Compres 009 by CompResults

FERRARICOMPETITIONRESULTS

COMPETITION RESULTS IS SPONSORED BY

CompRes

RICHARD PRIOR: 2005 FERRARI HILL CLIMB CHAMPION

ISSUE 009 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2005

CompRes Chevy Chase, Leeds Road, Selby, North Yorkshire YO8 4JH T: +44 (0) 1757-702 053 F: +44 (0) 1757-290 547 E: cs.man@btinternet.com

CompRes is available by subscription and is published 10 times a year for the FERRARI OWNERS’ CLUB

FERRARICOMPETITIONRESULTS PIRELLI FERRARI OPEN In the last issue of CompRes we gave advance details of the new race series which replaces the discontinued Pirelli Maranello Ferrari Challenge next year. Since then things have been moving apace. The series Race Committee has had its second meeting to finalise the regulations and, subject to final approval, these will be available by the end of the month. To reiterate, the new series will be divided into two broad classifications: Class C (Challenge) for F355 Challenge cars running in accordance with the old Category C rules that applied to these Ferraris in the 2005 PMFC, but with some minor amendments to assist in sourcing difficult-to-get spares; and Class S (Speciale) for Ferraris originally built prior to 1st January 1999. Cars in this class will be permitted extensive modifications from standard. Class S may be sub-divided depending on the mix of cars registered. There will be no minimum weight limits applied to this Class. Cars in both classes will run on Pirelli motorsport tyres, optionally including slicks or rain tyres. The regulations will include the provision of automatic ‘success’ ballast to be added to cars in Class S (but not in Class C). We hope that this new series will not only encourage those who already own modified Ferraris that we enjoyed seeing on the circuits not so very long ago, but also competitors who derive additional satisfaction through being able to develop their cars to enhance performance. At the same time we want to see lots of the many F355 Challenge cars that are

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around, come back into racing because we consider these super Ferraris have a very real chance of being first past the post. Now that the rules have been sorted we are busy arranging fixtures for next year. We have set a target of a minimum four events for 2006 but this will be increased if we are assured of the necessary support from competitors. Already we are talking to organisers about the possibility of visiting Spa-Francorchamps as an overseas round. We shall be sending out copies of the regulations and registration forms in two or three weeks time. However, in the meantime it would be helpful if interested competitors could contact us (see the addresses and contact numbers at the top of this page) if they wish to be included in the mailing list.

PIRELLI FERRARI formula classic The Classic series goes from strength to strength, and based on last season’s success our plans for 2006 are very similar. Last year’s competitors were invited to submit any comments or suggestions to the series Race Committee for discussion when next season’s rules were established. The response from drivers was very good and all the ideas put forward were discussed at the meeting. The Committee thanks all those who replied to the invitation. The regulations for 2006 have now been agreed and it is hoped to be able to mail these to competitors within the next couple of weeks, together with registration forms. As with the new ‘Open’ series, we would like interested members to contact us

as soon as possible to confirm their interest. The programme of races next year will be very similar to last season, with again one excursion overseas which many of you enjoy so much.

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT We received a letter from Peter Stubberfield earlier this month, thanking us for sending him a photograph of Kay’s great nephew and new hillclimb champion, Richard Prior, taken at the FHCC Dinner. He says they were thrilled that Richard had won, and commented on what an exciting finish to the championship it was. He and Kay were hoping to see Richard very soon. Peter bemoans the fact that he hasn’t been well enough to venture outdoors this year but reflects that, at 95, he is lucky since he takes a keen interest in all that is going on with the Club’s competition activities through the pages of CompRes. We send our very best wishes to them both.

PIRELLI SHIRTS Everybody who took part in the 2005 PMFC is entitled to a Pirelli shirt emblazoned with the Championship logo. These attractive cotton polos arrived at CompRes towers only a few weeks ago and we took some with us to the End of Season Dinner at Ettington Chase at the beginning of November for those competitors who were there. If any PMFC drivers who were unable to be at the Dinner would like to contact us, we shall be pleased to discuss the size they need and how they wish their shirt to be sent to them.

An amazing finish to the 2005 season at Cadwell Park as you will read in this issue, when a truly exciting competition was only determined on the last runs of this final meeting. Richard Prior, leading the championship for most of this year, had been overhauled by Geoff Dark. He went into the last round just one point down and could only to add to his score by getting the maximum 20 points it is the best of seven scores and Richard’s next score to drop was the 17 points for a second place on PEP times. Geoff, unlikely to add to his score at this final round, could just relax and consider that it looked pretty tough for Richard! It was, too, but Richard pulled the impossible out of the hat and took the maximum score at Cadwell to become the 2005 Ferrari Hill Climb champion! Our Congratulations then to Richard, Geoff and Nick Taylor, in third, on their great success and outstanding performances this season. Next month’s CompRes will carry the 2005 FHCC Season’s Review, which will pay due tribute to our winners and the other competitors who made this year so successful. 2006 Pirelli Ferrari Hillclimb Championship or PFHC to you, is the new series title for next year in recognition of the further support of our favourite tyre manufacturer. Other changes for next season include a new Championship Coordinator: Anne Swift no less, with an impeccable CV at this sort of thing! We must record our very great thanks to Sally Maynard-Smith who has carried out this role for so many years. Sally will continue with her Prizegiving Dinner organisational activities, which is a relief! Amazing Dedication by our new Ferrari Hillclimb Champion, Richard Prior. He has competed in every single FHCC round for the last four years, a most remarkable feat, and maybe

he should get some sort of medal for this. So should his longsuffering 348ts which must be dizzy with the sight of flashing scenery. Beats me how the thing has kept going, and at Cadwell it nearly did let Richard down. The alternator had failed, the battery gave up, and he had to be push started for that last winning run! The Classic Adelaide this year is being supported by Ferrari SpA, and more importantly by our Club Sec, Peter, and both Jon Goodwin and Nick Taylor. Last time around on this event Goodwin picked up a bunch of speeding tickets, still unpaid, and it is rumoured that the Oz fuzz will bang him up as soon as he lands. Jon is using the ex-RA 550 Maranello, and has as copilot our ace unforced error expert Pauline. Nick, accompanied by Fiona, has shipped his Mondial 3.4t. and will doubtless deposit some of the A1 Grand Prix Paddock Hill bunker in Adelaide! Ever the Adventurer, Jon Goodwin has signed up for “Virgin Galactic” and in 2008 looks likely to be one of the first fare paying punters to be launched into space from the Nevada desert. This is one of Richard Branson’s schemes and I hope it works better than his trains. The launch vehicle is a special very high flying aircraft rather than the normal big firework and Jon will not actually orbit, but go seventy miles high. The six man capsule which uses rubber fuel – so John says - flutters back into the atmosphere very gently, and does not need those heat protecting ceramic tiles used on the space shuttle. Watch this space for a full report from space in 2008! Tyre Pumps have come in for some comment in these columns before, from the foot pump variety that fall to pieces, to the electric ones that are great for blowing up beach balls, but crap for car tyres. Now our man Jolyon Harrison has the answer – he turned up at Harewood in September with the most

Photo: Richard Allen

RA’s HILLCOMMENT

The Harrison Inflator.

amazing tyre inflator that looked suitable for demolishing the Bridge on the River Kwai! (see pic). Most popular Ferraris for the hills for many years were 308 derivatives. It looked like 328s were taking over but it is apparent now that the F355 is the car to have. Even more have been turning out recently, and next year both Andrew Duncan and Mark Buckland, presently shopping the market, will be driving this popular tipo now that it is much more affordable. Since the introduction of the F430, the 360 has dropped well down pricewise too, and is not that much more than a F355, although so far those that have tried them on the hills prefer the 355. Hillclimb Venues are few and far between in the UK understandable really as a lot of the terrain is bog flat. Twice in recent times I have had letters from people anxious to get a new hill off the ground, so to speak. There was one somewhere in darkest Wales that even Phillip Whitehead couldn’t find, and the latest one is in Herefordshire which may be a possible. Apart from the owners getting MSA approval, which I guess is none to easy with current safety standards, they need to find a car club willing and able to run events - not something the FOC is interested in. I have

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responded that if they get up and running we will give them a try. (it should make a change from Harewood, Prescott etc.)

Photo: Richard Allen

The Alan Peer Cup was awarded at the Prizegiving Dinner to Geoff Dark. I instigated this trophy many years ago within the Essex Area Group in the memory of Alan Peer, a very good friend

Alan Peer featured on the cover of Autosport in January 1968.

of mine and successful sixties saloon car racer. Alan died at around fifty years of age with a brain tumour and, whilst never a Ferrari owner, had been to some of our meetings. As Essex members only do picnics nowadays, I retrieved the trophy and will award it each year based on flexible criteria. This time around I made up my mind that it was going to go to either Richard or Geoff, whoever came second after their great contest. Unsung Heroes are those photographers who take all the many terrific pictures of our event activity. Whilst inevitably in this publication we are limited for space, there is always a veritable feast of photos on the Club website (which I never look at of course!). Some are taken by competitors, but I would expect that, but the unsung heroes, in no particular order, are Graham Easter, Alan Jackson, David Clark, Bob Holmes, Ed Brown, Mick Marriot, Richard Preece, Ali Dixon, Ann Prior, Jack Hargreaves, Steve Wilkinson, Jerry Rea, and SJT Photographic.

