Most people recognize the name Pink Floyd; after decades of success as innovative prog-rockers, the band has achieved legendary status. But their drummer and co-writer Nick Mason also has lesser-known talents in another field. I went along to the Silverstone Racing Circuit, England, to find out more.

To my surprise, rather then finding Nick Mason behind a drum kit entertaining the crowds, he was purposefully striding around the pits wearing a set of racing overalls. April 21st marked a race meeting of the Veteran Sports-Car Club (VSCC); there was a tremendous turn out of veteran and classic cars and a definite buzz in the pit lane. The flurry of activity and roaring engines convinced me that I was not looking at museum pieces simply for display - those expensive cars were there for some serious racing.

Rock enthusiasts may not be aware that racing has been in Nick Mason’s family for a long time; he began by watching his father racing a vintage Bentley in the 50’s. By the 60’s Nick had bought himself an Austin 7 and started racing. Over the years his lucrative Pink Floyd career has enabled him to establish a collection of around 40 highly sought after vintage sports cars including a D-Type Jaguar (1955), a Maserati 250F, a Maserati Birdcage, several Ferraris such as a 250 GTO (1962), 512S (1970) and F40, an Aston Martin Ulster (1935) and a Type 35B Bugatti. Now, Nick and his daughters (Chloe and Holly) are following the family tradition.

The Silverstone experience was bizarre, yet totally thrilling. There was a great deal of variety and peculiarity across a wide range of unusual cars spanning decades dating back to the 1920’s. Some of the races were a must for anyone who remembers the Wacky Races cartoons, but make no mistake, the drivers were not there just for fun or to parade; they fought hard to win and they all showed exceptional bravery and racing driver skills.

Nick Mason finished in an impressive 2nd place in the Italia & Lancaster Trophies Race driving his blue 1927 Type 35B Bugatti and came 3rd in the Amschel Rothschild Trophy Race with his 1957 Maserati 250F. I discovered that he is no stranger to podium places having finished first on numerous occasions in the past, one his most notable being in the 1990 British Grand Prix support race at Silverstone when he overtook well-known Touring Car racing driver champion Frank Sytner at the last moment to win the race.

It’s amazing what a rock legend gets up to in his spare time, but whether he’s behind his drum kit or behind the wheel of one of his sports cars, he’s always exciting to watch.

aye... i'm sure it was him and David (Gilmour) along with their manager Steve O'Rourke (RIP) that had a crash or something whilst doing a race or rally. and i think i recall seeing Nick on tv racing a Maserati T60 there... indeed, a very unknown talent of his.

how much is it to get into Silverstone these days?

i stand corrected, it was Dave and Steve that had the crash.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_O%27Rourke

I think Numan raced here recently in some sort of celebrity show ?

very cool Rod!

Chill...the VSCC days are really inexpensive (unlike the major Formula 1 or Touring Car races etc. which can reach the £100's). The whole day ticket enables you (again unlike the big races) to enter the pits/pit lane, view all the automobile stalls, enter all other enclosures, talk to the drivers and sit in the stands and costs just £10.00 per person. Turnout often depends on the weather - but the racers always have to turn up whatever happens - it's a serious event to them.

very

Sounds like a great time Rodz. I didn't know you were into cars. "i'm in love with my car" Seems Nick's got two talents WTG

Nicks a seriously multi talented individual!!!Cool stuff Rodz