THE BOURNE SUPREMACY
Perhaps there’s something in the water, for the market town of Bourne in Lincolnshire has produced motorsport champions for almost 90 years. Raymond Mays’s English Racing Automobiles debuted in the 1930s, ERAs built at his family home conquering circuits as far afield as Australia and South Africa. After the Second World War, Mays formed British Racing Motors, winner of 17 Formula 1 grands prix from 1959-72 and the 1962 world championship with Graham Hill. Former BRM designer Mike Pilbeam’s eponymous creations subsequently dominated speed hillclimbing (a Mays speciality), customers winning 17 British titles.
At 21, Benn Tilley continues Bourne’s proud tradition, following in father Stuart’s wheeltracks. They are experts at winning championships on glider-fuel budgets. With support from loyal friends Simon and Mandie Hadfield, the duo added another to their impressive CV last season; Tilley’s Classic Formula 3 title also led to him being crowned Autosport Club Driver of the Year.
“LANDO’S MOTORHOME ARRIVED. THEN WE PITCHED UP AFTER SCHOOL WITH A FORD TRANSIT AND TRAILER”
Racing, as a hobby, is a fickle and difficult pastime as the costs of entering events continue to spiral. Instructing preparers, settling big bills and turning up to test is a luxury
