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 In contrast to our excellent formula classic grid the entry list for Open was disappointing, with only 13 cars qualifying. We then lost the cars of Derek Johnston and Nick Kaye to separate accidents. Mark McAllister also had a qualifying incident but hard work from the f.f.corse team got him in the race. Dave Tomlin’s 430/Ch didn’t make it through noise testing and was set to start from the back of the grid. The early race order was Geoff Finlay (458/Ch), Paul Bailey (458/Ch), Mark McAllister (430/Ch) and Mick Dwayne (360/Ch). Paul Brooks had his 456 GT well up the order, and Mike Reeder was the best of the 355s. Tomlin was coming through the field well and had got as far as 5th by lap five, and then 3rd by lap 10. On lap 12 he made a lunge down the inside of Paul Bailey’s 458 at Camp corner and some contact was made. Both cars continued, with Tomlin ahead. We had lost Mark McAllister on lap 5, and Mike Reeder retired from his excellent run on lap 12, when his 355 didn’t feel quite right at the rear. The race was dominated and won by Geoff Finlay’s 458 Challenge, although his fastest lap of the day of 1.09.97 was only 1 second better than Tomlin’s. From a promising start at Silverstone in April “Open” seems to be faltering, with only 10 cars finishing at Castle Combe. We need some good grids at Snetterton and Silverstone in September to keep our spirits up for the winter break. Click here for a slideshow by Jim Gaisford. Click here for the results.
Next meeting: September 10/11 Snetterton (D/H)
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