GT40S battle for Spa success
Ford GT40S once again dominated the Spa Six Hours, filling the top six places as the event returned to the majestic Ardennes circuit from 14-16 September. It was tight at the top, however, with the Marcus von Oeynhausen/nico Verdonck car crossing the line only 2.477 secs before that of Craig Davies, John Young and Andy Newall. Gordon Shedden was third alongside Miles Griffiths and Philip Walker.
Qualifying offered a sign of things to come as GT40S locked out the top 10 slots on the grid. Oliver Bryant, dad Grahame and James Cottingham took a comfortable pole, but their race lasted only three laps before retirement. Richard Meaden, Nick Padmore and Martin O’connell lined up third on the grid, but they’d dropped to sixth by the chequered flag.
A stellar supporting cast of races was led by the FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship, with Christophe d’ansembourg (Williams FW07C) on top in race one on home soil. The Belgian had to settle for second in race two behind the FW07 of Michael Cantillon, but had the consolation of a brace of Endurance Legends wins aboard his Lola-aston Martin.
Rudi Friedrichs (Alvis) easily topped the pre-war field. Other winners included Chris Ward (Lister) and Olivier Hart, who not only won the U2TC race solo (Alfa GTA), but also the Gentlemen Drivers contest beside dad David in a Cobra. And Von Oeynhausen rounded off a successful weekend by taking his E-type to victory in the Jaguar Classic Challenge.