JD Classics Dix Mille Tours Du Castellet review

JD Classics Dix Mille Tours Du Castellet review

Following an impressive run of victories at Goodwood Revival and Spa Francorchamps, the JD Classics Competition Department grabbed pole position in a frustrating weekend of racing at the Dix Mille Tours held at Paul Ricard.

JD Classics entered the event with its 1973 Ford Cologne Capri and 1982 Patrick Motorsport Rover SD1 – both competing in the Heritage Touring Cup. The Capri was fresh from a victory at Spa Francorchamps, and with Andrew Smith and Steve Soper at the wheel its pace was immediately obvious, running third fastest during practice. A problem with the Rover SD1 meant it completed the session 18th fastest of the 37-car field.

As qualifying began, the Capri went on to showcase the dominant form it has been in all season, with a pole position lap that put it a whole five seconds ahead of the next fastest car. The ex-Patrick Motorsport Rover of John Young and Steve Soper qualified in 24th position.

The Heritage Touring Cup race kicked off on Sunday afternoon with a rolling start – and the JD Classics Cologne Capri leading the pack. In the space of one lap, Steve Soper had already established a four-second lead before a transmission issue frustratingly forced the Capri to retire by the end of the second lap.

The JD Classics Rover SD1, meanwhile, was battling its way up the field from 24th place. With John Young behind the wheel the Rover was making up places quickly, and by the time the mandatory driver change came around the Rover was in 20th. Steve Soper continued to battle hard for position, making up another six places, including a hard-fought battle with the Chevrolet Camaro of Eric Everard to finish in 14th.

Click here for JD Classics web site - designed and built by Racecar

Click here for the Historic Racing News web site - designed and built by Racecar


Related Market and Auction Articles

4,930 articles