Race Report Round 7 Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit 04 July 2010

Brands saw yet another good entry of 28 cars, 23 F3's and 5FF2000, for the annual Superprix event and this was coupled with good weather meaning we could hold a BBQ again , this time between qualifying and the race and sponsors CSP Insurance provided some wonderful organic sausages and masses of drinks.

Qualifying

Qualifying was tense as the front runners trading fastest laps. Sadly we were missing Bill Coombs after his Snetterton shunt and that left Simon Hadfield and Benn Sims trading fastest laps, before Benn went 0.3s under the lap record to secure pole by 0.977s. Paul Smith seemed to have cured his fuel pick up problems with a fine third albeit some 2s behind and also Jamie Brashaw was a fine 4th before overheating saw him coast back to the paddock. Hugh Price headed Tom Thornton and Pat Gormley, the latter out again after his Monaco excursion. Paul Dibden and Marcus Mussa, another first outing since Monaco, were 8th and 9th separated by just 0.02s! Oli Thorpe was on FF2K pole in 10th with Jonathan Price sandwiched between him and FF2K Peter Denham, back again after hurting himself and feeling a bit sore. Of the rest notably Ben Hudson was unusually low in 15th and Neil Bowman grabbed class B pole by 2s from Albert Clements. Geoff Hoodless was the only entry not to appear and David Clark started at the back after only 1 lap.

Race

At the lights, Simms shot into an early lead and pulled away to win by 8s trying to get the lap record but just failing by 0.2s. Behind him in a comfortable 2nd was guest driver Hadfield chasing in vain and after both Paul Smith and Jamie Brashaw retired early with re-occurring problems, Hugh price bagged yet another Brands podium. Thorpe raced to a brilliant 4th overall and 2.37 s below record, showing his abilities at last on tyres that were less than 3 years old!! His nearest rival, Denham was back in 10th on a normal race pace. Marcus made poor start but fought back to 6th after a great scrap, first with Thornton who got past on finished 5th and Gormley. Dibden also dropped out early leaving Hudson and then Sturmer in a lonely 9th well ahead of Denham. Clark had a great battle with Remers for 11th from the back of the grid and more like his old self just losing out at then end. Paul Taylor in the unusual FF2K Sparton SF79 bested Derek Watling for 13th after another great scrap leading Rudolf Ernst and Peter Hiscocks home. Clements won class B again as Bowman pulled off on lap 9 And James Parsons steering went all funny 2 laps from home causing his retirement from the midfield battle and causing his nice paintwork to get shotblasted through the gravel trap. The final runners were Mark Hulme, Alan Gape and the Walters bros, Gareth and Richard. Jonathon Price was the final retiree on the last lap. Not a brilliant race but a dominant win for Benn Simms and good dices all down the field made it entertaining and no major damage. Everyone seemed to enjoy the BBQ and good weather so let's continue to enjoy in the long break until Oulton park Gold Cup.

See you there.

Richard Ranson

For Sale

F3 March763 with F 3 Dolomite engine. Needs some basic work to bring it up to race spec,

Price 19,950.00 ONO

Tel : 07765 890010

BRANDS HATCH - 4th JULY 2010

As we have a family wedding to attend, Angie and I are sorry we are unable to be at Brands this week-end to organise the usual BBQ after the race. Richard Ranson and Colin Painter will be doing the BBQ instead, between 12MD - 1PM in the Paddock. CSP Insurance will provide food/drinks for everyone who wants to attend- drivers and spectator guests are all welcome. It would be appreciated if you could bring tables/chairs.

I hope you all have a great day with some competitive racing

Reg James (Chairman )

Race Report Round 2 Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit 15 May 2010

An entry of 30 cars, 26 F3's and 4FF2000, arrived for a rare opportunity to sample the old Grand Prix circuit at the HSCC's extravaganza, some of them fresh from a blast round that other Grand Prix track at Monaco. The entry boasted further new cars and the return of some old friends.

Simon Hadfield appeared in the ex Keegan March 743 decked out in the familiar BAF colours matching Bruce Bartells later Chevron B38, not many championships can boast two period cars in the same livery, the car looking tiny against the more familiar Argo's. Alan Parker returned after a long layoff with his ex Geoff Lees Chevron B38 and was joined by Keith White's Ralt RT1, turning a wheel for the first time since his Oulton crash, Ben Hudson in his newly liveried Guerrero Argo and Geoff Hoodless in his March 803. Adrian Holey returned in his Chevron B38 for his first run since Oulton last year and Chris Remers brought out his Chevron B43. The 1600 boys were joined by Neil Bowman in his rare Merlyn Mk21.

Qualifying was held in perfect conditions and gave us a taste of things to come as the front runners circulated in line astern trading fastest laps. At the end Hadfield just shaded Benn Sims by 0.3sec with Bill Coombs a further 0.1 sec away in third. Paul Smith posted fourth a further 0.5sec back to leave the top four covered by 1.1 sec. The field split themselves in groups with Price, Dibden and Brashaw, with a sick sounding engine, next up all four seconds from pole ahead of Parker, Hudson, Thornton in the next group six seconds down. Hoodless, Sturmer and Price were just ahead of the first of the ff2000 cars of Watling in fifteenth who was closely followed by Arif and Clark, also in ff2000 cars, and Ernst and Wilson. Parsons was a lonely twentieth ahead of Remers, Hulme not able to find his testing pace, Hiscocks, Tusting and Bartell in the other ex Keegan car. White was a lonely 26th, the car suffering engine maladies, and the 1600 class propped up the timesheets in the order Clements, Walters, Walters and Bowman, who found himself a long way from the pits with a puncture. The session was to claim Hudson with no oil pressure and White, non starters both.

