PADDOCK STORIES

• Despite the somewhat grey and cool day, a large crowd of spectators turned up to watch the Ferraris get top billing of the meeting. The grid really looked busy and there was action everywhere on the circuit. The commentator, like probably most of the spectators, could not quite understand, though, how a 26-year-old "road" car could be sharing the podium with the latest Ferrari "race" car. Just think about it - the GT4 comes from 1974, whereas a 360 Challenge is a 2000 device.

• New cars, new faces and returnees abounded. Mark Cale brought the 360/Ch which runs in the European series, Nathan Kinch brought his similar tipo and is picking up signatures before moving to the international scene, Andrew Micheals and Andy Christopher were back in the paddock with their yellow perils (together with dad John) and it was good to see "O" class hotshot David Ashburn back and immediately on the pace.
  
  
• Speaking of young Nathan, it turns out that he is also the youngest Maranello runner we have every had at just 18. This was only his third ever motor race and his first in the Ferrari. A mere slip of a lad, he turned in a best lap only a smidgen behind Seale's and also ran in the subsequent GT race and reduced his time even further. Not fair is it - these young, talented lightweights running against the old crusties?
  
  
• Alan Cosby had disappointment writ all over his face. Of all the drivers pulled up for yellow flag problems after qualifying, he was the only one to end up on the back of the grid and his storming drive through the field, which could have earned some good Championship points, ended with a spin on the last lap. He did, however, get the consolation of setting the fastest lap, which represented a new Ferrari record.

• From nowhere the Damax Team formed by Robin Ward and David Grace has already grown to five cars. In addition to their own 355/Chs they were also looking after John Avery, Chris Chadwick and Ted Reddick.

• Not only was Andrew Micheals awarded the Club's Wilkinson Driver of the Meeting award, he was also made Driver of the Day by the circuit organisers.
  
  
• There have been a few bashes at Camp Corner over the years and it was evident that the circuit had made some attempts at protection on the outside. A couple of rows of tyres is, however, not enough and the damage to John Taylor's 328 was extensive. Thankfully he had already lost a lot of momentum as the car slid first one way and then the other but it could all have been a lot worse. With the car stuck sideways across the track just around an extremely quick corner the session should have been stopped but this was just one of the organisational problems noted during the day.

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