Hawkeye

The Guards International Trophy Race, Snetterton, Good Friday, April 4, 1969. Paul Hawkins in his Lola T70 Mk3B leads the similar Sid Taylor-entered car of Brian Redman through Coram Curve. Hawkins won the race after a fine battle with Redman, who retired with engine trouble. Tragically, the popular Australian former GP driver was to lose his life in this Lola just a few weeks later, during the RAC Tourist Trophy at Oulton Park on May 26. He was 31 years old.

I chose this scene as it was a commission from Fergie Whatling, well known on the UK historic racing scene, who wanted a painting of “Hawkeye” in this race. He has kindly allowed it to be available as a limited edition print. I was delighted to receive this commission, as this is a race I remember well from my vantage point at the Esses as a 10-year-old at my local circuit! Fergie had a fine Fred Scatley photograph of Hawkins, which he had purchased from Ted Walker at Ferret Photographics. I asked Ted if I could base a painting on it…but the photo had a different background and Redman’s car was not in the scene either. Other color photographs from Richard Styles helped with the details.