PADDOCK STORIES

• Winner Seale had missed the previous two rounds with major engine maladies in his 355 Challenge but he certainly showed instant form at Thruxton. The first 100 mph lap by a Ferrari was notable and he went just quick enough in the race to lead the far more powerful 512 of Alan Cosby. Whether there are enough races and points left for him to overtake Reeder for the Challenge class championship is doubtful.
  
  
• It so happens that Seale was not the only one with a 100 mph lap, because Alan Cosby also did it but in the race and not in qualifying. The Swift mine of information has already determined that the quickest-ever Ferrari lap speed was Stuart Bowler, who went round Castle Combe at an average of 103 mph in his F40 in 1998.
  
  
• The speed of the "O" class cars has already been mentioned on previous occasions but at Thruxton Gary Culver broke Fred Moss's existing lap record by no less than 3.2 secs. And Fred was never a slouch……
  
  
• Expecting a slight shortfall in members due to the clashing Coys event, the Club's hospitality unit was smaller than normal but a large turn-out of members meant no food for some! The lovely Siobhan did the honours in presenting the prizes to the three winners after the race.
  
  
• Richard Smeeton spoilt a great qualifying performance by twice spinning his "O" class 328 in the race. Starting in 11th he was chasing the 355s of Culver and Powell when he disappeared into the greenery on lap 2. He re-joined last, did another pirouette and finally finished 14th.

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Race Report

Results & Points Standing