The schedule for PFO was more conventional than for our classic racers, with a race on Saturday and on Sunday. Sixteen cars qualified and the resultant class pole sitters were Derek Johnston (C4) 458 Ch, Same Smeeth (C3) 430 Ch, James Shirley (C2) 360 Ch and Lee Moulden (C1) 355 Ch.

An interesting addition in an invitation class was Jacopo Sebastiani in his high specification F40. Those with a long memory will recall the days when we had several F40s and an F50 racing with us regularly.  Much as we love the modern challenge cars the F cars are greatly missed.

Class of the field in both races were Derek Johnston and Gary Eastwood both in 458 Challenge cars. They were the only drivers to get in the 1:10s bracket in Race 1. After 22 hot laps Johnston was the clear winner by some 6 seconds from Eastwood. Mick Dwane, Paul Bailey (458/Ch) and Sam Smeeth (430/Ch) were next up, albeit a long way back  – all managing laps in the 1:11s in race 1.

James Shirley (360/Ch) won class C2 and Lee Moulden (355/Ch) Class C1.

The F40 retired on lap 14 having posted a 1:13.35 in race conditions, and was not to start race 2.  Lap records fell in classes C4, C2 & C1.

Race 2 was to see a similar general outcome, although for the front two it was even quicker. Derek Johnston got down to a new lap record of 1:08.75 in beating Gary Eastwood. There were again new lap records for classes 2 & 1 with James Shirley posting a 1:14.58 on his way to class victory and a 8th overall position.

Lee Moulden posted a record 1:15.96 in his 355 Ch (C1) finishing first in class and 9th overall.

Next up is Castle Combe on August bank holiday Monday. If the weather is OK expect another batch of class and overall lap records here.    

Click here for Race results.

Next meeting: August 27, Castle Combe

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