2024 Formula Classic – Round 8
Collie Motorplex – 21st / 22nd September
Round 8 of the Formula Classic championship took place at Collie Motorplex over the weekend of 21st / 22nd September. The weekend event being the second and final part of the Western Nationals championship that saw large grids of Historic Touring Cars and Formula Vees. The weather conditions over the weekend were near perfect with a dry and sunny track.
It was great to see the return of a few drivers to the field, notably; Tom Hamlet, Tim Davies and Peter Marsh for the weekend event.
Tom was driving the ex Bob Creasy Ralt RT1 and he really had it flying qualifying the car on pole position for the first race of the weekend. Dan Gate qualified second fastest in his March 80A followed by Bill Norman in his RT4. Local driver Peter Marsh squeezed every last drop of performance out of his 1300cc Aztec F3 to put it alongside Bill on the second row. Next was Tim driving his beautifully prepared Ralt RT4 followed by Craig Thompson, Glenn Swarbrick, Brian Searles and Dave Dearden.
Race 1 saw Tom hold the lead from the start of the race with Dan hot on his heels followed by Bill and this was the finishing order of the top three. Further down the field Craig and Glenn were locked in their ‘private’ Formula Ford battle with Brian Searles just behind them watch their antics. Dave Dearden was struggling with his Vector jumping out of forth gear.
Dan’s March was absent from the grid for race 2, water contamination in the oil suggesting a possible blown head gasket or similar. With Dan absent from the field Tom ran away with a second win for the day followed by Bill and Peter. The ‘private’ Formula Ford battle continued but with Craig claiming honours this time.
The Sunday programme began mid morning for Formula Classic allowing for a more leisurely start to the day. Both Dan and Tom had backed up on Saturday night reducing the Sunday field by a couple of cars.
With Tom absent from the pole position for race 3 Bill leaped into the lead and never looked back with Peter following and Tim in third spot. Brian felt there was a bit more grip from the track on Sunday and took advantage of this to sneak by the two vying Formula Fords for fourth spot. Dave was still struggling with his gearbox but kept his Vector running as best he could.
The final run of the day was an almost repeat of race 3 but for Craig and Glenn swapping places once again!
Best photograph of the weekend
It’s lovely to see a craftsman at work!
Outright results for the meeting were;
1st Bill Norman 88 pts
2nd Peter Marsh 75 pts
3rd Tim Davies 69 pts
1st Bill Norman 36 pts
2nd Peter Marsh 33 pts
3rd Craig Thompson 24 pts
The next round of the 2024 Formula Classic season is at Wanneroo Park on 19th October 2024