ALASTAIR NAYLOR TELLS THE STORY OF THE NAYLOR BROTHERS RACING T-TYPES

What is it that inspires us to participate in motor sport? After all there is a danger attached which cannot be ignored. If you come from a family with motor racing traditions, it is likely you may follow suit. If not from a racing background perhaps we are attracted to the sport, despite its dangers, for its charisma and glamour. To achieve the pinnacle in motor sport takes talent, youth, no nerves and an element of luck. However, you can have a huge amount of fun without becoming Fl World Champion, in fact probably a lot more! The classic and historical side of motor sport offers so much fun and enjoyment, and besides, every race has to have a winner. It may be you.

How did I start T Racing? An element of good fortune. Having had a brief taste in a Morris Minor, followed by a Sunbeam Alpine and a Sprite in 1967, things were to change. In 1968 a well-known T Racer stored his TC with the infant Naylor Brothers whilst on sabbatical in the USA. In return I could use the car in hillclimbs and sprints only. The TC was one of the well sorted ones and I won numerous awards in local events. My appetite whetted, I was persuaded by others to bend the agreement and compete in a race at Silverstone.

Unbeknown to the TC's owner, I partook, starting at the back of the grid so that I was not too nervous about any competition behind me. This was achieved by a slow practice time but once the race started so did the adrenaline. My objective was to pass as many in front of me as possible. This I achieved right up to third place. This was September 1970. I was hooked, but the TC's owner returned from the States, collected his car, and I was left with no wheels!

Late 1971/72 , despite the financial cost, I restored and prepared the racing TC that many of you know today as the 'Little Brown Car'. We first competed at Harewood hillclimb followed by Silverstone in 1972. I was so elated at racing my own TC, not only did I wave to the spectators as I passed the pits, I nodded to the crowd! Hence I became known as 'Noddy and the Little Brown Car'. Sometimes referred to slightly differently due to the TC's colour!
Alastair Naylor

Coys International Historic Festival at Silverstone - Abingdon Trophy Race for MG Sports cars - 4th August 1996

The following season saw me progress and establish myself as a regular competitor in M.G. events, with numerous successes in Hillclimbs, Sprints and Circuit Races. The racing becoming my preference for fun, enjoyment and value for money. I became a recognised front runner in T Racing but even with many successes the T Register Racing Championship eluded me. Twice Runner Up, pipped at the post by the odd point.

However, success brought invitations to compete outside the UK first being Phoenix Park in Dublin, where I am not sure whether the alcohol intake was a priority to the racing! You know the Irish and their whisky. Having established recognition in Ireland, places on the Continent like Zolder, Zanderfort and Spa Francorchamps beckoned. Spa is a circuit to treasure; its climatic change, long straights and sweeping curves are every racers dream. Participating in the Historic Race prior to the notorious 24 Hour Touring Car Race with its tremendous crowds is in event I shall always remember. The crowds were worth a second a lap in extra adrenaline. An electric, exciting atmosphere with famous drivers present - To meet the Legendary Fangio in person, what can I say.

Spa 1979 turned out to be the last race of the 'Little Brown Car' in its format of that time. I felt that it needed remedial restoration due to its overall appearance not being Concours standard. She was stripped down and stayed that way for almost a decade. Why wasn't she rebuilt immediately - have a guess? Yes, it was the conception of the Naylor TF 1700. Because of this my racing activities took a back seat for many years, racing infrequently in T-Types. loaned by friends.

The late Brian Wilkinson, previously Development Engineer of Naylor Cars but then with Naylor Brothers Restorations, said to me 'Will you ever find time to put the Little Brown TC back together? If not, let the staff do it, otherwise it may never be seen on the race track again.' He was probably right, without his enthusiasm, and that of Brian Hawkins, the TC might still be dismantled today!

I agreed and the task of rebuilding the M.G., with various modifications, was embarked upon. Coincidentally, the return to the race track was at Spa in Belgium where the car had last competed some ten years previously. It was strange to be back in my own racing TC after such a long time, but such a marvellous, exhilarating feeling. Very rewarding! Apart from a few teething problems, 1990 was concluded with satisfaction getting back in the groove in earnest in 1991.

