Aveton Gifford’s annual classic car show had an added extra on Sunday; the launch of John Foale’s Tractor Run Project, supported by a McLaren 720s, leant to John by McLaren for the day. McLaren also provided their top test driver, Gareth Howell, so petrol-heads could experience the acceleration of a 200 mph supercar up AG hill. And, before you ask, of course speed limits were not broken!
Crowds flocked into the car park of The Fisherman’s Rest, where they could view the McLaren alongside John Foale’s vintage tractor. John is a 74 year-old agricultural engineer who specialises in restoring vintage tractors and, between now and December, he will restore his 40 year-old tractor so that it looks pristine and is capable of running the nearly 1,000 miles, from John O’Groats to Land’s End, collecting money for the Air Ambulance as he goes.
Normally, John can be found in one of only two places; either under a tractor covered in oil, or on his usual bar-stool in The Fisherman’s Rest. But on Sunday he was available to answer questions, about the project and his support for the Air Ambulance. Although, even he would probably admit that, on this day, the hare won the race. Come May 2020, it may be a different story!
