The Silverstone Classic saw Stirling Moss make a welcome return to motor racing after the accident several months ago that broke both his ankles. Although he is still using a wheel chair in the pit lane, his driving abilities still shone through on the track. Taking part in the RAC Woodcote Trophy race for Pre 1956 Sports cars on the Saturday driving his usual OSCA FS372 with co driver Ian Nuthall, Stirling was forced to retire from the race when the car got stuck in 4th gear.
Other high lights of the meeting included the first round of the Italian Historic Car Cup. Aimed at Classic Italian Sports Cars, the race was given the dusk spot on Saturday, starting at 7pm. Some wonderful Italian cars were entered, but unfortunately only one Ferrari 512S made it out on the track for Practice, and then that car failed to complete a single lap in the race. It left victory to the Abarth Osella PA1 of Tromans and Caine who won by 3 laps at the end of the one hour race.
The World Sports Car Masters race on Sunday saw a large entry of Lola T70's and victory went to Steve Tandy in his Mk3B from the similar car of Stretton and Minshaw, while Tromans and Caine rounded off a good weekend in their Abarth Osella by winning their class and finishing 3rd overall.
The Grand Prix Masters had two races over the weekend with Steve Hartley winning the Saturday race in his Arrows A4 from Robert Austin in a Surtees TS19 and Bill Coombs in his Tyrrell 009. The Sunday race saw a reversal of roles, with Coombs taking victory from Hartley and John Wilson coming home 3rd in a Tyrrell 011.
As well as all the track action, 22 races over two days and a Practice day on the Friday, there was also a Rally stage on the Wellington straight in the centre of the circuit, and hundreds of static car displays from all kinds of motoring clubs also in the centre of the circuit.
The event continues to grow and get better, so roll on 2011.
© Source et photos : Simon Wright & Janet
more info : http://www.silverstoneclassic.com/
