OldRacingCars.com

Rothmans F5000 Championship round

Silverstone, 22 Apr 1972

ResultsLapsTime/Speed
1 Graham McRae Leda LT27 [001] - Chevrolet Morand V8
#22 Crown Lynn
25 33m 57.7s
2 Brian Redman McLaren M10B [400-15] - Chevrolet V8
#43 Sidney Taylor
25 34m 15.7s
3 Gijs van Lennep Surtees TS11 [02] - Chevrolet V8
#48 Speed International Racing
25 34m 17.2s
4 John Cannon March 725 [1] - Oldsmobile RES V8
#30 (see note 1)
25 34m 24.1s
5 Ray Allen McLaren M18 [500-05] - Chevrolet V8
#49 Speed International Racing (see note 2)
25 35m 40.7s
6 Gordon Spice Kitchmac [M10B 400-05] - Chevrolet Kitchiner V8
#47 Powrmatic Heating and Ventilation
(see note 3)
24
7 Steve Thompson Surtees TS8 [007] - Chevrolet V8
#54 Alan Brodie (see note 4)
24
8 Clive Santo McLaren M10B [400-21] - Chevrolet V8
#18
23
R Jock Russell Lotus 70 [06] - Ford V8
#45 (see note 5)
21 Out of fuel
R Trevor Taylor Leda LT27 [003] - Chevrolet Alan Smith V8
#51 Leda Cars (see note 6)
18 clutch
R David Prophet McLaren M10B [400-04] - Chevrolet V8
#21
14 Throttle cable
R Alan Rollinson Lola T300 [HU9] - Chevrolet V8
#52 Alan McKechnie (see note 7)
7 Overheating
R Martin Ridehalgh Lola T142 [SL142/36] - Chevrolet V8
#28 (see note 8)
5 Overheating
R Teddy Pilette McLaren M18/M22 [500-01] - Chevrolet V8
#33 Racing Team VDS (see note 9)
1 Pushrod
DNS Steve Matchett Leda LT25 [001] - Chevrolet V8
#26
Did not start
(handling)
DNA Keith Holland McLaren "M10H" [400-06 (B)] - Chevrolet V8
#25 (see note 10)
Did not arrive
DNA John Bowtell Lola T142 [SL142/36] - Chevrolet V8
#28 Andrew Cavell (see note 11)
Did not arrive
DNA Dave Berry (F5000) Brabham BT16/21B [F2-19-65] - Rover V8
#29 (see note 12)
Did not arrive
DNA Hervé Bayard Surtees TS8 [005] - Chevrolet V8
#34 (see note 13)
Did not arrive
DNA Tony Dean McLaren M14A [2-2] - Chevrolet V8
#42
Did not arrive
DNA Brian Redman Chevron B24 [24-72-01] - Chevrolet V8
#43 Sidney Taylor (see note 14)
Did not arrive
DNA Guy Edwards McLaren M10B [400-18S] - Chevrolet V8
#44 John Butterworth
Did not arrive
DNA TBA (F?) unknown
#46 Sidney Taylor
Did not arrive
DNA Ray Calcutt McLaren M18 [500-04] - Chevrolet V8
#50 Speed International Racing (see note 15)
Did not arrive
DNA Fred Saunders Crosslé 15F [C15F/69/42] - Rover V8
#66
Did not arrive

All cars are 5-litre F5000 unless noted.

Qualifying
1 Graham McRae (F5000) 5-litre Leda LT27 [001] - Chevrolet Morand V8 1.20.4
2 Brian Redman (F5000) 5-litre McLaren M10B [400-15] - Chevrolet V8 1.20.6
3 Gijs van Lennep (F5000) 5-litre Surtees TS11 [02] - Chevrolet V8 1.21.1
4 Alan Rollinson (F5000) 5-litre Lola T300 [HU9] - Chevrolet V8 1.21.2
5 John Cannon (F5000) 5-litre March 725 [1] - Oldsmobile RES V8 1.21.7
6 Teddy Pilette (F5000) 5-litre McLaren M18/M22 [500-01] - Chevrolet V8 1.22.2
7 Ray Allen (F5000) 5-litre McLaren M18 [500-05] - Chevrolet V8 1.22.2
8 Gordon Spice (F5000) 5-litre Kitchmac [M10B 400-05] - Chevrolet Kitchiner V8 1.24.1
9 Steve Thompson (F5000) 5-litre Surtees TS8 [007] - Chevrolet V8 1.25.4
10 Clive Santo (F5000) 5-litre McLaren M10B [400-21] - Chevrolet V8 1.25.8
11 David Prophet (F5000) 5-litre McLaren M10B [400-04] - Chevrolet V8 1.26.3
12 Trevor Taylor (F5000) 5-litre Leda LT27 [003] - Chevrolet Alan Smith V8 1.26.5
13 Jock Russell (F5000) 5-litre Lotus 70 [06] - Ford V8 1.31.3
14 Steve Matchett * (F5000) 5-litre Leda LT25 [001] - Chevrolet V8 1.29.3
15 Martin Ridehalgh (F5000) 5-litre Lola T142 [SL142/36] - Chevrolet V8 1.45.6
 
