|
Programme cover
Derek Johnson
|
|
27th August 1973 - White City - British Championship
London Diary by Man on the Terrace from Spedeweek no 32
For a long time I have thought that the White City track
is the best in London for the Midget cars and Bank Holiday
Monday did nothing to alter this view. The racing for this
formula, with the British Championship as the main item, was
really superb. The Spedeworth drivers were joined by members
of the Midget Auto Racing Club and after a white grade qualifying
race won by Dave Conway, 26 cars finished up for a rolling
start in the Championship event.
| British Championship
Grid: |
 |
|
145
|
31
|
45
|
55
|
17
|
1
| 4
| 47
| 34
| 11
| 36
| 141
| 51
|
| 98
| 16
| 29
| 73
| 69
|
26
| 112
| 41
| 7
| 9
| 18
| 126
| 24
|
|
|
|
Rod Tanswell's run of triumphs in the big
events had to end sometime, and a burnt out wire put him out
of this very early on after he had moved into third place.
Another previous winner Mick Bonner joined him on the grass.
At least three cars tried the White City fence and came off
worst, while the lead was held by Don Bray, Derek Johnson
in his smart Auto Magazine colours took over. With five laps
to go Frank Boyles passed Johnson, only to drop right out
a lap later, leaving Bill Boarer to chase Derek home.
During the last few laps Derek's feet got so hot that the
soles of his shoes had nearly melted, but he was happy enough
to receive his cups in his socks while the shoes cooled off.
1st Derek Johnson (grid 5), 2nd Bill Boarer (grid 10), 3rd
Bob Elson (grid 8), 4th Frank Boyles (grid 17), 5th Keith
Fransella (grid 16), 6th Brian Spicer (MARC - grid 6), 7th
John Holtham (grid 20), 8th Dave Conway (grid 25).
Dave Conway followed up his excellent drive by winning the
next race for Midgets while the last race for this class was
won by Richard Parsons of the MARC. This was perhaps some
consolation for the MARC who had not had a very good meeting
at all. Since their first superb match at Aldershot last year
they have not done as well as many expected.
|