Phew – hope I haven’t missed anyone, apart from the competitors with cameras! The PFHC 2006 Regulations are most unlikely to change in any way of consequence. We shall review the PEPs, which is an annual chore, and then the application to the MSA for the championship permit is likely to be at the beginning of December. The approved 2006 Regulations will be mailed out to competitors very early in the New Year. The PFHC 2006 Calendar is coming together and, whilst not yet complete, I can give you most of the dates which are as follows: April 17 Bouley Bay May 6/7 Prescott – May 13 Harewood – June 3/4 Shelsley Walsh – June 17 Cadwell Park – July 8/9 Loton Park (2 meetings) – July 16 Gurston Down – July 22 Prescott – August 19 Curborough – September 16 Harewood – September 23 or 24 Longleat. The PFHC 2006 Prizegiving Dinner is booked for Saturday 29th October.

PIRELLI FERRARI HILL CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP: ROUND 1 CADWELL PARK SPRINT: Saturday 15 October 2005 Photo: SwiftyPix

ADWELL PARK is an allnew venue to Ferrari hillclimbers, or most of them, on what was to be a really exciting conclusion on the fourteenth and final round of the 2005 season writes RICHARD ALLEN. Lost up in a far corner of Lincolnshire and seriously difficult to get to by road, Cadwell turned out to be prettily situated and great to drive. Narrow, diving up hill and down dale with plenty of trees and scenery, it was, as someone remarked, like doing a couple of hill climbs strung together. Inevitably there would be some drama, with both the overall series win to be decided

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Photo: SwiftyPix

track went. Getting Modena, the 328 still not back into the practice from the repairers following that sessions we were Harewood misdemeanour. delighted to have the As is the form on these company of John and events, there was plenty of time Anne Swift, Peter and hanging around gossiping and Suzanne Everingham, tyre kicking. The meeting, run and Christian Mineeff by Auto 66 Club, did not suffer – maybe John and from the most wonderful Christian knew organisation, and with the long something we didn’t lap times there was even more as they were not time than usual spent in the start competing! line queue. Cadwell runner-up, Chris Butler, demonstrated By the When the official runs got his talents for the circuits in his rapid F355. second Ferrari going after lunch, John Day was between Geoff Dark and Richard practice session it had dried out caught out when his 328GTB Prior, with third place being and times had tumbled. Nick boiled up and disappeared from chewed over by Nick Taylor and Taylor unsurprisingly zoomed off sight in a cloud of steam! He Chris Butler. As you may recall into a convincing lead with his decided to withdraw, though from my notes in the last issue of 348GTC, on 104.89 sec. A very subsequently this proved not to CompRes, due to only the best of pleased David Tomlin, putting his have been necessary as the car seven scores counting, Richard Cadwell knowledge to work, had took him home without further Prior faced an exceedingly tough placed his smoky F355 next at problems. By now the sun had task, needing nothing less than a 106.85 to head Chris Butler’s filtered through and it looked 20 point maximum to add to his similar car on 107.02. Richard right for some really fast runs. points score to pull back ahead of Geoff. Whilst Geoff looked unlikely to add to his total, Richard was up against a determined Nick Taylor (out to put one over Butler) and even more significantly, Nick has previous racing experience at Cadwell. David Tomlin, too, had raced here albeit in go-karts, and one wonders whether one or two others had previous track time. Knowing what he was up against, Richard had brought his Ducati to Cadwell recently for a bike track day to learn the circuit. The weather was forecasted dry for the weekend, but rain overnight ensured it all looked a bit soggy at the circuit on Sunday morning, complete with low flying cloud and poor visibility. Amazingly, considering the inaccessibility of the place, we assembled a good entry of eighteen cars. Two late entries Pauline Goodwin took over husband Jon’s 360 Modena for the day. She was rewarded with the trophy for the fastest lady driver of the day. were rejected, and we lost two more on the day, but even so it confirms the strong turn-outs Prior was up close with his 348ts Once again Nick Taylor seen all season in the Ferrari at 107.36 and looking good for headed the times with a very class. the 20 points, and Geoff Dark impressive 103.22, but equally The organisers offered meanwhile was easily heading impressive was Chris Butler convoy runs before practice, and the smaller cars – his 308GTB on despite a lack of Cadwell these gave everyone something 111.99. Further back, Lorraine experience - who moved into to think about. It was slippery Hitchman faced a tough task second with his F355 on 104.31. out there besides being very against Pauline Goodwin, armed Richard Prior gave it everything, confusing as to which way the temporarily with Jon’s 360 and even with a very untidy and

Photo: SwiftyPix

QV) – certainly no slouch and a gung ho driver if ever I saw one! Another Mondial was just one second ahead of Andrew driven by Peter Hitchman, and then top of this Mondial triple layer was Mark Buckland, just two tenths ahead of Peter The new champion, Richard Prior, accomplished what most thought was an impossible task. on 116.17. Pauline Goodwin tried hard with the 360, kept it large amounts of the hinterland on the track as far as we could with his F355 and went far inside see, and despite some strange the kerb at the chicane. He was lines in places got down to like many people slower on this 116.00. second run when the track was Andy Grier meanwhile drove getting cold and the sun going really well to keep the very down. His best, at 105.91, was standard SMS 328GTS in touch very respectable though. with the sorted similar tipos of David Tomlin put in a super Richard Allen and Mike Spicer. effort on his second to just edge Andy improved steadily to 114.22 out Jon with 105.79, and then with Richard at 112.47 and Mike both Chris Butler and Nick Taylor at 112.43. Chris Hitchman was went slower than their first run getting to grips with the F355 but times. How about Richard Prior not quite in you may ask; well, he must have touch with the been doing meditation or fastest of these something as he finished this tipos, levelling second run immaculately, with off with both his front bumper still in place his officials after a super-quick, no screw-up within two run. The time:105.10. This thousandths of easily netted those 20 points a second, the Richard needed so badly to win best at 111.91. the 2005 Ferrari Hill Climb Geoff Dark was Championship! in a class of his The upshot of all this action own literally – was that Nick Taylor took the easily the Cadwell Ferrari class win from fastest of the Chris Butler, with Richard third. smaller cars Nick scored 17pts, bringing his with two very season’s total level with Chris good runs again Butler – necessitating taking within a account of an eighth round score thousandth or to break the tie. This just so with the best secured third overall in the at 109.58. Championship for Nick, behind Up at the Geoff Dark in second overall. sharp end it Congratulations, then, to all three was unusually for a really close and exciting Jon Goodwin contest that went right down to who didn’t quite the wire! No one could match the pace of Nick Taylor, seen cut it. He was here flanked by runners-up Chris Butler and Richard gnawing off Prior. Pauline Goodwin was the quickest lady.

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Photo: SwiftyPix

only barely controlled exit from the chicane, was third with 106.10, just ahead of David Tomlin on 106.14. Unfortunately for Richard this was not enough as Nick was now sitting on the 20pts! As the Ferrari drivers waited for the other classes to run through before the final competitive run of 2005, Richard Prior must have been feeling the pressure. He faced what seemed an impossible task, but looked relaxed enough, and knew what had to be done – his first time minus the chicane screw up would probably be enough as it seemed unlikely that Nick Taylor would go any faster. This would be the run that determined the Ferrari Hill Climb Championship winner for this season. Before we look at what happened, it is time to give some attention to the other valiant Ferrari competitors. Lorraine Hitchman was unlikely to catch Pauline’s 360 with her 328, but after a disappointing first practice she improved steadily to a best of 120.18, only three seconds behind Andrew Holman (Mondial

CADWELL PARK SPRINT 15 October 2005 Pirelli Ferrari Hillclimb Championship Round 14 Driver Nick Taylor

