Stock Car Racing - Brandon and beyond

I heard today that Jim Potter died on Christmas Day. Anyone confirm that??

Sadly it is true Johnnie. Condolences to his family. R.I.P. Jim.

Hi JohnnieWalker. It looks as though it is true, I`ve just been reading of Jim's passing on stoxnet.com, there are messages of condolence from Fred Cadden, his friend of many years, and Blondie Da Costa who raced with him. Very sad news, I was a big fan

I knew Fred Cadden from Sewall Highway days. Very sorry for the news about Jim.

Photo courtesy of http://www.oldstox.com/

Just read Coventry Telegraph obituary page - Jim Potter passed away on Boxing Day, very sad

I am contemplating writing a book about Stock Car racing at Coventry Stadium from 1954 to date - I figure if I start now I might get it written by the time the stadium (very sadly) closes in a few years time (could be sooner, could be later). I found a fantastic picture of the late Jim Potter's cars on this site and wondered if anyone on the Forum has any other Coventry stock car related items (photos, programmes, press cuttings etc) from the 1950/60s? I first went to Brandon in 1969 and have only missed a couple of Formula One stock car meetings there in the last 45 years but sadly did not have a camera in those far off days. I am not sure if any retired Cov drivers are members of the Forum but I would be glad to hear from any with a story to tell about the old days. Regards

There is a link to BRISCA on page 1 of this topic and a list of people on there who might be able to give you some of the history. My father took me there when it first started (early 50`s) and the cars were, from memory, clapped out saloons with a welded frame inside (probably scaffold poles). They didn`t last long as I recall and we were there on the night that at least one spectator was killed by a wheel which flew off one of the cars. On another occasion, the wire cables round the track, which were tensioned after installation, didn`t arrive at the stadium until after the meeting was due to start and we had to wait while they were installed and tensioned. The only drivers name I can remember was Doug Wardropper who, I believe, ran a garage near Stratford.

My Dad was sorting through some old bags of stuff and found an old Stock Car programme and a keychain of Stuart Smith Snr. (no. 1 / 391). [SATURDAY, 7th MAY 1983, 7:15 pm. (the year Stuart Smith became world champion for the 4th time)] [(Stuart Smith (no. 1/ 391) -see above) (Car - see below)]

Stuart 'Wildcat' Smith, a great driver, very entertaining when he appeared at Brandon. He never lost many in his heyday.

Stock car driver trapped in own car during race at Brandon Stadium

Yes I was there. He was let out of hospital in the early hours of the next day. He was driving one of the classic stock cars, that ended up having the roof cut off. They stopped the race there and then and after about 5 mins decided to end the night's racing. Due to having to get the fire department out from Rugby. On the Startrax web site, they said he was o.k but they have to put the welfare of the driver first, which is totally understandable. A very good night with only the 1600cc Bangers being left out of their final race.

In honour of Jim Potter 146, Coventry 1967

Hello, it's Ken Da Costa = Blondie 269, I raced with Jim Potter =146 and I am new to the forum. I will add some memories with some pictures in my next post.

This is a picture of veteran stock car drivers receiving the 60 years of Stock Car Racing at Brandon in 2015. I (Blondie 269) am in the middle, Jim Potter is two over on my right and Willie Harrison is four over to my left. It was a great event and it was lovely to see Jim and all the other veterans together one last time.