As with our formula classic grid the entries for Open were disappointing, and only 10 cars qualified at Castle Combe. Unlike formula classic with their List 1B road tyres, the Open cars had full wet Pirelli race tyres, and most of them also had serious levels of downforce. This left them around 10 seconds off a dry time, where formula classic has been some 20 seconds off.

Pole position was claimed by Paul Bailey in his lovely white 458 Challenge car. David Tomlin was next up in his “For Sale” 430 Challenge from Gary Eastwood (458/Ch). Nick Kaye qualified 1st in C2 in his 360/Ch. and Vance Kearney C1 in his 355/Ch.

As the top three’s times in qualifying had been close were expecting a three way battle in the race. However the 458s of Bailey and Eastwood simply left the 430 of Tomlin for dead in the very wet conditions. The front two were flying in very close company. It was mighty impressive to see that speed and that level of commitment in those conditions. Even the jaded commentators were impressed. I suppose that’s what decent tyres and downforce can do. In particular it was good to see Paul racing that well in such difficult conditions (he started racing only recently).

David Hathaway was an early retirement in his 360/Ch. and Paul Brookes only got his 456 GT to lap 9 before calling it a day. Wayne Marrs' 360 GTC went off-song pretty early on with alternator problems but he limped on to the end.

At the front Gary Eastwood finally got past Paul Bailey and was then never troubled. David Tomlin finished a distant third with Toby Tarrant-Willis (430/Ch.) fourth, Vance Kearney fifth, a lap ahead of Nick Kaye (360/Ch.), with Darren Laverty (355/Ch.) seventh and Wayne Marrs' poorly 360 GTC bringing up the rear.

There were not nearly enough entries to make a great race, but the sight of those two 458s going at it so hard on a streaming wet track will long be remembered.

Click here for results.

Next meeting: September 14-16,Silverstone (D/H)

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