Chissys Return.
Updated: Mar 9, 2022
The latest HCD Superstox to leave our workshop is for an old friend of ours Gary Chisholm. Gary who last raced in the Superstox way back in 1992 has under gone a life changing injury so it’s nothing short of a miracle that he is still with us today let alone getting ready to take to the Spedeworth tracks once again.
Gary first started racing Superstox at the age of 16 and went on to be one of the top names in the formula winning several Championships including the National, London and Champion of Champions. After a brief switch to Brisca F2’s in 1993 Gary hung up his helmet to concentrate on family life with the arrival of daughter Lauren followed by Katie. Gary didn’t disappear from the tracks though, helping good friends and fellow Hertfordshire Hedgehogs Mick Sworder and Neal Smith.
Below. Gary in his younger days.
In 2016 a freak accident resulted in Gary losing his lower right leg after receiving an 11KVA shock to his body, he also received 25% burns and suffered significant arm damage. But being the man he is Gary was not to let this accident get the better of him, after numerous hospital procedures, learning to walk with a prosthetic leg and rehabilitation Gary was ready to face the psychological scars the accident had left him with. During his rehabilitation Gary had taken an interest in the Old Skool Superstox and decided that it was something he’d like to be involved with as part of his mental healing. Despite never having raced a Colin Higman car Gary wanted to do a Higman Old Skool Superstox as a tribute to someone he much admires and what a fitting tribute it was too, superbly finished in Garys typical orange livery. Although Garys friend Jody Read was to be the driver Gary did do a couple of meetings in the Old Skool formula and the bug of being back behind the wheel must have bitten him as it wasn’t long before Gary had contacted us here at HCD about building a brand new Superstox for him.
Below. Garys Colin Higman Old Skool Superstox
The car is Zetec powered and a standard HCD apart from the hand operated throttle on the steering wheel, designed and supplied by Team Brit. The chassis and suspension were powdered coated by Electrostatic Magic and the panels sprayed by Karl Gilbert with the signwriting done by Darren Summers.
Below. HCD Chassis 0121
We were never in any doubt that Gary would be able to compete again, and the enthusiasm he has had throughout his car build is a joy to see. Gary says he is not racing again just to make the numbers up, he wants to give it his best shot but admits that if he is not quick enough he will probably let someone else race it. He is looking forward to being back in the social side of things too.
You can read Dean Coxs full interview with Gary in the latest edition of Wheelspin magazine.
All of us at HCD wish Gary all the best in his return to Superstox.
