Den – Page 5 – Table Top Racing Club

June 17, 2022January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit Rheims 2022

March Dominates French Grand Prix!

Another full house of eight players resulted in each team fielding a single car. As predicted, the race was fast and furious.

Hulme started on pole for McLaren and he shared the front row with March’s Peterson, the season points leader. The only two drivers who had won races this season controlled on the front row. But Brabham driver Reutemann who had started in the back during the last few raced and finished near the front started in the 3rd position and promised to be a contender. Fittapaldi started in the second row and was hoping to make a comback and was in a good position to do so. Meanwhile Stewart, last year’s champion started dead last in his less than stellar performing Elf.

During the first lap, Peterson set a blistering pace. Hulme and Fittapaldi battled second place. Amon in the Matra, led by rookie manager Rilley, pressured the Brabham driver.

Peterson was untouchable and held the lead going into the second lap. Hulme held his ground against Fittapaldi’s onslaught. Stewart move up to fourth place. The Matra was fast, but fragile and bled away wear points.

Reutemann attempted to regain his position while Marlboro BRM’s driver Ganely began a move through the pack. Stewart, Reutemann, and Ganely were three wide down the back stretch followed closely by the Matra.

Peterson continued to lead the race going into the third lap ahead of Hulme. Fittapaldi began to falter and slip back. Stewart moved into third followed by Reutemann.

Peterson crossed the finish line ahead of Hulme to win the race! Stewart won a sprint against Reutemann down the front straight to take third.

Detailed race results follow:

1st Travis (R. Peterson) 60/60/20/180/4** S
2nd Ray G. (D. Hulme) 80/20/40/180/4 S
3rd Den (J. Stewart) 40/60/20/180/5 S
4th Terry (C. Reutemann) 40/60/20/180/4 S
5th Ray R. (H. Ganley) 60/40/20/180/5 S
6th Rilley (C. Amon) 40/60/40/160/5 W
7th John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 60/40/40/160/5 S
8th Steve (N. Galli) 40/60/20/180/4 S

The next event is the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch on 29 June 2022. Hope to see you at the races!

May 13, 2022January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit Monaco 2022

Eight players showed for the race held on April using Steve K.’s spectacular Monaco map. Among the players was rookie manager John N. leading the Eiffeland team. All agreed to limit the number of drivers to one for each team.

Peterson sat on pole. For the first time this season, last year’s champion, Stewart, started in the first row. Hulme and Ganely occupied the second row followed by Fittpaldi and Stommelin. Reutemann and Galli were ready to go in the last row.

Peterson jumped into the lead followed by Stewart. Reutemann quickly moved his Brabham from 8th to 5th position. Hulme challenged the leaders during the first lap.

Stewart held off Hulme while Peterson moved the March further ahead. The Brabham and the Malboro BRM battled for position with BRM holding 4th position through the tunnel. Stommelin positioned himself to threaten Reuteman heading into the tunnel.

Perterson had a commanding lead going into the 2nd lap. Hulme failed to pass Stewart and his McLaren began to falter. Stommelin got by Ruetemann, but started to experience some engine trouble.

Peterson dominates in the March at Monaco during lap 2.

During the second lap, Peterson extended his lead with Stewart on his heals. Fittipaldi charged up to take the 4th position and threatened Hulme. Ganely lost momentum and began to loose positions. Stommelin’s Eiffeland trailed smoke and he also fell back.

The fight for fourth during the 2nd lap at Monaco.

Peterson maintained an incredible lead. Stewart gave his all to stay with Peterson, but could not pass him. Stommelin, Reutemann, and Hulme battled for 4th going three wide heading into the Gazometre. Reutemann made a daring move taking an inside line in the corner that resulted in him seizing 3rd position from Fittapaldi.

Field begins to spread out during the 3rd and final lap at Monaco.

