Ayrton Senna, Rally Driver. By Russell Bulgin
So I was pretty pleased to see on Racecar Engineering’s website the ressurection of some old Triple C back issues from years ago including the stillborn Group S rally series.
The one that leapt from the screen for me, though, was my all time favourite, “Ayrton Senna – Rally Driver”, written by Senna’s friend, the late Russell Bulgin. Believe it or not, I was so taken with it, I still own my issue today, stashed away with my other favourite motoring covers, never to be sold on eBay.
Bulgin was a superb writer and inspired me in many ways, resulting in my current profession. From a car photography viewpoint, the cover shot of Senna at the wheel, perfectly lit by fill in flash, must have been a tricky one to pull off with film, but if ever there was a cover shot that sold issues, that must have been the one. Senna was at the top of his game when it was shot, with JPS overalls showing how early it was in his career.
The Triple C masthead is still seen on the newstands under a different name, but it’s now a different publication and a pale shadow of it’s former self. The full article is on the Racecar Engineering website here, so head over and read about one of the greatest drivers of all time, driving rally cars on his day off.
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Despite being Austin Rover Motorsport Press Officer at the time I did not go to Wales that day.
Amazing how that one story has echoed through the years. There is even a mass produced model of the car.
Bulgin did another unusual Senna story – for Motor I think – about being his body guard over a GP weekend.
yep recall the bodygaurd interview. lovely but of journalism. RIP Russel
I have a great picture on my office wall of Ayrton sitting in our Sierra Cosworth with the words and signature, ”Thank you for the lessons, Ayrton”. It’s in a poor quality frame and I wanted to put it in a good one with a section of the story in so I just googled up this story to remind myself what a great day it was and how privileged I was to have spent the day with such a legend. For the record the original story was prepared for and published in Car and Car Coversions. You are right though, Russell was a great writer, great company and a very sad loss.
Great to hear from you, Phil. What a priceless picture to own! I’d have it guarded with machine guns and laser beams if it was mine.
Russell inspired me into rallying and his words still read well today when you come across them. My copy of Triple C is a keeper.
Hi Neill,
Don’t suppose you were expecting a response to this two years down the line, but I’ve just found the youtube footage of Senna and the CCC rally car test from ’86. That prompted a further search and I found this.
I was there as Art Ed for CCC. It was my second or third issue, and my first job from college. An amazing experience. Met Ayrton at Slough Holiday Inn with Russell and then we travelled in convoy to Jan Churchill’s Rally School in Wales. He was a star throughout, happy to muck in, and we had a very enjoyable meal round the Churchill’s huge kitchen table the night prior to the test. Needless to say the test itself was one of the most memorable days of my career.
We set up a group cover shot with Ayrton standing in front of all the cars (I can hear my voice on the youtube vid directing), but when it came to designing the cover I argued long and hard for the In car shot, taken by Norman Hodson. The ‘framed’ look was a bit of a Car rip off if I’m honest, but I was always pleased with it and I think it’s stood the test of time.
Like Phil Collins I’ve got the same signed and framed pic (it’s the same cover pic) in my office. I think it’s probably the most valuable thing I own! Sadly most of the pics from the day were lost at some point, but I do still have the high quality proofs from the feature. Great memories of both Senna and Russell.
Hi,
I own the metro 6r4 Ayrton drove that day. I would love the chance to purchase copies of any photos of ayrton with the metro.
regards phil lilley
I too recall that os one of the most amazing and memorable articles in any mag I have ever read.
The fact the CCC managed to bring Ayrton to wet Wales and show just what a true professional and driver with such a high level of talent he was, is still something a coup not eveN equalled let alone bettered by any publication since.
I used to subscribe to CCC over at least a 10 year period and had a pile of back issues until various house moves forced their displosal – I, unfortunately no longer have that issue and was inspired to take up one of CCC’s special offers of a day at Jan Churchill’s Welsh Forest Rally school. It was a great day, sadly not accompanied by Mr Senna or Mr Bulgin, but a great day all the same.
All I can say is a big thank you to all involved, sadly, postumously in a couple of cases, for the enrichment features like that bring to the world.
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