Pre 1983 (Group 1) Classic Touring Cars - Mostyn Rutter , Vauxhall Firenza Droopsnoot 2300
A couple of pints in the Kentagon and then the painful exercise of putting the tents up in the dark on Friday night ensured we were ready for a weekend of action at Brands Hatch.
Mostyn was the only Firenza entered as Alan Greenhalgh was running his new USA imported Ford Falcon V8 whilst David Hall and Gary Fletcher had chosen to race their pretty Ford Lotus Cortinas.
Mostyn captured between the mighty Falcon and nimble Fiesta through Paddock Hill Bend.
Tough competition was present with a range of cars from the glorious group 1 era including a Jaguar XJ12, Ford Escorts, Ford Falcon, Truimph Dolomites, Ford Capri, Mazda RX7, Alfa Suds, Volkswagen Golfs and Ford Fiesta.
The Firenza firing up in the paddock area
Qualifying
This took place on a dry track, although dark skies meant it would be sensible to get a quick time in early during the 15 minute session to get a respectable grid position. Mostyn posted a 58.3 on lap 3 of 15 which was good enough for 5th overall out of a field of 27 cars.
Race 1 - Saturday PM
A heavy downpour at lunch time meant we were braced for a damp slippery track, but thankfully the sun came out the circuit dried out with only damp patches off the raising line to cause concern.
A reasonable start meant Mostyn was dicing with the Bray Fiesta and Greenhalgh Falcon in the early stages, before catching and challenging the Dolomite and Capri. The race was extremely enjoyable and resulted in a 5th place just behind the Dolly and ahead of the Capri.
Result - 5th place overall
Fastest Lap 0.58.3
Stuart Caie Ford Capri 3100 takes on the Firenza
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WFjz24h7piw&a=&feature=youtu.be
Race 2 - Sunday AM
Race 2 was again dry which suited us fine, the target was the Dolomite and to stay ahead of the Capri Unfortunately the scrap we anticipated did not materialise as the Dolomite was now in the hands of another less experienced driver and Stuart's Capri retired on the 1st lap. Mostyn drove well to bring the Firenza home in 4th overall which I believe is his highest finish in the ctcrc.
Result - 4th Overall
Fastest Lap - 0.58.2
(Disappointed not to beat last years best lap time of 0.57.5)
Plans have already started for 2017 with bigger brakes and weight reduction (not Mostyn but the Droopsnot).
See you next year
Thanks to the following photographers - Sarah Atkinson Images, Paddock 42, Rod Tiejen, AE Photogarphy
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