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Did you know that Derby HO Racing Club founder Nick Sismey competed in the Birkett Relay at Silverstone in 1984? That's him third from the left in the photo, looking very young and dashing indeed.

That year, the Six Hour Relay saw 27 teams and 157 drivers taking part. Most of the teams were from one-marque clubs, Nick driving with five other Alfa Romeo enthusiasts. A big crash and an even bigger oil clear-up meant the race was shortened to just over 5 hours. The Bentley Drivers' Club took the handicap honours, with Wood Treatment Team Chevron winning the scratch race and the Alfa Romeo Owners' Club coming fifth.

In the eighties, Donington and Oulton Park both hosted four hour relay races along with the Birkett six hours at Silverstone. Points were awarded towards the Sir Williams Lyons Inter-Club Relay Challenge Trophy.

Motorsport magazine said of the 1984 Birkett race...

Everybody should experience these relay races, they are more than simply races, they are a celebration of the great tradition of British club racing. No matter how cynical one becomes when experiencing the antics prevalent in “higher” forms of racing, a few hours spent at these events restores your faith in the idea that motor racing can still be a sport — seriously fought competition leavened with humour, courtesy, camaraderie and fair play.

There is a section of the 750 Motor Club website that looks in-depth at the Birkett Relay and its history. You can find it here: https://www.750mc.co.uk/home.htm

And here's a slightly older, but no less dashing Nick at the Barn in July 2014...