Olton Park
Author: ArchitectPage
BRITAIN'S only "real" road racing circuit, Oulton Park, was the scene of the last appearance of Formula 1 cars for the 1959 season in Europe and served as a technical tryout for the Rob Walker and Cooper works cars prior to their debut in the United States at Sebring. By terming this meeting International and by offering substantial prize money, the promoters hoped to attract a large and star-studded entry. Actually, the one and only claim to international status was in the 250-F Maserati entered but this never materialized. It was hoped, too, to see the new rear-engined BRM in action (it will be remembered that this appeared in practice at Monza), but the BRM entry was withdrawn with the usual lack of explanation.
It was obviously going to be a ding dong between Moss and Brabham, who, in almost identical cars and on a circuit with which both are very familiar, were going to have a free-for-all with some good drivers behind. them to see that the pace was kept up. Among these was 21-year-old Londoner, Chris Bristow, who has appeared upon the racing scene with remarkable suddenness. He won the Formula II section of the British GP in July and drove as a Porsche team driver in the Goodwood Tourist Trophy.
As the starter's flag went up, Brabham was seen to creep forward. This was afterwards attributed to a newly adjusted clutch but at the time it was construed as a false start. By the time the flag fell, Brabham's revs were peaking and the Cooper shot away from the pack and headed for Old Hall like the proverbial bat. For once, fairly or not, Moss was outdone at his own stock-in-trade of first at the first bend.
Speculation as to possible disqualification was rife and rumors that Brabham had been penalized one minute circulated freely. This in fact did happen but was later rescinded by the stewards. With the advantage of being first on the road, Brabham pressed on and for a lap or two Stirling had to be content with 2nd berth. Soon after the start, the crowd at Old Hall Corner had a close-up of motor racing when a spinning Cooper ran up the embankment at them, demolishing the Castrol sign and giving all a wonderful view of Cooper suspension before it ran back again, the driver climbing out unhurt, but exercising his Anglo-Saxon.
On lap 6, Moss passed Jack Brabham and away he went, never to be re-passed. Indeed, it was not long before he had lapped the 3rd man, Bristow, in the British Racing Partnership's Cooper. Roy Salvadori, in a Maserati-engined Cooper from the Tommy Atkins stable, went along well in a safe 4th place. The sole works Lotus, piloted by Graham Hill, did not seem at all happy and never looked menacing for one-moment. On lap 33, Moss raised the lap, record to 98.64 mph, substantially bettering his own performance of 87.81 acquired in a Maserati in 1955. Neither Moss nor Brabham made a pit stop, although it was noted that Moss continued to favor the rear wire wheels with knock-on hub caps that he was sporting at Monza, whereas Brabham's Cooper still had the 4-stud wheels fore and aft. One cannot but wonder whether Cooper will not have second thoughts about this before Sebring as so much may depend on a quick wheel-change if this becomes necessary. Ask Porsche!
After 150 miles of superb racing on a wonderful circuit, Moss took the checkered bunting at an average speed of 96.29 mph, to win the Gold Cup and a check for £2000 ($5600). Brabham was 2nd and young Chris Bristow came in 3rd.
It is of sad interest to note that there were 18 entries, 13 starters and 9 finishers. Your correspondent waited long and patiently for aquatic activities at the lake at Knicker Brook (a favorite immersion spot), but to no avail.
FINAL PLACINGS: 1 Stirling Moss 2 Jack Brabham 3 Chris Bristow
.......................................Cooper-Climax Cooper-Climax Cooper-Climax
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Bristow
