Sport
A sensational Formula Ford 1600 race formed the highlight of the Historic Sports Car Club’s seasonopener at Donington Park on 7-8 April. In the first of two outings for the series, Ben Mitchell’s Merlyn Mk20 took victory from Nelson Rowe’s Crossle 20F; but it was the second race that provided the real excitement.
After an epic battle that occasionally involved cars three abreast, Richard Tarling (Jamun T2) pipped Cameron Jackson (Lola T200) by a tenth of a second. Mitchell crossed the line in third, only two-tenths behind the winner, while just over two seconds covered the top eight.
The Formula Ford 2000 brigade also put on a fine show, with Andrew Park winning both races in his Reynard SF81. The reigning champion was given a hard time by Benn Simms’ earlier Reynard in the opening stanza, but eventually took a comfortable victory when his rival retired with a broken upright.
Others to win twice over the weekend included Jon Milicevic (Brabham BT21B), who claimed both Historic F3 races despite the best efforts of Andrew Hibberd (BT18), and former FIA GT racer Lee Cunningham. The Dallara 381/382 racer was the class of the Classic F3 field.
There was a familiar face on the 70s Road Sports podium, as Charles Barter celebrated his 25th season with another victory in his Datsun 240Z. After changing from first gear to fourth leaving the grid, Barter had to overcome the Morgan Plus 8 of Russell Paterson.
While the names were familiar in the Guards Trophy, the winners weren’t the Schryver and Hadfield you might expect. Will Schryver and James Hadfield – sons of Michael and Simon respectively – were dominant in the hour-long enduro in their Chevron B6.
Other winners on the programme were John Davison (Lotus Elan), Philip House (Lotus Cortina) and Sam Wilson (Lotus 20/22).
‘After an epic battle with cars three abreast, the winner took the line by a tenth of a second’