with little provocation through Madgwick and St Mary’s, and quickly we caught the rest of the cars. Ahead, the familiar shape of a dark blue Ferrari 250 SWB appeared through my now very misted and rain-lashed ’screen.
Many would have parked the hugely valuable Rob Walker team car, chassis 2119 GT, that is best known for Moss’ victory in the 1960 Tourist Trophy, but owner Ross Brawn splashed on. For two laps I shadowed the beautiful Ferrari, its aerial flapping in the wind, as Brawn fulfilled his commitment and entertained his last passenger. Such spirit was typical of a brilliant day.