FERRARI formula classic

The fourth race in this year's formula classic series had another cracking entry, with 25 Ferraris heading out for qualifying on the Bank Holiday Monday. All the usual front runners were there: Nicky Paul-Barron (328), the winner of the previous two rounds, David Wild and Williams Jenkins in their modified 308s, Nick Taylor in his Mondial t, whom it is becoming unkind to refer to as just a hillclimber - but these stalwarts were also going to be joined for the first time by Gary Culver (328). Gary is, of course, a previous PMFC champion and was reunited with his old "O" class 328 he used many years ago.

There was quality all the way down the field and a good collection of 12 cylinder cars as well, ranging from David Cottingham's fabulous 275GTB to a couple of replicars which, nevertheless, were all Ferrari underneath the 'historic' body shapes.

Morning qualifying brought another pole position for Nicky Paul-Barron but it was all very close. Wild and Jenkins were just behind but in fourth, with an excellent effort, was the rather bulky Mondial of Nick Taylor. Culver took up fifth spot ahead of three more 328s, all very close together, driven by Brian Page, Mike Spicer and Richard Allen. Ex PMFC man John Swift was ninth on the grid in his 308, with Richard Atkinson-Willes rounding off the top ten in his 308 GT4. David Barker was quickest of the 12 cylinder brigade, throwing his 400GT around with much bravery and no doubt enjoyment.

The mid afternoon start brought with it some heavy black clouds over the horizon and the odd spot of rain descended on the field as they waited in the assembly area. Luckily it turned to nothing but it would not have been a problem anyway as everyone was on road tyres in accordance with the regulations for the Ferrari formula classic series.

There was much anticipation of a close race as the field waited for the lights to go out but then suddenly NPB's 328 began to roll forwards off the grid before the official start had been given - maybe he was just a bit over-anxious in view of his previous tardy starts. He hesitated and then came the start proper. They shot up into Quarry and other than some locked brakes and blue clouds of smoke the whole field got safely through. First time round NPB was in the lead but strung out closely behind were Wild, Jenkins, Culver, Taylor and Page. The first two edged away ever-so slightly, with Jenkins, Culver and Taylor forming another trio behind.

NPB and Wild opened up a slight gap at the front but the pursuing Jenkins and Culver began to drop Taylor's Mondial who was quite safe with a good lead over Page, Spicer, Allen and then a nose-to-tail bunch consisting of John Shirley (Mondial), Swift and Jon Goodwin (Mondial).

Lap 4 brought bad news for Tristan Simpson, who retired his 308 with wheel-bearing failure but also for Paul-Barron who was not unexpectedly docked ten seconds for a jumped start. Oblivious to this he continued racing hard as he and Wild were caught by Jenkins and Culver and these four raced just inches apart for lap after lap. Taylor was secure in fifth, with Page and Spicer spaced out behind him, but Allen, Swift, Shirley and Goodwin were fighting hard for places eight to 11.

Wild began to look for ways around the Paul-Barron 328 and on one occasion managed it on the pit straight but then lost the lead again at the following Quarry corner. Jenkins and Culver were sitting just behind and watching all this. This went on for lap after lap until, on the final one, Wild slightly over-did it and lost his second place - firstly to Jenkins and then Culver went past the pair of them to sit right on Paul-Barron's tail as they hurtled into Camp corner for the very last time. The chequered flag was out and NPB whistled across the line just 0.8 of a second ahead. Jenkins and Wild finished third and fourth, with Taylor and Page in a rather distant fifth and sixth places. Swift only just managed to sort out Spicer and Allen as the three of them finished a second or so apart with, in the Mondial battle, Shirley just getting the better of Goodwin for places 10 and 11.

The 12 cylinder dice was tremendously close with Chris Drake's 330 just getting the better of Barker's 400 - the two of them battling furiously with Nigel Petas' 328 and Sam Whitman's 308 and, again, the whole lot crossing the line just a couple of seconds apart.

And then as NPB brought his 328 back to the start line for the hoped-for winner's interview he was given the news about his ten second penalty and dejectedly headed back to the paddock, having dropped down to fourth place. This gave the win to Culver and promoted Jenkins and Wild into second and third places. A disappointing end to a great race but the huge crowd had loved the many battles up and down the field.

The final race in the classic series takes place at Snetterton on 12 September.

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Good quality grid all the way down the field

They steam off towards Quarry corner...

...and Paul-Barron comes through first

Swifty (l) only just managed to get the better of Spicer

Shirley (leading) won this Mondial mêlée from Gooders

Historical accuracy is a laudable aim in a replicar

Drake's 'GTO' took V12 victory...

...from Barker's 400 (genuine)

NP-B led across the line but lost on penalties

pics by Simon Cooke, PG & CMdigicams