Heading into the final lap, most of the cars were spent. Stommelin headed into the pits with a damaged engine that was on the verge of exploding. Peterson stretched his lead even further. Reutemann locked in 3rd place. Hulme passed Fittapaldi. Fittapaldi then struggled to keep 5th. Galli managed to pass Ganley through the Casino Corner.

Stewart made one more charge, but it was not enough and Peterson took the checkered flagg to win the race. Brabham’s Reutermann finished in 3rd followed by McLaren’s Hulme. Race details follow:

1st Travis (R. Peterson) 80/20/20/160/6** S
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/20/20/160/6 S
3rd Terry (C. Reutemann) 40/60/20/160/6 S
4th Ray G. (D. Hulme) 80/20/40/120/6 S
5th Steve (N. Galli) 60/40/20/160/6 S
6th Ray R. (H. Ganley) 60/40/40/140/6
7th John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 60/20/20/180/6 S
DNF John N. (Stommelin) 60/40/40/160/5 S

Hope to see at the next race on 18 May 2022 at the Rheims circuit.

April 4, 2022January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit Jarama 2022

Tabletop Racing Club’s first race at Jarama.

A great deal of speculation surrounds the abrupt departure of Steve K. from Ferrari. Did he have a falling-out with Enzo? Steve K. quickly signed with the fledgling Martini Techno team. Ferrari hired Dan to replace Steve K. as their team manager. The stage was set for Jarama’s inaugural race.

Denny Hulme seized pole position with high hopes of repeating last month’s McLaren victory. Ferrari’s Jacki Ickx started beside him in the front row. The season’s championship leaders, Fittapaldi and Peterson, occupied the front row. Last year’s champion, Stewart sat dead last in the blue #1 Elf.

Note: due to the number of teams, each team was limited to one driver.

During the first lap McLaren and Ferrari battled for the lead. Lotus tried to push forward, but was kept at bay. The Red #8 March followed close behind as Fittapaldi drove conservatively. Martini’s driver Galli stayed close behind the March and was followed by Schuppen in the white and red Marlboro BRM. Stewart lagged far behind.

Hulme was first to complete the initial lap and looked unbeatable, but the first lap was costly and he began to slow going into lap two. The the Ferrari pounced.

Meanwhile the two drivers who had started in the last row, Reutemann and Stewart had quietly moved up through the pack. Hulme slipped further back. The Ferrari completed the second lap just ahead of the STP March.

Travis’ strategy and patients paid off as the STP March car had more wear points going into the third lap than the leader. Martini Techno also began to push and move up during the last lap, but Galli ran into some bad luck when his car’s brakes failed going into the final corner.

Fittapaldi finished first and secured a sizable lead in the championship for himself and team STP March. Congratulations to Travis and a well run race. Ickx finished second followed by Reutemann marking Ferrari’s and Brabham’s first podium finishes of the season.

The final standings follow:

1st Travis (R. Peterson) 80/20/20/160/6 S
2nd Dan (J. Ickx) 80/60/20/140/5 * S
3rd Terry (C. Reutemann) 40/60/20/160/6 S
4th Den (J. Stewart) 40/60/20/160/6 S
5th John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 80/20/40/160/5 S
6th Ray G. (D. Hulme) 80/20/40/160/5* S
7th Ray R. ((V. Schuppen) 60/40/40/140/6 S
DNF (Brakes) Steve (N. Galli) 60/60/20/140/6 S

Next race is scheduled for April 6 at Monaco. Hope to see you at the races!

February 13, 2022

Race Report – Speed Circuit Kyalami 2022

The South African GP Challenge

A rules change occurred before the race began. Instead of using skill points to by back failed dice rolls, the 1 skill point could be used in lieu of a dice roll. As expected, this had an impact on racing strategy.

For the second year in a row 14 drivers occupied the grid at the South African GP. Team McLaren appeared with a new livery and reconfigured cars hoping to redeem themselves after a poor showing at Argentina. McLaren’s Denny Hulme claimed the pole and shared the front row with Brabham drivers Hill and Reutemann. Fitapaldi held 4th position in his JPS Lotus while the other series leader Peterson started in the row behind him. Who would break their 15 point tie?