* Did not start

Notes on the cars:

  1. March 725 [1] (John Cannon): Built for 1972 season for John Cannon and fitted with Oldsmobile engine. Raced in UK and US series 1972. Advertised by Cannon and Patrick Kay (Autosport 9 Nov 1972) and later appeared in Ecurie Santos adverts in 1973 and 1974 but not seen again. It is reported that the 725 was sold as part of a large package of cars to Australian Ray Gibbs but the 725 remained in the UK and was sold to Peter Bloore (Wallingford, Oxfordshire). Bloore later sold it to Ryan Hodges who sold it to his friend Jeff Luff but the dates of these transations are unknown. In 1986 it was sold to Richard Parkin (Retford, Nottinghamshire). Richard has sold the car at least twice, only to buy it back again. Parkin sold the car to Richard Taylor (Rishton, Lancashire) in August 2014, but it sat with him at his Autotune Ltd business until 2021, when restoration finally began. During the restoration, Taylor's customer Andrew Wareing admired the car and decided to buy it. The car was completed in mid-2023 and after an initial shakedown test, the car was first seen in public at Aintree in August.
  2. McLaren M18 [500-05] (Ray Allen): Built for 1971 season. Run by Team Trojan in the British F5000 series for Ulf Norinder in four races in May and June 1971. Then to Jackie Epstein's Speed International Racing for 1972 and raced by Ray Allen at most races in the British series, but also by David Prophet at Mallory Park in March and by Gijs van Lennep at Oulton Park in October. Not seen in 1973 and ended up being used by Shell as a show car. To dealer Jon Bradburn (Wolverhampton) by 1984 and sold by him to Gerry Walton, who raced for many years in HSCC racing before crashing it at Oulton Park. Repaired but then damaged when a lorry reversed into it! Subsequently sold to Martin Cowell (Hereford) in 1995 or 1996. The car's last outing with Cowell was at Shelsley Walsh in August 2005, and it was sold by him to Dave Roberts (Worcester) in December 2017.
  3. Kitchmac [M10B 400-05] (Gordon Spice): Barry Newman for Howden Ganley: UK 1970 (18 races, five second places) - Gordon Spice: Argentinean GP 1971; UK 1971 (11 races + 1 DNS). Rebuilt as 'Kitchmac' by Tony Kitchiner for 1972 season: driven by Gordon Spice (UK: 7 races + 1 DNS), John Kendall (UK: 2 races; US : 1 race only R3 Watkins Glen), Fred Saunders (UK: 1 DNS only), Alan Rollinson (UK: 1 race only), Roger Williamson (UK: 3 races); UK 1973: driven by Kaye Griffiths ( 1 race only), Richard Knight (5 races + 1 DNS). Not seen again after the end of 1973. It has been reported that this car was wrecked in an accident but it appears to have survived its final race in 1973 intact. Subsequent history unknown.
  4. Surtees TS8 [007] (Steve Thompson): New for Peter Revson at the 1971 Questor GP then for Alan Roillinson in UK series. To Alan Brodie 1972 and raced by Brodie and by Steve Thompson. To Servis Appliances Racing Team 1973 and raced by Ray Allan early in the season. Then possibly the Robin Darlington car in Sep 1973 Reappeared with Colin Andrews (Banbury, Oxfordshire) 1974, then to Steve Cuff (Frome, Somerset) 1975 for hillclimbs. To Alan Richards (Cheltenham) and used in sprints and occasional hill climbs in 1976 and 1977. Used in sprints and occasional hill climbs by Bob Clapham in 1978 and 1979. Then unknown until sold by Brian Redman to Dave Swigler (Panama City, FL) in 1986. Dave believes Brian got it from Richard Attwood about two years earlier. Retained until Swigler sold his collection to Harin De Silva (Palos Verdes Estates, CA) in 2009. Restored by Virtuoso Performance and first raced at Laguna Seca in August 2011. Also raced in New Zealand in the 2011/12 Tasman Revival series and at the Phillip Island Classic in March 2013.
  5. Lotus 70 [06] (Jock Russell): Jock Russell (Ford V8) UK 1970 (debut Mallory Park May 1970), UK 1971, UK 1972 (first rounds only); retained by Russell for many years - Peter Denty (date unknown): restored and raced in UK by Peter's son, James Denty. Raced by James at the Silverstone Classic in 2005 and at Watkins Glen in 2008. Offered for sale by Peter Denty (Thetford, Norfolk) in 2010. Raced again by James Denty at Watkins Glen in 2012 but on behalf of new owner Nick Grewal (Gilford, NH).
