The 2009 season opened as the previous one had finished, at the glorious Spa-Francorchamps. The entry level was pretty encouraging, considering it was an overseas event, with 11 of the now ageing 355 Challenges plus three cars from the 'S' class, and one Aston Martin. The invitation of Aston N24 owners was our Club’s attempt at bolstering poor grid sizes - a problem since 'Open' started. However the level of interest from Aston owners in the close season had not been encouraging.

The white Aston looked fabulous, but it was driven by an existing FOC racer (Tris Simpson) so was not really adding a “new” entry at all. The 'S' class entries were interesting.  Alan Cosby entered his well known 512M, but there was the rare sight of a 246 Dino as well. This is the old Elwyn Owen-Jones car of yesteryear which has had quite a make-over with modern fuel injection and engine management.  The car’s owner, Ray Stewart, was a welcome and enthusiastic addition to the Ferrari racing family. The third 'S' class entry was David Edge, who brought along his F40 to replace the 355, which was not available. Sadly, the last two did not appear again, the Edge F40 crashing at this meeting.

Gary Culver was immediately on the pace in qualifying, and it took a bit of time for the others to get up to speed. Encouragingly though they did just that. David Tomlin and Graham Reeder both getting great lap-times during the week-end. There were the usual mishaps of course, but overall it was an excellent week-end. However many times you drive Spa, it never disappoints. Race 1 went to Culver, with Race 2 going to Tomlin.

Next up was Brands Hatch, and here the old problems of 'Open' were all too apparent. Six cars only (all 355/Ch.s) took to the grid which from any viewpoint is simply not viable. Oddly enough, despite the small numbers,  there was some great racing. Again honours were even, with Culver taking Race 3 and Tomlin Race 4.

Races 5 and 6 were at Snetterton. In response to the low entry at Brands the decision was taken to combine our 'Open' racers with the AMOC (Aston Martin Owners Club) Super GT series. This move looked just as it was – desperate. Both series were clearly struggling. The five 355s that finished in round 5 were lead home by Wayne Marrs, from excellent new comer Mick Dwayne. Our 'Open' race was actually won by Tris Simpson’s Aston! This win was repeated in Race 6, with Mick Dwayne and David Tomlin’s 355s following the Aston home.

Round seven took us to Castle Combe. Possibly the only circuit in the UK where it may be better to be a spectator than a competitor (writer’s opinion only).  Again moves were made to limit the club’s financial exposure to a small grid and therefore this was actually a Ferrari vs Porsche race, rather than an exclusive PFO race. However as it turned out ten 355s took to the grid, which was a pretty decent result. There was some super racing, with David Tomlin coming out on top. Really impressive, particularly in view of their limited time in 355s, were Lee Moulden, Mick Dwayne and also Nigel Jenkins.    

Race kit, licence, credit card, bucket & spade. It must be Zandvoort in Holland, which of course is by the sea. I am not too sure how this turned out to be a great weekend. The first couple of days were more like a disaster movie, as the rain and winds battered our competitors.  As it was for Spa, PFO and our formula classic series were combined to make a decent grid. In fact there were twelve 355s in Holland, which again was a good turnout.  David Tomlin was really on top form here and took wins in both Races 8 & 9. The grandstands were full, the music loud and the girls pretty, if a little chilly (they seemed to leave their jumpers at home). The sun finally made an appearance. Even including Spa this was possibly the season’s highlight meeting.

Race 10 was at Oulton Park in a combined AMOC Super GT and PFO race. Only three 355s made the trip, to be joined by the 'S' class cars of Alan Cosby and Marco Pullen. Marco flew away to a convincing win on Dunlop tyres. This meeting really was a low point of the year, convincing even the most doubtful that something had to be done about 'Open'.

The season finale was held at Silverstone for an AMOC meeting. Once again PFO was combined with Super GT. There were twelve Ferraris entered with nine 355s plus the 'S' class cars of Marco Pullen, Alan Cosby and also Richard Hodson, who was having a run in Chris Rea’s PFfc GT4. Mick Dwayne took the win from David Tomlin.

So a difficult season of PFO came to an end. The problem of entry levels was well known last year. For 2009 we decided to invite N24 Astons in the hope that we would see five or six attractive new cars added to our Ferrari entry. This initiative totally failed. With hindsight the basic concept of PFO was always flawed. There are simply not enough 355 Challenge cars, or other older modified cars in the UK to ensure a reliable entry of a viable size. Our Competitions Director John Swift is to be congratulated in keeping our PFO competitors on the grid at all in 2009. It must have been very tempting to can the series after the six car entry at Brands Hatch. Combined races may not have been ideal, but they were a necessary evil.

Having said all that there has been much to admire this year. Dave Tomlin has matured into a top-line competitor. Mick Dwayne, Nigel Jenkins and Lee Moulden all showed great speed and potential. Culver was always quick and still should be considered the Club’s top racer in 'Open' or classic. Reeder continues to be top class but perhaps only when things go right for him. Wayne Marrs continues to improve and his enthusiasm is infectious. The cars looked great and sounded great and there were some excellent dices. As I say, much to admire.

So to a new season in 2010. Perhaps a year late, our Pirelli Ferrari Open series is to at last become truly "Open". Ferraris only of course, but all variants of 430, 360, 355 etc. are welcome. Even GT2 cars are catered for. There will be a four class structure, created in what I hope is a very common sense and simple way. This new series will bring our Club racing activities right back up to date. Our overall membership has a strong modern car bias and this move should prove popular with many. The full British GT experience is beyond most, though an F430 GT3 may not be. The GT Cup pace is pretty hot and the racing is combative. The 360 is not quite on the pace anymore in either series. Our Club has always offered good and friendly racing, with a decent calendar of race dates.

In 2010 we have race meetings planned at Spa, Zolder and Knockhill, plus visits to Oulton Park, Castle Combe and Snetterton. Our existing 355 racers should enjoy the benefits of bigger grids, a secure future, plus the chance to chase the more modern cars. Tell your friends, spread the word. Let’s all do our very best to make this new series work.

All Eligible for 2010!
All 360s	430/Ch.	GT Cup 430s	430GT3	430GT2

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