Marlboro BRM hired Ray R. to lead their team and they were the only team not running strong down-force cars. But Marlboro garnered the 5th and 7th grid positions. The second row also included Ferrari driver Regazzoni in the 6th slot. Last season’s champion, Jacky Stewart was in 7th position.

As the cars roared away from the start-line line, Fittapaldi launch through the Brabhams and quickly passed Hulme. Fittapaldi was leading out of the Jukskei Sweep closely followed by Hulme. The two drivers repeated this pattern throughout laps 1 and 2.

Clubhouse Bend and The Esses proved to be a very challenging section of track for those behind the leaders. Many drivers found themselves having to emergency brake in order to avoid collisions. Fittapaldi and Hulme exited Leenkop Bend ahead the other drivers and established a large gap going down the front straightway.

Each group exiting the Leenkop Bend ahead of the other created a gap essentially stratifying the field into a leader segment, a middle segment, and an all others segment. This stratification proved difficult to overcome as it became reinforced with every run through Leenkop Bend. Drivers attempting to move up to the next group strained their vehicles to the limit.

Fitapaldi gained a bonus point for being first to complete the first lap followed by Hulme in his slipsteam. Then they raced side-by-side for most of the second lap. March driver Peterson had work his way through the pack and slowly began to reel in the leader group. Other drivers struggled to gain a footing. The teams burned through wear and skill points at a tremendous rate. Some began to experience brake and engine damage.

Then Regazzoni crashed hard in The Esses. He may be out for the next 5 races. Ferrari manager Steve said he is considering replacing Regazzoni with Mario Andretti.

Fittapaldi Stayed in the lead and then Regazzoni Crashed!

Once again Fittapaldi crossed the line first to start the final lap. Peterson was getting closer. Stewart dashed down the front straight, but it was not enough and his wear and skill points were soon spent. Brabham’s Hill began to fall back with a damaged engine. Peterson teammate, Lauda struggled with an ever failing brake system.

During the 3rd and final lap, the leaders raced side-by-side until Hulme passed Fittapaldi going into the Clubhouse Bend. Then Peterson beat Fittapaldi exiting the Leenkop Bend and threatened the leader. Hulme and Peterson pushed their engines pass the red-line as they charged down front strait heading for the finish line.

Peterson’s engine misfired and a thin line of smoke trailed behind his car. The McLaren held steady and Hulme was victorious for the second season in a row at Kyalami (under two different managers). Peterson finished a split second ahead of Fittapaldi. Stewart finished 4th followed by Revson.

Although he did not win the race, Peterson took a 1 point lead ahead of Fittapaldi in the drivers championship. Race details follow:

1st Ray G. (D. Hulme) 80/40/40/160/5 S
2nd Travis (R. Peterson) 40/60/40/180/4 S
3rd John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 60/60/60/160/6 **S
4th Den (J. Stewart) 60/60/40/180/4 S
5th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/160/5 S
6th Travis (N. Lauda) 40/60/40/180/4 S
7th Steve (J. Ickx) 60/60/20/180/4 S
8th Ray R. (H. Ganley) 60/40/40/140/6
9th Den (F. Cevert) 40/60/20/180/4 S
10th Terry (G. Hill) 60/40/40/160/5 S
11th Ray G. (P. Revson) 40/40/40/160/5 S
12th Ray R. (V. Schuppen) 60/40/40/140/6
13th John (J. Walker) 40/60/40/140/4 S
CR5 Steve (C. Regazzoni) 60/60/20/180/4 S

Next race is Jarama. Thanks, hope to see you at the race.

January 19, 2022January 19, 2022

Race Report – Speed Circuit Buenos Aires 2022

Thrilling Season Opener!