Alastair Naylor and his "Little Brown TC" on route to the "Circuit Des Remparts"
Angoleme France
Photo taken at Muzanne Straight, LeMans
19th September 1999

Up to this time there had been only one car racing under the Naylor Brothers Banner but Silverstone 1992 was to see another join the fold in the hands of Derrik Farley, a great friend and a business colleague. He had tried every other sport including sponsoring a local rider in the l25cc Motorcycle World Championship and travelling the world as Team Manager. He settled into T-Type racing with ease and it was not long before he was recognised as a hard task master on the track. Sadly, in early 1993, Derrik unexpectedly died, attaining the Best Newcomer Award for the previous year, posthumously. This potentially was the catalyst to the formation of the future Naylor Brothers Racing Team.

In September 1993, loading for the Isle of Man 'Manx Classic' my TC seized up. Without any argument Derrik's widow, Pauline, an ardent enthusiast herself, insisted that I take Derrik's TC. I did, with Pauline along as provisional Team Manager, after all it was her car. At the Promenade Sprint she gave me a good talking to, saying she wanted 'half a second'. She got it and a bonus second place. It was then decided that Derrik's TC should be retained under the Naylor Banner and it was left to me to find another driver. We achieved this by putting someone behind the wheel in the Silverstone Paddock, waited for his expression and said 'what do you think?' Difficult to say no.

That was the day David Bishop, then MD of British Motor Heritage, decided despite being the owner of many TRs, that he could quite enjoy racing a T-Type. He is well-known, of course, for pioneering new bodyshells for M.G.s. It didn't take me long to realize that, due to his racing performance, I now had competition from one of our own cars. Having successfully survived his baptism, Pauline, now confirmed Team Manager, retained him for the following season.

Alastair Naylor leading David Bishop
Aston Martin Owners Club Historic Sports Car Spectacular
Brands Hatch - 4th May 1997

In 1996 the opportunity arose to entice another friend to join the Naylor fold. It was slightly different to before as we had no car, but a willing and enthusiastic Tim Patchett. It was agreed that we would build him a race car but with further improvements from the existing racers. Tim was to take to the track at Brands Hatch in early 1997. His baptism was slightly different to David, it was his own M.G., his money involved and without doubt there was an element of trepidation. In fact he was so nervous prior to practice that his racing career had a totally stressful start. He overindulged in alcohol the night before, misplaced his Competition Licence, and pre-race preparation was a total panic for all concerned. However all turned out well and he enjoyed his first race. This meeting at Brands Hatch was to firmly establish the Naylor Racing Team as it is known today.

Over the past three years we have regularly competed as a trio and my 'protégés' have gained such experience that it's hard work to stay in front. The competition and comradeship between us is second to none. The reliability of our racers cannot be questioned as they start and they finish. The odd breakdown is inevitable; that's motor racing. The Naylor Team now has a formidable reputation, reliable and hard to beat. We may not win at all events but since competing as a team we have attained a tremendous amount of silverware to our credit. Within the past three years we have collectively achieved two outright Championships in the MGCC T Register, one second and two thirds. I believe our actions on the track speak for themselves, 'We are a force to be reckoned with'.

David Bishop and Tim Patchett
Bentley Drivers Club - Silverstone
8th August 1998

As to the future? I intend to capitalize on our successes and add more silverware! I also intend to expand the Naylor Team if possible. I am absolutely delighted with our past successes, the Naylor name being synonymous with M.G.

If your appetite has become whetted and the adrenaline has started to flow, do not forget to ask for a paddock drive. You, too, could become a Naylor T Racer!

How did we become nicknamed the 'Naughty Naylors'? I am unable to comment!

Naylor Brothers Restorations Hollins Hill, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD17 7QN England Tel: 01274 585161 Fax 01274 532772

e-mail: alastair@naylorbrothers.co.uk Web site www.naylorbrothers.co.uk