Panic descended across the UK last week due to the threat (imperative word) of striking tanker drivers leaving motorists stricken; bereft of fuel. In reaction to this possibility, the entire motoring populace filled their own tanks, ironically enough leaving many others at the risk of being stricken; bereft of fuel. It seemed somehow unjust that this occurrence coincided with a trip away in my rattly old Lotus. I was choked to find the only super unleaded in the area priced at 161.9p/litre. However, the tank was brimmed, tyre pressures moderated from the previous week’s track activities, harnesses strapped and we hit the road destined for North Wales. 20-something miles of road works on the M62 ensured there was no danger of any fun on the country’s motorway networks and fuel economy hit a VHPD record high.
Over in Wales, the reason for taking the Exige was to try out some of the country’s fine driving roads. The ‘evo Triangle’ is triangulation of three roads forming a neat loop across glorious open countryside between Betws-y-Coed and Rhuthin. This section of highway has adopted the moniker due to evo magazine’s regular occupation for road testing. Accompanied by clear blue skies and warm sunshine, the first day of April promised much. The Triangle itself is spectacular – with the ever present danger of errant sheep and pontificating farm vehicles keeping one on high alert at all times. There are some fairly quick sections, with good visibility for the most part, and the surrounding countryside ranges from rolling valleys to woodland and desolate moorland. It’s almost like the North Yorkshire Dales compressed into a half hour blast. It seemed only to last a few minutes. Given sufficient time, it would be easy to justify three or four passes to get a proper feel for the road.
From there we decided to head up to Rhuthin for something of a minor pilgrimage. Tom Pryce was one of the UK’s most promising racing drivers of the 1970s, with a flamboyant style which earned respect from his peers and the general public. He had found a home at Shadow, first alongside Jean-Pierre Jarier, then for 1977 leading the team himself. He was killed in the most appalling circumstances at Kyalami during the 1977 South African Grand Prix. He had yet to win a World Championship Grand Prix but that famous sideways style and trademark deerstalker hat were already lost to the Formula One fraternity.
It gladdens me to know that Tom’s home town of Rhuthin has seen fit to pay tribute to him by erecting a permanent memorial to their fastest son. Right in the centre of the town is a brass plaque depicting him behind the wheel of a brace of Shadows – distinctive black stripes on his helmet obviously visible. I imagine many younger residents didn’t know the name ‘Tom Pryce’ until the unveiling of the memorial but I hope some have chosen to research his legend. His was a natural, world-class talent, aided by an apparently gentle personality – definitely a Welshman to be proud of.