Having Fun On Track at Mallory! 30th Aug 2025

During the VSCC meet at Mallory Park, Austin Scott enjoyed himself in his Talbot 8/18 in the Longstone Light Car Race.

The star of the show was Simon’s son Austin, driving their delightful little red 8/18 in the Longstone Light Car Race. Now I may be wrong, but I am not aware of any other occasion when a Talbot 8/18 has appeared on a race track in a VSCC Speed Event. But in the true spirit of old cars and the Scott family, Austin headed off to see what could be achieved. 

 At this point, Dad Simon sets the scene:

We had entered the light car race at Donington two years ago when it absolutely poured with rain and we had a fuel problem. We believe that the modern fuel was the issue and we didn't start or finish the race. So yes, this is the first time the 8/18 raced with us.

We, the Scott Family, initially entered as a two driver, Austin and myself. Austin was to start and I'd take over to finish, but the clutch was slipping and I figured my extra 20 kgs wasn't going to help, so Austin went back out and finished.  

Qualifying saw the 8/18 put in a best lap of 2:14.60, putting him in 29th place in a grid of 33 cars. 

At the chequered flag, and after nearly 45 minutes and 15 laps on a slippery track and with a slipping clutch, he missed a podium position by 8 laps, but did improve on his qualifying lap time with a storming 2:07.54. 

It’s just great to see the younger generation getting stuck in and, after the event, Austin added his thoughts:

      Well, what a day it was! I thoroughly enjoyed being behind the wheel of the mighty Talbot 8/18; it made it even more enjoyable that, after spending hours/days in the garage, I was finally able to complete the Light Car Race after previously failing to qualify at the last meeting.

Now that the 8/18 is back on the road I look forward to tours and adventures to come, especially as I plan to take her overseas!

And Dad’s final comment while they were celebrating:

He was over the moon, especially as I gave him the car after the race and it’s now his daily drive; good luck son!