RACES 5 & 6: Silverstone : 15/16 June 2013

It is rare to get the chance to race on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. Our Open racers managed it last year at the Ferrari Racing Days event but this was the first time for our classic racers. The chance came via the MG Car Club at their MG Live event. This is one of the biggest MG events in Europe, and pulls big crowds. As with our overseas rounds the Open and formula classic grids were combined. This made an excellent sight with over 30 Ferraris forming up for qualifying although there was some nervousness about the speed differential between full-blown 458 racers at the front and some of the more humble classic cars at the back of the grid.

As expected Jim Cartwright was our pole sitter in formula classic, from Wayne Marrs and Nicky Paul- Barron (all 328 GTB). The track was dry but showers were never far away all week-end.

Race 1

The rolling start took place on a drying track. There was some confusion at the start, as a 2 lap formation lap was decided on by the Clerk of the Course, but this decision was not well enough communicated to the drivers.

Once everyone finally got going Nigel Jenkins lead for a while, but it was Jim Cartwright who dominated the race from lap 2. On lap 5 Richard Atkinson-Willes lost control of his GT4 and spun, collecting Didier Benaroya’s Mondial along the way. Also a spinner was Wayne Marrs, leaving Nicky Paul-Barron clear to chase Nigel Jenkins for P2.

Overall and Grp 4 winner was Jim C, from Jenkins and N.P-B. Peter Everingham took class 3 in his 328 GTB, John Swift took Grp2 after an exciting race with Paul Griffin. Grp 1 victor was Monza racer William Moorwood in his GT4. Viton-O-Rings ladies handed out the Champagne, and Pirelli girls the trophies.

Race 2

Sunday was a bit of a dead day for the Ferraris, with nothing going on until the race at 4.25pm. The weather was at play again with a wet but drying track.

After a better rolling start it was Jim C who led the classic field and would never be headed. Nigel Jenkins suffered a loss of cylinders, leaving Wayne Marrs in 2nd place chased hard by N.P-B. This was a race long dice which allowed Nick Taylor's Mondial to close and eventually pass to take 2nd position at the flag. Unfortunate this time around was Carl Burgar who lost control of his Mondial at Maggots and found something solid. Tim Walker edged out Peter Everingham for Grp3 honours. Paul Griffin took Grp2 and William Moorwood Grp 1.

It had been an excellent week-end's racing and hopefully we will be invited back next year.

Click here for the results of Race 1.

Click here for the results of Race 2.

Next meeting: July 19/21 Spa-Francorchamps.

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