Most races had strong entries – and there was some fabulous racing. My favourite car, though – one I hadn’t previously seen – was Steve Goldsmith’s ultra-quick Anglia 105E, which looked as though it had stepped straight from the pages of Motor Sport circa 1968, though it was immaculately presented in a way racing cars rarely were in those days.
It was nice to see a strong Formula Ford 1600 field (Rory Smith won twice) – and to witness Drew Cameron emerge unscathed after flipping his Van Diemen at Clearways. He was able to walk unaided to the adjacent medical centre for a check-up.
Sports 2000 cars don’t look much like those I watched in the category’s very first race at Oulton Park in April 1977 (though there is still a class for older cars), but they are hugely impressive to watch; in the second race, Michael Gibbins beat fellow MCR driver Joshua Law by just 0.051sec.
The only downside? Throughout the afternoon, a minority of Focus ST owners seemed to think it mandatory to leave the venue in a flurry of revs and exhaust crackle. Point one, if you want to drive like that, track days are a better option than the A20. Point two, if your primary purpose is to make some noise, ditch the Focus and see if you can find an Escort BDA.
They sound much better…
Autumn Classic
Castle Combe, September 24
Why can’t the M4 ever be normal? On my previous visit to Castle Combe, a huge section was restricted to 20mph on both carriageways, without obvious cause. This time, resurfacing work dictated a significant diversion through the Lego-like architecture of central Reading – something of a contrast to the bucolic world beyond.
Once it had reopened beyond Junction 12, the M4 still couldn’t help itself: at one point I was passed by a Hyundai Matrix whose driver seemed to think the Bonneville Salt Flats had been relocated to Berkshire.
Meanwhile, back to Castle Combe…
This was the 11th running of what has become a popular retro staple. There were seven races, two for the HSCC Griffiths Haig Trophy and one apiece for Ecurie Classic Racing, FiSCar ’50s Inter-Marque, 500cc F3, the GT & Sports Car Cup and – a first at this meeting – an event for Group 1 saloon cars (named in honour of local tin-top hero Vince Woodman, who died in 2021).