Classic car lovers are in for a treat at the Castle Combe Circuit's annual Classic Car Weekly Classic Raceday on Saturday August 7.
The programme of races from the Historic Sports Car Club covers all kinds of saloons, sports cars and single seaters from the past, whilst there are also three races from the Circuit's own menu of championships to provide something of modern interest.
The HSCC Classic Formula 3 series comprises a variety of cars once in the hands of the now famous. Southampton's Paul Wyeth owns the ex Nigel Mansell Unipart March 793. In its day the car was relatively uncompetitive, mainly due to its Triumph Dolomite Sprint derived engine, but remains in excellent condition in Wyeth's ownership. The sister car from the Unipart team is owned by Bob Jordan.
Janet Sherry from Burbage, near Marlborough, runs her Royale RP27 in the 'Invitation' class, whilst Steve Maxted is usually the man to beat in his Argo JM6.
One of the best supported championships is the 70's Road Sports with a variety of cars, from the little Fiat X19's and MG Midgets to the mighty Pontiac Trans Am Firebird of Robin Gray.
Charles Barter's Datsun 240Z is likely to be close to the front with the ex John Moon TVR 3000M of son Julian running in the same class. Nigel Ashley from Highworth has his Alfa Romeo GT 1600 lying second in class, whilst Castle Combe official, Ken Davies, from Swansea has his unique Porsche 911E. Jai Sharma leads the championship overall in his Lancia Fulvia HF.
The HSCC Historic Road Sports Championship is for similar, though slightly older, cars. Salisbury's John Fitzgerald brings his Lotus Elan and Chepstow's Richard Tyzack his BMW 2002 Ti.
The Fuelforce Classic Clubmans cars will be likely to surprise with their pace, their lap times as low as those of the Circuit's modern Formula Ford Championship.
Speaking of Formula Ford, there's the HSCC Legends Historic Formula Ford Championship, featuring close racing and a number of local drivers. Bath's Neil Fender has his Jamun T2, Cirencester's Westie Mitchell could be a top six contender in a Merlyn Mk 20 and Nelson Rowe from Wootton Under Edge has recently joined the championship from Caterhams and will be campaigning his Crossle 20F.
The HSCC Classic Racing Car Championship for the Retro Track and Air Trophy has a variety of Brabhams and other iconic race cars including Elva, Merlyn, Macon, Tecno, Palliser and Royale.
The HSCC/HRSR race for Historic Racing Saloons has a similar eclectic mix. Bristol's Dan Cox has his Ford Anglia 105E up against the Cortina GTs, Alfas and even a Riley 1.5, whilst you can also spot Cooper S, Imps, Lotus Cortinas and even the odd Ford Falcon Sprint and MkII Jag.
Jaguar lovers have the Vredestein JEC XK Championship with a gorgeous line up of 120s, 140s and 150s.
A modern part of the programme is provided by the National Mobile Windscreens Saloon Car Championship, the Melton Concrete Products Formula Ford 1600 Championship and the Castle Combe Special GT Championships.
The Formula Fords resume with Bradford on Avon's Ed Moore looking to get back to his winning ways in his Van Diemen RF00. Chippenham's Tim Reynolds is likely to be his closest contender after his win last time with Castle Combe's Andrew Jones now among the podium contenders. Saltford's Steven Jensen has his Swift SC92, whilst Al Khateeb from Wick is improving at every race with his Vector MG93. Chepstow's Nick Jones is likely to be the fastest Noveos Design Pre '90 runner and could harass the more modern cars too.
The National Mobile Windscreens Saloon Car Championship has reigning champion, Bridgwater's Tony Dolley, debuting his new Peugeot 206 in Class A, having led Class B for most of the year. He will have to contend with some stiff opposition from the likes of Bristolian's Mark Wyatt in his superb Astra and Nick Mizen in the Rover Tomcat Turbo.
Class B sees a resumption of the battle between the simple Peugeot 205 GTi of Midsomer Norton's David Mears and the sophisticated Citroen Saxo VTS of Ringwood's Paul Gardner.
Anthony Macwhirter should be the fastest Class C contender with his Corsa.
The Special GT Championship should see Mike Roberts dominating the Krayem Design Class A with his Jade Sports prototype, local interest comes from Tetbury's David Krayem. In the Moonraker Forklifts Class B entries include Chris Lake from Devizes in his Nemesis Vauxhall, Oliver Bull from Portishead in his Rawlson GT, Doynton's Dave Smith in his new Vauxhall engined Mallock. Cirencesters Russell Spence in the Tile Store Class C and Kingswood's Tony Baxter with his Porsche 968 Club Sport in Class D add to the local content.
The day's action starts at 8.30 am with qualifying, racing getting under way from 1.15pm.
Admission prices are £10 for adults, £5 for OAPs, £2-50 for Paddock Transfer with accompanied children free.
For further information, visit the Castle Combe Circuit website on www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk built by Racecar