348GTC

Pract 1 114.59

Chris Butler

F355

114.36

107.02

104.31

104.37

+2.5

106.92

Richard Prior

348ts

121.37

107.36

106.01

105.10

0.0

105.10

David Tomlin

F355

115.48

106.85

106.14

105.79

+2.5

108.43

Jon Goodwin

F355GTS

120.72

108.61

105.91

106.59

+2.5

108.56

Geoff Dark

308GTB

122.09

111.99

109.60

109.58

-1.0

108.48

Chris Hitchman

F355GTS

130.25

115.00

111.93

111.91

+2.5

114.71

Mike Spicer

328GTB

124.66

113.43

113.88

112.43

-0.5

111.87

Richard Allen

328GTB

129.28

115.70

114.42

112.47

-0.5

111.91

Andrew Grier

328GTS

128.51

118.99

116.08

114.22

-0.5

113.65

360 Spyder

132.02

118.92

116.00

116.49

+2.5

118.90

Mark Buckland

Mondial t

129.21

117.48

116.34

116.17

0.0

116.17

Peter Hitchman

Mondial t

1.29.48

118.75

117.08

116.38

0.0

116.38

Andrew Holman

Mondial QV

125.03

119.03

117.66

117.27

-2.0

114.92

Lorraine Hitchman

328GTB

164.54

128.23

121.39

122.64

-0.5

120.78

John Day

328GTB

131.86

121.81

-0.5

Pauline Goodwin

Tipo

1st Nick Taylor

Class Awards

Pract 2

Run 1

Run 2 108.07

PEP % +2.5

PEP time 105.80

Pt s 17

104.89

103.22

2nd Chris Butler 3rd Richard Prior

2005 Final Championship Points Richard Prior

131

Pauline Goodwin

Peter Rogerson

Geoff Dark

129

Brian Jackson

Colin Campbell

Nick Taylor

114

Mike Spicer

Andrew Duncan

Chris Butler

112

John Marshall

Mark Hargreaves

Jon Goodwin

Peter Hitchman

Nick Frost

Christian Mineeff

Mark Buckland

John Swift

David Tomlin

Jos van de Perre

John Dobson

Richard Allen

Andrew Holman

Marco Pullen

Andy Grier

Philip Whitehead

David Hathaway

Barry Wood

John Day

Jolyon Harrison

Chris Hitchman

Christopher England

Charlie White

Lorraine Hitchman

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Photo: Chris Schotanus

HE RACE MEETING at Spa-Francorchamps on 1/2 October incorporated the final two rounds of the 2005 Pirelli Maranello Ferrari Challenge. For many years the PMFC programme has included a double header at this glorious circuit, and for most competitors it has been the highlight of the season’s racing. In recent times we have been part of the all-Ferrari ‘Spa Ferrari Days’ event traditionally organised by Garage Francorchamps, the Belgian importer. In 2004, Ferrari SpA took over the organisation and

Witt Gamski was on top form all

invited us to join the European Challenge, Shell Historic and Corse Clienti events. However, at the end of this meeting the previous May, Edwin Fenech, Ferrari’s director based in Paris, told me that it was extremely unlikely that the factory would repeat this event in 2005 since the costs were “horrendous”. I didn’t want to lose Spa from our calendar so at the Autosport racing car show last January I agreed a deal with the Belgian organisation who run most of the events at this circuit. It is ironical that at the beginning of March, Ferrari Maserati West Europe contacted me to say they were expecting us to take part in the 2005 Spa Ferrari Days! At that time the date fitted well with the rest of our calendar, coming a fortnight after the A1

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Photo: Chris Schotanus

GP meeting at Brands Hatch. However, some months afterwards MSV moved the Brands meeting one week (to fit TV schedules and avoid conflict with the Goodwood Revival meeting) and we then had major PMFC events on Richard Atkinson-Willes (308GT4) excelled in the rain. successive weekends – not an ideal situation serious speed differential although they seem to do it problems – after all, many of the increasingly in F1. drivers in Ffc had told me they We had never would love to have the raced at Spa as late opportunity to race at Spa. So in the year as an invitation was sent out to all October – April or the Classic competitors to join in. May had been the Now why am I telling you all previous dates – so I this? Just so that you understand was unsure what we that, despite all these efforts and might expect in the significant expense, we ended up way of weather with a collective total of just ten conditions. However, cars, made up of two Category S Spa is such a peculiar 360 Challenge, four F355 place, with its own Challenge (of which one was to micro-climate, that be shared) in Category C, and a you can never rely mixed bag of four Ffc Ferraris. that it will be fine Most of us arrived on the there for two whole Friday. At the last moment the weekend. days together. organisers had offered a test Better to assume that it will be session, but at extra cost and a raining at some point and be free-for-all open to all the other pleasantly surprised if you get some sunshine to go with it. As the date for the race got nearer, it became clear that we would be struggling for numbers. Drivers who one thought could be relied on to want to take part were reporting suddenly conflicting family engagements as reasons for not coming to Belgium. Already I had been forced to cancel the Silverstone GP rounds due to lack of entries and the thought of parading just a handful of Ferraris round Spa’s long majestic track was not a happy thought. With a few weeks to go I decided that the circuit was big enough to accommodate some extra cars from our Ferrari It was Charlie White’s first formula classic series without time out at Spa.

Photo: Chris Schotanus

PIRELLI MARANELLO FERRARI CHALLENGE: ROUNDS 11 & 12 Spa-Francorchamps 1/2 October 2005

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Photo: Chris Schotanus

Photo: Chris Schotanus Photo: Chris Schotanus

of us were Qualifying 1 familiar with the With so few cars on the Spa circuit track, no-one got into real although for trouble although there were most it was the slides and spins as we explored first time we the limits of grip. Q1 was to had seen the decide the grid positions for the changes at Bus first race, later in the day, and Stop in the the timesheets revealed that flesh, so to Graham Reeder had claimed pole speak. by less than half a second from – My own Your reporter’s 308 is now used to everything wait for it – Witt Gamski in his C the elements seem to throw at it at Spa. impression of class F355/Ch. A more the new layout circumspect Gary Culver recorded entrants at the meeting, is that it is a big improvement on the third quickest time with the including the extremely rapid and noisy Belcars. Gary Culver would have liked to have joined this session but was delayed for several hours by a breakdown in the Channel Tunnel. Richard Atkinson-Willes and Didier Benaroya were other tardy arrivees. In contrast, Pete Hopkinson had got the Pirelli truck installed in our paddock area in good time, which was pretty good considering that with typical Belgian dysfunctional organising skills, the paddock signs were pointing in all the wrong directions. Saturday started off quite horribly. The rain lashed down with varying intensity all morning although for those of us who like to think we are old hands at Spa, there was the optimism that the weather might suddenly improve. The Charneca/Nuttall F355/Ch was plagued with problems from the The first qualifying session moment it arrived in Belgium. It’s racing ended in the gravel trap. started on time at 10 o’clock. On a range of 0 to 10, the rain was the old – it flows better and is second 360 while Richard around 7, with poor visibility and inherently safer. The old Atkinson-Willes (R A-W) used his an averagely slippery track. Most approach to Bus Stop, when track day knowledge to good there was a lot of purpose to claim the quickest traffic around, time of the Ffc contingent. It was could be distinctly all bad news in the Charneca/ hazardous, as I Nuttall camp. Their shared 355 found out to my simply wasn’t on best behaviour cost some years and Phil was unable to get the ago when a driver car out in the session. launched his Ferrari off the Qualifying 2 entry curbs like a low-flying aircraft By the time Q2 arrived the into my 308GTB, track was still very wet but the entering it rain had eased and visibility had amidships some improved. It was noticed that two feet off the Nicky P-B was busy having his ground. tyres hand cut to improve drainage – something that “Didier Benaroya was getting ever quicker in the wouldn’t have been allowed in a rag top Mondial t.”

Photo: Chris Schotanus

tyre pressures” was his explanation. Your scribe was slightly slower than before, hampered by poor visibility in the spray. Pole man this time was Culver, who turned in a lap a full 5 seconds faster than rival Reeder.

Race 1

The start of Race 1, with White, Atkinson-Willes, Paul-Barron, Swift and Nuttall chasing after the leaders at Eau Rouge.

Charneca, taking over his 355 from Phil Nuttall for this session, was right on the pace, a mere second slower than class leader Gamski. Benaroya, having his first outing of the season in his Mondial t cabriolet, improved by no less than 20 seconds over his Q1 time. “I just adjusted the

Photo: Chris Schotanus

regular round of Ffc but then this was just an invitation jolly without the usual checks. Clearly the tyre treatment worked and Nicky improved his Q1 time by four seconds. In the doldrums was Mike Reeder whose F355 lost a bank of cylinders for reasons unexplained. In contrast, Les

After lunch the rain had stopped and by the time our first race was due – the last of the afternoon, at 17.40 – the track was almost dry although care would be needed if one had to veer off the racing line. Following the parade lap the grid formed up behind the pace car. The Charneca crew had worked like beavers to get the F355/Ch to the line but Phil, doing the first race, was obliged to start from the back of the field. This would be the first time that the Ffc drivers would have experienced a rolling start. There were no problems and, as soon as the red lights were

Graham Reeder (360/Ch) led Race 1 for two whole glorious laps. Then his fuel ran out.