At the rolling start, first one of those for many, Hadfield held the younger cars at bay to lead with Coombs and Sims snapping at his heels a few tenths behind. All three jockeying for position and looking for an opening with Coombs into 2nd within a couple of laps. This enthralling battle continued until near the end when Hadfield was slowed by a filter leaking oil onto the rear brakes, leaving Coombs to pull a great move round the outside at Stowe. Coombs pulled out a 2 second lead at the end for his third win of the year from Hadfield and Sims who was another 2 seconds back. Smith fell back from the leaders suffering with another bout of gearbox gremlins and just headed a scrapping Price, Dibden and Parker, having a good run after such a long layoff. Brashaw had earlier been up dicing with this bunch but fell back into the clutches of Thornton, then Hoodless as his engine sounded sicker to finish a disappointed 10th. His scrap with Thornton was brilliant with Tom often sideways through Luffield as he fought to get back on terms. Eventually Hoodless passed Thornton for 8th. Jonathan Price, Holey and Parsons ran in close company for the whole race ending the day in that order for 11th to 13th and still on the lead lap. Rounding out the finishers were Remers, Ernst, Hiscocks, Bartell and Hulme.

Clements won the 1600 class easily ahead of the Walters brothers, Gareth setting fastest lap despite finishing behind his brother after a spin, with Bowman rounding out a frustrating day by retiring on lap 3. The FF2000 class was annexed by Watling in 14th, a good effort to remain on the lead lap, ahead of Wilson who was credited with the fastest lap by mistake and Tusting. Sturmer, fresh from his Monaco outing, posted the only other retirement with a lack of oil pressure. A great race all through the field and a splendid advert for the formula.

Well done to all.

Colin Painter

Monaco 7th Grand Prix Historique 1st & 2nd May

A very successful meeting for the CF3 competitors. Lets hope for an invitation in 2012.

Full race report can be found in Autosport 13th May 2010

Many thanks to Marco Mussa for hosting a post race Champagne reception.

For final results check the race results page.

Have you seen this on-board footage from Marcos Mussa's car on YouTube ? Brilliant!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuG9eAM5eMU

Race Report Round 1 Silverstone 28 March 2010

With Donington in no fit state to open the championship this year, competitors were rewarded with an earlier start to the campaign and a double header at an unfamiliar Silverstone. The circuit had lost many of it's landmarks and the creation of more run off areas, some 30 metres of it at Woodcote, gave the place an even more open feel as they created the new Grand Prix circuit. As some drivers were to discover to their cost useful tarmac run offs had disappeared, particularly at the Becketts hairpin.

Despite Monaco looming for some, the entry boasted 20 cars with some new combinations due to make their debut. Sadly not everyone made it. Pat Gormley withdrew his newly acquired Safir as did Richard Walters rare Mallock and poor Neil Bowman, having his first run in his Merlyn Mk21, came to grief at the beginning of qualifying. Elsewhere it was business as usual with the usual culprits carrying on where they left off last year. Although Bill Coombs Argo looked unfamiliar, now in the period orange livery of Glover Oils and it was good to see Jamie Brashaw back in his March 793 after his Oulton Park shunt last year.

Qualifying

Bill Coombs topped qualifying just shading Benn Simms and Paul Smith. All three covered by 0.5 sec and the only drivers to dip below the 60 second barrier. A close race was anticipated by all. Jamie Brashaw posted fourth but pitted after 10 laps and began a long afternoon struggling with engine problems resulting in him missing race 1 completely. Richard Trott parked his Chevron when 5th gear stripped rather than risk further damage and Paul Campfield pitted with the nose of his March shredded at the reprofiled Becketts. Ollie Thorpe struggled through seven laps with an appalling misfire, but had at least qualified.

During the lunch break Richard Ranson presented the 2009 trophies to an appreciative audience in garage 1 following the cancellation of the dinner dance. Congratulations to all the winners.

Race 1

The first start of the year also saw the first red flag of the year when Derek Watling's FF2000 Royale was pincered forcing him out with bent suspension along with Albert Clement's Lotus 69 who was unable to avoid the melee. This was good news for Coombs who had not made the best start initially and had a second go. He made no mistake this time and led the whole way with Benn Simms and Paul Smith in tow as he crossed the line 15 minutes later to take the flag, these three confirming their qualifying pace by pulling away from the pack every lap. Tom Thornton made the best of new tyres to finish fourth just holding off Jonathan Price, who had found a few seconds pace over the winter, and Paul Campfield who just shaded Marcus Mussa who was fighting back after a quick spin when running fourth. First of the lapped runners was Michael Quinn after a steady run looking after the car before Monaco ahead of a charging Ollie Thorpe, misfire now cured, and throwing the car at the corners to lead the FF2000 brigade. Chris Drake completed the top ten suffering with nose damage from the startline fracas ahead of John Wilson in the second FF2000 car and Mark Hulme who was struggling to understand the loss of pace after qualifying. Richard Trott, Peter Dunn, Paul Dibden and Rudolf Ernst all failed to complete the distance, although some were openly using the day as a shakedown.

