Mallory Park Monday 27th May 2013

Having just about recovered from a sleepless weekend in a tent at Brands Hatch, it was back to Mallory Park for the second of only 5 car meetings at the circuit in 2013. This was another Motors TV raceday with the broadcaster showing all 12 races live in the afternoon. BARC were the organisers in charge and an eclectic mixture of series filled the card. Legends (scaled down replicas of 50's American cars fitted with Yamaha motorcycle engines) had 3 races with double-headers for Classic Formula Ford 1600, MG Metros and Sports/Saloons. There were single races for the Midget & Sprite Challenge, Jaguar Saloon & GT championship and somewhat bizarrely a 30 minute, 2 driver Citroen 2CV race! 
Definite highlights of the days racing were Legends and Classic Formula Ford. Mallory Park is the spiritual home for Legends and they certainly entertained in all 3 races. For many years they supported the late lamented Eurocar package on the Mallory mile oval but the addition of the tight Shaws hairpin doesn't seem to harm the quality of the racing too much. 
Despite Mike Gardner winning both Classic Formula Ford races relatively easily there was plenty of action behind and it was good to see drivers giving each other just enough room on occasion into the Esses! In the categories heyday several Van Diemens, Royales and Crossles would have been deposited into the barriers for sure...
I'm not quite sure what the purpose of the 2 driver half hour Citroen 2CV race was, but at least competitors got a bit of pitstop practice in before the 24 hour race at Snetterton later in the season. A very large grid of very large Jaguars took time off from their chauffeuring duties and always put on a good race. Slightly disappointing races for me were the Metros and Midget & Sprites but all in all it was a good days racing.
"Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!" It isn't very often I quote from Shakespeare but despite it being sunny all day there was a fearsome wind howling across the lake to keep temperatures down and hands in pockets. 
Admission was £13 on the gate and was the programme worth £3? Answer = No. Many thanks to John for the lift, I owe you one!

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