Category: Speed Circuit

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2025 Steve’s Nurburgring Full

Luada and Peterson Battled for the Championship

Seven teams appeared in this year’s German Grand Prix including BRM (Evans), Ferrari (Lauda), Hesketh (Hunt), Lotus (Peterson), Maki (Walker), Parnelli (Andretti), and Williams (Merzario). The points leaders held the front row with Lauda on pole and Peterson beside him. Walker and Hunt sat were in the second row followed by Evans and Andretti. Merzario was the lone driver in the last row.

Peterson launch into the lead with Lauda on his heals. Evans and Adretti attempted to separate themselves from the pack. Hunt’s Hesketh began having engine problems.

Peterson and Lauda battle one another, often side-by-side, extending their lead. Andretti appeared to win his dual against Walker. Despite the power loss in his engine, Hunt continued to compete.

Lauda and Peterson passed the first check point side-by-side with Peterson narrowly in the lead. Walker caught back up to Andretti and then passed him. The wounded Hesketh continued to falter until its engine failed.

Peterson was first across the second marker and damaged his engine, but did not lose momentum. Lauda’s Ferrari ran out of wear before Peterson’s Lotus and Peterson flew through the last corner to capture the win. Lauda slowed through the last corner and Walker caught and passed him to take second place.

Race details follow:

1st Tom V. (R. Peterson) 60/40/40/140/6 W**
2nd Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/140/6 S
3rd Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/20/140/6 S
4th A.J. (M. Andretti) 60/40/40/140/6 S
5th Tori P. (A. Merzario) 40/40/60/160/5 W
6th Ray R. (B. Evans) 60/40/40/140/6 S
DNF Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S

The next race is at the Osterreichring circuit. Hope to see you at the races!

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2025 Steve’s Silverstone

Lotus owned the British Grand Prix.

Five teams showed for this years British Grand Prix at Steve’s marvelous rendition of the Silverstone circuit. Team managers chose only to run one car resulting in a sparse field of competitors.

Peterson started on pole with Lauda beside him. Hunt and Walker shared the second row with Scheckter in the dark blue Tyrrell Elf behind them. Peterson bolted off the starting line and never looked back. Hunt, in the white Hesketh, passed Lauda, in the Red Ferrari and shadowed Peterson Black and Gold Lotus throughout the first lap.

During the second lap, Lauda made a failed run on Peterson and was passed by Walker as Hunt slipped back to fourth. Peterson remained untouchable.

The last lap saw Peterson extend his lead while Lauda, Hunt, and Walker fought for second place. Peterson easily claimed the win. Walker was victor of the, sometimes 3-wide, battle for second place. Lauda beat Hunt in a drag race down the front straight to place third. Race details follow:

1st Tom V. (R. Peterson) 80/20/40/140/6 W**
2nd Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/140/6 S
3rd Den H. (N. Lauda) 60/40/40/140/6 S
4th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S
5th Chuck H. (J. Scheckter) 60/40/40/140/6 S

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2025 Zolder

Action filled inaugural race!

Nine teams attended our first race at Steve’s masterful version of Zolder, the Belgium Grand Prix circuit. Fittapaldi held the pole position in a McLaren sharing the front row with Walker in the Maki. Ferrari and Lotus occupied the second row followed by teams Hesketh and Parnelli. Fourth row tenants included Brambilla in the very orange March and Evans in the brightly colored BRM. Reutemann, in the fabulous Brabham was the sole occupant of the last row.

Fittapaldi drove aggressively and maintained the lead throughout the first lap earning a bonus point. Walker, Peterson, and Lauda pressed Fittapaldi but could not pass him. At the end of the first lap, Hunt and Peterson were neck and neck going down the front straight. Foreshadowing the second lap.

During the second lap, Fittapaldi lost his position to Walker and then regained it only to lose it to Peterson. By lap’s end, Walker had slipped back to fourth and Lauda to fifth.

Peterson dominated the last lap. Fittipaldi battled Peterson for the lead, but his McLaren ran out of steam and he fell back. Lauda started in fifth at the beginning of the lap and made a valiant run on Peterson, but he exhausted his Ferrari and could not maintain the pace. Hunt tried next, but he too could not catch Peterson. Peterson finished first. Hunt won a drag race against Lauda to take 2nd. Meanwhile Brambilla, who had started the lap in 8th place, battled through the pack to finish 4th. Race details follow:

1st Tom V. (R. Peterson) 60/40/40/140/6 W*
2nd Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S
3rd Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/40/140/5 S
4th Dave K. (V. Brambilla) 40/60/40/160/5 S
5th Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/140/6 S
6th John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 80/40/20/140/6 S*
7th Ray R. (B. Evans) 40/60/40/160/5 S
8th Dave M. (C. Reutemann) 40/40/40/160/6 S
9th A.J. (M. Andretti) 60/40/40/160/5 S

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2025 Monaco

A Happy Day for Ferrari

We had not visited the classic Monaco circuit since 2017. Only three teams answered the call to race at the Monaco GP this year.

