Derek Bell Trophy
Saturday’s qualifying session for the DBT was a typically frenetic and fast-paced affair. Pole was, somewhat unsurprisingly, annexed by young Michael Lyons aboard the family Eagle FA74. Behind him it was anybody’s grid though, with Neil Glover, Andrew Smith, Mark Charteris, Mark Dwyer, Ian Flux and Ian Ashley all well-know names in quick cars. That Charteris made an appearance was all the more remarkable given his Mallock Clubmans car was squaring up to the rather more potent F5000 and F2 rides of his rivals.
Historic Road Sports
Historic Road Sports was a one-horse race from the outset. Having qualified only fifth in his Lotus Seven, the prodigiously experienced, and talented Andy Shepherd waltzed away from a massive field of delectable sports cars from the 50s and 60s.
Historic Formula Three
In another display of superiority, David Methley screamed his familiar orange Merlyn Mk 14A to a convincing win ahead of a field redolent of the great nomadic era of F3 when Piers Courage, Roy Pike, Jonathan Williams, et al wandered the great circuits of Europe chasing glory (and start money).
Martini Trophy
A tense, rather than thrilling, encounter saw Ian Flux win from the front aboard the howling Osella PA3 – one of three among the field. Robert Oldershaw kept him honest, though, and the pair were mesmeric through Dingle Dell and down into Stirlings before powering back towards civilisation from the Grand Prix loop. Evocative stuff.
Historic Formula Two
Another eloquent display from one of historic racing’s true masters. Martin Stretton took his familiar March 742 to a comfortable win and his gentle drifts through Paddock Hill bend brought a smile to the assembled throngs on the spectator banks. Behind Stretton, a fantastic field of 1600cc and 2000cc F2 monsters made for terrific spectacle; all snarling induction roar and slip-over-grip tail slides. Particularly interesting was Jeremy Wheatley’s delicate-looking Surtees TS15, an original team car and a pleasing contrast to the massed March and Chevron ranks.
Super Touring Trophy
After the strong grid which assembled in support of the contemporary British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park last month, it was disappointing when only seven cars made the start at Brands Hatch. Stewart Whyte took a reasonably comfortable win in the ex-Tom Kristensen Honda Accord. The similar (but one year earlier) Accord of James Dodd was never close enough to challenge but held a comfortable second to the flag.
