Ecurie Cod Fillet

[TimD]

No other reason for posting this, except that I remember the name, I remember it made me laugh, but...

...I don't remember who they were, when they were, what they raced, how they did, and above all...

..why the name? Anyone got any clues?

[Sparky]

All I can find (assuming the original 'ECF' was some time ago,) are reports in modern 'classic' rallies.

It seems to be used these days to describe an entry that survives against the odds.(?)

http://www.hero.org.uk/lejog/awards.html

(Scroll down the awards, and have look-see at the Ecurie' entry. Is that what you mean?)

No? ...I'll keep looking.

[TimD]

Hmm, interesting.

Thanks, Sparky. The Ron Gammons connection may be a clue possibly. I've got recollections of it being a sports/GT equipe perhaps, and I'm convinced I've got a mental connection with Crystal Palace circuit going on. But a glance through the programmes I've got hasn't brought any joy yet.

But if Gammons was involved, perhaps I should be looking at an MG entry...

[Graham Clayton]

Ecurie Cod Fillet is a loosely-organised group of former RAC rally winners:

http://www.donbarrow.co.uk/ecurie_cod_fillet_ecf.html

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Graham Clayton

Ecurie Cod Fillet is a loosely-organised group of former RAC rally winners:

Er, no . . . not unless the RAC Rally has been running for longer than most of us remember. From the link you posted:

"The membership stands at approximately 340 and is now virtually closed."

Over ten years . . . that's an impressive thread revival!

[D-Type]

Here's an extract from http://www.donbarrow.co.uk/autobiography_stage1.html

Ecurie Cod Fillet appeared around the 1955 era and evolved around the Fidlers For Fish, Fish and Chip shop emporium in Stockport, Cheshire. Team entries on events were usually entered as ECF Team A, ECF Team B etc, needless to say that an Ecurie Cod Fillet Team would normally win the Team prize. During Stuart Turner's spell as the 'Verglas' Editor of Motoring News, (this was a sub-section devoted entirely to Rallying, which took up about half the news print in every publication) the MN Championship was launched in January 1961. The ECF powers of be, laid down that the criteria to become an elite member of ECF, was that you had to Win a Motoring News Rally outright in order to qualify. Naturally there were very few members during this initial period and those that qualified could buy and proudly display an ECF windscreen sticker - as per the example above. Both Reg and myself qualified ourselves many times in this first year and the ranks grew even bigger as years progressed. The powers that be were inundated with pleas and requests to be allowed into the ranks, but no chance, as Raymond Baxter once said, we are members of the most elitist club of motor sporting personnel in existence, however as the years rolled by, the rules were relaxed. It was all a case of asking at the right time, especially if one of the heirachy were stood at the bar about to buy a round of drinks; providing you picked up the tab, you were in. Over the years of course a few motor sporting celebrities were invited to become members, together with a string of personal friends who just happened to ask. About every 4-5 years there is a re-union where most folk attend, all trying damned hard to look their youngest and slimmest for the occasion. It was founded by Roy Fidler and John Hopwood, John was the main driving force and produced his witty bulletin about twice a year. A very special Club, with very special members.

[Les Dalton]

Thank you for that Duncan, it is gratifying to hear the story from a man who was actually a big part of it, well done.
Do you still compete in anything these days?
Kind regards,
Les Dalton,
France.

[D-Type]

Crossed wire somewhere - I've never competed in any rallies or races. I just happened to know of Don Barrow's site.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by D-Type

Here's an extract from http://www.donbarrow.co.uk/autobiography_stage1.html

Ah, Don Barrow! Worshipped by old rally navigators everywhere as the inventor of the Poti!

[Fred Gallagher]

Ecurie Cod Fillet is still going strong.

An electronic newsletter appears every few months, much of it written by Tony Mason. Mike Broad does much of the administration.

Membership is free but strictly by invitation. Recent new members include Jari-Matti Latvala and Ford team co-ordinator John Millington.

There is an annual get together which attracts the great and the good of the rally world including many from abroad.

Fred

[DonBarrow]

More ECF history here.

http://www.donbarrow.co.uk/ecurie_cod_fillet_ecf.html

DB.

[bill1976]

Roy Fidler of ECF fame ran a successful cash 'n carry business with several outlets in the north of England. the company i worked for used to look after the refrigeration for that business and met Roy on several occasions. When I mentioned I was interested in motor racing he started to tell me stories of ECF get-togethers on various rallies and the subsequent celebrations or not(there was usually drink and girls involved). Nearly 3 hours later i was still there, nearly crying with laughter when the company I worked for phoned him to see whether or not i had finished repairing his walk-in coldroom. He told my boss that i had been sat on my backside for the last couple of hours drinking tea, that the coldroom had been fixed hours ago and he had better not get charged extra for the time i had been wasting. Being young and green, I sheepishly left and returned to the office ready for a good b******ing from the gaffer. just as i was called into the boss's office he had to take a phone call from Roy, who was ringing to tell him the real reason i had been delayed. His timing was no less than perfect. Some years later, he sold his business and i think he retired. We had a few more chats before i moved on but i always kept my eye on the clock after that first time. Great Bloke. hope he's doing ok. i'd almost forgotten about him till i came across this. thanks for starting this thread TimD