Race 2

Simms won the drag off the line to lead Coombs and Smith for the first 10 laps until Coombs found a way past into Copse. Smith dropped back when 2nd gear stripped but managed to hold on to third at the flag leaving Simms runner up again. Behind the leaders there was an exciting battle between Thornton, Mussa, Price, Brashaw, up from the back of the grid and Campfield. On lap 3 Campfield's rear wing collapsed and Brashaw pitted with another problem leaving the other three to fight for fourth place until the end. After 15 exciting laps it was resolved in the order Price, Thornton and Mussa. Price celebrating by far his best finish after a fine drive. Dibden had a lonely run to 7th ahead of Thorpe and still on the leading lap. The remaining runners finished in the order Quinn, Ernst, Wilson, Hulme who had found his lost pace and Drake. Again Trott and Dunn were not classified as finishers.

A long wait for round two in May but as it's back at Silverstone on the GP circuit so worth the wait. That is unless you are off to Monaco to race on their GP circuit. Good luck to them.

Colin Painter

Reg has been contacted by franco.fraquelli@gmail.com offering a fully prepared RALT RT73 for Monaco Historique F3 at an all inclusive price, 10,000 euro. Just turn up and race!!

Dinner Dance February 27th. Cancelled due to lack of interest!!

Time for an engine rebuild for the 2010 season? Speak to Craig Beck @ Craig Beck Racing LTD 07876221932

2009 SEASON CLASSIC F3 AGM, DINNER / DANCE & AWARDS 27th February 2010. Village Hotel & Leisure Club Dolomite Avenue Coventry Business Park Coventry CV4 9GZ

The AGM will be held at 4 pm - in the Inspiration Suite followed by the dinner at approx 7pm. Bookings for rooms should be made as asap on 08454020091 using the code CLAS 260210. Double rooms are 60.00 pounds each inclusive of breakfast. Tickets are available from Richard Ranson and are 50.00pounds each. Please support this event as it takes a lot of work to organise it .

HISTORIC F.3 in MONZA,

Dear Friends, we have the pleasure to inform you that the first race of "HISTORIC CUP F.3 ITALY" (F.3 Historic Italian Championship 1970 - 1984 ) will be race in MONZA Circuit next APRIL, 11 2O1O The race is open to all european friends owner of F.3 Historic, with separated results We are waiting for you in Monza circuit.....!!! Very best regards FRANCO. For any further informations plaese contact: GRUPPO PERONI PROMOTION Mr. Manolo Bastianelli Mail: m.bastianelli@gruppoperoni.it

F3Classic France

Dear Friends Next Year calendar is ready : April 4th Val de Vienne (near Poitiers) May 2nd Charade (... and Monaco) May 23rd Spa June 6th Monza July 11th Magny Cours September 19th Nogaro October 10th Castellet- Paul Ricard October 24th Ledenon (near Nimes) if interested, as usual, you send me an e-mail.

Best regards BernardHONNORAT

MONACO UPDATE

The following important information has been sent to Reg from Marcus Mussa.

As they are running the race to French regulations, the UK contingent should perhaps be made aware that there is a slight difference between the UK and French regulations as regards the flat floor – although the French allow later cars, all of them must have flat floors across the car, including pontoons, the length of the wheelbase. As I understand it some of the UK cars do have some form of extractor (definitely not my Modus!)

.There is a drawing on the French website

http://www.f3classic.com/telechargement/illustrations/3.jpg

MONACO UPDATE Please note the following change of date now 1st-2nd May 2010

Race Report Silverstone 17 October 2009 Round 8

Twenty six cars arrived for the final round of the championship to be greeted by a cold but fine Silverstone. On a sad note it was announced that Bob Jordan had lost his life in a flying accident the previous week and we would not see the debut of his Shannon Super Vee. Andy Storer (Chevron B38) joined the class A cars for his first race of the year and Peter Dunn (March 733) joined the usual class B runners. The invitation class C cars were bolstered by Alan Hicks (Jamun T9) having his first run in his newly acquired car and Dave Clark in the rare Dulon MP21. With the class A and class C championships to be decided all eyes were on Bill Coombs and Paul Smith in class A and Scott Temple and Ollie Thorpe in class C. Paul and Ollie had a bit of a mountain to climb but anything could happen.

Qualifying

The session had barely begun when the red flag was thrown to rescue Hugh Price who was stuck in the gravel at Brooklands after a moment on cold tyres. With traffic causing the front runners some trouble the session ended with Bill Coombs(Argo JM6) surprisingly shading Paul Smith (Martini MK31) by 0.5 sec, who looked really quick from the sidelines. Hugh Price (Chevron B38) recovered to post third ahead of seven cars covered by a second led by Ollie Thorpe (Royale RP27) in a fine fourth, Chris Drake (March 743) another fine effort, Marcus Mussa (Modus M1), Mike Quinn (Ralt RT1), Paul Dibden (Ralt RT1), Ollie's rival Scott Temple (Reynard SF79) and Jonathan Price (March 783) going extremely well at the end of his first year. Tom Thornton (Argo JM3) annexed eleventh ahead of Mike Simpson (Ralt RT1) and Rudolf Ernst (Ralt RT1) starting in his best grid position. Peter Dunn (March 733) led the class B runners in 14th just ahead of Bruce Bartell (Chevron B34). Two class C runners, John Wilson (Royale RP26) and Dave Clark (Dulon MP21) were split by Andy Storer (Chevron B38) ahead of Adrian Holey (Chevron B38) who was struggling with fuel problems caused by the tank foam breaking up. Mark Hulme (Modus M1) 20th, was pleased to be further up the grid but disappointed not to match his testing times. Albert Clements (Lotus 69) posted second place in class B ahead of two more class C runners Derek Watling (Royale RP27) and Alan Hicks learning about life in a Jamun T9. The grid was rounded out by the Walters brothers Gareth and Richard in Palliser and Mallock respectively and at the back was Warren Gomm (Argo JM6) who only completed one lap and had to start + 10 seconds.

