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Next day, the Belgian GP proved even more tragic for Team Lotus aslong-time loyal driver Alan Stacey was struck in the face by a bird, lostcontrol of his Type 18 and died in the ensuing crash near Malmedy. AlanStacey had been entered to co-drive the new LX at Le Mans, sharingthe wheel with Innes Ireland. Alan Stacey had been motor racing mentorto a fellow Essex-based enthusiast, the youthful Sir John Whitmore. Hewas at Le Mans as a reserve driver with the Aston Martin team, but asnews of Stacey’s death was digested he was released by Aston to sharethe Lotus LX with Innes Ireland.However, he found the normally rugged, but always temperamental anddemonstrative, Scot was even more deeply affected and depressed byStacey’s death than he himself. Innes had completed just one practicelap in the new car before its 2-litre engine began to overheat. Innes alsoconsidered that the car was too softly suspended and nose heavy –although its scrutineering weights (712kg overall – distributed 318kgfront/394kg rear) indicated that if anything it was actually tail-heavy.Post-practice it was found that one rear tyre was under-pressure, butInnes Ireland’s confidence had been sorely tested and proved wanting.Later, when Sir John drove the car with its tyres properly pressured hewas impressed by its potential – but his enthusiasm could not raise thecloud which had settled over the Lotus Le Mans team...and it then greweven darker.Jonathan Sieff was practicing in his own 1216cc Lotus Elite when thecar left the road at very high speed on the Mulsanne Straight and slicedin two against a trackside electricity pylon. The driver was very badlyinjured and while he lay in jeopardy in an intensive-care hospital bed,Innes Ireland abruptly decided he wanted no part of Le Mans that year.He borrowed Sir John Whitmore’s minivan – bought because they werefree of purchase tax in the UK and provided standard Mini performanceand cornering for just £395 – and set off for the ferry home. Without aco-driver the Lotus LX entry at Le Mans had to be cancelled and thecar that Colin Chapman really considered a true challenger for majorsuccess there would not start the Grand Prix d’Endurance.72 | Goodwood festival of speed