How did you find Brisca F1 Stock Cars?
My brother used to mechanic for number 130 Bill Heywood from Burnley who got me helping at meetings.
What gave you the incentive to race
Really I think anyone who has driven will answer this rather easy. The bug got to me and as old as I am it is still there. As I live very close to the Wainmans I was always up there helping and learning. It was also a relatively cheapish sport.
First Car - Built, Bought or Borrowed
My first car was Frankie Wainmans very first car with the reliable Jag engine.
Memory of your first race.
By hell your going back a bit for me to remember my first race! I can remember it well. When I was in the car at home nothing bothered me, but when I got in my first race, to be honest I didn't know what to expect. Does [Shi**ing bricks] mean anything to you well that was it if not worse. I started at the back with my large cross to show I was a novice and when you saw the drivers like Stu Smith Mike Close Gordon Smith and the rest of them. I just wondered what the hell have I let myself in for.
Best Racing Memory
My best racing memory to be honest was in the F2 stockcars and I was keeping up with some of the top lads and proved to myself that the car was good but the driver not so good. In the F1s it must be when Stu Smith tried to push me out of the way but missed me completely. I saw him coming up like a steam train and I panicked and did a full circle at the corner and Stu went through my driven circle without hitting me. I had sweat running down my face.
Worst Racing Memory
My only worst memory was yet again in the F2s at Rochdale, where I used a 5 point harness was fenced, went straight into the fence, my engine was still revving its arse off and I ended up with the odd few stitches in my privates. I didn't race many F1 meetings so I really don't have any bad memories.
Reason for Retiring
A couple of reasons, mainly everyone was starting to go onto the large V8s and I couldn't really afford to alter from the trusty Jag that never was powerful enough to compete. Also I had a career in the Royal Navy which took me away from a lot of racing.
After Retiring - What Then?
Well I retired from the F1s, but on my last year of racing my Brother built an F2 and I found that I could compete a lot better in the little ones. So I raced until 1982 then in 83 I got married to a lovely lady Sylvia. Now my son has started racing F2s and I am hands on with this car. 6 years ago I was diagnosed with a serious condition and had to have an urgent operation. I am now retired with ill health, but I am always there to help my son with his career in racing. His name is the same as mine Mike and the number 714. I think I will be like Frankie Wainman and be always on the scene until the end.