Race

All 26 cars took the start with Bill Coombs leading Paul Smith away ahead of Hugh Price and Chris Drake. Starter of the day was Mike Quinn with his usual good getaway up to fifth at the end of the first lap. As Bill and Paul pulled away at the front from Hugh in a lonely third a huge battle for fourth raged between Drake, Dibden,Thorpe,Mussa, Temple and Quinn. The cars swapping places at every lap. Lap 5 saw two retirements with Tom Thornton (fuel pressure) and Andy Storer but it was on lap 6 that the complexion of the race changed as the leaders negotiated backmarkers at Copse. With Bill having to take to the run off area Paul chose the inside and got a run on Bill to take the lead which he held to the flag, leaving Bill to take second a couple of seconds down but good enough to clinch the championship. Hugh Price came in third ahead of the group battling for fourth which resolved itself in the order Chris Drake, Paul Dibden,Ollie Thorpe - class C winner but not enough for the championship - Marcus Mussa and Scott Temple, who did enough for the class C title. Mike Quinn slipped to ninth ahead of a race long battle between Mike Simpson and Jonathan Price resolved in that order with 0.2 sec separating them at the end. Peter Dunn was the first of the lapped runners and winner of class B ahead of Warren Gomm in 13th after a fine drive from the back. Bruce Bartell and Mark Hulme picked up 15th and 16th, Mark much happier with his pace in the race, ahead of Albert Clements - class B champion - and Rudolf Ernst. The remaining places were filled by John Wilson, Gareth Walters and Richard Walters - a race long battle - and Alan Hicks. Adrian Holey retired on lap 8 with a recurrence of his fuel problems, Dave Clark with accident damage on lap 11 and Derek Watling on the last lap. A fitting final race to an exciting year.

Congratulations to the championship winners Bill Coombs, Albert Clements and Scott Temple, who all join Jensen in being championship winners, and a big thanks to all who took part and made it such a fine year. Redlight Ranson will no doubt have compiled his statistics for the year, fastest laps, most spins, etc and will reveal all soon. If I had to pick a moment from the year it was seeing Bill Coombs in Paul Smith's Chevron at Brands. The car loaned by Paul to his championship rival was a truly fine gesture. Roll on 2010.

Colin Painter

IN MEMORIAM

It is with great sadness that we have to report he tragic death of BOB JORDAN in a freak micro light accident. Bob an ex BA Pilot will be best remembered for his exploits in the Unipart sponsored March 793. In an ironic twist Bob was due to return to racing in the Classic F3 series this very weekend at Silverstone having beaten the illness which caused his retirement. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to his family and friends.

GREAT NEWS

CLASSIC FORMULA 3 WILL LINE UP ON THE GRID IN A SUPPORT RACE AT THE 2010

MONACO CLASSIC WEEKEND

Monaco Historic GP 2010 - Important information from Marcus Mussa

Patricia at the ACM said that she would appreciate receiving entries well before the closing date (15/2/10) as she will be very busy at that time with the Rallye Historique which takes place end January. She also said that it is best to give a credit card number to pay the entry fee (it’s one of the options they propose). They will not debit the card unless and until the entry has been accepted (i.e. not until March). Those without HTP should at least have applied for it and be able to give the number (which MSA gives out) on the entry form – this includes me! They will of course insist on seeing a copy before the event and will definitely not let anybody race without it. People will have to bring their own fuel, which has to be stocked in a special place. And the ACM definitely prefer it when people bring cars on trailers or in small vans, rather than massive transporters (which they never know where to park and which create havoc with the traffic when discharging their contents!). There is usually a place for motor-homes if anyone wants to save a bit of money that way! Ask Iain Rowley, he hired one last year and was the only one in the parking lot!

Clarification

In an article in Autosport this week it was wrongly quoted that CF3 was possibly going to " Tie up" with the British F3'. I want to make it perfectly clear that any races we do will be on a one off basis if at all. We have always done one or two races outside the HSCC calendar when dates don't clash. We most certainly will be racing with HSCC next year and anything to the contrary is misquoted as far as I am concerned.

Reg James(Chairman)

Thruxton Race Report Round 7 12 September 2009

Summer finally arrived to greet the 25 competitors for round 7 as the race headlined the AMOC meeting. A great improvement on the last time the championship visited the circuit three years before to be greeted by rain. Alex Ames joined the field after a long absence in the ex Eje Elgh Plastic Padding Chevron B38, a winner here in 1977 and Warren Gomm was a late entry in his beautiful Argo JM6 having his second outing in the car. With no class B (1600cc) cars entered and the cars being allocated the garages there was a distinct 70's atmosphere as we waited for qualifying. Early problems arose for Alex Ames, struggling to get the Chevron running cleanly, and James Parsons (March 803B) who was trying to repair or replace his starter motor. Sadly this and a water leak rendered him a non starter. The big money was on Bill Coombs (Argo JM6) for pole, racing in his back yard, with Richard Trott (Chevron B43) expected to go well by using his circuit knowledge as an instructor.

