One of them looks a bit skeptical, the other with a mustache and the emblem of the British Racing Driver Club on his chest looks into the distance. They have probably just put on the record with “God save the Queen” in the start-and-finish house. The oversized ribbons proclaim „To the winner, class 4″. And this class 4 consists of a total of five vehicles in the sports car category up to 1100 ccm in the 1000-KM race on June 7, 1959. Three Lotus-Climax Eleven, a Lola-Climax Mk. 1 and a Sauter-DKW 1100, which is considered a blatant outsider and whose driver will die in a fatal accident that day. This is probably also the reason for the subdued atmosphere at the award ceremony.
John Campbell-Jones, on the left, and John Horridge are not going into the race as favourites. The first contenders are Peter Ashdown and Eric Broadley in their Lola Mk.1. Even in practice, this car is a good 40 seconds faster than our winners, who are driving one of the three Lotus Elevens. Peter Ashdown the fastest driver in the race, his 10’38 lap is unmatched by any of his competitors. He hands over the Lola while clearly in the lead to Lola boss Eric Broadley, who subsequently overestimates his abilities somewhat and fires the car into the Eifel woods. Nimble helpers are quickly on the spot, as so often in those days. They heave the distressed vessel back onto the runway. Unfortunately, the front hood has been lost, as can be seen in the second photo. Of course, the action was squealed to the race director and the car was immediately disqualified for using outside assictence.
about John Campbell-Jones
