Junior Grand Prix (1955)

Silverstone, Northamptonshire. M/S young girl in dress with crash helmet (Christine Cooper) stands next to her car with a mechanic who opens bonnet. It has some sort of battery in it. C/U of two young boys with crash helmets looking in bonnets. Young boy in car which is being checked over. M/S mothers checking their children’s armbands and one leans over bonnet to talk to her daughter with some sexist commentary about why shouldn’t a young lady look her best and then, of course, the words “ women drivers“! M/S competitors pedalling their cars to the starting line. Some more shots of children polishing cars. At starting line with a Dad giving some advice to young boy. M/S flag waved and race begins. About 20 cars with adults following on foot behind. 500 yards later M/S winner over line and chequered flag. Laurels presented to winner Eddie French by Tony Rolt Note: young drivers aged between 6 and 8 years old compete at Silverstone in pedal cars. Some are children of famous racing car drivers.