It may not be every drivers favourite circuit to race on but as somewhere to watch close, exciting competition, Castle Combe has few equals in the UK.

We have enjoyed some good grids here over the years. This time out no less than 27 formula classic racers qualified at the traditional August bank holiday meeting. It’s a great sight. Pole position was secured, as expected, by Jim Cartwright in his 328 GTB. Wayne Marrs was next up from Nicky Paul – Barron (328 GTB). There was an excellent fourth  on the grid for local man Martin Hart in his Mondial 3.4T .  The competitive nature of formula classic was underlined as positions 2 to 7 on the grid were covered by less than 1 second.

The race start was clean and tidy.  Wayne Marrs lead the group over Avon Rise for the first time chased by the large pack. Marrs and Cartwright battled away for a couple of laps, with N.P-B hoping to pick up any spoils from 3rd place. On lap three Jim C got through to the lead. He then posted a couple of laps in the high 1m.17s (quicker than his qualifying time) to seal the deal.  Martin Hart was holding 4th position at this time, but was being chased hard by David Tomlin. This was David’s first outing in the familiar ex. William Jenkins Gulf coloured 308 GTB. He was clearly enjoying his latest purchase.   

By lap 10 the leaders were lapping the back markers. First and second place looked set, but N.P-B in third was being closed down by Tomlin, and Martin Hart in 5th had Chris Butler to worry about.  Tomlin finally secured the last step on the podium on lap 14, and Chris Butler also got the better of Hart on the same lap.

So another chapter closes with Jim Cartwright the worthy winner.  As with Gary Culver the previous year, Jim’s commitment at the bouncy Castle was simply in another league.

Click here for a slideshow of pics by Jim Gaisford.

Click here for the results.

Next meeting: September 10/11 Snetterton (D/H)

Click here to return to the Pirelli Ferrari formula classic index page.