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Wiessmann
Germany
87 Posts |
 Posted - 27/02/2010 : 08:05:49
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Today, 27th February 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of the French racing driver
Philippe Maillard-Brune of J4, K3 and R-type fame.
M.-B. was the director and chief driver of 'Ecurie Jacques Menier' at Montlhery.
At 24 in his first racing season, he became well known in the racing world for winning the Bol d'Or, a 24 hour race that was held at St. Germain en Laye on 20th/21st May 1934. He drove the whole distance of 1814km (1127m) solo, the co-driver's seat being replaced by a big extra fuel tank, on a 4.18km (2.6m) road circuit with three tricky corners. In fact he dead-heated with a Ruby engined Chevalier single seater, but according to the rules the car with smaller engine capacity won.
This was not only the most notable success of a J4, it was one of the great MG victories and a highlight of M.-B.'s splendid racing career. His close relationship with Abingdon continued with many races and victories in the K3 and the R-type until the 'Ecurie Jacques Menier' shut down at the end of 1936.
The fumes of petrol and benzole did not shorten his life. Philippe Maillard-Brune died on 27th August 2007 at the age of 97.
K.-J.W. |
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Chris Bucknell
Australia
107 Posts |
Posted - 28/02/2010 : 05:52:00
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Hi Karl,
Thanks for providing this fascinating story for us all to consider.
I hope you got to speak to him before he passed away.
Perhaps for the record you will let us all know which J4, K3 and R he raced. Can you tell us a little bit more about team "Ecurie Jacques Menier"?
Thanks,
Chris |
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