Firstly to my late father Denis whose creativity in design engineering and interest in motorsport generally, has been passed on through genes and general discussion. I am the proud custodian of a very small (about 5cc) working single cylinder internal combustion engine he made in his bedroom on a large pulley/belt driven lathe when aged sixteen, for a Model Engineer competition (1937). My mother has always shown interest in the subject matter and encouraged my creative endeavours. Also, in acknowledgement of conscious and unconscious help given to me, firstly to 70’s prep’ school teachers Jim N-L and Nick C, also my mother for that first Lotus 72D model back in 1973, numerous friends etc who have admired my first efforts, culminating in the genuine appreciation given by my current modelling friends around the country, Mike Easter, Richard Hewer, Andy Wright, Shane P etc. Without the help of Brian Fawcett, whose patient generosity has led to the reproduction of new parts in resin especially the beautiful ZF gearbox and re-profiled Hewland FG400, the models couldn’t have taken on the increasingly realistic look I try to achieve.

Thanks are especially due to those in the historic racing scene who have willingly granted me access to many priceless F1 cars and allowed my regular presence as I gather precious data, Kerry Adams (and all the mechanics Steve (Ace), other Steve, Ted, Nick, Vince, Roy and others), Rob Hall, Bob Sparshott, Phil Reilly (US), Terry Hoyle, Martin Stretton (Tyrrell 005), National Motor Museum Beaulieu, Bruno Perrin, Honda, Bob Dance, David Piper, Eamon Fullalove (‘Chalkie’) Mike Mark, Lola and Terry van der Zee in particular, not to mention owners John Delane (US), Judie Lyons, Jody Scheckter, Leo Wybrott, Clive Chapman (CTL) and a variety of folk preparing participating cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where I am often seen under/over some car, drawing, photographing and measuring.

Thank you to those who have helped with the photography in some way, namely Pat Taylor, Tom Farmer and Louis Ramsey having taught me much. Thanks too are due to Andy Judge, Jack Cox and the late Eddie Goody who taught me how to get started on the lathe, not to mention Andy Wright who inspired me to acquire a lathe in the first place (what became of the Lotus 49B wheels etc you made on your lathe, Andy?).

Thanks to Rosalind my wife who allows me time and space and gives my work respectful appreciation and to Thomas and Philip for allowing me to get on with it. Thanks especially to God himself for the enthusiasm, talent and patience He has given me, with focussed desire for a work of art as an end point.