FERRARI formula classic

• 25 May 1986, at Mallory, was the first 'Ferrari Challenge' race that eventually turned into the PMFC. Twenty-two cars started, a real mixture of tipos and drivers, and the winner was a complete unknown in Ferrari circles: Tony Worswick in his bright yellow 308GTB rally car. He hammered the opposition to such an extent that the headlong rush into modifications gathered momentum and already by the end of the '86 season there were some seriously quick (and even more expensive) Ferraris about. The only driver from that race who took part in this race? Step forward John Swift, still using the same blue 308......

• ITV had Jenson Button helping the commentary team at the Monaco GP and, no matter how good Martin Brundle is, one was reminded that there's nothing like current knowledge of the racing scene to really provide a valid insight. Well, we had our own Button in that Nicky Paul-Barron, instead of racing his 308, was up in the commentary box giving the large crowd of spectators an insiders view of what was going on. If the car never gets ready, Nick, try commentating - could be a good career move!

• As the Jenkins 308 pulled into the paddock after winning the first race there was steam shooting out the engine bay - the water pump had gone! Faithful to the QV bush mechanic tradition, Damien set to and started stripping it to pieces. None thought he had any chance of getting the car ready for the second race but, with a whirlwind of effort, he did and it just managed to join the tail end of the warm-up lap and take its place on the grid but, alas, in the hurry not enough fuel was put in and it retired. Damien was very keen that Mick didn't find out how little time it really takes him to replace a water pump.

• Gary Culver didn't start too well at Oulton either, but this is getting daft. Despite holding the gear stick in first with his hand, it still jumped out at both of the starts and he shot all the way down the field and gave himself some real work to do. William Jenkins didn't get away too cleanly either and so it was the second-row boys, Taylor and Atkinson-Willes, who each seized an opportunity and shot away into the lead. Maybe a season of hillclimbing should be mandatory before allowing them out on the circuits, it certainly teaches you how to do a standing start.

• Most people thought it inevitable, but PG again had to give over her 328 to Jon Gooders whose Mondial was not ready due to 'incorrect parts being delivered'. So, nothing to do with the 328 proving to be a tad quicker, then. Maybe soon there'll be an announcement about a strategic realignment of family resources to better maximise the available skill-set and enhance the leadership acquisition capability.

• Borrowing the wife's car is obviously becoming a good idea, as Chris Hitchman drove Lorraine's 328 in Race 2, when he spun it! Father-in-Law Peter drove it in Race 1, but at least he treated it more kindly. I trust these husbands are now repaying the compliment by sharing the hoovering and the ironing too.

• The Pogson 328 didn't fare too well. The blown engine from Oulton was well and truly a dead parrot but the replacement, bought at vast expense from abroad, was suffering from a few installation problems and not giving off its best. Nor was the driver - poor ol' John was nursing a broken bone or two in his swollen hand. We know not how it happened but a door was mentioned. Anyone know the full story?

• Despite its shiny new transporter and the white wheels, Marco's Mondial was not at all well and was still suffering from gear selection problems. Shame that, because Marco had done his by far best qualifying, up on the fourth row, and could have been looking forward to a good result before he ended up with a boxful of neutrals.
  
  

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No worries - Damien and helpers sorted out the Jenkins water pump in record time

Gooders again nicked PG's 328 for the race, keeping the stone chips off his Mondial

Just how does Pogie get an entourage of that size to come to a little clubbie Mallory??

Polished and gleaming, but no gears hampered Marco a bit

Race sponsor Ferrari Classic Parts had a nice selection of goodies there

This week's winner of 'The Highest' award: the Swift 308

pics by Simon Cooke & CMdigicams