Hoole and Laidlaw share Formula Two spoils at Charade

The late withdrawal of ASN approval for the FORCE Classic GP race was a major blow, but the Formula Two entry still turned in a pair of entertaining races.

The twisty and undulating track suited the 1600cc F2s, and the opening race turned into a mighty contest between Sid Hoole (Brabham BT36) and Irvine Laidlaw in the Lotus 69 that is also tended by Hoole’s team. After several changes of lead, Hoole won by little more than half a length. However, that effort left his engine in no fit state to race on Sunday when overnight rain meant a damp track.

John Delane had taken third in the opening race in his ex-Fittipaldi Lotus 69, and led race two until Laidlaw eased ahead. Delane then slithered into the gravel, leaving John Moulds (Brabham BT23) to take the runner-up slot.