So at last, after what seemed like an endless winter, the first Club races of the year. Seventeen Ferraris in three classes on the short “Indy” circuit at Brands Hatch promised much entertainment. Most of the usual suspects were present but it was nice to see a couple of new faces. Didier Benaroya was joining us from France with his Mondial Cabriolet. Not the most suitable car one would have thought but driven with a great big smile. We also enjoyed the company of Peter Moseley and his son Richard sharing the ex- David Wild 308 GTB in class 3.

Qualifying saw Peter Everingham on pole from Gary Culver, Mike Spicer, Ray Hanson, Swifty, Richard Allen & Graham Reeder. Quite how Evers had dragged his very standard and very heavy 328 GTS up there is anyone’s guess. He is of course an accomplished racer, so perhaps there was just more will to succeed there than we have seen before.

Gary was driving his 328, now in class 3, for the first time this year. The car was actually finally bolted together at 9pm the previous evening! Mike Spicer had become a real contender last year and his position simply confirmed this. Ray Hanson was a bit of a revelation, his improvement put down to a change from Michelin to Pirelli tyres – plus entry in the AMOC Inter-Marque race which got him on the circuit earlier on in the day. Simon Bartholomew was 11th which is not where he should be, his JMH prepped 328 not quite in tune. Jon Goodwin missed a black & orange flag in the session shown for a smoking engine bay. He was hauled before the “headmaster” and caned (back of the grid, 10 sec penalty, license endorsement and fine) a full house in fact which seemed a bit harsh.

Have any of you done one of our excellent track days? Remember Peter’s briefing, all about safety and things? Do this, don’t do that etc. Oh and if you spin on the first lap fire and tempest will rain down …. Peter will never again say these words without remembering yesterday. Off from pole and in the lead through Paddock Hill bend. Then round she went spinning in front of the entire field! I have done this myself many years ago at Castle Coombe and I can tell you it is no fun. You are just sitting there waiting for the bang. Fortunately there was no bang and everyone missed him. Peter continued the chase in fine style if a little red faced.

In the lead now was Mike Spicer from Gary and these two had an excellent dice throughout the race. Also close were the trio of Reeder, Hanson and Allen. Gooders made his way though to join fellow Mondial pilot Marco Pullen. Simon Bartholomew was a retirement on lap 7. With a twenty minute race the leaders completed 21 laps which seemed quite a long time, at least from the sidelines. With a couple to go it really looked like Mike would hold off Gary for a much deserved win. Unfortunately with only a couple of laps to go they came across the pedestrian 246 Dino of Colin Campbell at just the wrong time in Bottom Bend. Spicer virtually came to a halt, or so it seemed, and Gary got through to the lead. I have been a Culver fan for years but this was a real shame. Classic needs new winners and Mike had this in the bag. Oh well, maybe next time. Class winners then Class 1 – Anderson, Class 2 – Allen, Class 3 – Culver.

So to Race 2 with the same grid as Race 1, and another chance for Evers from pole position. However into Paddock it was Culver from Spicer with Everingham tucking into third as they streamed down the hill. There had been some oil dropped in the previous race and there was an oil flag at Bottom Bend. Then Richard Moseley (Peter’s son) dropped the entire contents of his sump at the same spot early on in the race. This caused havoc. The first to spin was – guess who – Peter Everingham who must have had a real “I don’t bloody believe it” moment. Lots of others followed suit but there was no damage.

The treacherous conditions really spoilt the event as a proper race. However there were good dices with Reeder, Allen and Hanson and also with Chris Drake and Stuart Anderson. Mike Spicer kept Culver honest enough without ever really threatening. The final order then was Culver, Spicer, Reeder, Allen, Hanson, Atkinson-Willes and Everingham. Class winners: Class 1 – Anderson, Class 2 – Allen, Class 3 – Culver.

Looking ahead we should get William Jenkins back for Mallory. Graham Reeder will be stronger, Evers has a point to prove and Hanson’s TR should be mega out of the hairpin. Could be good. Next race is at Mallory Park on Sunday 21st May. All welcome.

Nice shot of RA at his spiritual homeland	Mike Spicer led most of R1, only to be cruelly robbed of the win...	...so Gary Culver continued his winning ways	Wessex warrior Richard Atkinson-Willes was 7th in R1 and 6th in R2
It's not just (most of) the drivers who are oldies in formula classic	Marco and Gooders fight it out in their Mondial ts	Simon Bartholemew's 328 was off-song all day, but made it home in R2	Whitman and Evers lap the slow Dino of Campbell

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Peter Everingham surprised everyone (including himself) by putting his bog-standard 328 on pole

Ray Hanson put his quicker pace down to a change to Pirellis

Richard Moseley shared a 308 with Dad Peter

17 cars wasn't a bad entry

Swooping up to Druids in R1

Didier Benaroya and his Mondial Cabriolet were a welcome addition to the field

Club Directors Swifty (blue 308) and Allen battle it out

Peter Moselely drove the family 308 in R1

Graham Reeder had a couple of thirds in his 328

pics by NP-B & Simon Cooke