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Photo: Chris Schotanus

Nicky Paul-Barron hard at work in the Reeder Bros’ 328. “Short of its wheels falling off we knew it was going to win.”

answered the cry for help and a few litres of petrol were poured into Graham’s stricken machine and the car was driven ignominiously back into the race. While this little diversion was going on in the pits, those fortunate to have gas in their tanks were cementing their positions on the track. Increasingly big gaps were developing between the first three: Culver – Gamski – Reeder M. In fourth but coming under pressure from Nuttall, was White. Then, out on his own, was N P-B. The only real scrap was the

Photo: Chris Schotanus

extinguished, all the drivers buried their throttle feet to the floor and screamed after Graham Reeder into Eau Rouge. Graham was still leading after the first tour, with Culver looking menacing in his mirrors. Then, after a brief interval, it was Gamski with Mike Reeder in close attendance followed by White and, some distance behind, Nuttall. In 7th overall and leading the Ffc brigade came Nicky PaulBarron. On the long climb up to Les Combes it was clear that the Reeder 328GTB that Nicky was driving had so much more performance than the other Classic cars that, short of its wheels falling off, it was going to win. However, having a great time in finding out who was going to be second were Richard A-W and your scribe, tied together now as they would be for the whole race. At a discreet distance behind this pair came Didier in his smart Mondial rag top. On the second lap came the first surprise. Culver had a big lead, not over Reeder as we might have expected but over Gamski. Then Reeder G’s 360 hove slowly into view, pulled into the pits, and its embarrassed driver asked if anybody had any petrol. Scuderia Pewsey had overlooked the fairly important task of refuelling before the race! Fortunately a Dutch driver

Atkinson-Willes/Swift battle and this, certainly for the contestants, was an enormously enjoyable contest. R A-W’s 308GT4 was on fast freeze and Richard was driving it at 11/10ths, opposite locking at most of the corners in an impressive display of quality car control. I hadn’t previously been engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with Richard before so this was new fun. The lead changed on every other lap until finally, on the last circuit, the old 308 passed going through Eau Rouge (heart stopping stuff, this!) and held a narrow advantage to the end (the interval between the cars at the flag was 0.7 seconds). On the eighth and last lap, the unlucky Nuttall, having taken Charlie White and made progress in his chase of Mike Reeder, went straight on at Rivage 1, the difficult downhill 180º corner. The 355 ploughed at high speed through the gravel and ended up hitting the barriers with some force. Much to Phil’s consternation it rather looked like the 355’s ABS system had failed again, just as it had at Oulton Park in the first race of the season. Unfortunately Phil’s was not the only damaged car that afternoon. In bringing Gary

Mike Reeder (F355/Ch) put in some solid performances after sorting out early engine problems.

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Culver’s 360 back into the was on a crash course paddock, a high curb had learning all about the art of gone unnoticed and had fibre-glassing. After a damaged the car’s front couple of smelly hours bumper. And to cap it all, mixing and applying the scrutineer John May brew, the 355’s bumper damaged the spoiler of his was a fair imitation of the Alfa on the ramp up to the original. Then there was Ferrari area in the paddock. the front wheel to persuade The podium to point in the right general presentations – three in all direction, the electrics to for our race – went well sort out (the ignition key with most of the successful had broken off in the lock) drivers getting the hang of and a replacement the traditional spraying of alternator to fit. Not to the celebratory fizz. We mention attempting to fix had three renditions of God the ABS system to avoid Save the Queen and a good doing the same thing again time was had by all, in R2. Once bitten . . . Graham Reeder makes sure he although with all that By comparison, has enough petrol for the second race. champagne splashing the getting the rest of the race suits, the reek of Ferrari field ready seemed alcohol may have suggested the up and go home with their to be easy peasy. The Reeder drivers had spent the day in a heavily damaged car, the Bros were reminded that they brewery. Charneca/Nuttall team would need petrol again (they The results sheet, issued commendably got to work to try won’t be allowed to forget that quite late after the race finished, to repair the 355 to enable Les to error in a hurry!) while Charlie showed that Graham Reeder, in take part in the second race, White realised that his brake playing catch-up after his fuel scheduled for 3.05 in the pads were badly worn and he stop, had set the fastest lap in afternoon. There was much to needed new ones. For the 2:43.051. Although some way do. Classic drivers it was refreshing off the existing PMFC lap record The front end of the car had to have such low tech cars that (2:38.733) set by Peter Sowerby taken quite a beating and, with only needed a wash and a polish. in 2004, the conditions were far the aid of mysterious solutions The weather on this final day from ideal this time. Witt Gamski and potions gleaned from a was fine and sunny – a welcome was the quickest of the C cars, in someone competing in the Dutch respite from Saturday’s rainy 2:52.771, while Nicky P-B led the Supercar Challenge (helpful beginnings. The PMFC race was Ffc times with 3:05.082. This people, the Dutch) Les Charneca timed for mid-afternoon. There was substantially quicker than Jon Goodwin’s old PMFC ‘O’ class target, set in 2002, of 3:10.641. In looking at these lap times it must be remembered that the layout changes at Bus Stop must have had an effect on times this year, although whether it is now faster or slower than before is uncertain. One of the nice things about Spa-Francorchamps is the enjoyment of some good food and wine in the company of friends. After a snack lunch in the paddock it was nice to tuck in to a splendid dinner at the nearby Hostellerie Roannay.

Race 2 Sunday morning saw some frenzied activity in the Ferrari paddock area. Rather than pack

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There was no stopping Gary Culver, who crowned his Championship winning season with two race victories. He is seen here at La Source.

Photo: Chris Schotanus

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Photo: SwiftyPix

very roughly. The crew managed to get the car to the assembly area only to find the brakes didn’t work. It was pushed back into the paddock for its ignominious journey back to Harrogate. Meanwhile, “It was nice to tuck in to a splendid dinner at the the rest of the nearby Hostellerie Roannay”. field appeared to be in ‘go’ order and set off on a rear wheel bearing problem on the exploratory lap back to the lap 2 and its effect on the brakes start area. The green flag lap – the pads are continually was accomplished without knocked off the discs – prevented incident and, when the red Graham from offering much lights went out at the competition to the race leader. grandstands, Gary Culver In his efforts to catch Mike powered through Eau Reeder, White had a spin at La Rouge to take an Source hairpin followed by a immediate lead. In wobble at Bus Stop – he clearly second, but losing ground was trying his utmost. all the while, was Reeder On lap 4, Swift squeezed G, and in third was Witt past Richard A-W at Les Combes Gamski, holding a useful and enjoyed a brief time in advantage over Reeder M Classic 2nd, but one lap later and cheerful Charlie White. Richard, exploring all the track As in the first race, Nicky P and most of the surrounding -B was unchallenged at the grass around Bus Stop, regained head of the little group of his position in a kamikaze attack. Classic cars, Richard and I should have been demonstrating once again paying a higher entry fee than the significant power advantage of the Reeder Bros 328 on the Kemel Straight. “Richard and I should have been paying R1 had produced a a higher entry fee than the others blinding scrap for 2nd spot for this race because clearly we in Classics between were having twice as much fun.” Richard Atkinson-Willes quite close by, knows every blade and your scribe and already of grass at Spa and was things were shaping up for a interested to hear about our repeat performance in R2. Rarely Classic series. When I explained more than a length apart, the that to take part, apart from GT4 and 308GTB were clearly anything else, he would have to providing almost identical ballast his car to over 1220kg, he performance and watching R A-W cried “Mon Dieu! Quelle twirling the wheel at such close catastrophe! But it only weighs quarters was a very entertaining 900 kilos!” experience. Behind these two As the PMFC assembly time battling Ferraris, Didier Benaroya got nearer it was clear that all was getting ever quicker with the the endeavours by the Charneca cabriolet Mondial. Mike Reeder is presented with the team may have been to no avail. From that first lap, most of Wilko Driver of the Meeting The engine refused to start and the race positions didn’t change. award by Anne Swift. then, after being pushed, it ran Graham Reeder’s 360 developed

Photo: SwiftyPix

Photo: Chris Schotanus

was lots of time to tuck in to the usual Spa fare of frits and mayonnaise although the drivers were, of course, unable to enjoy those delicious little glasses of bière à la pression that help the digestion. Two of the many spectators on Sunday were our old friend, the Belgian Maurice Dantinne and his wife, Lulu. Maurice owns that famous red, white and green ‘308GTB/4’ (‘4’ because it was designated ‘Group 4’) first seen at Fiorano in 1976. When it appeared, the engine of Maurice’s car developed around 300bhp. These days, with wild fuel injection and careful Michelotto attention, the output is more like 400bhp. Maurice, whose home is

Photos: Chris Schotanus

The podium ceremonies varied from the decorous Class S (Graham Reeder, Gary Culver) to the more relaxed Formula Classic (Nicky Paul-Barron flanked by runners-up John Swift and Richard Atkinson-Willes) to . . .

