FERRARI formula classic

On paper it all sounded so exciting. The chance to race at Brands Hatch on the full GP circuit at possibly the second biggest race meeting of the year in the UK after the Silverstone Grand Prix. The reality for our Classic racers however was a bit more down to earth. As a minor support race they were allocated a 9.40 Friday morning qualifying session. The 20 minute race was scheduled for 10.25 on Saturday with no running on the big feature Sunday at all. But nevertheless.....

The entry list perhaps reflected the less than ideal timing with 21 cars taking to the track on a bright Friday morning for qualifying. Gary Culver (328) was fast out of the blocks and put it on pole. He was racing his 360 in PMFC so had lots more track time than his fellow competitors. Next up was William Jenkins (308) from Nicky Paul-Barron in a borrowed 328 GTB, John Pogson (328) , Mike Spicer (328), Simon Bartholomew (328) and John Swift (308). In the older class 1 cars Chris Drake was going well in his GTO replica ahead of Stuart Anderson (TR replica) with a welcome newcomer Ross Warburton in a wonderful yellow 275 a little further back.

There was a briefing on Saturday morning from the assistant Clerk of the Course. All the usual stuff plus a warning about adherence to timetables that left the classic racers in no delusions about their status at this very high-profile meeting, ie a bit on the low side...

Race morning was sunny and dry with the normal drab Brands facilities looking really inviting and at their best. One got the feeling that the kerbs were being repainted every time a car had the nerve to drive over them. Our only non starter was Stuart Anderson with a brake problem. In addition to his tow car issue (see Paddock Stories) this was a week-end he will want to forget fast.

At the start Jenkins for once got a flyer and Culver was also in the hunt. Poggy too was away well but it was hillclimber Spicer that got the best start, making up several places. After lap one the order was Jenkins, Culver, Spicer, Pogson, and N.P-B with a little gap to Bartholomew and the rest. The front two swapped positions on lap two and swapped back again the very next lap. In fact this was a very close race with the front five pretty much together.

On lap four however the Safety Car was deployed. Marco Pullen was off in the very deep gravel at Paddock and the experienced Nick Taylor had followed in sympathy. There was no damage – just a bit of embarrassment. The recovery however took forever. Lap after lap the Safety Car train passed the spot, their frustration building. After four laps the lights finally went out and all prepared for what was to be a one lap dash to the finish!

When the Safety Car released them, N.P-B got past Poggy going into Paddock and then passed Spicer into Druids putting him third. Mike found the move a little “robust” and made his point in parc fermé after the race. Culver then made a pass on Jenkins at Hawthorns for the lead and then N.P-B followed him through going into Sheene Curve. The front two went into Stirlings and then Clearways nose to tail but there wasn't enough time for Nicky to do any more passing and the final order was set.

At the flag then the order was Culver, N.P-B, Jenkins, Spicer (much improved and now a genuine contender), Pogson and Bartholomew. Swifty with a failing clutch just held off Peter Everingham's 328 from Sam Whitman (308) and first in class 1, Chris Drake. Fastest laps went to Drake (class 1), Culver (class 2) and N.P-B (class 3).

So our Ferrari formula classic season ends. The series is still looking strong although a growth in grid sizes might have been expected this year. The class 3 (ie modified) 308 GTBs and the 328 GTBs now rule the roost with the Mondials this year falling away somewhat. The hot tip for next year would be this: prepare a class 3 308 GT4 – it will cost a lot less than going the GTB route and if done right would be right on the pace.

Pullen's 'off' at Paddock brought out the Safety Car	Nicky P-B brought his borrowed 328 into second overall	At the restart there was just one frantic lap left to race	Allen's 328 is fully loaded at the bottom of the hill

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The first start saw Jenkins get into the lead

Up at Druids there are the inevitable lock-ups

Jenkins & Culver swapped places at the front

The Hanson Testarossa looks a handful round Paddock

Tris Simpson's 308....

...finished just ahead of the Burrage Mondial

Lovely 275 of Warburton was a newcomer to the sries

Swift and Everingham finished just this far apart

pics by Simon Cooke