PADDOCK STORIES

• The "O" class times being achieved by the 355s are becoming remarkable. Whereas a good 355 Challenge running on slicks, with huge brakes and stiff suspension would qualify in the 1:19s, the quickest "O" class cars of Ashburn and Culver running on treaded Pirelli road tyres were already in the 1:22s, which is snapping at the back of the Challenge class.

• It is pleasing to note some more newcomers to the series. Ashley Thornton joined the "O" class in his 348ts and Paul Spackman appeared in the recently-acquired 348 Challenge that race-goers will remember being driven by Ray Ferguson.
  

• Poor Rory. Having had his 355/Ch comprehensively bashed at the previous Donington round, it was a real shame to see it all crumpled again after he hit the barriers on the outside of Old Hairpin during qualifying. It was a high-speed incident, quite frightening to see, but Rory was fortunately unharmed although shaken.
  

• John Taylor's woes with his ex-Simon Clark 308GTB continued at Donington. During qualifying he pulled into the pits in a cloud of serious-looking smoke, which, according to the marshals, was a conflagration that needed massive treatment by fire extinguishers, but which the team thought was fairly harmless and did not need the entire car covering in extinguishant! Then in the race the car retired with nasty noises from the engine, possibly due to a jumped cam belt.
  

• The busy FOC hospitality unit on the inside of Redgrave saw the welcome attendance of Pirellis' Martin Pallot, accompanied by two Italian colleagues from the factory.
  

• Robin Mortimer's two 355 boys, Stevens and Ingram-Hill, are keeping closely together. They qualified next to each other on the grid and during the race some close contact saw Stevens spinning off. Robin has apparently been accumulating some 355 Challenge cars, which might be useful graduation for next season.
  

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Race Report

Results & Points Standing