FERRARI HILLCLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP
REPORT : ROUND 13 : CORNBURY PARK

Cornbury has been on the FHC calendar for some years now and despite blotting its reputation during the Cowpat Concours of July, a strong entry of 15 Ferraris turned up for a sunny event. Welcome returnees to the Series included Jon Goodwin, back with his Mondial t following an engine re-build, and veteran campaigner Keith Maddox, whose grey 328GTS matched his distinguished locks.

Practice showed that the track had deteriorated somewhat and times were down on previous years. Richard Allen's 355 headed the practice times, ahead of John Marshall (328GTB) and Geoff Dark (308GT4). Jon Goodwin was immediately on the pace and Robin Ashley (246GTS) made clear his aim to take home maximum championship points.

In the event itself, Allen's victory was never in doubt but into an excellent second place came Keith Maddox, narrowly ahead of Geoff Dark. Keith's performance was particularly note-worthy in that his 328 remains completely standard. John Marshall brought his 328 into fourth but Richard Barnett clearly wanted to head the 328 hordes on his final run but some optimistic late braking left his previously pristine car in the straw bales. A holed radiator meant a ride home on the RAC recovery truck, but nevertheless his first run time earned him fifth place.

Amongst the rest of the field, Robin Ashley's beautiful Dino ran very strongly to claim maximum points once the PEP factors had been applied and Sally Maynard-Smith worked hard at bringing her times down throughout the day and was pleased to finish ahead of several more fancied runners.

Keith Maddox's excellent run earned him the second highest championship points behind the Dino, with Robin Ward and Geoff Dark next up. Ashley therefore continues to consolidate his lead in this year's Series.

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