Life In The Fast Lane: Pre 83 Classic Touring Cars - Donington Park

Pre 83 Classic Touring Cars - Donington Park - Sat 22nd / Sun 23rd March

Review

A last minute panic emerged in the lead up to race weekend, Mostyn reviewed the MSA Blue Book and it became apparent the existing race seat was out of date, therefore a quick trip to http://www.nickygrist.com/ in Herefordshire was required. A new seat was an unwanted expense at this late stage but essential to get the car through scrutineering on race day.

Once at Donington Park on Saturday morning the Droopsnoot went through scrutineering with only 1 issue identified, the roll cage was out of date! Thankfully it was allowed through on this occasion but must be rectified for any future races.

Qualifying

Three Firenzas took to the circuit Saturday morning including Alan Greenhalgh and Gary Flecther, unfortunately David Hall in the 4th Firenza was not present.

The session began early Saturday morning at 09.40 with the Pre 83 Touring Cars on circuit second only to the Caterhams. Despite dark skies and a green circuit it remained dry for the 15 minute session and Mostyn began to get some laps under his belt, gradually working the newly built engine and new Toyo rubber.

Building up confidence and able to push that little more through the session Mostyn achieved his quickest time on lap 8, posting a 1.29.9 which was good enough for 4th in class and 13th overall in a huge 34 car field.

On returning to the paddock a check over of the car confirmed no major issues other than the brakes were not up to the job!

Fastest Lap: 1.29.9 on lap 8 of 9
Grid Postion: 13 overall of 34 Cars

34 cars battle for position down the Craner Curves

Race 1

Despite dark skies the circuit remained dry as the cars lined up on the grid. Unfortunately Alan Greenhalgh Firenza had Gearbox issues and did not take the start for Race 1 whilst Gary Fletcher was only able to complete 1 x lap in the race before retiring.

The objective was to get through the 1st lap with out getting tangled up in a incidents which was achieved, Mostyn could then get into his rhythm and sharpen his door handle to door handle race skills.

A race long battle with a Rover SD1 including a heart stopping moment coming down the Craner Curves finished with the Rover taking the chequered flag just 0.156 ahead of the Firenza for 14th overall. Mostyn fastest lap was down to a 1.28.6 despite soft brakes and having to use the gearbox to slow the car down.

Finishing Position Overall - 15th from 26 Finishers
Finishing Position Class - 5th
Fastest Lap - 1.28.6 on lap 4

Race 2

New brake pads were fitted in anticipation for Sundays race which was broadcast live on Motors TV. The start positions were formulated by Saturdays results so Mostyn lined up 15th on the grid. Unfortunatley Gary Fletcher did not make the start but Alan Greenhalgh was ready on the back of grid having fitted a replacement Viva GT box.

(Photo from Phil Laughton)

Some great racing across the first few laps resulted in Mostyn passing an Escort and Mini and then having a race long dice with the Rover SD1 and a sideways Lotus Cortina. This time the Firenza pipped the Rover across the finish line by just 0.29 seconds to take 11th overall, with a fastest lap of 1.28.1. A great drive by Alan Greenhalgh saw him bring his Firenza through the pack to 13th overall.