Maki’s Walker held the poll position at the start sharing the first row with Ferrari’s Lauda. Fushida, in the#36 Maki, and Miller in the #38 Parnelli occupied the second row. The final row was filled by Andretti in the #27 Parnelli and Regazzoni in the #11 Ferrari.

Walker took an early lead and was closely shadowed by Lauda. Regazzoni meticulously weaved his way through the pack and into 3rd. Lauda passed Walker and was first through the tunnel and down the long back straight. Walker attempted to regain the lead in the last corner and crashed out of the race! Luckily he escaped injury and only his pride was hurt.

Lauda started the second lap with an insurmountable lead. Fushida, the remaining Maki driver, pressured Regazzoni for second place, but slipped back and then spun-out in the corner leading to the tunnel. Ferrari finished the second lap holding both 1st and 2nd positions. Andretti set his sites on Regazzoni.

1st Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/40/140/5 S **
2nd Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/40/140/5
3rd A.J. (E. Miller) 60/40/40/140/5 S
4th Ray R. (Fushida) 40/40/40/160/5 S
5th A.J. (M. Andretti) 60/40/40/140/6 S
CRS Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/160/5 S

I hope you can join us on 7 May 2025 for our inaugural race at Zolder (another fantastic track recreated by Steve K.). Thanks and be seeing you at the races!

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2025 Kyalami

Ferrari’s Folly Lead to a Lotus Victory

Eight teams met in South Africa for this years race at Kyalami fielding 8 cars. Lotus driver Peterson sat on the pole and shared the first row with Ferrari’s Lauda. Walker and Fittapaldi followed in the second row. Andretti and Evans occupied the third row. The final row was held by an anxious Hunt in the #24 Hesketh and Reutemann in the #7 Brabham.

Peterson jumped off the startline and held an early lead. Lauda pursued followed closely by Evans in the blue #35 Maki. The Brabham moved from the last position heading for the front.

Lauda spurred his Ferrari and passed Peterson taking the lead and earning a bonus point for being the first to finish lap one. Andretti and Reutemann increased pressure on Walker in a tense battle for third place.

Lauda pushed the Ferrari in an uncharacteristically reckless manner and the abused vehicle began to falter.  Peterson took advantage of Lauda’s negligence to re-capture the lead and gain the second lap’s bonus point. After winning the battle for third, Andretti set his sights on Lauda. Hunt began moving up.

The third and final lap was dominated by Peterson in the Lotus. Lauda failed to fend off Andretti and Hunt. Hunt raced down the front straight ahead of Andretti to secure second place.

Race details follow:

1st Tom V. (J. Ickx) 80/20/40/140/6 W*
2nd Steve K. (J. Hunt) 40/40/40/160/6 S
3rd A.J. (M. Andretti) 60/40/40/160/5 S
4th Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S **
5th John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 40/40/40/160/6 S
6th Dave M. (C. Reutemann) 40/60/40/160/5 S
7th Ray R. (B. Evans) 40/60/60/140/6 S
8th Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/160/5 S

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2025 Buenos Aires

McLaren LeadsTeam Championship but Fails To Win Race

Five teams appeared in this season inaugural race at Buenos Aires. Ferarri’s Luada held the pole and was accompanied in the first row by Hesketh’s Lunger. The second row was occupied by Peterson in the Lotus and Hunt in another Hesketh. The remaining Lotus of Ickx and Ferrari of Regazzoni secured the third row while both McLarens (Fittapaldi and Mass) held the last row. Two Maki’s were late to the grid and entered the race from the pits.

Lauda jumped out front and had a substantial lead entering Curva Numero Uno. The lotus’ consolidated their positions behind Lauda. Fittipaldi began fighting his way through the pack.

The field condensed going through the more technical part of the track. Peterson caught Lauda and threatened to take the lead, but would soon be haunted by brake issues that would take him out of contention. Fittipaldi cut his way through the Heskeths and moved into 3rd place.

Lauda and Peterson raced side-by-side, but Lauda got the better of Peterson going through the Curva de Parga Horquilla and finished the lap in the lead. Hunt challenged Fittapaldi for 3rd. Unlike his partner Lauda, Regazzoni had a bad day and skidded before entering the long front straight and fell far behind the pack (and his luck did not improve after that).

During the second lap, Lauda attempted to extend his lead while Peterson fell back as his brakes began to fade. Fittapaldi smelled blood in the water and he passed  Peterson and set Lauda in his sites. Hunt tailed Fittapaldi.

Lauda pushed his #12 Ferrari to the limit and finished the second lap with a tremendous lead, but his car was showing signs of wear. Fittapaldi and Hunt continued the joust for 2nd place. Regazzoni spunout in the same corner he skidded in during the previous lap securing last place.