  6. Leda LT27 [003] (Trevor Taylor): Built for 1972 season as a Leda LT27 and entered by Leda Cars for Trevor Taylor in the UK series until Graham McRae bought the Leda Cars operation. Rebranded as a McRae GM1 (plated "LT27 GM3") and sold to Jock Russell (Midlothian, Scotland) July 1972. Raced by Russell in the 1972 UK series (also raced by Brett Lunger at two races). Raced again by Russell in the UK series in 1973. From Russell to Noel Butler (Birmingham), then to Roy Lane 2000, and restored in Lane's orange colours. To Peter and Aaron Burson (New Zealand) Oct 2006, and raced regularly by Peter in the F5000 Tasman Revival series from 2007/08 onwards. More information about Leda LT27-003/McRae GM1-003
  7. Lola T300 [HU9] (Alan Rollinson): New to Alan McKechnie for Alan Rollinson to race in the Rothmans British F5000 series in 1972, the only T300 to stay in the UK for 1972. Rollinson appeared with the car in 17 races in total, including the International Trophy, Rothmans 50,000 and John Player Challenge Trophy. He won at Mallory Park in March and at Brands Hatch in September. Sold to Research Consultants for Terry Sanger to drive in the 1973 series. Sanger first appeared at the abandoned Misano race, then crashed in practice at Mallory Park in early July and the Lola was very heavily damaged.
  8. Lola T142 [SL142/36] (Martin Ridehalgh): New to Alan Fraser for Keith Holland to drive in British F5000 in 1969 and 1970, and by Ray Calcutt when Holland left the team. Then via Harry Linney and Bob Miller to John Bowtell (Witney, Oxfordshire) who raced it in late 1971 and early 1972, entered by Andrew Cavell. Raced at Silverstone in April by Martin Ridehalgh, and by Bowtell again later in the year. To Richard Brown (Chieveley, Berkshire) for hillclimbs in 1973, then to Bob de la Haye for 1974 and 1975. Then unknown until acquired by John Peskett (Leicester) in 1978. Unused and stored until the car was featured on TV program 'Salvage Squad' broadcast in March 2002. Again unknown until advertised by Marcel Roks (Belgium) 2005 (blue with white stripe, #39). To Will Tomkins (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire) 2005 - Roger Deans (Baldock, Herts) 2006 and debuted at Shelsley Walsh in September 2006. See full history: Lola T142 SL142/36.
  9. McLaren M18/M22 [500-01] (Teddy Pilette): See full history: McLaren M18 500-01.
  10. McLaren "M10H" [400-06 (B)] (Keith Holland): Keith Holland's replacement car. Used in the 1971 British F5000 series during which time it was modified along the lines of McRae's successful car. Retained for 1972 but crashed at Brands in April, after which the car was even further modified and dubbed "M10H". By July 1972, it had side radiators, a wedge nose and had been lengthened by 3½in. Sold to Clive Baker August 1972 and raced in the British series in 1972 and 1973. Then via Chris Oates to Spencer Elton (Westbury, Wilts) late 1973 and advertised. To Stephen Cuff (also Westbury, Wilts) late 1973 and advertised with a 5.7-litre Chev Jan to Apr 1974. To Bob Leckie (Aberdeen) for libre racing that summer. Advertised by Leckie in July 1974 but not seen again. Spencer Elton recalls that Leckie converted the M10B to a Skoda Super Saloon. Subsequent history unknown.
  11. Lola T142 [SL142/36] (John Bowtell): New to Alan Fraser for Keith Holland to drive in British F5000 in 1969 and 1970, and by Ray Calcutt when Holland left the team. Then via Harry Linney and Bob Miller to John Bowtell (Witney, Oxfordshire) who raced it in late 1971 and early 1972, entered by Andrew Cavell. Raced at Silverstone in April by Martin Ridehalgh, and by Bowtell again later in the year. To Richard Brown (Chieveley, Berkshire) for hillclimbs in 1973, then to Bob de la Haye for 1974 and 1975. Then unknown until acquired by John Peskett (Leicester) in 1978. Unused and stored until the car was featured on TV program 'Salvage Squad' broadcast in March 2002. Again unknown until advertised by Marcel Roks (Belgium) 2005 (blue with white stripe, #39). To Will Tomkins (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire) 2005 - Roger Deans (Baldock, Herts) 2006 and debuted at Shelsley Walsh in September 2006. See full history: Lola T142 SL142/36.