During the 2022 season we will be racing with the teams that participated in the 1972 formula season. Steve returns to manage the 2021 constructor’s championship team, Ferrari. Den once again leads Elf Tyrell, Terry spearheads MRD Brabham, and John steers the helm of JP Lotus. Travis moves to STP March. Yardly McLaren filled the void left by Travis by hiring Ray G.

The season opener took place in Argentina at the Buenos Aires circuit. Steve built the track board and it is the first time the club raced on the circuit. The narrow fast circuit proved to be a challenge to both drivers and vehicles.

Lotus driver Fittipaldi took pole position on the 12 driver starting grid. Elf’s Stewart, last years champion started in 10th. Ferrari drivers also started near the back of the pack. McLaren was the only team not using a strong down force setup and Hulme started in the front row next to Fittipaldi.

During the first lap Fittipaldi stayed in the lead and positioned himself coming out of the Cajon turn to pull far ahead of the pack. Stewart and Peterson began moving up while Luada moved into 3rd place.

Fittapaldi prepares to launch down the straight.

Fittipaldi continue to beat the pack out of the corners and built a commanding lead going into lap 2. Hulme faltered as his car chewed through wear points. Ickx remained in 3rd while Lauda moved up to 2nd.

Fittipaldi dominated the second lap. The remaining positions were highly contested.

Once again Fittapaldi was first to cross the finish line to begin the last lap earning his second bonus point in the race, but his wear points were running low. Soon, Stewart and Peterson made a run against the slowing leader.

Fittapadi’s lead dwindles during the last lap.

Stewart backed off, but Peterson pressed forward catching Fittipaldi and passing him in the last corner garnering victory!

Peterson was followed by Fittipaldi and Stewart. Congratulations Travis.

Race details follow:

1st Travis (R. Peterson) 40/60/20/180/5 S
2nd John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 80/60/40/160/4 **S
3rd Den (J. Stewart) 40/60/20/180/5 S
4th Travis (N. Lauda) 60/60/20/180/4 S
5th Steve (J. Ickx) 60/60/20/180/4 S
6th Terry (G. Hill) 60/60/40/160/4 S
7th Den (F. Cevert) 40/60/20/180/5 S
8th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/60/40/160/4 S
9th Steve (C. Regazzoni) 60/60/20/180/4 S
10th Ray G. (D. Hulme) 60/40/40/160/6
11th John (J. Walker) 60/40/40/160/4 S
12th Ray G. (P. Revson) 40/40/40/160/5

Next event is at Kyalami. See you at the races.

January 17, 2022January 17, 2022

Race Report – Triplanetary Space Race December 2021

Humanitarian Aid Garners Good Karma For the Winner!

Four ships blasted off from Terra to start the race.

Ship enter orbit after blasting off from Terra.

John, Steve, and Den set course toward Mercury. They planned to complete the round trip course via Mercury, Venus, Mars and back to Terra. Terry was the only pilot to plot a course to Mars with hopes of taking the Mars, Venus, Mercury, and then Terra route.

John Dropped medical supplies at Mercury and gained bonus racing points. John, Steve, and Den pushed their ships while trying to out maneuver one another. While on the long run to Mars, Terry handled his ship conservatively.

Terry placed supplies for miners in orbit around Mars. Unfortunately the explosives included in the supplies were live. Because of the hazard he created, Terry did not receive bonus points. Fortunately, John, Steve, and Den were able to avoid the “explosives” that look suspiciously like a mine orbiting Mars.

John leads with the final destination in site.

John lead most of the race. He ran an almost perfect race including a successful humanitarian drop. As a result he won!

November 8, 2021January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit Watkins Glen 2021

Ferrari Takes Win and Series Constructor’s Cup While Tyrell Driver Wins Championship.

The season’s Driver and Constructor Championships were on the line at this years season finale at Watkins Glen. Stewart enter the race with a 3 point lead over Ickx. Both driver’s teams were battling for the first place with Ferrari holding a slim lead over Tyrell. Mclaren and Brabham did not show for the race creating opportunities for other teams to advance.

