Who remembers Phil Hill, Formula 1 motor racing World Champion in 1961? Phil is one of the great characters of motor sport and is still taking an active part in historic events. His latest idea is a winner, I think.

The plan is to build a residential development in Georgia with a race track attached for the sole use of the residents. This will work in similar fashion to the existing developments centered on golf courses. Most residents of such schemes are retired, of course, and the availability of sporting facilities for their exclusive use is a strong attraction.

At first sight, one might think Phil’s idea a little optimistic; there aren’t all that many retired racing drivers around, after all. But think of how many people must have longed to have a go in their younger days but never had the time or the cash. I am prepared to bet that there will be plenty of takers for the chance to re-kindle old dreams on the race track.

And I love the way this blows apart all those stereotypes of retirement. Just because we have reached the age of retirement doesn’t mean we’re ready to give up on life and settle into the shadows. I can imagine how much fun races on such a track would be, fun for the oldies for a change!

If the idea succeeds and this kind of development spreads, there might even be races between the residential schemes across the country, perhaps even a championship for retirees. That would be our chance to show the youngsters how it’s done!

So I wish Phil every success in his venture. A brilliant idea that deserves to win, just as he did all those years ago.