  12. Brabham BT16/21B [F2-19-65] (Dave Berry): Jack Brabham's works SCA-engined BT16, used during the 1965 mid-season and also raced by Chris Irwin when the Honda project was revived. To Robs Lamplough (London) for 1966 and retained for 1967. To John Watson (Craigavad, County Down, Northern Ireland) for Irish racing in 1967 and fitted with a Lotus-Ford twin-cam. Retained for 1968. Sold to Dave Berry (Colwyn Bay, Wales) for 1969 and used in UK libre; then fitted with an Oldsmobile V8 for 1970, 1971 and 1972. Last seen in October 1972.
  13. Surtees TS8 [005] (Hervé Bayard): Built for 1971 season and run by Team Surtees for Mike Hailwood to race in the 1971 British F5000 series. Hailwood won the opening race and also at Mallory Park and Silverstone later in the season to finish second in the championship. Sold to Belgian driver Hervé Bayard for 1972, reportedly together with a works spare car. Bayard raced it in one early season F5000 race at Mallory Park, but his main focus was hillclimbing in Europe. He had the car fitted with a Cosworth DFV engine and competed in the French and European series, winning overall at La Bachellerie, Turckheim-Trois-Epis, Les Andelys and Soissons. He finished second overall in the European championship. Bayard also used the Surtees-DFV at the Rothmans 50,000 on 28 August 1972 but did not qualify. After the 1972 season, the car was rebuilt back to Formula 5000 specification and entered by Ecurie Bonnier (Geneva, Switzerland) for Rolf Tellsten in the F5000 race at Mallory Park on 28 May 1973 but he and the car did not arrive. Ecurie Bonnier had been taken over by Heini Mader since Jo Bonnier's death. In February 1974, Ecurie Bonnier advertised six cars for sale in Autosport, including a Surtees TS8 that was "chassis only". The Surtees was later sold to engine builder Louis Morand (La Tour-de-Trême, Switzerland) and was stored at Mader's workshop at Gland, Switzerland until 1978. It then moved to Morand's workshop and was restored to F5000 specification, with a view to Benoît Morand, Louis' son, driving it. This didn't happen, and the car remained stored until sold to Peter Hoffmann (Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) in 1982. Hoffman also did not race the car, and sold it in 1989 to Rainer Jacobi (Mainz), who restored the car and ran it in historic events in 1990 and 1991.
  14. Chevron B24 [24-72-01] (Brian Redman): Built for 1972 season. Works for Brian Redman: raced in UK 1972 (debut at Oulton Park 29 May 1972 - 5 races 3 wins) and US 1972 (Redman 4 races 1 win, Gethin 1 race) - Keith Holland for John Player Challenge Trophy at Brands Hatch 22 Oct - Alan Brodie for Steve Thompson: raced in Tasman 1973 and UK 1973. Badly damaged in a severe testing accident at Silverstone on 24 May when a tyre burst at Woodcote at 140 mph, and Thompson was lucky to escape with bruising. The car was written off, and Brodie acquired a brand new 1973 B24.
  15. McLaren M18 [500-04] (Ray Calcutt): See full history: McLaren M18 500-04.

Sources

Note that the identification of individual cars in these results is based on the material presented elsewhere in this site and may in some cases contradict the organisers' published results.

1969-1976 UK results have been researched and collated by Chris Townsend based primarily on material in Autosport and Motoring News. Information has been added from the growing collection of entry lists from programs.

All comments, clarifications, corrections and additions are most welcome. Please email Allen (allen@oldracingcars.com) if you can help in any way with our research.