In, and out

Sir,

It is a shame that you managed to get me “first to Brighton” and also “failed to finish” in the same article (Brighton Run Recall, page 174 January).

For the records, overheating was not the problem that necessitated a push over the finish line in the 1901 Renault racer. In fact, an advance linkage rod came undone whilst we were going up Madeira Drive.

The overheating was caused hanging around at the entrance to Madeira Drive, with the engine running, waiting for the “Finish” to open at 10.30. We had arrived at 10.10, having a start time of 07.46 and passing the Pylons at 09.59.

We didn’t race, the car can go much faster than this.

After the ‘ceremony’, the ignition was quickly repaired and we drove the Renault back to London in time for lunch.

In its wisdom, the RAC has struck us from the records and has asked for its medal back.

Despite all the photographers at Brighton, I do not have any pictures of us at the finish in car number 112. If any reader has a decent photo, I would be grateful for a copy.

Roger Hemingway, Beckenham, Kent.