The British GT race was held under much better conditions than
the 1000kms the previous day, but they were changeable and still
difficult, with tyre choice being a vital factor. A pre-race shower
meant the first two laps were spent behind the safety car; when
racing got under way several cars tangled. That brought the safety
car back into play and it stayed out for the next 20 minutes.
Kirkaldy (Scuderia Ecosse 360GTC) quickly pulled clear, with Niarchos
(Scuderia Ecosse Ferrari 360GTC) in third. Just as the first hour
ended Kirkaldy pitted to hand over to Kinch, opting for full wets
(from slicks) - this was to lose them the race. Just minutes before,
Niarchos had spun off at Abbey, losing three laps and dropping
well down the order.
With 20 minutes remaining, it seemed that Kinch was well clear
in the lead - but as the track dried the following Porsche, crucially
on intermediates, inexorably closed the gap and took the lead
on the very last lap. Nevertheless, the result gave Scuderia Ecosse
the Teams' Championship with four races to go. The Drivers' title
will go to the team too, but it has yet to be decided if it will
be Kinch/Kirkaldy, or Niarchos/Mullen.
The United Christian Broadcasters Ferrari 360/Ch of Lester/Simonsen
took second place in GT3 literally on the line, finishing just
0.001s ahead of a Porsche.