Lap 1: Pete Lovely started on pole position, but his weak downforce setup plagued him throughout the day and he quickly faded into the pack finishing 8th. Stewart took and early lead and captured the bonus point for the first lap.

Lap 2: Ferrari’s number 2 driver, Regazzoni, started in 5th, but skillfully maneuver around Lotus and Tyrell to take the lead going down the front straight during the second lap. Not to be out done, Lotus driver Fittapaldi passed Regazonni. Regazonni caught Fittapaldi in the last corner, past him, and earned the bonus point for the second lap.

Ferrari sut smarts Tyrell and Lotus and takes the lead on Lap 2.

Lotus makes a move and takes the lead coming out of the Chute on Lap 2.

Lap 3: Regazzoni built an insurmountable lead. Stewart got by Fittapaldi, but could not catch Regazzoni. Regazzoni won the race followed by Stewart and Reggazoni. The contender for the series title, Ickx, had started in 9th place, but finished in 4th. As a result of their efforts, Lotus jumped two slots in the constructors championship.

Ickx takes back the lead and never looks back.

On a darker note, BRM driver Siffert crashed on the final lap. A speedy recovery is expected.

Race details follow:

#5 Watkins Glen
3 Laps
(3 Nov 2021)
Turns = 29
Spaces = 2
avg speed = 141.37mph

1st Steve (C. Regazzoni) 60/60/20/180/4* S
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/60/20/160/5* S
3rd John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 60/60/40/180/4 S
4th Steve (J. Ickx) 60/60/20/180/4 S
5th Den (F. Cevert) 60/60/20/160/4 S
6th John H. (R. Wisell) 60/40/40/160/4 S
7th Ray R. (R. Peterson) 40/60/20/140/6 S
8th Ray G. (P. Lovely) 80/40/40/140/6 W
9th Dan (P. Rodriguez) 60/40/20/180/5
10th Ray G. (J. Biden) 40/40/40/160/5
11th Ray R. (N. Galli) 40/60/40/140/5 S
CR Dan (J. Siffert) 80/40/20/180/5

September 7, 2021January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2021 Monza

McLaren Owned the Starting Grid But Ferrari Owned the Race

McLaren driver’s held pole and 3rd positions dominating the first row of the starting grid at this year’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Brabham’s D. Hulme accompanied the McLarens on the first row. All cars in the first row were configured with weak downforce and setup to go fast on the straits. Meanwhile, the championship leader, J. Stewart, was all the way back on the inside of row 4. Team BRM, led by veteran manager Dan, made its first showing of the season.

Team McLaren dominates the starting grid at Monza!

At the Curva Grande the weak downforce cars displayed cornering instability. Team Tryell was first to capitalize on the McLaren’s weakness. Cevert took the lead heading out of the Lesmos and Stewart moved from 10th to 3rd.

Team Tyrell Challenges the McLarens through the Lesmos.

Cevert and Stewart worked in tandem and Stewart slipped into the lead. BRM and Ferrari pressed McLaren out of the Parabolica. The McLarens were fast on the straights, but to slow in the corners and ultimately outclassed by the strong downforce cars.

Ickx slipped past the McLarens and held a position behind the Tyrells as they passed the line to begin the second lap. The Tyrells had spent 2/3 of their skill points in the first lap and this would negatively impact the team’s tactics for the rest of the race. The McLarens also suffered from bad luck.

Positions at the end of the first lap at Monza.

While Ickx maintained his position behind Cevert, his team mate, Regazzoni quietly maneuvered through the pack. The Ferraris linked up down the back stretch and eventually disrupted the Tyrells.

Regazzoni breaks through the pack at the Lesmos.

Breaking up the Tyrell tandem proved critical to Ferrari’s success. Stewart once again crossed the finish line first, but Cevert fell back and Stewart battled against team Ferrari on his own with 1 skill point and just enough wear to make it through the last lap. BRM, Brabham and McLaren had battle ferociously during the second lap and were nearly spend as well.

