Formula One at Aintree

Now that we are into the 2019 season with Hamilton up at the front once more, it set me to thinking of a race meeting Joan and I attended long ago. . When we were engaged , with our wedding set for October 1962.

We were invited to go to the British Grand Prix race at Aintree. Yes! There was a race track there for the big race run on F1 rules, and at the same place as for the famous Grand National.

We were guests of Pakamac of Manchester -- famous for introducing that iconic plastic Mac , or should I say "infamous " as it was really a hideous thing , which dripped the rainwater onto ones trousers -- or as a lady , onto skirts or tights . Enough, to the day .

So. Aintree . The only security was the cardboard ticket I wore in my buttonhole as seen with this article. My Jo and I wandered around the pits, in the paddock .Chatting to the likes of Stirling Moss, Jim Clark ,John Surtees.Jim Clark in a Lotus was the winner.

The Duke Of Kent was a very keen follower and he too was just wandering around like ourselves. The distinctive smell of the fuel is still remembered. This was the very last Grand Prix at Aintree .

A great memorable day out with such old boy attitudes all round, scarves tied round the drivers necks and rudimentary helmets.
How things have changed .

Ralph Warburton

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