Castle Combe Autumn Classic

Battling rain and C-19, the last major historic motorsport event of 2020 saw action aplenty

Castle Combe did well to host a small number of spectators just before most events were cancelled owing to the Coronavirus situation on 3 October, but the curtain closer of this year’s historic motorsport calendar couldn’t beat the record breaking downpours, which cancelled the second day of racing.

The spectators who had booked the limited number of tickets in advance and braved the ominous weather reports were at least rewarded with consistently exciting track action. The slippery surface provided plenty of drama, with Jeff Smith taking the chequered flag in the Dunlop Mini Challenge Se7ens with his bonnet hanging off and a headlight out. The Mini Challenge was the only single marque race, with the day’s five other races delivering plenty of variety, from Formula 3 single seaters through to pre-war Frazer Nash and Shelby Cobras.

Originally intended to run for both days of the weekend, racing had to be cancelled on 4 October, with the circuit flooding due to what would later be identified as the rainiest day in British history. This brought an early close to what, thanks to COVID-19, will almost certainly be the final major historic motorsport event of the year – especially one that is able to host spectators, even in small numbers.

Director of Castle Combe Circuit, Tom Davies, said: ‘The day was a true testament to the support that the classic car racing scene commands. Despite poor weather, the grids were packed and the quality of racing was outstanding.’

] castlecombecircuit.co.uk

’Jeff Smith took the flag with his bonnet hanging off and a headlight out’

Lotus Elan 26R fought off much more powerful machinery, including E-Types and Cobras, to win the GT & Sports Car Cup. Distancing measures were needed throughout the site to give the event the go ahead – but helmets conveniently double as masks! Sunday’s racing was called off due to circuit flooding thanks to heavy rain all weekend. Whoops! Despite a dramatic off, Kane Astin qualified third and finished second in the Dunlop Mini Challenge Miglia race.

Jeff Smith won the Mini Se7ens race from starting on the front row, but it wasn’t simple, with his car finishing significantly damaged. Dougal Cawley, in his GN Piglet, climbed from fourth to finish second in the Freddie Giles Memorial Trophy, which was otherwise dominated by Frazer Nash.