IT was a lucky escape for Malvern racing driver Gordon Rae 25 years ago, after he walked away unscathed from an 80mph crash.

The accident happened while Gordon was in practice for a race in the Formula Vee championship series.

"An oil pipe fractured on the home-built Rae Special just as Gordon was entering a newly-constructed bend on the circuit," reported the Gazette.

"Oil sprayed over the rear wheels and the car went into a spin before it careered into the kerbside.

"Gordon emerged unhurt but the car was less fortunate. The engine blew up, and the Special was badly damaged."

However, the same day was luckier for another of Mr Rae's cars, the Rae E Type, which received its motor racing baptism at Silverstone.

Driven by Clive Brookes of Birtsmorton, the car came away with a second class award in the high speed trial.