Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

[jackiewilson]

Who didn't have "the hots" for her, that woman was gorgeous .....

Attachment 478878

Well, you know what Gary was like, one time, i even thought he had the hots for “Willabee” !!!

[Lake X Kid]

Fred's number 5, looks life a Shakespeare hull.

[Lake X Kid]

Who didn't have "the hots" for her, that woman was gorgeous .....

Attachment 478878

Pretty women in the pits at a boat race. And Gillian/Jillian Percival was one of the prettiest. And Cees’ sister-in-law Honey is also in that category. And James Beard’s girlfriend too (but those are other stories for later).

We are at a race in Auronzo Italy,circa 1971 I do believe. I think it was for the European championship. So the local community had some festive activity in conjunction with the boat race,which if I remember included music and dancing.

So at this evening event before next day’s race, I and Honey, Bob, Tom,Jillian and others attended. Unbeknownst to the English speaking contingent,they were going to select a beauty queen that evening. Jillian and I am not sure how it transpired, but apparently became a contestant. A younger Italian girl was selected by the judge(s).

So I am just standing there not thinking much about the situation. And Jillian (maybe with a little disappointment about not winning) looked straight into my eyes, and asked “do you think I am pretty?” I am a teenager, and this beautiful blond woman asks me this. I am flabbergasted, and I retreat into a silent shyness. In my mind there is no doubt Jillian is pretty.

I must have looked like a deer caught in the headlights. And thankfully Tom Percival must of saw my dilemma, and Tom said to Jillian, “of course you are pretty.” Thanks Tom and I will pay you back later between heat races, when I repair your malfunction kill-switch.

[jackiewilson]

Fred's number 5, looks life a Shakespeare hull.

Dave Burgess was Shakeys carpenter/joiner/boatbuilder. After he died on Windermere. Freddie had Burgess build the Miles Boats, including one for me and Bill Brown (Venus) to house the Cosworth BDG.. Dave finally went on his own to build Burgess boats. Thats how come the Shakespeare and the Miles look alike———thats because they were !

[peterse90]

Same pretty lady...just another angle;

[jackiewilson]

Same pretty lady...just another angle;

I always liked her in a life jacket and carrying the helmet. (Just kidding, There was nothing a/c d/c about either Tom Or Bob.). Both full bloodied , absolutely normal MEN !!!!!

[jackiewilson]

There was a lot of “ENTERTAINING” went on at the annual Earl’s Court boat show, most evenings were spent trying to chase up possible leads. If the prospective purchaser happened to be of the opposite gender then that was an added bonus.. after an evening of merriment with the consumption of much. Fodder and Liqueur, Tom would always give the conquered heroine a postcard sized photo of himself signed “fondest memories Tom.”. But that was back in the day, when men were men, and the word P.C. ( politically correct) had not even been invented,.

[FUJIMO]

...what make/brand of race jacket is that, gentex or?...

[Lake X Kid]

There was nothing a/c d/c about either Tom Or Bob.). Both full bloodied , absolutely normal MEN !!!!!

I always thought if yesteryear actors portrayed Tom Percival & Bob Spalding, then it would be David Niven & Gary Grant.

Tom seemed to me to have the mannerisms of David Niven.
And Bob had a charm about him, that women liked, just as they like Gary Grant.

When I first met Tom, I wondered but my dad later assured me he is "absolutely normal."


David Niven.


Cary Grant.

[Lake X Kid]

There was a lot of “ENTERTAINING” went on at the annual Earl’s Court boat show, most evenings were spent trying to chase up possible leads. If the prospective purchaser happened to be of the opposite gender then that was an added bonus.. after an evening of merriment with the consumption of much. Fodder and Liqueur, Tom would always give the conquered heroine a postcard sized photo of himself signed “fondest memories Tom.”. But that was back in the day, when men were men, and the word P.C. ( politically correct) had not even been invented,.

Uppsala Sweden the summer of 1971, is where things changed for Tom. I believe it was at that race, where word apparently got back to England, about a certain brunette. I vaguely remember what she looked like.

Hearsay — I do not remember who told me, but that episode is why Gillian from then on was at every race that Tom attended.

And every race that I attended until 1973, when Tom was there Gillian was next to him.
Years later I saw both of them at Havasu. Even very pretty woman, like Gillian, don't want their husband to go astray.

[techteam]

...what make/brand of race jacket is that, gentex or?...

It's an old Oberg Fuji

[jackiewilson]

Tom and Bob were two loose canons on the worlds race circuit. After Chas went with them when the Hodges / Percival race was formed , he did his best to keep a touch of decorum , failed miserably !
Most of the tales that evolve around the pair are absolutely hilarious , not an ounce of malice in the pair of them . Both were family men and close friends . I have a book ful of stories, but, they have to remain untold.

[powerabout]

Speaking of the book....hows it going?

[jackiewilson]

100,000 words and 150 pictures up to now. Half way Mark i would suggest. Next job is to get it edited . Fortunate enough to have a couple of kids. bright enough to help me prepare it for publishing. Then all i have to do is find a publisher , daft enough to print it !

[GENE LANHAM]

100,000 words and 150 pictures up to now. Half way mark i would suggest. Next job is to get it edited . Fortunate enough to have a couple of kids. Bright enough to help me prepare it for publishing. Then all i have to do is find a publisher , daft enough to print it !

hardest thing you will ever do--Jackie--