Thruxton and the HP Firenza have a long history, it was 1974 when Vauxhall launched the HP Firenza in a blaze of publicity with a one off race at the fast & flat Hampshire circuit, a grid of stars such as Gerry Marshall, Barrie Williams, Tony Lanfrachi, Roger Bell, Stuart Graham and 15 other top drivers took to the track to showcase the car talent - Firenza Thruxton race 1974
41 years on it was time for the final two rounds of the Classic Touring Car Club Pre 83 Championship at the same circuit and three Droopsnoots were on the grid set to do battle with a range of cars from the Group One era..
Mostyn Rutter #0
David Hall #57
Mostyn raced in the Brscc Super Road Saloons during the 1980s and 90s and not once did they ever visit Thruxton! Baptism of fire, steep learning curve and other clichés to numerous to mention sprang to mind as the race weekend approached ..
Discussions were had 2 x weeks prior to Thruxton whether a race at Brands Hatch in the HSCC would be more suitable way to end the season, a circuit where both car and driver would be more comfortable in well trodden surroundings! Yet we arrived on a beautifully sunny October day at the Thruxton Aerodrome contemplating how the Firenza would handle through 'Church' the notorious and quickest corner in the UK and whether the kerbs were safe to play on!
The timetable for the weekend had been kind, qualifying late on Saturday afternoon and 2 x races both on Sunday meant avoiding Friday motorway hell and enjoying a lazy relaxed Saturday morning drive to the circuit. However we decided to travel on Friday afternoon anyway, it was a bloody good job we did too..
Friday 2nd October
Having pitched up in a grassy spot in the paddock (close to the bar), one of the Thruxton Circuit Instructors must have spotted Mostyn looking sheepish as moments later our driver was strapped in the passenger seat of a Porsche and being shown the circuit by a chap who clearly knew his way around it. Valuable track time and instruction was gained albeit from the passenger seat.
Saturday 3rd October - Qualifying
Out Mostyn went for qualifying, running in a new set of Toyo's and learning the circuit, his brain working overtime trying to recall all the snippets of information given to him..left turn, right turn, breaking points, turn in points, apexes,did I leave the oven on..
Those familiar with the circuit layout were not hanging about and were already setting eye watering times. With the familiar Capri's we had enjoyed races against this year at Castle Combe, Donington Park and Brands Hatch all absent and gone into hiding or hibernation for the winter we realised our race would be with the 2 x other Firenzas and John Wright's pretty Escort mk1.
Whilst Mostyn learnt the circuit David Hall had a rotor arm issue causing a misfire but managed to secure 5th of grid, whilst Alan Greenhalgh had a clutch issue and only managed a couple of laps and lined up 12th
Mostyn's Grid Position: 8th out of 19
Fastest Lap: 1.37.8
A good evening was had in the bar watching despite the England Rugby team crashing out of the World Cup whilst too much wine/lager/beer was consumed as the race chat flowed. The overnight accommodation for most of team was a couple of caravan, whilst I used a single man tent resuscitated after its Brands Hatch ordeal. It was cold, but the two sleeping bags and plenty of clothing I packed would have been adequate warmth..if utilised, but having woken up at 4.00am shivering with a dry mouth I realised I'd ignored all the keep warm essentials and reasoned that just making it back to the correct tent had to be considered a success. I lay waiting uncomfortably for the hand of the grim reaper, instead, I drifted back into a uncomfortable sleep .
A good hard fought race with Greenhalgh Firenza and the Escort of Wright for 5th, 6th and 7th place was enjoyed, a blanket could have been thrown over the three of them..but all this scrapping allowed David Hall to scamper away in his original Thruxton raced Firenza and finish an impressive 8 seconds clear. Mostyn finished 7th, improved his lap times and was determined to put challenge the other Vauxhalls in Race 2.
Mostyn's Finishing Position: 7th
Fastest Lap: 1.36.4 (getting quicker)
Race 2 (Sunday PM)
Firenza pride was at stake here! A good start ensured Mostyn was in the mix, we counted the cars through on lap 1, he was back in 8th postion, however the next 3 laps were spent harassing the Gold/Red Ford Escort, finally passing Escort on lap 4.
Ahead were the two Firenzas and Mostyn was visibly gaining, This was getting exciting as the three now circulated together, then on lap 6 Mostyn passed Hall for 6th position, then set his fastest lap chasing down Greenhalgh's bright yellow snoot. On lap 8 Greenhalgh out braked himself and both Mostyn and Hall sailed pass, the crowd at the chicane were commenting that the three Firenzas were putting on a great show.
On the last lap Hall closed on Mostyn and made a last ditch move into the chicane which ultimately resulted in him losing 6th place back to Greenhalgh.
A fantastic clean race and a great way to end the season as the thre Firenzas came home 5th,6th and 7th overall
Mostyn's Finishing Position: 5th
Fastest Lap: 1.34.2 (some 3.6 seconds quicker then qualifying)
Race results can be found here - Full Results
Championship details can be found here - Classic Touring Car Racing Club
Excellent Photos captured, Thanks to
- Big Hairpin Photography
- Sarah Atkinson Images
- AE Photography
- Firenza, HS & HSR Facebook
- Andrew Glenister
- Simon Arron
The Pre 83 series coordinators are working hard to grow the grid in 2016, great strides have been made during the 2015 season especially with the introduction of the entry discount scheme. We will be back for more..
See you next year!