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showed that both 360s were right on the pace in the early part of the race, with Culver just shading Reeder for the honour of fastest lap (2:39.377). Gamski’s fastest C class lap in 2:50.002 only just surpassed Mike Reeder’s best by 0.8 seconds. Paul-Barron was again substantially quicker than his fellow Classic competitors, posting a 3:03.375. Later that evening most of us enjoyed a pleasant dinner at Le Relais restaurant in Spa, when a delighted Mike Reeder was presented with the Wilko Driver of the Meeting award in recognition of his competitive

performances throughout the weekend. Summing up this last PMFC essay to our very favourite SpaFrancorchamps circuit we could say it was a pity that not more drivers took the opportunity to take part in this final race, because it had been hugely enjoyable for those who made the journey. It is fair to say that, with the possible exception of the luckless Les Charneca and Phil Nuttall, everybody left Belgium with a big smile on their face, which, after all, is what it’s all about. Photo: Chris Schotanus

the others for this race because clearly we were having twice as much fun. Then, on the very last lap Gary lost all his oil. He had just passed you reporter when it happened and yours truly’s windscreen was covered in an almost impenetrable film. Loss of vision put paid to any derring-do to try to get ahead of arch rival R A-W by the line. Finally the chequered flag came out to signal the end of a very exciting and eventful weekend, with Culver, Gamski and Paul-Barron being top dogs. We again enjoyed a drenching experience on the podium, with some attractive Belgian ladies making sure everyone got their correct prize. Gary’s victorious but lubricant-less car was towed back to the paddock and loaded for home and one hoped that there would be no permanent damage to its engine. After the other 360 was returned, Graham demonstrated to an interested audience the free play in his rear wheel as a result of its failed bearing. He had replaced this item earlier this season, so one has to wonder about the design of this component as failure seems to be all too common on this tipo. The older Ferraris seemed to be in good order, which may be sending some sort of message. The results sheets for R2

. . . the seriously out of control rude boys in Class C (Mike Reeder, Witt Gamski and Charlie White).

PIRELLI MARANELLO FERRARI CHALLENGE Round 11 – Spa Francorchamps 1/2 October 2005 Pos

Driver

Tipo

Class

Laps

Time

Best Lap

Qualify 1

Pos

Pts

34 Gary Culver

360/Challenge

22:24.959

2:45.089

3:02.030

43 Witt Gamski

F355/Challenge

23:18.613

2:52.771

3:01.633

31 Mike Reeder

F355/Challenge

23:40.960

2:54.529

3:13.554

33 Charlie White

F355/Challenge

24:05.865

2:58.084

3:03.513

17 Nicky Paul-Barron

328GTB

Classic

25:04.127

3:05.082

3:33.151

11 John Swift

308GTB

Classic

25:32.254

3:08.569

3:34.909

27 Richard Atkinson-Willes

308GT4

Classic

25:32.998

3:07.472

3:31.933

23 Graham Reeder

360 Challenge

23:39.101

2:43.051

3:01.265

32 Didier Benaroya

Mondial t Cab

Classic

24:38.431

3:27.682

4:00.302

51 Phil Nuttall

F355/Challenge

21:05.167

2:55.243

---

DNF

Fastest Laps:

Graham Reeder

2:43.051 (154.023 km/h)

Witt Gamski

2:52.771 (145.358 km/h)

Nicky Paul-Barron

Classic

3:05.082 (135.689 km/h)

PIRELLI MARANELLO FERRARI CHALLENGE Round 12 – Spa Francorchamps 1/2 October 2005 Pos

Driver

Tipo

Class

Laps

Time

Best Lap

Qualify 2

Pos

Pts

34 Gary Culver

360/Challenge

21:30.071

2:39.377

23 Graham Reeder

360 Challenge

22:03.217

2:39.786

2:53.678 2:59.017

43 Witt Gamski

F355/Challenge

22:52.031

31 Mike Reeder

F355/Challenge

23:02.647

2:50.002 2:50.799

3:03.724 3:23.819

16 12

33 Charlie White

F355/Challenge

23:08.409

2:51.007

3:05.813

17 Nicky Paul-Barron

328GTB

Classic

24:36.022

27 Richard Atkinson-Willes

308GT4

Classic

22:06.591

3:03.375 3:07.485

3:29.223 3:31.520

7 8

11 John Swift

308GTB

Classic

22:07.130

3:07.467

3:36.741

32 Didier Benaroya

Mondial t Cab

Classic

23:59.100

3:23.555

3:40.627

3:04.809

5 Les Charneca

Fastest Laps:

F355/Challenge

Gary Culver

2:39.377 (157.574 km/h)

Witt Gamski Nicky Paul-Barron

C Classic

2:50.002 (147.725 km/h) 3:03.375 (136.950 km/h)

Final PMFC Points after Round 12 (provisional) Category S

Category C

Gary Culver

157

Witt Gamski

151

Kevin Riley

104

Mike Reeder

106

Graham Reeder David Dove Alan Newton

78 31 16

Charlie White Mike Furness Ted Reddick

86 36 30

Ted Reddick

Les Charneca Phil Nuttall

0 0 CompRes 14

Photos: SwiftyPix

OORE PLACE Hotel in Aspley Guise has hosted the annual Prizegiving Dinner for many years now, the hotel being particularly suited to the sixty or so people that usually attend writes RICHARD ALLEN. Guests start to arrive midafternoon and take advantage of the heavy duty tea with scones, strawberries and cream. Just to add to the fun, Sally MaynardSmith, famed for her innovative skills on these occasions, had circulated a special FHCC Quiz paper, which was to test people’s knowledge on what had been happening over the years. Outside hotel reception sat Richard Prior’s Championship winning 348ts, which only just made it after yet another alternator failure! Inside were all the usual suspects and some very important people too - Wayne and Geraldina Nickless from Pirelli, Jack and Diana Sears, Tony and Jane Willis, Peter and Suzanne Everingham, and Geoff and June Willoughby. The rest of us are very important too, but no room for all the names here! The dining room was as usual decked out in Ferrari flags and colours, and together with the very impressive display of trophies to be presented, really looked the part. The dinner went well, and when coffee was served it was time to make the awards. The quiz produced a surprising winner in Suzanne Everingham – an amazing achievement that she managed to beat all those chaps

who should have known better! He duly thanked everybody Then it was time for the Club including his fellow competitors hillclimb handicaps, and Pauline who made all of this possible, and Goodwin seemed to have taken went on to make presentations more than her fair share of these. from the competitors to both The Newcomer of the Year cup Sally and myself, which we both went to David Tomlin, and the very much appreciated. I, in Paddock Cup to Nick Taylor, then turn, thanked all the many people every competitor was presented contributing in one way or with a season’s memento trophy. another to the success of the Lastly it was the turn of our top series, and particularly to Pirelli three, with Nick, Geoff and whose generous support enables Richard coming up to receive us to provide such splendid their magnificent trophies from trophies and hospitality. Wayne Nickless. There was more, as we got into the more serious business of the annual FHCC spoof awards. Some of these are regulars, the most notable being the ‘Unforced Errors’. There had been so many this year it would be time consuming to work it out, and it seemed logical to make a joint award to Pauline Goodwin and Lorraine Hitchman, who together had really cleaned up in this area. They were duly presented with the customary Organising these dinners is a messy job spinning tops and some but somebody’s got to do it. special chemists’ prescriptions for “dizzy ladies”! Such is the camaraderie There was much hilarity during amongst the competitors, their these spoof awards, and it was partners and the other Club notable that the new season’s members present that it was 4am recruits came in for more than Sunday morning before the their share! Moore Place bar went quiet. Jack Sears paid due tribute to Swifty was busy as usual with Richard Prior’s success, and gave his camera and the fruits of his us one or two most interesting labours will be seen on the following pages.  and amusing anecdotes. Then it was Richard’s turn – far more scary than the actual competing!

Photo: SwiftyPix

PIRELLI FERRARI HILL CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP: PRIZEGIVING DINNER

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Photo: Chris Schotanus

PIRELLI MARANELLO FERRARI CHALLENGE: DRIVERS’ STORIES

Witt’s End

here do we begin? I know, Oulton Park, Park back in April. Peter Livesey and I arrived early Friday morning, enthusiastic as ever, although Peter was still sound asleep in the van (constantly complaining in his sleep about the lack of comfort and that he wants a plastic floor for our tent, what cheek!). Usual routine, find a spot, unload and erect our plastic palace. Testing got on its way, usual adjustments to the car. As the day progressed we noticed some eerie noises from the car’s hind quarters but carried on regardless. By the afternoon, the noises got louder so we decided to stick our ears to the engine and gave up the testing until we knew more. We asked for opinions from the usual suspects (all the given opinions were different) and our new recruit,

