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By Dave Wisdom

The weekend of November 21st /22nd saw the ‘Half Tonner’ Formula One cars return to the International Circuit at Wolverhampton Scalextric Club.

The event is for models based upon 1.5 litre F1 Grand Prix cars competing between 1961 and 1965. During that period, many iconic racing cars were designed, built and raced to great success including the Ferrari 156 ‘Sharknose’; Lotus 25 and BRM P578 amongst others. It was also the era of many legendary household names such as Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill, John Surtees, Dan Gurney & Bruce McLaren.

Initially, the idea of a new 1.5 litre formula was rejected by British manufacturers who believed the regulations were biased towards the European teams (apart from Ferrari, who had also indicated their dislike of the proposed new formula). However, despite continued protests from the British and a last ditch request for the new formula to be postponed for 12 months, the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI) confirmed the new 1.5 litre F1 would take effect from January 1st 1961.

Ironically, once the British teams had got their acts together, (American Phil Hill won the inaugural 1.5 litre F1 title with Ferrari in 1961) British manufacturers and drivers then proceeded to enjoy one of their most successful periods in Grand Prix racing with Jim Clark, Graham Hill and John Surtees all taking at least one drivers world title each between 1962 and 65.

Therefore, the Wolves event provides a great opportunity to recreate some wonderful 1:32 scale racing cars from one of the most classic periods in Grand Prix motor racing. Proceedings began on Saturday with practice taking place between 10am and 4pm. It seemed evident the pace was going to be pretty quick, although there were mixed opinions as to how well tyres were gripping and performing. Practice was well attended with many competitors meeting up for drinks and a meal later on in the evening at the Premier Inn.

On race day 40 competitors arrived at the trackside. Early morning signing in and practice was followed by the Concours competition. Although slightly lower than usual, the entry never the less saw a number of beautiful model Formula One cars. Pendles very own Bryan King, Paul Cash and your truly dutifully entered our efforts along with the likes of David Lawson, Rob Davies and Bill Chaters. I’m pleased to say the Pendle boys didn’t do half bad either. Bryan took 1st place with his magnificent Centro Sud BRM P578, I managed to bag 3rd place with my Porsche 718 and Paul secured 4th and 5th with his lovely Porsche 804 and BRP BRM. David Lawson split the pack with his superb Lotus 25 by claiming 2nd place.

The racing was close and exciting from the very first qualifying heats to the Grand Final. Nick Hirst arrived on race day morning with his ‘loan car’ Cooper for the day, kindly donated by Bryan King. Immediately on the pace, Nick took himself convincingly through the heats and looked in strong contention for his final, in which he led for most of the 3 minutes. Unfortunately Nick sustained a couple of ‘offs’, resulting in an eventual 3rd place ahead of Mick Kerr and 14th place overall. Bryan battled hard with his beautiful Cooper T53 taking 4th place in his final and 24th place overall. Paul squeezed everything he could out of his Concours standard BRP BRM, and despite exiting the circuit on a number of occasions, still secured a respectable 30th overall. I managed to keep things reasonably steady, completing the day in 19th overall with my Ferrari 158.

The finals were extremely close fought races with a few familiar faces heading the fields. John Secchi (making a rare appearance at Wolves) drew swords with Mac Pinches, Bill Chaters and Dick Smith, who all produced some fine slot car racing skills to provide a very entertaining Grand Final with Mac eventually taking the chequered flag.

Concours d’elegance:
1st Bryan King (Pendle) Centro Sud BRM P578
2nd David Lawson (Southend) Lotus 25
3rd Dave Wisdom (Pendle) Porsche 718 04
4th Paul Cash (Pendle) Porsche 804
5th Paul Cash (Pendle) BRP BRM
6th Rob Davies (Wolves) Ferrari 1512

Half Tonner Grand Final: (2 X 4 minute finals)
1st Mac Pinches 60.84 laps
2nd John Secchi 60.21 laps
3rd Bill Chaters 59.60 laps
4th Dick Smith 59.50 laps

Next event:
Pendleslot Racing ‘Earlybirds’ Wolverhampton Scalextric Club, February 27th-28th 2010

event photos