2025 Formula Classic – Round 6
Collie Motorplex – 17th August
The sixth round of the 2025 Formula Classic championship took place at Colie Motorplex on Sunday 17th August. The weather conditions were near perfect, mild, slightly overcast with light winds. Eight cars were entered for the event, and there looked to be a good day’s racing ahead.
Sadly we lost Ricky Virago before qualifying with a repeat of a leaking fuel rail on his VW powered Ralt.
Seven cars started the qualifying run but within one lap the red flags were out with Brian Searles’ Tiga stopped at the end of the ‘bowling alley’. With the Tiga towed off the track the session restarted with no further incidents.
Bill Norman qualified on pole position in his Ralt RT4, followed by Peter Marsh in the Aztec AR-9 F3 and Colin Youd in the Tiga SC80 sportscar. Dave Dearden, Glenn Swarbrick and Phil Grove making up the remainder of the field.
Race 1 saw Bill lead the pack away with Peter hot on his heals. Peter’s run was curtailed early with possible fuel starvation issues. Investigations showed the engine was running very lean and it was decided to park the vehicle rather than risk serious engine damage.
Colin was also a non-finisher in Race 1 going off the track with his throttle stuck open.
Dave was running steadily in his newly acquired Reynard crossing the line in second spot ahead of Glenn.
For Race 2 the field was down to 5 cars, Colin returning to the grid after his off in Race 1 however it would appear that the sticking throttle problem was not fully resolved as he went straight off at the end of the start finish straight on lap one. Bill won the race comfortably from Dave, Glenn and Phil.
A point of note, Dave had removed the front wing for Race 2 as the wing mount had broken in Race 1 and the wing was dragging on the ground.
Race 3 saw only 4 cars take to the assembly grid, Colin deciding the Tiga’s throttle issue needed further investigation.
Dave made a temporary repair to his front wing mount in time for the final run, the repair attracting attention (and decoration) from his crew of supporters.
The finishing order for Race 3 was the same as Race 2.
Two Formula Classic stalwarts discussing the finer points of race craft!
A Cautionary Footnote
When travelling to Collie do not turn off the new Wilman Wadandi Highway too soon unless you’re looking for a country farming experience!
Outright results for the meeting were;
1st Bill Norman 75 pts
2nd Dave Dearden 60 pts
3rd Glenn Swarbrick 54 pts
Handicap Results:
1st Glenn Swarbrick 22 pts
2nd Phil Grove 21 pts
3rd David Dreardon 14 pts
Next Round
The next round, will be held at Wanneroo Park on Saturday 13th September. Entries are currently open vis the MSA portal.