Qualifying

A massed start from the pits heralded the opening of the session as everyone jockeyed for track position, the front runners circulating in a group and searching for a clear lap. As expected Bill Coombs annexed pole ahead of Richard Trott by 0.4 sec, improving on his hope for third, and Ben Sims (March 803B). Alex Ames posted a fine fourth, quickly back on the pace after his layoff, heading Paul Smith (Martini MK31), his car not as quick on this fast circuit. The top five were all under the lap record of 1min 18.5. Geoff Hoodless (March 803B) was sixth after a quick spin when 3rd gear proved difficult, closely followed by Paul Campfield (ex Ranson March 803). Hugh Price (Ex Warwick Chevron B38), second here in 1977, just beat Ollie Thorpe (Class C Royale RP27) going indecently fast to head the FF2000 brigade. A wide eyed Tom Thornton (Argo JM3) was 10th after a spin when flat out caused by a loose suspension carrier on the gearbox. His spin and Ben Hudson car (Argo JM3) being stranded on the circuit brought out the red flag half way through the session. Paul Dibden (Ralt RT1) was just beaten for 11th ahead of Marcus Mussa (Modus M1). The next batch saw Chris Drake (ex Pryce March 743) going well despite only having a Pinto engine ahead of John Watson (Royale RP27) having another run in Janet Sherry's car to sort the handling and John Wilson (Royale RP26) who was still suffering from his leg injury. Matthew Sturmer (GRD 376) was 16th after a stop to investigate a damaged splitter just ahead of Paul Wyeth (ex Mansell March 793) returning after an 18 month absence. Ben Hudson was 18th but destined not to start when oil and water were found together where they shouldn't be leaving Peter Hiscocks (Lola T670) alone on row 10.Warren Gomm was having a better run in the car than at Oulton for 20th ahead of Mark Hulme (Modus M1) and Bruce Bartell (ex Keegan Chevron B34) both learning the daunting circuit. Rudolph Ernst (Ralt RT1) was 23rd splitting his time between us and the Juniors.

Race

The cars were gridded in the pit lane and led round on the warm up lap by Bill Coombs with the commentators enthusing about the period livery and history of many of the cars. Bill Coombs led away at the lights with Ben Sims getting the jump on Richard Trott who had Alex Ames for company as they swept through the chicane at the end of the first lap. The Bill and Ben show continued up front as they pulled away from Richard Trott, who had Alex Ames glued to his gearbox. On lap 5 the leaders came across backmarkers at the chicane and Bill got through cleanly but Ben lost a few seconds and remained there for the rest of the race. A furious battle was developing for third with Alex Ames trying everything to pass Richard Trott but unable to find a way through Richard's stout defence despite Richard's grassy moment on the brakes into the chicane when lapping backmarkers. Richard finally bagged third from Alex after a fine battle and a great advert for the formula, crossing the line just 0.185 seconds apart. Paul Smith had a lonely run to fifth still struggling to get the car up to its usual pace. Geoff Hoodless continued his qualifying form by leading a bunch of cars consisting of Paul Campfield, Tom Thornton, Hugh Price and Paul Dibden until a spin on lap 14 at the chicane dropped him down to 10th. This left Paul Campfield to finish 5th closely followed by Hugh Price and Tom Thornton. On the final lap Tom got baulked at the chicane giving Hugh Price a run at him and they crossed the line just 0.008sec apart with Hugh just piping Tom. A real IRL oval finish. Marcus Mussa had a lonely run into 11th just ahead of the battling pair of Chris Drake and Paul Wyeth. John Wilson headed the class c cars in 14th after Ollie Thorpe pitted on lap 2 with a fuel leak. Warren Gomm had a steady run into 15th ahead of the second class c car of John Watson and Peter Hiscocks. Matthew Sturmer finished 18th after a stop to secure a loose engine cover. The car looking resplendent in it's green splitter borrowed after the damage in qualifying. The final three runners were Mark Hulme, Rudolf Ernst and Bruce Bartell who circulated together all race. As we go into the final round Bill Coombs leads the points on 100 and after his non finish at Combe has a zero to drop. Paul Smith is just 4 points behind on 96 reduced to 88 with dropped scores. If Paul wins at Silverstone bill needs just a ninth place to secure the title. See you all at Silverstone.

Colin Painter

Update 4th September 2009

Many Congratulations to Karen and Matthew Sturmer who tied the knot last week , and had a delightful honeymoon at Oulton Park Gold cup meeting in the wind and rain, which was great !

Thruxton Saturday 12th September,

There will be a BBQ at Janet Sherry and John Watsons house on Saturday pm after the race at Thruxton. Their house is near the circuit at Burbage and there will be plenty of parking around the village hall for those with large vehicles. All members of the club will be very welcome and Janet/John will be giving out directions and address at the meeting during the day, so please ask them for these if you intend going to the BBQ. It is very kind of them to offer to host this, so we hope as many as possible will attend.

Thruxton Saturday 12th September, AMOC Championship Round 7.

Entry Forms available from: regkjames@aol.com

Oulton Park Race Report 31st August Round 6

Mixed weather and a bumper grid greeted competitors for race 11 of the card at the Gold Cup meeting. Held on bank holiday Monday with very little time between qualifying and racing everyone hoped for a trouble free time. With 32 cars entered the usual protagonists were bolstered by Rob Moores (Chevron B38) making his annual outing with us in his newly re liveried car and Warren Gomm(Argo JM6) having his first run in the newly rebuilt car. Adrian Holey (Chevron B38) was having his first single seater race for 11 years after a few laps of Silverstone the previous week. Most notably Valerio Leone(March 783), resplendent in period TOTAL livery and Fabrice Notari (Ralt RT1) made the long trek from Italy.

