CHASSIS REGISTER

LOLA Mk1 BR-5

BR5 looks stunning out on the track. (Picture courtesy of Ed Nigro)

Purchased originally from Lola by British Citizen D. Hitches who gave BR5 its debut at the BRSCC Brands Hatch meeting and finished second. Races by Hitches during 1960 included Aintree International Meeting; Silverstone; Nürburgring 1000 KMS; the 9P de Spa and others. The initial dozen Lolas proved very successful with over 20 class wins in the UK in 1960 including victories in 1100 and 1500cc classes. Hitches sold BR5 to American M.R.J. “Doc” Wyllie at the end of the 1960 season. “Doc” Wyllie won first overall at Elkhart Lake just days after taking delivery in the United States. During 1961 Doc Wyllie achieved 9 SCCA G MOD class victories out of 10 races although he just missed the SCCA national championship when he had to pass up a critical Bridge Hampton race to drive a Lotus Elite at LeMans. In 1962 Doc achieved 5 additional class victories in BR5 at Marlboro, Cumberland, Stuttgart, Connellsville and Meadowdale.

In 1963 BR5 was sold to Joe Sargent (Raleigh, NC). Bill Barnes bought the car in 1968 and suffered a serious accident which put an end to his racing career at Atlanta in 1971. Charley Gibson of Sasco Motors partially restored BR5 for Bill Barnes in 1986. Don Orosco purchased the car from Bill Barnes in 1996 and completed the restoration. Ed Nigro purchased BR5 in July, 2006.

BR5’s Vintage racing history includes HMSA, CSRG, SVRA, SOVREN and General Racing events at Thunderhill, Portland, Lime Rock and Watkins Glenn, 5 Monterey Pre Historic, 7 Monterey Historics, 5 Wine Country Classics and 4 Coronado Speed Festival events.