A pair of events scheduled for later this year in England will celebrate the half century since Graham Hill became the first British driver to win the Formula One World Championship driving a British car.
Planning is under way in BRM’s hometown of Bourne for a gala 50th Anniversary celebration on October 7 of Hill’s 1962 F1 crown, won with the BRM P57, which remains a proud moment in the city’s history. Organizers will bring a definite ’60s flavor back to the Lincolnshire market town during this year’s festivities, with road cars from the era on display and in action, music from the period heard all around town and everyone encouraged to dress in retro-style for the day.
Because Bourne was a small town in those days, BRM’s racing efforts were a source of local pride that reached its pinnacle with Hill’s championship success. Among the cars expected to be on display are models of every BRM Grand Prix car, as well as a representative grid from 1962 with examples of the Lotus, Cooper and Lola cars vanquished by Hill and BRM. For further information, please visit www.brmday.co.uk
Before that, however, on the weekend of June 2–3, Midland Automobile Club (MAC) will organize a gathering of BRM cars at Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb to celebrate the same anniversary. Shelsley Walsh is the oldest operational motorsport venue in continuous use in the world, having been run by MAC since 1905. Over the years, many BRMs have competed there, and the famous V16 made a demonstration run up the hill in 1953, driven by Ken Wharton.
It is anticipated that a significant number of BRMs will be present, including a pair of the iconic front-engined P25s, one of them the famous “258” in which Jo Bonnier scored BRM’s first World Championship Grand Prix win at Zandvoort in 1959. This car is owned and successfully campaigned by Gary Pearson, a well-known car preparation expert based near Silverstone. Several prominent personalities with BRM histories will also be in attendance, including designer Tony Southgate, team manager Tim Parnell and David Owen MBE, son of team patron Sir Alfred Owen. To buy tickets or find further information, visit www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk
