Throwback Thursday – Ian Walker’s last race in a single seater at Silverstone in 1960 with no eye protection after misplacing his goggles.

After Lotus released their first rear-engined single seater capable of potentially competing at all levels, Ian couldn’t resist the challenge of modifying the car for the Formula Junior series. Through his numerous connections, Ian managed to get Spike Winter of Willment Speed Shop to build an engine that on paper looked to be a competition killer. In reality, the under revving, over torqued engine proved unworthy on the track even in the hands of Graham Hill, who claimed it ‘wouldn’t work’ after a test drive.

With Ian already at a disadvantage being a privateer, his loyalty to Willment left him with a car that would be a hindrance to his efforts. The first two races of the season resulted in DNFs, followed by mixed results, the best being 4^th at Brands Hatch.

Ian’s last outing in the Lotus 18 was at a rain soaked Silverstone for the British Empire Trophy meeting where the race was run in appalling conditions. Setting off without a visor, Ian soon faced the consequences of no face protection in such bad weather. Mid race, Ian pitted to try and find a visor or dry goggles but after losing half a lap and unable to find any suitable eyewear, he returned to the race with no eye protection. Despite the battering that his face took from the wind and rain Ian’s determination shone through and he managed to finish in 7^th position.

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