Qualifying (15 mins)

After the very wet weather of the previous day a sunny morning left the track dry but damp as competitors assembled for the 8.30am start mostly on slicks. Reigning champion Ben Sims(March 803B)topped the timesheets by 0.3s from championship leader Paul Smith (Martini Mk31)who set his time on the last lap. Keith White (Ralt RT1) annexed third closely followed by Richard Trott(Chevron B43), Jamie Brashaw in his newly acquired ex Acheson March 793 and Bill Coombs back out in the rebuilt Argo JM6 following it's shunt at Castle Combe. All four covered by 0.7 seconds. Next up was the first of our Italian friends ,Valerio Leone(March 783) a splendid effort to pip Hugh Price(Chevron B38). The next batch consisted of Marcus Mussa(Modus M1), Paul Dibden (Ralt RT1), Geoff Hoodless (March 803) and Tom Thornton (Argo JM3) repaired after his Brands tangle with a backmarker, the car looking unfamiliar without it's BMW stripes. Scott Temple (Reynard SF79) bagged 13th spot in the first of the class C cars ahead of Chris Drake (ex Tom Price March 743), now repaired after the Brands damage, and Rob Moores (Chevron B38). Two more class C runners Jonny Dimsdale (Van Diemen RF78) and an unwell Peter Denham (Reynard SF79) led Adrian Holey (Chevron B38) in 18th spot. Will Arif (Royale RP27) took fourth class C spot just ahead of the second of our Italian friends Fabrice Notari (Ralt RT1) and two further class A cars of Paul Campfield (March 803), stopping during the session with sidepod damage, and a returning Mike Simpson (Ralt RT1) in 22nd. Jonathan Price (March 783) headed row 12, his Brands engine woes now cured, alongside Mathew Sturmer (Van Diemen GRD 376) finding his twin cam power losing out to the Toyotas. Albert Clements (Lotus 69) headed the two class B cars ahead of Mark Hulme (Toj-Modus M1), learning another circuit in tricky conditions, and Warren Gomm (Argo JM6) who held 27th spot. Peter Hiscocks (Lola T670) finding the circuit very slippery was 28th ahead of the second class B car of Gareth Walters (Palliser WDF3) in 29th. Bringing up the rear were Derek Watling (Royale RP27) after just completing the 3 laps and unusually Oliver Thorpe (Royale RP27) after an off caused a slipping clutch. Phew what a grid!

Race (20 mins)

The sun held on to greet the competitors for the 11.30am start on a now dry track and mighty impressive it was as the cars stretched down the hill towards Lodge. Paul Smith jumped Ben Sims at the start as at the back both Warren Gomm and Jonathan Price struggled away with Warren sadly not completing the lap. Up front Ben passed Paul and pulled away leaving him to fend off a fast starting Bill Coombs and fine dice was resolved in Bills favour by just 0.18sec at the flag. Richard Trott headed a train of cars including Keith White, Jamie Brashaw, Marcus Mussa, Geoff Hoodless and Tom Thornton. On the second lap we lost Valerio Leone from this group and two laps later Paul Campfield retired. Lap seven saw Keith White and Jamie Brashaw tangle coming out of Lodge and sadly both cars hit the barrier sustaining serious damage. This left the front runners to come home in the order Richard Trott, 4th, from Geoff Hoodless just ahead of Tom Thornton who swapped on the last lap. Scott Temple upheld class C honours with a fine 7th to maintain his points lead after Oliver Thorpe retired after setting fastest lap, ahead of Marcus Mussa who still had Hugh Price in tow with Paul Dibden back in 10th. Peter Denham overcame his illness and pressed on into11th just ahead of the battling Chris Drake and Mike Simpson. Adrain Holey had a lonely run into 14th being chased by Mathew Sturmer as the last unlapped runner. Jonny Dimsdale annexed third in class C some way ahead of Fabrice Notari who had a lonely run to 17th. Derek Watling was next up after a steady run from 30th just holding of Rob Moores who lost a lap with a pit stop. Rudolf Ernst finished 20th after starting from the back due to qualifying out of session ahead of the first class B runner Albert Clements. Jonathan price drove a fine race to finish 22nd after being left on the grid passing Peter Hiscocks, Gareth Walters and Mark Hulme to complete the finishers. Fastest lap went to Ben some 10 seconds faster than in qualifying to show how slippery the early morning session had been. As we go into the last two rounds Paul Smith still leads by four points from Bill Coombs so all to play for. A fine race and a great credit to the formula. Well done to all involved. See you at Thruxton for round 8

Report by Colin Painter

TOM POWELL. We wish Tom a speedy recovery after a brief stay in hospital and look forward to seeing him soon.

A warm welcome to Classic F3 Racing to two Italian drivers from GIGITAVENA RACING and CLASSIC MARCH 783 and RALT RT1.

Message from Reg james- Chairman

I would like to thank all the many people who have text/phoned me over the past few days to wish me well after my operation last friday. As you may or may not know I have been struggling with my health over the past year and have not been able to be so active as I would have wished. I can assure you all that my operation was very successful and by next season I shall be back to my former self. I hope to continue making CF3 as enjoyable and successful as I have over the past few years, aided by Richard and the drivers reps Paul Smith and Paul Wyeth, and hopefully the club will go from strength to strength .In 2010 we shall be upgrading the CF3 website to make it more interactive and informative as well as having some good racing to look forward to in New Zealand, Monaco and UK , as well as other places in Europe.

If anyone is interested in going to New Zealand in Feb/March 2010 the deadline for entries in the end of July and the organisers will not accept entries after this date. Please contact me on 01372 458964 if you are interested but not entered yet.