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No one tried harder or enjoyed his Championship year more than WITT GAMSKI. He achieved his ambition of winning the Challenge class and had enormous fun into the bargain. He tells how his season unfolded, the lows as well as the highs. Neil Cooke, was on his way from Kent. We got the car into our plastic palace and began stripping (the car that is) under the instructions by phone from our Guru Neil. What a poxy job working with a lead light! Neil arrived around 11pm, got under the car, and saw some horrible cam drive gears without teeth! We all abandoned ship, wandered off to our hotel, stayed at the bar until 3am, told a few jokes, got drunk and the rest is history. (Don’t even go there, we all had

separate rooms!) Robin Ward rebuilt the engine ready for Zolder which is another story! Again, same routine, arrived, (this time without our palace as we had a garage). Testing got underway, new circuit and all that: loved it! It was the hottest weather I have ever experienced in the car. I was merely going about my business on the circuit and suddenly noticed smoke from the rear of the car, checked all gauges, okay, no power loss but I decided to ease off the loud pedal, looked in the mirror again, but this time saw flames emerging through the bonnet. Sh*t! What do I do? Do I just pull off, stop, get out and run and let the car turn into ash, or do I carry on, find a marshal and try to save the car? I decided on the latter, after carrying on for half the lap (the marshals where very thin on the ground!). I got out, ran, the marshal came running with a fire

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Photo: SwiftyPix

all fresh and ready was when Ted and I were for battle with the approaching The Esses, totally car and circuit. engulfed in our own battle. Ted Had a few dramas was just in front of me and who as the gearbox was else but Les Charneca did the an F1 type and the perfect Banzai move on the linkage was inside, cut across the corner, and different, the clutch got ahead of me: brilliant! I was thrust bearing was laughing to myself - only Les can also different but do stuff like this! I soon caught Neil rescued all! A up with Les and overtook him at few wallops with Coram Curve. In both races I the hammer, a few finished second in class. odd screws and we Castle Combe was next, were back in same procedure and looking business. Missed forward to another battle with The Gamski ‘plastic palace’ with (L to R) Peter qualifying and Ted. As we all know, Castle Livesey, Witt and Agi. started the races at Combe is very touchy regarding extinguisher, pointed at the car, the back of the pack (a rather noise levels, and our Challenge pressed the button and . . . small pack) but got class wins in cars always have problems with nothing! Can you imagine my both and broke the lap record by the noise checks. Depending on thoughts? She (yes, it was a girl) a couple of seconds and a bit. which way the wind blows, and if kept trying to activate the Again, arrived at the batteries have been changed extinguisher but still nothing. I Snetterton, in the noise level meters, it is Snetterton set up, blah, blah, am watching from a safe blah, except we competed in the always a lottery. Sometimes you distance, vulgar thoughts going Britcar race the day before, a 120 get through without having to through my mind, she comes -minute race, leading the S1 use the baked bean cans bolted running back to me, gives me the race, eight minutes from the end onto the tail pipes but this time dodgy extinguisher and runs off. my rear wheel studs In the meantime the flames are broke and you know getting bigger and bigger. I the rest. (By the wondered what would Superman way, the car was not do. Leap to the car, open the to miss a beat door, pull out the car’s fire throughout the rest of extinguisher, point it at the the PMFC season). flames and press? Bingo! Except Got the car back on Superman wasn’t there, and I its wheels ready for had to do it! Sunday’s qualifying Got the car back to the and races. First race garage, repaired the charred I got in front of Ted bodywork with the help of our Reddick but as I body man, Ray. We found the arrived at Sear cause of the fire: it was an Corner, two 360s unused plug on the gearbox case where facing me so I which had come out, oil drained had to steer wide Neil Cooke on the case at Zolder. out onto the hot exhaust and onto the grass, spun caught fire. So we fixed a few times, the whole episode we had to use them, with the everything, refilled the gearbox. costing me around 30 seconds exception of Mike Reeder (I am Drama over? Got back into my but got back onto the circuit and sure he was having an affair with chariot, half a lap later horrible gave chase. I caught up with the noise tester). noises began again (different Ted. The seasoned racer that he Ted decided he did not want noises from the ones we heard at is made it impossible for me to to race with the cans on his tail Oulton Park) and I lost drive. pass and I finished just behind pipes. So bang goes our battle B*ll*cks! Gearbox is shot! Time him. which I was really looking to go home? No – David Preston The second race was very forward to (Ted, how could from Gary Culver’s entourage similar except there were no you?). Both races went well with (who incidentally had been dramas with the 360s and Ted two wins in class. feeding us with tea, cakes, and got away first and that was how Sadly, Silverstone was morale) came to the rescue, it stayed, with he and I having a cancelled because of the low made a few calls, a gearbox great scrap, bumper to bumper, PMFC entry levels. arrived at 1am Friday night. until the finish line. One Next on the agenda was Saturday morning we were memorable moment in the race Brands Hatch. Hatch Wow, what a

Photo: Chris Schotanus

Witt rounds La Source hairpin at Spa-Francorchamps. “This circuit is truly great,” he says.

down to business. Again, the turnout was very disappointing from the PMFC lads. This circuit is truly great and any opportunity to race there is welcome. A few changes have been made to the course since our last visit, mainly at the entrance to the Bus Stop, and at the corner with no name. The races were quite lonely but all the lads were in good spirits. Les Charneca’s car was damaged in the first race while in the hands of Phil Nuttall so one more car out of the races. However, Mike Reeder was flying in the second race. He was in my mirrors for a few laps and as his car is quicker than mine on the straights I had to keep an eye out. Checking the times after the race I demanded a urine and drug test from Mike! Well done, Mike! Both races were quite lonely for me but, nevertheless, enjoyable, as this circuit always is. We won both races in class. All in all, I had ten races. I came 1st in seven and 2nd in three, fastest laps in Class in all ten and broke the lap record at Zolder. The 2005 PMFC season was, on the whole, very enjoyable. Again, thanks to all who helped out, especially Peter, my ever so trusty friend and team manager and mechanic and moaner who never missed a meeting, and Neil, who had missed the odd ones but always came through when needed; Robin and the boys from Damax, and Gary Culver and team - always a pleasure to be with. And thanks to the Swifties, and all my friends who supported our races. And of course, my wife Agi for being Agi! So, the 2005 PMFC comes to an end, a very unhappy end. We are all quite sad but the inevitable happened because of the low turnouts. Let’s hope that the 2006 season, with the promising new Open series, is better. See you next year!

weekend! Beautiful weather, showed my position as P2. I loads of spectators, loads of thought what the hell is going racing cars, what more could we on? I was sure that I had a lap wish for? More Ferraris, that’s on Ted but no, I was wrong. So I what! I could not believe the low got ready for another long turnout from our boys; what an awaited battle with Ted but by opportunity missed! The world’s the time the pace car came in media were watching. Two 45there was only one lap left so 2nd minute races with pit stops, for me it was. Well done, Ted, running together with the Tag for beating me in the pit lane! All Heuer 250 cars. The whole team in all, that Brands meeting was has to be involved. great. The first race was very well Finally, Spa. Spa We arrived on behaved, Ted was nowhere to be Friday, set up as usual and got seen in my rear view mirror: easy. Got a class win. The second race was not so quite well behaved, the pace car was out for what seemed like the whole of the race. When the pace car came out, lots of drivers decided to pit. Ted was a few seconds behind me and he pitted. I decided not to come in as a traffic jam seemed to appear at the pit entrance. I carried on for one more lap and then did my pit stop. The safety car also came in as I was going into the pit. I emerged from my pit stop and put the hammer down, saw Ted ahead of me, but I thought I was a lap ahead, so no panic. As I was getting closer to Ted more incidents on the track, pace car came out and as I was Witt collects his winner’s trophy at Zolder. passing the pits, my pit board

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DRIVERS’ STORIES All photos: Chris Schotanus

Group Therapy

HE BEGINNING of the 2005 Ferrari formula classic now seems so long ago, and all that lay ahead was yet to unfold. From the magnificent and perhaps my favourite UK circuit, Oulton Park, to the less than perfect finale in September on Brands Grand Prix circuit at the A1 GP meeting. We all strive to do our best and seek to have an interesting, exciting and pleasurable experience along the way. Unless you have been there, and have actually raced, it is quite impossible to recreate the experience in words, but I do hope the photographs which John and Anne have chosen to accompany our words will go a long way to portray the pleasures and, sometimes, the disappointments that are

The most successful driver in Group 1 in the 2005 Ffc series, for the second year running, was STUART ANDERSON, driving his mouth-watering 250 TRC recreation. Here he tells us what a great season he’s had. generated by our endeavours. I think, this year, I have just about got the TR to go as quick as it will. The only change during the year was a slightly thicker front anti-roll bar. And now, short of changing from the period “L” section cross-ply Dunlops to a modern tyre - if there is one - I don’t think there is much more left in the car. I’m not complaining because I have had a great season. I also competed and finished my sixth

24-hour race at my all-time favourite circuit, the Nürburgring. We use the GP and Nordscheife circuits together, making one lap approximately 26kms long. This year I competed in an Alfa 156, but that’s another story. The TR has gone faster and I broke and created a few Group 1 lap records, having some close and exciting racing in the process. For me, thankfully, all our races were in the dry. I don’t mind racing in the wet but my little car is much less suited to wet conditions than others. I especially liked the double header race meetings. It does make the day go very quickly and also reduces costs. I don’t think I’m alone in thinking Zandvoort was the highlight of the season, not just for the experience of driving on such a superb track but in addition to its friendliness.

