Lives in a Landscape - Racing Drivers

Gerry Marshall was one of the most famous racing drivers of his generation; a larger-than-life character with big appetites, who eventually died of heart failure behind the wheel at Silverstone in 2005. His son, Gregor, always wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, but Gerry discouraged him, saying "what's the point, you'll never be as good as me".

But Gregor hasn't given up on his dream of racing. He has bought a vintage car, similar to the one his father raced, and is restoring it, with the help of two of his father's old friends - fellow ex-racer Denis, and car salesman Brian, known as "Slim". For Denis and Brian, it's a chance to relive their youths. Brian in particular is itching to get behind the wheel again, to smell the petrol fumes and hear the noise of the track.

They plan to get the car ready for Gregor to race in the summer season. Meanwhile, Gregor is trying to get in some track time, using a friend's borrowed car. But it's not all straightforward, as the car breaks down on its first outing ...

Presenter: Alan Dein
Producers: Jolyon Jenkins and Polly Weston.

Published on Thursday, 18th September 2014.

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