Re- Monaco May 8th and 9th 2010.

The entries are now open and the website is www.acm.mc for the entry form. These have to be submitted by Feb 15th 2010 and selected competitors will be informed by march 2nd 2010.

Brands Hatch Race Report 05.07.09

Good weather and a bumper 31 car entry saw us at Brands again which started Saturday evening with a BBQ hosted by and with thanks to, Matt Sturmer and his good lady Karen, which was enjoyed by all.

Qualifying (15 mins)

Back after his Combe shunt, former points leader Bill Coombs had planned to race the Ralt RT1 normally driven by Paul Dibden but gearbox failure in testing meant he was without a car as the Argo is still under rebuild. In a magnanimous gesture by championship leader Paul Smith, Bill drove his spare Monaco winning ex DeAngelis Chevron B38 to keep his championship fight alive. Reigning champion, Benn Simms (March 803) was back and on fire, setting pole 0.3s under the lap record with Paul (Martini MK31) some 0.6s behind in 2nd. Hugh Price (ex Warwick Chevron B38) was 3rd followed by returning 2006 champion Keith White (ex De Angelis Ralt RT1) in 4th. Bill managed a creditable 5th in a car he had not sat in before qualifying but some 3s off pole. This was damage limitation. Jamie Brashaw (Chevron B47) was 6th just 0.2 behind but well clear of Marcus Mussa (Modus M1) in 7th leading a spread of six cars separated by 0.95s. Richard Trott (Chevron B43) was 8th ahead of invitation class pole sitter Olly Thorpe (Royale RP27) surviving a touch with George Fowler, James Parsons (March 803), Tom Thornton (Argo JM3) unusually far down, Scott Temple (Reynard SF79) and Ben Hudson (Argo JM3) in 13th. Next was Peter Denham (Reynard SF79) reigning FF2K champion ahead of returning Mike Quinn (Ralt RT1), Matt Sturmer (GRD 376), Wil Arif (Royale RP27), Paul Taylor (Sparton SF79) suffered a loose flywheel at his first ever race meeting and class B newcomer Peter Dunn (March 733) in 19th. Peter Hiscocks (Lola T760) was next ahead of George Fowler (Jamun T9), Albert Clements (Lotus 69), Adrian Desoutter (Reynard SF79), John Watson, who previously owned the March driven by Benn (Royale RP27) was 24th ahead of Bruce Bartell (ex Keegan Chevron B34), Rudolf Ernst Ralt RT1. Class B runners Gareth (Palliser WDF3) and Richard Walters (Mallock Mk 11B) were 27th and 28th ahead of David Clark (Dulon MP21) and Mark Hulme (Toj-Modus M1). Poor Chris Drake (ex Tom Pryce March 743) had a front lower wishbone pull out at Hawthorns, the fastest corner on the track, on his first lap and first outing in the car!! What bad luck...

Race (20 mins - 13 laps)

With just 2 hours between qualifying and the race, it was a mad rush to prepare the cars in time. At the start Benn shot into the lead with Paul close behind and Hugh being muscled down to 5th by Keith and Bill. Trotty held 6th initially before falling back behind Jamie and eventually retiring on lap 5 with fuel pressure problems and a slipping clutch. Although there were close battles between the top six in groups of two, the positions never changed and they stayed that way to the flag but with a new lap record to Paul at 1-31.033 and all down the field there were tight groups fighting for position. Marcus Mussa had a lonely run to 7th ahead of invitation class winner Peter Denham after Olly had a wishbone pull out on lap 1 and Scott had a gear lever loose from the start and although they attempted a quick fix, he retired on lap 7 with consolation of fastest lap. For 10 laps Tom Thornton held 8th fighting hard with James Parsons before getting tipped off at Stirlings by a backmarker and damaging the nose and front right. James dropped back to 12th with an overheating engine, whilst Ben Hudson who had run just behind him until lap 10 when water temp disappeared and he decided to save the engine. Matt Sturmer was the last unlapped runner in 9th and returnee Mike Quinn had a steady run to 10th pursued all race by Wil Arif never more than 1s behind. Peter Hiscocks and George Fowler had a good scrap in 13th and 14th ahead of class B winner Albert Clements, who finally got the upper hand over Adrian Desoutter after swapping places a few times. John Watson held 19th for 8 laps before damaging his splitter and retiring, leaving Rudolf Ernst to take the place which became 17th. Bruce Bartell ran home 18th ahead of Gareth Walters and Mark Hulme, happy to have shaved 10s off his times. Poor Peter Dunn retired on lap 2 and Richard Walters retired on lap 6 with broken 4th gear, whilst David Clark had a mix up while being lapped and DNF.

So an interesting race, one that has shaken up the championship and we all thank Paul Smith for his amazing generosity towards rival Bill Coombs. It just shows what a great formula Classic F3 is and the respect and friendship the drivers have for each other. Oh yes, and a fantastic BBQ was held afterwards, many thanks to Angela and Reg. A truly great days racing!

Report by Richard Ranson

Castle Combe Race Report 14.06.09

Well what an event Combe turned out to be. Only 15 entries due to car problems or family engagements and surprises galore!

