Lola beats Chevron in French street race festival

Grand Prix Historique: Pau

The annual historic event around the streets of Pau produced some fine racing from magnificent fields, none more so than in the European Sports Prototype Trophy encounter. Carlos Barbot had his hands full threading his Lola T70 through the barrier-lined streets of the French town — but he also had to fend off a race-long challenge from the Chevron B16 of veteran John Sheldon.

In fact, Chevrons claimed four of the top six places, with brothers Michael (B6) and Andrew Schryver (B8) taking fourth and sixth. But at the head of the race, Barbot countered every move that Sheldon tried and took the flag less than a second to the good after 15 hard-fought laps.

The Formula Junior entry was split at 1960 and it was Michael Schryver who won the race for the later cars, even though his Lotus 22 was involved in a race-stopping tangle with a backmarker. Denis Welch (Merlyn Mk5) and Martin Walford (Lotus 22) were some way adrift of Schryver when the race was halted.

Back racing after a lengthy break, rapid Scotsman John Fyda guided his Mallock U2 to victory in the race for pre-1960 Formula Juniors, comfortably outpacing the rare Caravelle ofJames Hicks.

The considerable talent of Mike Littlewood was on display as his Wolf WR1 took a FORCE F1/F2 double. With Peter Williams (March 761) posting an early retirement, Nico Bindels (Lotus 77) led the chase of Littlewood, but the versatile Englishman was able to build a handy lead in both races. Sid Hoole topped the F2 cars in his Brabham BT36.

Alan Minshaw has seldom worked harder for victory than he did in the 1950s Sports Car race. His Maserati T61 ‘Birdcage’ had a great battle with the Lotus 15 of David Heynes and the Lotus 17 of Jac Nellemarm. A late error from Nellemann allowed Minshaw through to a memorable win.

A classic F3 race was a mainly French affair, except for Rob Moores — who won in a Chevon B38. PL