Triumph for David Cottingham at Silverstone

With spring well underway, DK Engineering entered the VSCC season opener at Silverstone; bringing our 500 TRC and the venerable Bristol Engined AC Ace, both frequent visitors to the circuit. As recently as August 2023, the Ace triumphed in the Fifties Sports Car Racing Club (FISCAR) Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Silverstone, where Adrian King performed a commanding stint to finish 80 seconds ahead of second place. The 500 TRC was piloted by our founder David Cottingham who is now 82 years of age, accompanied by longstanding friend of DK Engineering Scott Reading. The pair in the 500 TRC scored a decisive victory. With well over 100 races under its belt in David’s care alone, it was moving to see them both on the circuit once again.

500 TRC #0682MDTR is an immensely special car, with a prolific racing history initially under Jaques Swaters and the Equipe National Belge race team, latterly known as the Ecurie Francorchamps. When purchased by David in 1978, he was a pioneer in researching and working on 4-cylinder Lampredi Engined Ferrari, and since the culmination of its major restoration in 1989, 500 TRC #0682MDTR has been present on some of the greatest grids in the world.

Meanwhile, in David’s AC Ace, Adrian King, who has worked alongside David for DK Engineering for over 20 years now, qualified 7th to finish 5th overall.

Regarding the success of the weekend, David Cottingham states:

“I have participated at the VSCC season opener on and off for 60 years. The company of vintage and historic cars together with their owners is something very special to me. This year was made especially good by the amazing sunny weather and how well my faithful 500 TRC performed. Many thanks to my great pal and co-driver Scott Redding, and a special thank you to the VSCC organisers, all the great work they continue to do for the benefit of others.“