Don't forget that the Bugatti Owners' Club has invited the SCCofGB back to Prescott again this year for the Autumn Closer on Saturday 6th October and Sunday 7th. We had eight steamers last year,hopefully more this time, and this year we are looking forward to seeing Bob Dyke's replica of Whistling Billy, the White steam sprint car, in steam
We had a brilliant time at the Autumn Classic Prescott Hill Climb at the weekend. There were 10 steam cars on display on Saturday and 9 on Sunday. So many people spoke to Basil and said that the steam cars were the highlight of the show for them. Every time Bob Dyke steamed up Whistling Billy he generated a huge crowd of admiring onlookers and it was a thrill to see him drive the car up the hill.
Basil did his 2 practice and 2 timed runs in the R in its stripped down race trim! He was disappointed with his times but the poor car wasn't happy performing with a cold engine and the track was very slippery due to the torrential rain on Friday and he had constant wheel spin problems. Again, he was in the Pre War class against cars 30 years younger and followed a 1936 V12 Bentley!
Wherever I stood to watch Basil do his runs there was always a wave of excitement and anticipation in the crowd around me, remarking "ooh, it's the steam car next!"
Hi Kelly,
The model K is owned by Basil Craske, he's just finished rebuilding it. I believe it's a 1908 model as it has the rear single dickey seat. George.
Peter thanks I found it, but Bob Dyke 'Whistling Billy' had to slow down for all the dog’s in front of it. I hope there’s one of Bob on a free for all run.