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Castle Combe in the sunshine and Le Mans AutoItalia make a great combination and throughout the
afternoon's race there was plenty of action, especially at the front, but also down the field. Qualifying was bright and early and saw John Avery push his very desirable Ferrari F355 round in 1 min 16.34 nearly 2
seconds clear of local ace Lindsay Ward who was surprisingly faster than Graham Scott. The latter later told me that an inner drive shaft coupling had failed. Julian Birley was a subdued fourth having had earlier
engine problems in the previous days Alfa race (requiring an overnight engine change) and Giovanni di Gennaro headed up Class B once again consolidating his new-found performance. Mike Watson was 'only on three
cylinders' and hoping to be closer to the flying Fiat come the race. Ron Davidson was understeering all the way to the bank with Class C pole firmly in his pocket whilst Richard Connell's new form saw him pushing
Gary Buckland for Class D pole. Neil Smith had no problems with Class E despite another Uno to play with in the hands of Dan Woodard.
Determined to get as many points in the bag as possible before flying off to race a Mercedes in the
Goodwood Revival, Graham Scott kept John Avery in his sights during the early hectic laps and emerged right on his tail to play a game of cat and mouse for the length of the race. Graham managed to squeeze past but
the drive shaft bogie struck again and he had to settle for second to the Ferrari. Whilst this combination were at it at the front others were going for it behind. James Diffey's welcome new Alfa GTV6 was fighting
with Mark Pollard's Minari and didn't seem quite as nimble through Quarry. Mixed in with these two was also Stephen Rogers Ferrari 348. Russ Yates has also found new form of late and was enjoying a press on style
particularly at Quarry.
Giovanni took Class B again with a lonely drive into fourth behind Julian whilst Gary
Buckland resisted Richard Connell's advances for Class D. Ron Davidson took Class C after an unflurried drive and Neil Smith consolidated his Class E position. Once again it gave the crowd plenty of action to enjoy
which can only be good for the future.
POINTS
The jokers are beginning to fall out of the pack, six were played at Combe (John Griffiths, Lindsay Ward, Richard Connell, Giovanni di Gennaro and Daniel Woodard). For Lindsay
and John they were the kiss of death, however Giovanni took a 64 point clean sweep and Richard and Dan both scored well. Mechanical problems prevented Andy Thompson from starting the race, however he has still yet
to play his Joker. The championship lead is still with Neil Smith by three points from Gary Buckland. Poor reliability has seen Mike Watson's challenge fade and Ron Davidson now assumes third place. Ron's run of
form makes him a strong title contender and unlike Gary and Neil he does not need to drop a round from his total. The class A battle continues to rage between Graham Scott and Julian Birley and is too close to call.
Class B could go to Kevin Griffiths or Mike Watson, with three men still in the frame for third place. Ron is unassailable in class C and Minette is looking secure for second. Class D see's another fierce contest
between Andy Thompson and Gary Buckland whilst class E was wrapped up long ago by Neil Smith. "Rare" lead the Tramontina Team challenge with "Monza Sport" hard on their heels.
(By Peter Collins)
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