1 reply to this topic

[mab01uk]

Fast Past - Some aspects of fast driving never change... by Paddy Hopkirk

 

"This article in link below was first published as a chapter in the book Cars Illustrated – 1965 Tuning Annual.

The author is the famed rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, best known for his giant-killing performances in the Mini Cooper S, including wining the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.

The material has historical interest (eg the idea of sleeping in a fast-moving rally car!) but also has plenty of points that remain relevant today for any driver of fast cars (like ‘crossing’ the beams of auxiliary lights to better see around corners)."

http://www.autospeed...?popularArticle

Edited by mab01uk, 04 October 2019 - 12:29 PM.

[Cooperman]

What a great article. Thanks for finding it and posting the link.

 

His comments about reliability being more important than raw power and torque are still relevant today as are things like running the battery, petrol and brake lines inside the car. And what a difference the alternator made when it first came into wide use in rallying in about mid-1965.

 

Lights have always been a more personal thing with different drivers preferring different set-ups. We mostly started with 2 fog-lights and one long-range centre spot. When alternators gave us more power two longer range spot/driving lights were better with the fog-lights being used on very twisty and slower roads as well. 

 

Paddy is one of the greatest ambassadors for rallying and is still full of fun at motor-sport reunions.