For three short years, in the early 1960s, Christabel Carlisle, now Lady Watson, was the name on the lips of everyone who attended race meetings in the UK. At that time, it was controversial for women to race cars. However, from out of nowhere she was an instant success. During her first laps at Silverstone, Marcus Chambers, BMC Competitions manager, noted her consistent lap times. After gaining the requisite signatures she earned her International racing license and from then on…

In October of 1961 at Brands Hatch, Carlisle (#125) leads Steve McQueen, Les Leston and Vic Elford. Elford came through to win, but Carlisle took 2nd.
Photo: Christabel Carlisle Archive