Race drivers, whether driving modern or historic cars, are a breed apart. And all share one objective. To win. Forget all this Mr. Nice Guy stuff. That only exists as an excuse for losing. This is why premier events held at Spa Francorchamps, Goodwood, the Nurburgring, and Silverstone are so important. Big fields, and the best against the best. A chance for him, or her, to take home a silver cup that really means something special. Last weekend at Silverstone, serial winner, Michael Lyon's, suggested to me, only half in jest, he started from the back of the field, so he could fully enjoy the experience. He doesn't need any more cups, but he does need to prove something.

I easily remember the early historic meetings at Silverstone, willingly sponsored by Christie's, and then Coys, and wonder now at the freedom. For instance, one simple,reasonably priced ticket, found me standing close up to a real Ford GT40 while at the same time, I meet and chatted with the legendary Carroll Shelby, Moss, and Roy Salvadori all in the same day. This for sure was to lead me down the passage of discovery, that is allowing me to write this feature today. Of course, things change. Spectator safety is boringly ever present, except at Goodwood (but don't tell anybody), and just moving around, for journalist, and the paying public alike provides one and all with a far from reasonable, ever developing authoritarian challenge. 

And maybe this is why Silverstone, or to be more precise, the BRDC have called it a day. Personally I think, the answer is more straightforward. They've received a better offer by way of CarFest, the hugely popular, next generation event, based on loudness, and non-verbal, communication, organised by ex personality Chris Evans. Money talks. And as somebody famous once uttered, history means nothing.