With 14 cars and drivers entered, we were one of the larger grids for the day of racing mainly devoted to Formula Fords. We were allocated the last of the practice sessions and then a mid-afternoon race slot on a day which moved from ‘Cloudy/Dry’ to ‘Bright/Dry, and Oulton Park looking at its best.

JB Jones had brought his Cooper, as repairs to the Cousy were not yet complete. ‘I am still getting to grips with the highly responsive steering on this car as opposed to the set up on the Cousy.’ Students of Cousy will know what he means!

In practice John Turner was first away, looking fast but initially sounding a bit rough. Others showing intent were Roy Hunt’s Martin, Richard Bishop-Miller in the Revis and Martin Gartside’s Cooper who sadly seized his brand new Norton engine which ended his day. Other troubles were with JB, whose Triumph twin crank shaft broke splitting the crankcase, Marcus Black in his ex-Jack Mayes (USA) Mk V with gearbox trouble, and welcome newcomer Ian Phillips in a nicely presented Mk X whose exhaust detached itself. Starting last was Gordon Russell in the Mackson who worked his way efficiently through the field to claim pole.

And the winner is....

So, mixed reactions, with some smiles and some resigned expressions. Darrell Woods, who had pulled off with an unhappy noise, was able to dispel his concerns, R B-M, having posted 2nd fastest did his customary engine change, and other fettling was done with more or less success. Hakan Sandberg was having a wretched day with a magneto.problem which would not go away, and unlucky Marcus, despite strenuous efforts could not beat his gear selector problem.

Thus 10 cars came to an orderly rolling start from which Gordon lead away with several hopefuls at his heels. Unfortunately a collision at Knickerbrook chicane between Roy and R B-M reduced this number but hill-climber Mark Riley in only his second race and driving the ex-Murray Rainey Cooper was showing well until overhauled by the race-long duel developing between Darrell and Mike Fowler in his Mk V. From the 4th row John Turner had his rocket boots on and by mid race had closed to within 3 secs of Gordon – this gap closed to nothing as John made a bold attempt at Old Hall on the final lap but discretion ruled and the gap at a thrilling finish was under ˝ second. No less exciting was the Fowler/Woods battle for 3rd which went to Mike by a similar margin. Mark had a lonely but steady run in 5th place and Shirley was the final finisher. Ian survived 3 laps in his debut before pulling up with violent vibrations caused by engine mountings working loose but had already made up two places on his grid position. Stuart Wright in the Dastle also retired.

The Lewis-Evans Trophy was presented to Gordon by Steve Lewis-Evans whom we were delighted to see here with his family in force – picture shows grandson Daniel, the latest recruit.

Our thanks to the BRSCC and to their commentator Mike Cookson who gave us enthusiastic and well-researched coverage.

Mike and Darrel had a race long dice

Classified Finishers

Gordon, John and Mike

Another Class A victory for Shirley