How did you find Brisca F1 Stock Cars?
My uncle raced in the early 70's (Pete Knowles #61) so from the age of three I was introduced to the delights of Nelson, Rochdale, White City etc and without realising it, it was already too late - I had the "bug" which as we all know never leaves you. In the early eighties I got to know Ray Tyldesley and became part of his team up until his retirement in 1991 and more recently I have returned to racing supported by Dan and Dave Johnson and Peter Falding - to whom I am eternally grateful for giving me the chance.
What gave you the incentive to race
Ray lent me his car to race at Hednesford as a 21st Birthday present in 1990.
First Car - Built, Bought or Borrowed
See above
Memory of your first race.
I don't actually remember much about the first race or that meeting at Hednesford at all, I think I was still drunk from the 21st Birthday celebrations. I have much more recollection of the next season when after having decided to retire Tilly lent me the car again (this time with good tyres on it) I can remember Ray watching practice then telling me that I had to start at the front with the whites because I was going quick enough (which wasn't my plan at all!) - of course you didn't argue with him and he was right as I finished the first race 4th - I came off track feeling very pleased with myself as you might imagine only to receive an almighty bollocking from Mr Tyldesley for not passing the 3rd placeman on the last lap!!
Best Racing Memory
Winning a heat at the first meeting in my own car last year was pretty good but hopefully there are better things to come from a personal racing perspective. Without doubt though my best racing memory 'to date' was the 1989 world final win for Team Tyldesley. The 10 years that we travelled the country racing wherever there was a meeting and having the most fun possible every weekend was a very special time with some great people and the highlight was without doubt that 'flag to flag' victory at Coventry to win the gold roof!
Worst Racing Memory
All of my stock car racing 'memories' are positive. For a sport where contact and controlled aggression are so much part of the spectacle, the warmth and camaraderie that exists off track is amazing and what makes F1 stock cars unique. Having had only limited involvement for approximately 15 years to be able to come back into it as I did last year and pick up exactly where I left off with everyone welcoming me with open arms has been fantastic and says everything about the sport and the people in it. Long may it continue.
Reason for Retiring
NA
After Retiring - What Then?
NA
