Siam Siassi Finished 5th overall (4th Jaguar XK) at Silverstone ’50s Sports Cars and was Awarded “Driver of the Day”

After the interminable winter of 2013, it was scarcely believable that spring would arrive at Silverstone for our opening 2013 meeting – but that is exactly what happened. The day ended with many very happy and sun-burned faces. The sun helped, but the meeting was outstanding for its quality entries and close racing. Indeed entries such as these averaging over 25 cars for each ACR race was a throwback to meetings of many years ago – long may this trend continue.

The large field, made up of half XKs and the rest an assortment of Astons, Morgan, Healeys, Lotus and Alfas, was a truly splendid sight. Andy Moore took the lead but was soon relegated to third by Nigel Webb and then John Burton, with new man Rob Francis in close touch in fourth. As the race progressed, there were a number of battles both between XKs and with other marques; Steve Skipworth with a Healey, the Watson, Bouthillier, Kennelly cars locked together, Ian Mills mobbed by a Morgan and another Healey, whilst Paul Chase-Gardener in the only class A car (road going, 3.4 engine, drum brakes) made steady progress ahead of some rather more modified cars and Neil Watson resumed last year’s tussle with a 1937 Aston two seater. Siamak Siassi also made real progress as he learnt his new car, starting eleventh, moving up to finish fifth overall and taking the “Driver Of The Day” award. Towards the end, Moore was closing again on Webb but just ran out of laps, whilst Francis spun at Aintree a couple of laps from the finish whilst trying to pressure Siassi and dropped five places.