With entry numbers for our Open series being so marginal, Swifty wisely arranged a Porsche vs. Ferrari race at Combe, and the “Open” became a race within a race. As it happened there were ten 355/Chs on the grid, which wasn’t a bad turn out really. Many had also raced in Intermarque too, so they enjoyed a pretty busy day. 

The cars have to run on road tyres in Intermarque and for some reason our 355 Challenge cars don’t seem to like the normally excellent P Zero road/race tyre, with drivers complaining of poor grip and consistency. This is reflected in the Intermarque lap times for 355s, which in many cases were not much faster than our 328s running in formula classic. For the “Open” race it was thankfully back to slicks. In the Intermarque race, Graham Reeder was second overall and first Ferrari. Click here for the results.

David Tomlin was racing in classic too, so was really busy. However this didn't do him any harm as he was clearly the fastest 355 with an excellent qualifying time of 1.14.531. Next up was Michael Dwane from Lee Moulder, Graham Reeder, Wayne Marrs and Nigel Jenkins. Next 355 on the list was Tim Mogridge from David Hathaway, Martin Braybrook and David Edge. I would normally regard this part of Wiltshire to be Graham Reeder’s territory and he must have done thousands of laps round here over the years. It must be said however that the “new boys” have got some real talent.

The race set off at 17.47pm and enjoyed pretty much the best weather of the day. The two lead “non Open” cars in the race were a 360 Challenge driven by Dan Cox, but owned by ex. PMFC driver Keith Sprules, and a Porsche with all sorts of wings and vents tacked on. Perhaps it used to belong to Jim Cartwright!  Not quite hanging on in third overall was “our” leader  Dave Tomlin. He was being chased down however by an impressive looking Michael Dwane. After a little gap we then had a super scrap between the 355s of Lee Moulden, Graham Reeder, Nigel Jenkins, Tim Modridge and Wayne Mars. The cars sounded simply fabulous at full chat as they raced passed.  

Dwane’s pursuit of Tomlin finally paid off with a passing move into the fast right hander at Camp.  At first I thought that Dwane would build a gap, but Tomlin hung on in fine style, setting the fastest race lap along the way at 1.14.102. In fact David challenged at the same corner a couple of laps later. The pass didn’t quite work but it was enough to distract Dwane, who spun at very high speed losing his hard earned place. Thankfully the 355 missed all the circuit furniture and continued. That promoted Lee Moulden to “our” second position. Lee had driven really well and had held a decent gap to Graham Reeder.

At the flag it was Tomlin, from Moulden, a recovering Dwane, Reeder, Jenkins, Mogridge and Marrs with Hathaway and Edge bringing up the “Open” rear.  I thought that Tomlin, Dwane, Moulden and Jenkins were particularly impressive. We certainly have a very decent bunch of drivers at the moment. 

What we need is a new revised Open series. Formula classic needs to be left alone to flourish, including our overseas trips. Combining Open with other marques, be it Aston or Porsche is just not the same [and the Porkie lot are crowing about beating us - Ed.]. Let’s make it truly "Open" and see all Ferraris, including  360s and 430s racing with us. Our circuit racing should not stop at a tipo now nearly fifteen years old.  With 360 and 430 we are missing some great cars, which are out racing in other Series' like GT Cup and Intermarque. Let’s see them in ours!

 Click here for Results.

Next up: Oulton Park (with AMOC Intermarque), September 26th.

Click here to return to the Pirelli Ferrari 'Open' index page.