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It has a holiday atmosphere about it which must be because it’s on the coast. My only criticism was the lack of diversion signs. We were confident on our route from the ferry to the circuit when, without warning, the road was closed due to an enormous pipeline being laid across our highway with no signs to guide us on our way. Zandvoort’s two races with lots of time on track and time to socialise made it the best. Perhaps the most memorable 2005 Ffc race for me would be Castle Combe; Marco Pullen, in his Mondial t, and I had a really close race, as we did at Snetterton. I’d managed to stay ahead most of the race but he sneaked through at the Esses (I

think) and it took me until Folly to regain the position. I don’t think either of us saw the chequered flag and it wasn’t until I approached Avon Rise and saw applauding spectators and marshals and slowing cars that I realized it was all over. Well we were quite busy! As I drove back to the paddock it dawned on me that I wasn’t in front of Marco prior to the finish line at the flag. It transpired the race had been shortened, but it was a great battle! The most disappointing race was Brands. Brake trouble right at the last moment prevented me competing in the race and I had to, glumly, watch from Graham Hill Bend I was so looking forward to the finale on the Kent

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Grand Prix circuit – a rare opportunity. In retrospect I have to say Brands was the one to miss. I can’t help wondering if it was fate, as I would have most likely been in the thick of Marco’s spin and, in addition, no one enjoys having the majority of race laps behind the Pace Car. In addition to the above, the tow car expired in a cloud of steam on the M25, forcing me to abandon the car and trailer at the hotel just off junction 26, extracting the TR from the trailer, and driving it to Brands for the following day’s qualifying session. This wasn’t on my agenda. I borrowed a tow car and returned home on the Saturday, post race, with the stricken tow car now on the trailer, getting back to Brands at midnight to enjoy the A1 GP

race on the following day, Sunday. The Brit, after taking the lead in the pit stop, went out with engine trouble during more Pace Car laps. It’s all part of life’s rich tapestry and if we knew the outcome of events, there would be no need to strive for the things we do. While writing this I can’t but help think where will the Ferrari formula classic be taking us in 2006? Lastly, thank you to all those people who came up to have a “chat” and for expressing your enthusiasm that is provoked by my little car. It makes me realise how fortunate I am.

2005 PIRELLI MARANELLO FERRARI CHALLENGE and FERRARI formula classic PRESENTATION DINNER his year’s Pirelli Maranello Ferrari Challenge and Ferrari formula classic End-ofSeason Dinner was rather special in that it was the last time we would be celebrating the end of the season of the former Championship reports JOHN SWIFT. Last year the staff at Ettington Chase hotel, near Stratford-upon-Avon, looked after us very well so it was an easy decision to return. The only date we were able to secure that didn’t clash with other events was 5th November - Bonfire Night. We thought that this may help to make things go with a bang but as it turned out a significant number of competitors and their partners stayed at home to supervise their children’s own firework displays. Our Guests of Honour this time were Tony Willis and his wife, Jane. Representing our principal sponsors, Pirelli, was our old pal Martin Pallot, while we were also delighted to see our Chairman, Jack Sears, and his lady, Diana. Following an enjoyable meal, Tony gave us some titbits of information regarding the Factory’s and Ferrari GB’s plans for the future together with some encouraging sales figures of the marque. Martin also said a few words, significantly confirming Pirelli’s continuing support of all our racing activities in 2006, including the important new Pirelli Ferrari Open series. There was quite a selection of trophies and mementos to hand out and Tony did an excellent job, assisted as always by Peter and Susan Everingham. Gary Culver received the Maranello Trophy for his victorious season in PMFC Class S while Witt Gamski’s crew members picked up the Ivan Bishop Trophy marking his Category C championship win (Witt, the lucky man, was sunning himself on a beach in Mauritius). The prestigious Worswick Trophy, that wonderful black glass rampant horse awarded to

the driver who takes the chequered flag the greatest number of times, is sadly no more after sustaining a bad accident in the hands of last year’s recipient. However, in its place, Gary Culver, in this final PMFC season, was given a more liquid prize: 24 bottles of fine red and white Chilean wine. The Stirling Cup, for the preparer of the winning S Class car, was presented to David Preston. Gary, who was rarely given the chance to sit down all evening, was again on his feet to collect the magnificent glass Wilkinson Trophy for Ferrari Driver of the Year. All PMFC drivers who were on the podium this season were presented with an attractive engraved Club quaiche in recognition of their efforts. Ferrari Classic Parts, sponsors of the Ferrari formula classic series were unable to attend but Tony readily agreed to step into their shoes to present the major trophies: the Trofeo Palazzo Consoli (and a holiday for two in Tuscany) to Gary Culver, and the other Group award to Stuart Anderson (John Pogson, the winner of Gp3, was unable to attend). The Spirit of the Series trophy, given to the Club by Wilkinson plc, was awarded to a delighted Richard AtkinsonWilles. Ferrari Classic Parts mementos, in the shape of leather bound key rings, were handed to each competitor who had taken part this season. At the conclusion of this marathon presentation effort by Tony Willis, he was rewarded by the Club with a bottle of vintage Laurent-Perrier Champagne while Jane received an arrangement of flowers. We then had a short interlude, when Peter Everingham, assisted by Derek Seymour, put on a spectacular firework display in the grounds of the hotel. Then it was the turn of Anne Swift to present some extra prizes in the ‘Laurent-Perrier Spot’, so named because most of the booty came from our

favourite Champagne House. All these bottles had rockets attached as a mark of respect to the flammable Guy Fawkes. Charlie White is the only new recruit to PMFC this year and received a bottle of fizz together with a pair of nice flutes. Jenny Warner, who was celebrating her birthday, was given a bottle plus a little cake liberally laced with Cointreau. Peter Everingham has taken part in the most Classic races this season without the benefit of a trailer and received Champagne and some potent Ferrari aftershave as a reward. More bottles of L-P were handed out to Pirelli’s Ann Foster (for being so helpful), David Preston (for preparing not one but two victorious Ferraris this year), Christian Mineeff (for his exemplary work with the Club’s website), Derek Seymour (for his tireless efforts in running the hospitality at the circuits), and Suzanne Everingham (for her help with the Dinner). All the drivers who took part in the last ever PMFC race – at Spa-Francorchamps the previous month – were given a memento key ring (which usefully doubles as a bottle opener). Then, to conclude all this heavy duty present-giving, Martin Pallot generously handed Anne and your scribe presentation boxes of four crystal tumblers and a lovely rose bowl, wonderful gifts from Pirelli. This was swiftly followed by Gary Culver – on his feet once again! – to represent all the competitors who had taken part in the Ferrari races this year in giving Anne and me a fabulous flower arrangement and a case of my absolute favourite red wine, that incomparable Chateau Clarke, together with half a dozen fine cut crystal glasses and a splendid ship’s decanter. We then repaired to the bar to swap tall stories and savour the brandy. We may have been down on the usual numbers but from what I remember we all had a great time. Editor’s Note: Thanks to

CHRISTIAN MINEEFF, a collection of photographs of some of the guests who attended the Dinner can be found overleaf.

CompRes 22

2005 PMFC and Ffc PRESENTATION DINNER

23 CompRes

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli – Europa Rounds 13 & 14 EUROPEAN CHALLENGE

significant victory for Michael, having played second fiddle to the Frenchman for so many seasons. Michael’s team mate, Paddy Shovlin, took third place in the championship after winning the second race at Mugello. In the class for “gentlemen drivers”, as Class 2 used to be described, we had kept our fingers crossed for Peter Sowerby to bring home the bacon for the

The World Finals of the European 360 Challenge took place at Mugello on the weekend of 19-23 October. In the top class, competing for the Trofeo Pirelli, Michael Cullen was crowned champion after decisively beating the best that France has to offer in the shape of Ange Barde. This was a

UK team. However, it wasn’t to be and Peter finished a valiant second, just seven points behind the Coppa Shell victor, Freddy Kremer from Germany. From all accounts the races developed into a rough house (just look at the number of nonfinishers in Race 2) with few of the Ferraris escaping body damage.