Regazonni used his teammate to slingshot past Stewart going down the back straight. Ickx got the inside position on Stewart going into the Parabolica. The Ferraris were first through the Parabolica and Stewart slip-streamed Regezonni to pull up along side the Ferraris. The leaders were three wide heading into the final corner of the race.

Stewart should have won the race on the following turn. but he made a critical tactical error. The Ferraris went 160mph through the 120mph corner section and occupied the two outside lanes just past the corner blocking use of the 120mph section. If Stewart had gone 140mph he could have safely navigated the 100mph section, taken the inside space next to the Ferraris, and gone 180mph during the next turn crossing the finish line ahead of the Ferraris and won, but instead he plotted 160mph. He still had an opportunity to late brake down to 140mph, but did not. Stewart attempted going 60mph over the limit through the 100mph section and rolled a 6 on the chance table. He used us last skill chip to avoid crashing and spunout blowing his opportunity for victory.

Stewart spins in the final corner of the last lap at Monza!

Ickx crossed the start finish line first and was followed by Regazzoni and Cevert. Stewart recovered from the spin and just barely beat Shenken across the finish line to take 4th place.

Then Githen suffered a horrific crash in the last corner. He survived, but may not be well enough to race in the next and final race of the season.

Gethin crashes in the final corner of the last lap at Monza.

Race details follow:

1st Steve (J. Ickx) 60/60/20/180/4 S
2nd Steve (C. Regazzoni) 60/60/20/180/4 S
3rd Den (F. Cevert) 60/60/20/180/4 S
4th Den (J. Stewart) 60/60/20/180/4** S
5th Terry (T. Shenken) 60/40/40/160/5 S
6th Terry (G. Hill) 80/40/40/160/4 W
7th Travis (D.Hulme) 80/20/40/160/5 W
8th Dan (P. Rodriguez) 60/40/20/180/5
9th Ray R. (R. Peterson) 40/60/20/180/5
10th Dan (J. Siffert) 80/40/20/180/5
11th Ray R. (N. Galli) 60/40/40/160/6
CR5 Travis (P. Gethin) 60/20/40/160/6 W

Stewart is only three points ahead of Ickx in the championship. Hulme could make a comeback. Ferrari is leading the constructors competition. The final race at Watkins Glen is looking to be a nail-biter. Hope to see you at the race!

August 11, 2021January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2021 Silverstone by Steve

Rookie Manger Puts Team On Pole But Does Not Finish Race

Eight players showed up for the British Grand Prix. Due to the numbers each player only control one driver resulting in an eight car race.

Rookie manager Steve L. was hired by Matra and he promptly secured the pole position for J. Beltoise, but his lack of experience was soon evident. McLaren driver D. Hulme shared the front row with Beltoise along with P. Lovely. Hulme quickly assumed the lead, a position he would hold throughout the race. Unfortunatly, Beltoise and Lovely faded back.

Hulme drove a steady pace while the field battled behind him. As a result the McLaren driver gained bonus points for leading the first two laps.

McLaren driver D. Hulme maintains the lead at the beginning of the last lap.

His dominance was challenge in the final lap. Lotus driver E. Fittapaldi began an attack on Hulme at the start of the final lap. Ferrari, Brabham, and Tyrell drivers also jousted for position.

Fittapaldi catches Hulme at Maggots Curve.

Lotus Manager, John, had reconfigured the Lotus car between races and the Strong Downforce appeared to be paying off as the Lotus threatened to take the lead at the Maggots Curve. But the McLaren had an abundance of wear points and was able to maintain the lead through Becketts Corner and the Chapel Curve.

Hulme secures his lead on the final lap while Hill and Ickx battle for third and Stewart looms in fourth.

Between Stone Corner and Woodcote, Fittapaldi once again closed the gap, but wasn’t able to pass Hulme. Hill and then Stewart slipped by Ickx.

