Though the XJ40 was not strictly class legal (its Hillclimb braking system is a modification too far!), Dad was determined to enter the car into a race, and was entered for:
With scrutineering rapidly completed (and advice to duck-tape the quick-release bracket for the fire extinguisher with an easily torn-off strip of tape), the two morning practice sessions went well, with a dry track, and high UK summer temperatures. So far so good!
Dad's first race of the day (Race 3 of the event) was at 2pm, and it had started to rain. Heavily. He took to the track in a grid made up of various Mk I, Mk II, Series 2 and 3 XJ6's, a 420, a Mk VII, Mk X etc. After a few laps, with increasing confidence, it became evident to us spectators that his car was now gaining from the back... and then the 15 mins race time was over. Dad's second race, Race 7 "Allcomers", was again wet (though us spectators reckoned it was drying slightly, 'cause we were dripping less!) with a large grid. The XJ40 performed admirably (though the American Camaro still left it for dead on the straights, despite it wheel-spinning through every gear!). A fantastic experience.
22 August 2002.