RACE 1 – MUGELLO 19/23 October 2005 Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

No 104 103 102 101 152 166 198 162 176 151 109 187 197 287 **111

165

17 18 19 20 21 22

169 209 168 208 *159 164

175

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

191 211 202 155 105 158 199 161

Driver Robert Pergl Michael Cullen Paddy Shovlin Ange Barde Markus Kroyer Frank Gelf Phillippe Prette Freddy Kremer Peter Sowerby Karl Oppitzhauser Emilio Giusti Bjorg Grossmann Kevin Riley Douglas Peterson Tamara Vidali/ Maria de Villota Mauro Miele / Renato Bianchi Ralf Schaefer Jay Lee Holger Harmsen Mike Zoi Helmut Schlotterer Ronnie Kessel /Ramon Pini Carine Sicart /Jonathan Sicart Richard Bonnichsen Emmanuel Anassis Jimmy Pugliese Germano Salernitano Louis Machiels Pierre Schroeder Jurgen Limpert Terence Coleman

Class 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1

Nat CZE IRL IRL F AUT D MC D GB AUT ITA D GB USA ITA

Laps 22 22 22 22 22 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

Time 50:59.313 51:51.789 51:52.009 52:16.195 53:26.074 51:50.305 51:59.531 52:00.983 52:02.706 52:14.457 52:36.464 52:37.072 52:47.858 52:50.945 53:06.446

Q1 2:03.565 2:01.703 2:01.415 2:03.502 2:09.757

Pos 7 2 1 5 27

2:05.014 2:04.761 2:03.423 2:13.013 2:05.383 2:04.681 2:09.413 2:06.716 2:03.547

14 13 4 31 15 12 26 20 6

Best Lap 2:07.354 2:06.494 2:06.060 2:05.141 2:11.432 2:05.911 2:07.781 2:07.009 2:09.409 2:12.453 2:09.219 2:06.902 2:10.571 2:08.813 2:07.600

52.476 52.696 1:16.882 2:26.761 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap

ITA

53:16.073

1 lap

2:10.914

2:22.907

2 2

D USA D USA D CH

21 20 20 20 20 20

53:51.943 51:01.985 51:12.262 51:27.755 51:32.379 52:35.432

1 lap 2 laps 2 laps 2 laps 2 laps 2 laps

2:04.437 2:08.864 2:06.153 2:08.553 2:06.397

11 25 18 24 19

2:05.785 2:12.867 2:10.518 2:08.364 2:13.127 2:12.194

52:43.055

2 laps

2:15.317

2:27.493

2 1 2 2 2

DNK CAN USA I B LUX D IRL

20 20 19 19 18 18 18 16

52:46.034 52:48.191 52:02.391 53:16.469 44:44.441 47:08.766 51:53.113 42:06.752

2 laps 2 laps 3 laps 3 laps 4 laps 4laps 4 laps 6 laps

2:09.961 2:04.116 2:10.115 2:13.703 2:01.879 2:08.099

28 10 29 32 3 21

2:08.498

2:10.179 2:07.328 2:13.641 2:18.854 2:05.131 2:08.110 2:25.961 2:14.819

Behind

Pts 21 16 14 11 21 16 13 11 10 7 9 7 5 5 5 4 4 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

1 5 1 1

Not classified DNF DNF

107 Oliver Morley 177 Norbert Walchhofer

1 2

GB AUT

12 11

31:39.023 33:14.055

10 laps 11 laps

2:04.103 2:05.884

9 17

2:18.019 2:23.530

3 1

DNF DNF

156 Fons Schelterna 108 Nick Hommerson

2 1

NL NL

10 2

28:46.652 4:10.764

12 laps 20 laps

2:08.494 2:03.649

22 8

2:23.977

1 1

106 Wido Roessler

2:05.875

*25 sec penalty Fastest Laps

** 2 minute penalty Class 1 Louis Machiels

2:05.131 (150.897 km/h)

Class 2.Ralf Schaefer

2:05.785 (150.112 km/h)

CompRes 24

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

No 102 104 103 169 108 211 177 287 162 *176 111

12 13 14

168 156 164

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

197 158 191 **101 105 199 202 152 165

Not classified DNF 155 DNF 159 DNF 166 DNF 109 DNF 198 DNF 208 DNF 209 DNF 175 DNF DNF DNF DSQ

187 161 151 107

Driver Paddy Shovlin Robert Pergl Michael Cullen Ralf Schaeffer Nick Hommerson Emmanuel Anassis Norbert Waichoffer Douglas Peterson Freddy Kremer Peter Sowerby Tamara Vidal i/Maria de Villota Holger Harmsen Fons Schelterna Ronnie Kessel /Ramon Pini Kevin Riley Pierre Schroeder Richard Bonnichsen Ange Barde Louis Machiels Jurgen Limpert Jimmy Pugliese Markus Kroyer Renato Bianchi /Mauro Miele

Class 1 1 1 2 1

Germano Salernitano Helmut Schlotterer Frank Gelf Emilio Giusti Phillippe Prette Mike Zoi Jay Lee Carine Sicart /Jonathan Sicart Bjorg Grossmann Terence Coleman Karl Oppitzhauser Oliver Morley

2 2 2 1 2

*25 sec penalty Fastest Laps

2 2 1

Nat IRL CZE IRL D NL CAN AUT USA D GB ITA

Laps 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

Time 51:05.100 51:19.075 51:19.491 51:25.084 51:31.524 51:50.957 51:52.466 51:57.256 52:00.629 52:04.864 52:17.189

2 2 2

D NL CH

20 20 20

2 2 2 1 1 2

GB LUX DNK F B D USA AUT ITA

I D D ITA MC USA USA F

1 2 2 1

D IRL AUT GB

2 2

13.975 14.391 19.984 26.424 45.857 47.366 52.156 55.529 59.764 1:12.089

Q2 2:04.048 2:05.660 2:04.507 2:06.610 2:04.764 2:04.037 2:06.284 2:06.325 2:05.843 2:05.566 2:03.298

Pos 3 9 6 13 7 2 11 12 10 8 1

Best Lap n/a n/a n/a n/a 2:06.799 2:08.194 2:07.446 2:08.138 2:05.856 2:06.080 2:07.306

52:20.270 52:32.707 52:32.817

1:15.170 1:27.607 1:27.717

2:06.650 2:09.426 2:10.621

14 23 26

2:09.811 2:09.240 2:07.780

20 20 20 20 19 19 19 19 19

52:40.584 52:58.548 53:08.464 53:08.995 51:19.852 51:26.688 51:54.482 54:32.433 54:46.836

1:35.484 1:53.448 2:03.364 2:03.895 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap 1 lap

2:08.963

2:10.878 2:04.300 2:04.101

27 5 4

2:12.547 2:11.876 2:07.921

29 28 17

2:09.520 2:10.766 2:10.174 2:04.099 n/a 2:11.155 2:13.114 2:09.434 2:06.579

18 13 10 6 5

49:07.713 37:25.832 32:57.021 20:21.059 18:04.548

2 laps 7 laps 10 laps 14 laps 15 laps

2:20.444

2:21.120 2:09.230 2:07.582 2:08.801 2:21.546 2:09.732

31 22 16 20 32 24

2:07.500 2:08.622 2:10.344 2:08.708

15 18 25 19

20:20.279

Behind

14 laps

Pts 21 16 13 21 11 16 14 12 9 10 9 7 5 5 4 3 2 8 5 1 1 1 1

2:12.014 2:10.123 2:10.440 2:12.968 2:17.623

1 1 1 1 1

2:12.683

1 1 1 1 1 1

** 2 minute penalty Class 1 Michael Cullen

n/a

Class 2

n/a

Provisional Points after Round 14 Trofeo Pirelli Michael Cullen 207, Ange Barde 191, Paddy Shovlin 186, Robert Pergl 106, Louis Machiels 96, Philipp Baron 89, Wido Roessler 73, Maria de Villota 62, Nick Hommerson 61, Tamara Vidali 61, Oliver Morley 49, Emilio Guisti 24, Bjorn Grossmann 20, Karl Baron 19, Massimo Mantovani 16, Loronzo Bontempelli.15, Quinto Stefana 15, Raffaele de Simone 11, John Bosch 8, Sandor Janosi 6

Coppa Shell Freddy Kremer 164, Peter Sowerby 157, Ralf Schaefer 129, Frank Gelf 126, Norbert Walchhofer 116, Holger Harmsen 102, Mikael Forsten 86, Philippe Prette 69, Pierre Schroeder 67, Mauro Miele 59, Rolf Galliker 55, Renato Bianchi 53, Fons Scheltma 31, Ronnie Kessel 31, Ramon Pini 31, Markus Kroyer 28, Helmut Schlotterer 26, Kevin Riley 26, Bjorg Grossmann 24, Terence Coleman 20, Karl Oppitzhauser 16 Jonathan Sicart 16, Jurgen Limpert 16, Germano Salernitano 14, Paulo Pinato 14, Marco Coldani 14, Massimo Arduini 12, Koos von Merkestein 11, Michel Scotto 10, Carine Sicart 7, Christopher Catt 6, Richard Bonnichsen 3, John Horejsi 2, Jay Lee 2, Henry Hassid 2, Thierry Marney 2, Ricardo Weber 1 25 CompRes

The Season of Goodwill

“Miss Tonks, I’ve been meaning to come down all the year and tell you what a splendid job you’re doing on the switchboard.”

Birthdays in December

Henry Lawson

Chris Hitchman

David Ward

Alan Williamson

Jeremy Stubbs

Samantha Stubbs

Phil Burton

CompRes 26

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27 CompRes