Hulme, Fittapaldi, and Hill shoot out of the Woodcote Chicane heading for the finish line!

As the leaders crossed the finish line, Beltoise crashed in Woodcote.

Matra driver Beltoise crashes in Woodcote Chicane.

Hulme finished first closely followed by Fittapaldi, Hill, Stewart. Ferrari finished fifth, Lovely VW sixth, and March seventh. Silverstone had the closest top 4 finish this season.

Congratulations to Travis for his second win, John for his first podium finish this season, and Terry for his consecutive podium finish!

Race results follow:

1st Travis (D.Hulme) 80/40/20/160/5**S
2nd John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 40/60/40/180/4 S
3rd Terry (G. Hill) 60/40/40/160/5 S
4th Den (J. Stewart) 40/60/40/180/4 S
5th Steve (J. Ickx) 60/60/20/180/4 S
6th Ray G. (P. Lovely) 60/40/40/160/5
7th Ray R. (N. Galli) 60/40/20/160/6 W
CR Steve L. (J. Beltoise) 80/40/20/140/6

Next race is scheduled for 1 September at Monza!

Hope to see you at the race.

July 13, 2021January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2021 Monaco

Ferrari leads first two laps, but falls short.

Six teams lined up on the starting at Monaco. Ferrari’s J. Ickx once again held the pole position. Lotus driver E. Fittapaldi started in position 2 and Ferrari driver C. Regazzoni completed the front row. On the start Lovely advanced past Fittapaldi and Regazzoni and challenged Ickx down the Beau Rivage setting a blistering pace.

Ickx and Lovely lead the pack down Beau Rivage.

The slowest segment of the course, featuring the Station Hairpin, compressed the field and allowed the leaders to build a gap.

Ickx and Lovely fly into the Tunnel leaving the field behind.

Ickx crossed the finish line ahead of Lovely to complete the 1st lap. Lovely VW team’s J. Biden held last place 27 spaces behind the leader! The field was spread out; Ickx and Lovely looked unstoppable.

Remarkable gaps appeared in the field at the end of lap 1.

During the second lap, the other strong down force configured cars began to close in on the leaders while leaving the rest of the pack behind. The strong down force group was out of the tunnel and through the Chicane du Port before the others had reached the Tunnel straight.

Ickx was once again first across the finish line, but team Ferrari was spent and rapidly began to fall off pace. At the beginning of the 3rd lap, Lovely, Stewart, and team Brabham pressed the leader. Team Ferrari was in dire straits as the prancing ponies stumbled through the Station Hairpin.

Stewart makes an inside move while Lovely gains a positional advantage at the Station Hairpin.

Lovely and Stewart passed Ickx just before the tunnel.

Lovely takes the lead on lap 3 at Monaco.

Stewart closed the gap on Lovely. Brabham’s replacement driver Shenken slipped past Regazzoni. Stewart was forced to take the inside lane at the Gazometre and almost lost control, but emerged out of the corner ahead of Lovely and won the race. Lovely followed to take second. Shenken passed Ickx to gain the third spot on the podium.

Race results follow:

1st Den (J. Stewart) 60/60/40/160/5 S
2nd Ray G. (P. Lovely) 80/40/40/160/5 S
3rd Terry (T. Shenken) 60/60/40/140/5 S
4th Steve (J. Ickx) 80/40/20/160/5 S
5th Steve (C. Regazzoni) 80/40/20/160/5 S
6th Den (F. Cevert) 40/60/40/160/4 S
7th Terry (G. Hill) 80/40/20/140/5 S
8th John H. (R. Fittapaldi) 80/40/60/140/5
9th John H. (R. Wisell) 60/40/40/140/5
10th Ray G. (J. Biden) 40/40/40/160/5 S
11th Ray R. (N. Galli) 60/40/40/160/6
12th Ray R. (R. Peterson) 40/60/20/140/6

The next event is Steve’s new Silverstone course and is scheduled for 4 August 2021.

Hope to see you at the race!