Qualifying (15 mins)

As usual, championship leader Bill Coombs (Argo JM6) stamped his authority on the session early on with a pole time 1.2s under the lap record leaving Paul Smith (Martini MK31), who himself was closed to lap record times, trailing by 1.28s. However, Paul never got a chance to improve as, with around 5 mins to go, Bill lost it in a big way approaching quarry and slammed into the tyre wall severely damaging the front of the Argo and leaving permanent yellows for the remainder of qualifying. Paul then had a driveshaft break causing him to stop and at the same time 3rd qualifier, Richard Trott (Chevron B43) had his throttle stick open causing a grassy moment to avoid the tyres as well. Behind these three, Jamie Brashaw (Chevron B47) was 4th 0.5s ahead of Tom Thornton (Argo JM3) with Marcus Mussa (Modus M1) just 0.1s behind in 6th. The two invitation class cars of Olly Thorpe (Royale RP27) and Scott Temple (Reynard SF79) were separated by a 10th after swapping positions throughout the session giving Olly his 4th pole of the season, 0.7s under the class record. Splitting them on the grid was Paul Dibden (Ralt RT1) suffering from a misfire caused by a flat battery. 10th was Geoff Hoodless (March 803) back from his races at the Monza Coppa InterEuropa the previous weekend where he finished 14th out of 38 cars. The lone class B car of Albert Clements (Lotus 69) was 11th ahead of Colin Painter (Oliroy C1) and Mark Hulme (Toj-Modus M1)

Race (10 laps)

Sadly Bill was unable to take the start as the Argo was in a bad way but luckily he only had bruised ankles and retired to Dorset to recuperate. Paul managed to take the start after Iain Rowley of Delta Motorsport was up all night making a new driveshaft so thanks to him as Paul just pulled away and won with ease by 17s. On the grid Tom Thornton got stuck in gear and delayed the start while he was pulled off the grid into the pits where the problem was solved, only for the clutch to fail as he tried to leave after the start. Richard Trott held 3rd for 1 lap before the throttle cable stuck again due to fraying inside the outer cable and he trundled back to the paddock. That left Jamie Brashaw in 2nd some 2s ahead of Marcus Mussa in 3rd and they stayed that way to the flag both delighted to be on the podium but also sad that it was largely inherited due to Bill's misfortune. The battle for invitation class honours raged all race with Olly just ahead of Scott by 10ths and although beaten Scott had the last laugh setting a new lap record on the last lap 1.5s under the old, held previously by hotshot Tom Bradshaw and look where he is now!! Behind them came Paul and Geoff in 7th and 8th ahead of Albert and Mark. Poor Colin Painter had yet another run of bad luck, this time the engine letting go on lap 7 with a ventilated block. Coming after fuel pump issues at Silverstone and the exhaust needing repacking here after failing noise limits, it was like Bill's, a day to forget. So best we forget Combe and move on to Brands (4th/5th July) were a bumper 31 car entry with 22 F3's looks promising and don't forget, a BBQ is planned on Saturday evening and Sunday lunch time after the race we have a professional caterer. See you there.

What a scorching day for a motor race! Fantastic sunny, hot weather saw us in Norfolk at Snetterton for a double dose of pleasure.

Once again Bill Combs (Argo JM6) took pole by 0.9s from Paul Smith (Martini MK31) with returnee Richard Trott (Chevron B43) a further 1.15s back in 3rd just 0.23s ahead of Jamie Brashaw (Chevron B47) in 4th. Hugh Price (Chevron B38) was 5th and Paul Dibden (Ralt RT1) much improved in 6th just 0.1s ahead of Marcus Mussa (Modus M1). Oliver Thorpe (Royale RP27) was invitation class pole in 8th, 1.3s ahead of Andy Storer (RP27) 10th and splitting them was Ben Hudson (Argo JM3) suffering electrical problems. James Parsons (March 803) was 11th ahead of Jonathan Price (March 783) and 13th was Tom Thorton (Argo JM3) unusually low down the grid after spinning off at Russell early on. Matt Sturmer (Van Dieman GRD 376) was 14th, Peter Hiscocks (Lola T670) 15th and Bruce Bartell (Chevron B34) was 16th. Behind them were the two class B cars of Albert Clements (Lotus 69) and Richard Walters (Mallock MK11B) in 17th and 18th followed by newcomer Mark Hulme (Toj-Modus M1) looking resplendent in original colours after a two year rebuild.

Paul made a much better start this time to lead Bill only for him to come back past within a couple of corners. Tom also made a blinding start and was past Jamie into 3rd until Russell chicane where he spun after contact with Jamie, luckily restarting 10th. Hugh slipped back to 7th but quickly re-instated himself in 5th after Tom's spin and getting past Ben who held on to 6th until he two spun on lap 6 after a great battle together with the two Argo's side by side. Ben dropped to 9th but would finish 8th and Tom went on to finish 6th. Richard and Jamie had a titanic scrap for 3rd with Jamie climbing all over Richard who was forced to defend approaching Russell as Jamie was much quicker on the run from Coram. On lap 8, Jamie tried to go round the outside into Russell leaving his braking impossibly late only to spin across Richard's bows, who had no choice but to almost stop. Feeling guilty Jamie kindly waved Richard past and the battle resumed to the flag in that order. Ollie had a lonely run to 7th whilst Marcus and Paul finished 9th and 10th. Behind them were Matthew, who also spun on lap 11 and Jonathan in 12th with the two class B cars of Albert and Richard in 13th and 14th. Mark Hulme retired on lap 9 with what at first was thought to be electrical problems but was in fact a flat battery and Andy Storer retired on lap 11. So the Coombs steam roller marches on with yet another lap record (3 in a row!) Can anyone stop him? Let's hope so and fingers crossed for Combe in two weeks for yet more fine weather.

Report by Richard Ranson

PS There will be a barbecue at Brands Hatch (4th/5th July) on Saturday evening and also Sunday lunch time after the race.