Race - When we were young—er

It’s amazing what you come across when you’re not looking. In amongst the rally stuff were these, photographs taken almost 30 years ago. Over 50 odd years of sports and news reporting I wasn’t just involved in rallying, I got involved in many other sports on 2, 3 and 4 wheels, as well as some without wheels!

For instance way back in the early days of Knockhill I was actually ‘in charge’ of the Press Office at the major events such as BTCC, Superbikes, F3 and GTs as Derek thought it would be better to have a journalist in charge of the Press Office rather than a PR person! Back in the day, facilities were rather less luxurious and well equipped than they are now, but the idea went down well with the visiting reporters, journalists and photographers from afar, especially with those I knew.

However there were some ‘specialists’ whom I didn’t know but since everyone had to apply for media accreditation before hand for the major events – a stipulation by the championship organisers – then the Press Office had a good idea of how many were coming, what facilities they would need and which armbands and vests to have available.

Mind you there were always some who thought they didn’t need to bother and one such chap arrived ahead of one of these major events, marched up to the PO’s desk in an already busy media office and asked to sign on. At which point the PO asked who he was in order to cross his name off the list. Back came the question: “Don’t you know who I am?” The rather embarrassed PO lowered his voice and responded: “Sorry, I don’t, but if you’d like me to ask around I’ll see if anyone can help you out!

Sadly, that didn’t go down too well as the chap stormed out of the office in the huff and the assembled throng burst into fits of laughter. I understand a complaint was subsequently made in the BTCC official marquee to the High Heid Yin where a bruised ego was assuaged and the appropriate press passes sought by a minion dispatched to the Press Office. Fortunately the press service at Knockhill is a much more professional affair these days.

Anyway, part of the PO’s duties included the issue of press releases and these were sent out with photographs to the local press long before the internet became the monster that it is now.

So that’s where these photos came from although mixed in with my rally stuff. Even so, there’s no need to name the racers, is there? They are/were all instantly recognisable Knockhill and UK national figures. Aren’t they?