2012 looks likely to be the year when I tick another of those ‘must do before I die’ boxes, having been granted an entry for the 2012 Le Mans Classic in my Series 1 Lotus Elan.

We have had the car for some 6 years, but unfortunately the restoration kept getting put on the backburner whilst we concentrated on others.  Eventually, in late 2009, we made a concerted effort to complete it ready for 2010.  We had an eventful first season with her, David and I sharing the driving, which ended at the Spa Six Hours Race when we were disqualified for retrieving the car and fixing it (clearly a heinous crime) at one third distance.

Anyway, 2011 was to be a much better year, starting at Barcelona where we won our class. We then went on to Porto where a broken wishbone ended the race 1 lap prematurely, but only after securing fastest lap in our class.  Later in the year I did a couple of races sharing with good friend Greg Caton, firstly at a very wet Croft and then at Spa in the 2 hour Gentleman Drivers Race.  At Spa we took second in class and fastest lap, so rounding off a pretty good year.

Now looking forward – I entered the Elan in the Le Mans Classic back in October and hardly dared dream of an entry, there are so many Elans competing at present, why would the organisers choose me over any others?  Well, for some 12 years now I have been an active member of the British Women Racing Drivers’ Club (BWRDC) and have found their support and encouragement overwhelming.  When I told Club PR Officer Georgie Shaw of my intention to enter my Elan into the Le Mans Classic she suggested the Club endorse my entry.

Now as luck would have it 2012 is the 50^th Anniversary of the Lotus Elan, it is also the 50^th Anniversary of the BWRDC.  Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a member competing at Le Mans, and even better if we could get some of the Club’s members to help run the car at the event also.  With this in mind the entry was submitted and now I have a confirmed entry all I need is a second driver and team of mechanics. Actually, I don’t think either will be a problem: the BWRDC has a wealth of experience both on and off the track.

So now the next chapter begins. Who will share the driving? Who will look after the car? Who will look after the team? What spares should we take? What additional lighting should we fit for the night stint? Is my race kit in date? My word, so much to do…

Lorraine Gathercole

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