9 replies to this topic

[markrobert]

Tom Wheatcroft introduced the Formula Classic / the championship for drivers as a pan-European series in 1995. Arround 15 identical front engined 1950 style racers with skinny wheels competed for a large cash prize. After 2 rounds the series collapsed. They only raced at Donington on the 7th and 8th of May (BPR GT Meeting) and 24th and 25th of Juny 1995 (BTCC meeting). Each meeting had two races, they were won by Peter Hardman (3 times) and Martin Donnelly (once).

Does anyone have pictures of these cars at these events or a copy of the race programme to share to see who participated. Or perhaps can share the original results of the races.

Some of the drivers that drove in these events were: Martin Donnelly, Robin Donovan, Ian Flux, Peter Hardman, Dave Hutchinson, Paul Mather, Perry McCarthy, Mark Newman, Steve Parrish, Bill Shepherd and Patrick Trucco.

[Michael Ferner]

Donington

May 7

Race 1 (12 laps)

1 Peter Hardman 21'46,80"

2 Bill Shepherd

3 Mark Newman

4 Paul Mather

5 Perry McCarthy

6 Dave Hutchinson

 

May 8

Race 2 (12 laps)

1 Martin Donnelly 21'33,02"

2 Mark Newman

3 Patrick Trucco

4 Peter Hardman

5 Perry McCarthy

6 Paul Mather

 

15 starters in all, including Geoff Farmer, Austin Kinsella and Rick Hall

 

Jun 25

Race 1 (8 laps)

1 Peter Hardman 14'27,82"

2 Martin Donnelly

3 Perry McCarthy

4 Patrick Trucco

5 Steve Parrish

6 Ian Flux

 

Race 2 (8 laps)

1 Peter Hardman 14'32,44"

2 Steve Parrish

3 Perry McCarthy

4 Ian Flux

5 Patrick Trucco

6 Robin Donovan

[Tim Murray]

This earlier thread had some discussion about the series:

The Wheatcroft ‘period’ cars

[markrobert]

Thanks Michael! That is a real help.

Do you also happen to know the car numbers the drivers were driving?

 

 

[markrobert]

And thank you Tim!

[Michael Ferner]

No numbers, sorry. I just looked up the Autosport reports, easy thing since you mentioned the exact date. Now I recall also there was a picture of Barrie "Whizzo" Williams, not mentioned so far.

[markrobert]

Michael, thanks any way. I have seen the "Whizzo" photo. typical Whizzo style! Great driver!  

[Doug Nye]

What an embarrassment that ill-conceived class proved to be...an unfortunate lapse...

 

DCN

[sstiel]

What an embarrassment that ill-conceived class proved to be...an unfortunate lapse...

 

DCN

https://www.autoclas...-racing-series/ Referred to here. Martin Donnelly won a race.

[Ray Bell]

And further embarrassment, I'm sure, when the leftover cars filled the otherwise interesting museum...

 

Added to the war machines, they spoiled the impression greatly.