SMITH TURNS HEADS IN EX-EDDIE CHEEVER F2 MARCH
Classic battler makes a mark in his 1978 single-seater racer
The March 782 raced in the 1978 European Formula 2 championship by American Eddie Cheever has returned to racing in the hands of Andrew Smith and starred at the Classic at Silverstone.
After nearly 40 years off track, the 782 has been rebuilt by Richard Evans, and had a first run at Silverstone in May. Smith now hopes to race it more regularly in Historic F2.
The car has a continuous history with just four owners having been converted to Formula Atlantic trim in 1979 for Eje Elgh and then run in UK Formula Atlantic by Charlie Kirby. It went to America in a 1983 to Andy Falbo and only returned when Evans acquired it in 2018.
“It was in Formula Atlantic specification when we got it,” said Evans. “It was a lot of work to get it ready. It was a lot of man hours in my spare time, but I started when I was furloughed for six weeks in 2020.”
Smith immediately showed the car’s pace by setting pole and leading much of the first race at the Classic before retiring when a brake issue overheated both front wheel bearings.
That forced Smith to miss the weekend’s second race but his pace in the car has been comprehensively demonstrated.
“I can feel the difference to the March 742 we have been racing,” said Smith.
Evans also plans to race the car having been away from the cockpit for four years now.