zandvoort06

The organisation for the race weekend at Zandvoort had actually started just after Christmas 2005, when a good friend, Tony Zwaanenburg, in Holland had rung to ask if his best friend could do some demonstration laps in ADU1B at Zandvoort for his 50th Birthday, the coincidence being that ADU1B ran under the number 50 and he thought it would be fitting.

It wasn't until a while later that I realised I did not know the identity of the gentleman who would be driving ADU1B, so a phone call to get the details, confirmed it to be JAN LAMMERS. As Jan is the godson of Rob Slotemaker, one of the original 1960's Le Mans drivers of ADU1B, it was agreed that he should actually compete in ADU1B in one of the Equipe GTS races.

At the back Mark, Middle Row L-R Tony Zwaanenburg,

Jan Lammers & Jeroen Zwaanenburg,

Front L-R Colin Elstrop & Helen Elstrop

On the Saturday morning Jan flew in from the US, arriving at Zandvoort to drive ADU1B for the first time, and practice and qualify for the race on Sunday. When we met up at the paddock I realised just how slight a real racing driver is. As Jan gets ready for qualifying with a grid of 38 cars 'he said he would be at home, and that it was time to get used to the car'.

Once on track I was getting feedback from spectators, whom had come from all around Europe it seemed, saying that Jan was certainly giving it all and getting used to ADU1B.

Saturday - Colin (ADU1B) and Helen (Spitfire) both competed in the first Equipe GTS race on Saturday afternoon, having a really hard race with each other and the larger cars around them, especially Nick Wilkins in his very fast XK150, Helen piped Colin to the post coming in first of the two Spitfires, but Colin did secure a class win for ADU1B.

Dutch TV interview Jan Lammers as part of his 50th Birthday celebrations Sunday - for Jan Lammers the day started with Dutch TV giving interviews at the Slotemaker Skid School, situated at the circuit entrance, where the Spitfires were privilaged to be garaged for the weekend. The garage had been decked out in 'Racing for Holland' orange with a 'Team Triumph' sign over the door, very nostalgic.

Once the race gets under way we were in for a real thrill as Helen straight away takes about five places into Tarzan corner with Jan hot on her heals. A lap or two pass of the 45 minute race and just like with Colin on Saturday Helen starts to pull away from Jan. Nick Wilkins in his XK150 is again in the mix being between them. Jan then takes Nick around Tarzan and starts to reel Helen back in. The commentator is giving it his all as the ex Formula One and Le Mans Jaguar winner chases down the MG and Lotus between himself and Helen. Jan however shows his amazing knowledge of the track as in the little 1147 Jan picks of the cars and gets alongside Helen down the main straight into Tarzan, then passing her. The Spitfires are really racing now, and absolutely put in the best race times we have ever seen for these cars at Zandvoort. As the race draws to a close Jan manages to get an MGB between himself and Helen, which gives him the chance to open up a little through the back corners and pass the flag first of the two Spitfires, and another class win for 1B.

After the race Jan and Helen meet back at the paddocks, and Jan gives his fellow competitor a huge hug and is heard to say 'I have never had to drive so hard to beat a lady before', Helen replies 'on the track I'm no lady!'

Jan reports on 1B engine power to weight ratio and states that it is a superb little car with the need to drive it hard, but it handles very well and for a small engine is well sorted. A very impressive race and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

2006 Race Dates

Snetterton

16/17th April

Donington Park

13/14th May

Zandvoort, Holland

27/28th May

LE MANS CLASSIC JULY 2006

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2004 Race Dates

2005 Race Dates

2007 Race Dates