I always loved racing American cars with V8 engines, and I think there is something special about a big V8 engine, whether it be a Ford or a Chevrolet, and during my career I am happy to say I tasted success with both marques.
During the latter stages of my career in Britain I became well known for racing a number of Ford-powered V8s. I really enjoyed driving a 1965 Mustang for its owner, Bob Pepper. I won numerous historic races in this particular car, including the Historic Support Race event alongside the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2008. I also drove a Shelby GT350 with some success, although possibly I am best remembered in that car to have been lucky to escape from a huge accident at Silverstone in which the car crossed from one circuit and onto another of the track’s layouts when the throttle stuck wide open while I was flat out in top gear!
I also raced a V8 Holden Commodore around the fantastic Mount Panorama course at Bathurst in Australia. That was great fun, especially as it was a two-driver race and I was teamed with my old Aussie chum, Phil Polites. The production specification Holden was not as wild as the full blown Group A or Aussie V8 Supercar Commodore, but it was still a handful across the Mountain section of the famous track.
As I reflect here, I realize that some of my happiest times in a racing car were spent behind the wheel of a V8 in the Chevrolet Corvette C5R I drove for the Embassy Racing team during the 2004 season. For many years I had been somewhat of a journeyman in the British GT scene. I was often asked by small teams, with limited budgets, to step in at short notice to try and haul their particular car into contention. I enjoyed this, and it enhanced my reputation as a driver who could drive anything, but as in any career I longed for stability.
