SCCA regional events in Texas etc. 1960s-70s through the lens of Jerry Melton

[Roger Dowding]

Ken H , Paul B and others the photo - reposted below

The Cars from closest to front of the line-up ;
Austin Healey white LHD [ not a 100S - as they were all right hand drive when built ]
From the other photo of the car a 100/6 or early 3000
Second car yes looks like a 100S RHD and fuel filler in correct place - if AHS3804 Engine # 222736 body # 64 was sold to Ed Bussey -as mentioned by Ken - through Ship to Shore Motors West Palm Beach,
USA dispatch date stated as 19 Nov 1955 - by Geoff Healey in his books.
The third car in the photo looking from the back - a Triumph either TR2 or more Likely TR3,
Then a mystery car
The front car in the line or last car another Austin Healey probably 100/6 or early 3000. 100/6 were 1956-59 first 3000's in 1959





Edited comment : Ken have " borrowed " the photo's for my archives and the "Austin - Healey " thread.
I have from the Geoff Healey books the full manufacturing details of all the 100S including the Experimental [ Record Breakers ] and the 5 works Racers

[Roger Dowding]

Great pics Ken, On the bottom pic, the red #1 car looks like an AC ace? could be a 1955 or so.

I see there are a few classes, CP, X, DP, HP etc
Guess the smaller engines were HP
Maybe under 2L was X
Over 2L CP
Anyone have any clues?

Paul B ,Yes I would go AC Ace - and would be with either AC's own engine or a Bristol engine - both just under 2 litre's

MGB at 1798cc is class DP -
Sprite at 948cc is class X - presume for Tiddlers under 1 litre [ 58 cubic inches - for any American in the group - and Ken who lives there !! ]
I am guessing here - will have to do some research on the SCCA in the 1960's
Cheers Guys
and having posted this have just seen Ken's next entry !!

[khyndart in CA]

A bit of British in Texas. 1963.




That Lotus in the background has a bit of a lean like the suspension is broken on the left front.






A TVR Grantura


Start of the F Production Race with Triumph TR 3s leading the way from a Lotus 7 + more Triumphs..

Jerry Melton photos..

[Bruce302]

Great stuff, Thanks Ken,

[Oldfart]

Paul B ,Yes I would go AC Ace - and would be with either AC's own engine or a Bristol engine - both just under 2 litre's

MGB at 1798cc is class DP -
Sprite at 948cc is class X - presume for Tiddlers under 1 litre [ 58 cubic inches - for any American in the group - and Ken who lives there !! ]
I am guessing here - will have to do some research on the SCCA in the 1960's
Cheers Guys
and having posted this have just seen Ken's next entry !!

Cars with the X also have their class on the side near the numbers. X for novice?

[Paul B]

X for Novice sounds plausible Rhys, I did not think of that. I have had a good look over the net for 60s racing classes but to no avail.
Thanks Roger for your inputs!
Cheers

[John McKechnie]

Paul....are you sanding or are you being distracted again ???

[khyndart in CA]

I hope this page can be read and can be of help to you. From 1966.







Ken H

[khyndart in CA]

"Don't mess with Texas"

Some Lotus 7 photos.

When the lads working on the # 37 Lotus 7 saw the law approaching with big slugs in his gun-belt and hand cuffs in his back pocket they knew it was time to get that car back on the track ASAP !









Just turn the headlights around, remove the tape and drive home from the races.
No problem, just let me use the "outhouse" first.



(Jerry Melton photos.. )

[Paul B]

Paul....are you sanding or are you being distracted again ???

Is this ok John

[Paul B]

I hope this page can be read and can be of help to you. From 1966.







Ken H

A many and varied range of classes Ken, really interesting in Class B the lotus Elan is running the V8s & big 6s I wonder if they set the classes as power to weight ratio?

[Steve Holmes]

A TVR Grantura

Jerry Melton photos..

Brilliant photos Ken. This is another great thread.

Check out the rollcage in the TVR!

[kiwi285]

Is this ok John

He's a pushy bugger isn't he. Sweat and sanding residue don't go well together. Must be getting close now Paul !

[khyndart in CA]

Some of the Formula Junior photos from 1962-63 at Green Valley Raceway.


Dave Morgan's Lotus 22 FJ # 39


Cooper T59 ?


Elva FJ # 5


Lotus 18 FJ


Lotus 20 FJ being worked on.


A blue Elva FJ next to a Gemini Mk2 FJ and an Alfa Romeo in the paddock. (Note that BIG Ford Edsel in the background. )

(Jerry Melton photos.)

[John McKechnie]

Nice red Corvair Monza in front of the Lotus 20. Not far to get things when the bonnet is storage

[khyndart in CA]

John,
This may be a dumb question but did Lotus 20s have drum inboard brakes ?
I thought that would have been something from the 1950s !

Ken H

[khyndart in CA]

I guess I just answered my own "dumb" question;
Wikipedia; Lotus 20 ;Built for the 1961 FJ season ; " Originally fitted with Alfin drum brakes at all four corners, it was soon upgraded to discs in front and inboard drums at the rear."


(Ken H)

[John McKechnie]

Morning Ken, how are we today......I am sure Ray Bell or Terry S can answer this one.
Yep, drum brakes were so 50s

[John McKechnie]

And drums were quite effective, just drill vent holes in them to dissapate the heat

[khyndart in CA]

Some Formula Junior photos. 1963.
A Lotus 20 # 66 at speed.


A Lotus 22 FJ waiting in a damp paddock.



A Stanguellini # 94 being guarded by an Austin Mini.


In what must have been an Open race an Elva FJ # 5 competing with a TR 3

(Jerry Melton photos .. )