Race  12

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Castle Combe

August 4th

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1 x 30  minute "Sprint" race

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“Equipe”GTS  first ever visit to this circuit's Castle Combe Classic Race Day saw MGB's dominating the top 10 in practice with only the TR4's of Neil Howe and John Andon breaking the hold in 4th and 7th. Tom Smith produced a belter on his 8th lap to set pole at 1m 22.4, with James Cottingham unable to better his 3rd lap 1.23.9 and Malcolm Johnson in 3rd spot with 1.24.3.

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Drama preceded the race for unfortunate second placed James Cottingham as overflowing coolant was spotted by a very enthusiastic official and the car was removed from the grid. Neil Howe is catching a 'Rossi' complex and the TR4 resolutely refuses to match race pace with grid getaway, while Jeremy Cottingham caught a tow from 5th and lead the first lap. Smith was right behind, and soon slipped past to build a lead, which then evaporated as a safety car flag came out for the stranded Mark Yates MGB at the chicane.  

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On resumption, Smith held his advantage as Johnson and Howe demoted the fast starting Jeremy Cottingham to 4th, Mike Thorne slid his Healey 100M from 11th to 7th and the MGB's of Stephen Bond and John Pearson squabbled over 10th. Graham Bates held off the Jaguar XK120 of Nick Wilkins for 14th.        

TWS.