MG Live 2015

Silverstone celebrated 65 years of hosting the MG Live Event

MG Live an event for everyone who likes cars

MG Live took place at Silverstone Race Circuit over the weekend Saturday 20th June 2015 and Sunday 21st June 2015.

The weekend is a family friendly day out with attractions for everyone. We could only make the Sunday as our monthly coffee morning, Natters & Nibbles, took place on the Saturday. The weekend is home for a fabulous mix of MG’s rich heritage and exciting future. It definitely has an international flavour, attracting classic car enthusiasts from around the world. Strolling around the assembly area it was amazing to see so many MGs. On display were MG cars dating back to the earliest pre-war examples to the latest models being produced for the road today. It was an action packed event with a range of attractions from static displays to demonstrations of all sorts of driving skills, stalls, stands, exhibits, auto jumble, food, crafts and live music. We also went along to support and watch the array of motorsport that was on offer. Saturday had seen some torrential rainfall but we were blessed with a glorious warm, dry day on the Sunday. Good weather always helps to create a relaxed, easy, enjoyable day out, and that is exactly what we had.

BMC 60th anniversary celebrations – It was the Austin Healey that provided the BMC team with its first competitive car

 A weekend full of celebrations

The first milestone to recognise and celebrate was Silverstone’s 65th year of hosting this event.

The MG Car Club’s annual two day motoring festival also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the BMC Competitions Department. The BMC/BL Competition Department sprung into life in 1955. It was based alongside the MG factory works in Abingdon. This departments aim was to prepare every British Motoring Company and British Leyland car for motorsport. It was the arrival of the Austin Healey that actually provided the team with a car that had the ability and competitive capability for racing and rallying. In the 1950s and 1960s the competition department was responsible for preparing the cars for legendary drivers such as Pat Moss, Paddy Hopkirk and Timo Makinen. It was one of the largest competition departments in the world until its demise in 1970.

In addition to the above it was also a time to celebrate the 60th Birthday of the MGA, the 50th Birthday of the MGB GT and the 20th Birthday of the MGF. Even by our standards at Bill Rawles Classic Cars that is a lot of cake and a lot of candles.

A full programme of motorsport action was delivered

MG Live featured a full programme of racing action on the world famous Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, with cars drawn from the club’s comprehensive motorsport championships and series. The Healeys were also out in force on the Stowe Circuit competing in the 4th round of The Healey Sport Sprint and Hill Climb Championship. Unfortunately we did not get time to pop across to see the action as we were fully occupied with the Healey Driver International Invitation Challenge Race, The Equipe GTS Race and the MG Car Club Invitation All Comers Race. It was also an opportunity to watch the Midgets and Sprites battling, racing and entertaining the crowds in Round 6 of The Lackford Engineering Sprite & Midget Challenge.

Seven Sprites and Five Big Healeys took part in the Sprint on the Stowe Circuit

The Austin Healey Driver International Invitation Challenge

Being in the paddock was just like old times. It was so good to see so many Healeys supporting The Austin Healey Driver International Invitation Challenge Race. I’m sure, Race organiser Joe Cox would have liked a much bigger grid but it was a splendid effort to see twenty Healeys racing. It had been the intention of Bill and Jack Rawles to make an appearance in Bill’s Big Healey but time got the better of the duo. Bills Race Austin Healey 3000 Mk II was put away with a broken engine over 7 years ago and has not seen the light of day since. Re-building the engine, preparing the car and getting some practice time under the belt was a tall order in the time span they had. It was a lovely idea that Jack and Bill would be able to share a drive for the first time, especially as it was father’s day too. However we will have to wait for The Healey Race at Castle Combe, 03rd October 2015, before this happens.

Practice makes perfect – aiming for a seamless driver change

After catching up with so many old friends, it was time to concentrate on the 1 hour Healey Race. Bill, Jack and Billy Grace were pit crew and support for David Grace and Anders Schildt. Despite the Healey developing a misfire earlier on in the morning, Anders and David managed to qualify second on the grid. With just half a second behind pole position Jeremy Welch, they knew it was going to be a tough, competitive battle. The earlier misfire had been rectified and there were a few practice runs for the driver change. The drivers were confident that the car would perform and they had perfected their routine. The time savings made by performing a seamless driver change could only be a benefit.

The assembly area prior to the race – you can feel the mix of emotions

The cars and drivers grouped in the assembly area. It is always a tense moment, each driver focusing on the race ahead. You can feel the adrenaline, the nerves, excitement, anticipation, hopes, beliefs and dreams and the pending sense of relief when the race is done and dusted. The healeys were about to embark on an hour long battle. Only time can tell how things will pan out. With Billy Grace, Bill and Jack Rawles on the pit wall, in charge of pit board messages, timing and driver change and the cars on the grid, the action was about to unfold. David Grace did not get the best start and initially fell back to 5th, while Jeremy Welch maintained his pole position. David recovered to 2nd position, while the pack of cars behind battled to better their race positions. After 20 minutes, David came in for the driver change, which was quick and efficient. Anders left the pit lane, taking the lead, as Jeremy still had to come in. There was a lot of screaming and cheering coming from the Luffield grandstand as the Healeys kept entertaining. So close to the end of the race the yellow flags appeared. Mixed with the crowds and commentators confusion the race configuration naturally changed. The appearance of the safety car quickly neutralised the pace. From a spectators point of view it was uncertain why the yellow flags were out. Sadly, it was Chris Clarkson in his Austin Healey 3000 MK I that had sustained a large inpact and a retirement from the race.

Realisation of the result – the difference between 1st and 2nd place was just  0.351 seconds

The safety car pulled in with only enough time left for a few laps. The cars had now grouped with Anders still leading but Welch, Chatham and Smithies were all on his tail. It was all down to the last lap. It certainly was a thrilling final lap with action in abundance. Welch took the lead from Anders at Stowe and we all thought that was it and we were ready to embrace the disappointment of not winning but the elation of finishing second and with no damage or major incidents. Spectating from Luffield, we held our breath as Schildt and Welch were side by side, both cars were on the edge, flat out, driving to their limits, determined and competitive.  Each driver had the chequered flag in their sight and could feel the glory of winning. Jeremy Welch and Anders Schildt put on a fight to the end and did not disappoint the crowds but it was Anders who crossed the line first, just a split second ahead of Welch. The Chatham brothers also drove an amazing race and took the third place on the podium.

Anders Schildt & David Grace received the Donald Healey Memorial Trophy – Presented by Peter Healey – Donald Healeys grandson

We could all momentarily breathe and relax. With just enough time to pop along to the presentation ceremony before Jack Rawles was out in an MGB, in the last race of the weekend, The MGCC Invitation All Comers 50 Minute Pit Stop Race. Jack was sharing the race with MGB owner, Ivan Hayward

As always Joe Cox did a sterling job of organising the Austin Healey race and making it all happen. His enthusiasm and dedication over the years has been unconditional and relentless. Without fail he effortlessly pulled off his stand-up-routine and awarded the trophies accordingly, aided by Peter Healey (Grandson of Donald Healey). Also, thank you to the MG Car Club for providing free refreshments which were in high demand after all the stress and excitement of the race.

To round up a good weekend of motorsport, good results and a brilliantly organised MG Live event, there was only one thing left to do…….

A little celebratory drink at David Graces local puby was a perfect end to a most enjoyable weekend