Hunt began to fall off pace and Ickx passed him. Fittapaldi began reeling in Lauda.

Fittapaldi caught Lauda and tried to take the lead going into Parga, but he spunout! Lauda retook the lead and won the race. Fittapaldi recovered in time to hold second place. There was a three-way drag race between Hunt, Mass, and Walker. Walker took 3rd followed by Ickx (who had sprung out from behind the dragsters), and Mass.

Although Ferrari’s Lauda won the race, Team Mclaren earned enough points to start the season in first place.

Race details follow:

1st Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S **
2nd John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 40/60/20/160/6 S
3rd Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/160 S
4th Tom V. (J. Ickx) 40/40/40/160/5 W
5th John H. (J. Mass) 40/40/20160/6 S
6th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S
7th Ray G. (H. Fushida) 40/40/40/160/5 S
8th Tom V. (R. Peterson) 40/60/40/160/5 S
9th Steve K. (B. Lunger) 60/40/20/160/5 S
10th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/20/160/5

The second race of the season is on 5 February 2025 at Kyalami. See you at the races!

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2024 Watkins Glen

Champion Crowned at Watkins Glen

Eight racers participated in this year’s US Grand Prix including Pace and Lauda who battled for the championship.

Pace held pole position and shared the front row with March’s Brambillo. Mass and Lauda occupied the second row followed by the two BRMs driven by Beltoise and Pescarolo. Reuterman and Regazzoni impatiently filled out the last row.

Lauda had a good start and had taken the lead through the Club House Esses. Regazzoni beat the BRMs going into the Outer Loop. Both Surtees drivers were in hat pursuit of the leading Ferrari.

Pace passed Lauda and was first across the start finish line completing the first lap. The March driver, Brambillo battle against Mass for third place. Regazzoni lost a position back to one of the BRMs.

With the championship on the line, Mass and Lauda clawed at each other to stay in the lead. The rest of the field struggled to keep up with them.

Once again Pace regained the lead and finished the second lap ahead of Lauda, collecting another bonus point. Mass and Brambillo tried to stay with the leaders. Then it was Reutermann’s turn to scrap with the BRMs.

Pace stayed in the lead, but he could not shake Lauda. Mass defended himself against Brambillo’s assualt. Brabham’s Reutermann pushed pass the BRMs and slipped by Ragazzoni’s Ferrari. The last lap took a heavy toll on all the cars as they were pushed to their limits.

Lauda dived into the 90 Hard Right, the last corner in the race, ahead of Pace! Lauda bolted across the start finish line to win the race followed by Pace, Mass, and Reutermann. Although he did not win the race, Pace’s second place finish and 2 bonus points secured him the championship finishing 3 points ahead of Lauda.

Congratulations Tom V for managing this year’s Champion driver!!

The manufacture’s championship was awarded to Ferrari. Race details follow:

1st Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S
2nd Tom V. (C. Pace) 60/40/20/160/6 S**
3rd Tom V. (J. Mass) 80/20/20/140/6 W
4th Dave K. (V. Brambilla) 60/40/40/160/5 S
5th Dave M. (Reutermann) 40/60/60/160/4 S
6th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 40/40/40/160/5 S
7th Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 40/40/40/160/5 S
8th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 60/40/60/160/4 S

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s simulation of the 1974 grand prix season. It was a lot of fun. We plan to hold our 15th season in 2025 using the 1975 Grand Prix teams. Please join us if you can. Thanks again.

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2024 Monza

Pace Retains His Lead.

Only teams Surtees, BRM, and Ferrari showed for this year’s Italian Grand Prix. Ferrari’s Lauda started on pole leading the six car field. Pace also sat on the first row followed by his teammate Mass and Beltoise. Pescarolo and Regazzoni filled the final row.

During the opening moments of the race, Pace, Lauda, and Mass passed Pescarolo. Lauda moved into the lead for a time.

The Ferrari and Surtees drivers battled for the lead for most of the first lap leaving the BRMs behind.

Pace and Mass slipped stream each other working as a team. Mass was first to complete the initial lap. Regazzoni’s Ferrari experienced engine trouble and began to drop back. Pace also lost some engine power, but continued to stay in Mass’ draft. Lauda chased the Surtee’s machines.

During the second lap, team Surtees extended their lead. Lauda tried to close the gap between him and the leaders. Regazzoni unsuccessfully tried to fend off the BRMs. Mass once again was first to complete a lap.

As the final lap progressed, the BRMs surpassed Regazzoni. Mass’ ride ran out of wear and Lauda passed him. Although Lauda closed the gap, he could not pass Pace before Pace was able to win the race.

Race details follow:

1st Tom V. (C. Pace) 40/40/40/180/5 W
2nd Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 60/40/20/160/6 W
3rd Tom V. (J. Mass) 40/40/40/160/5 W**
4th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 60/40/40/180/4 S
5th Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 40/40/40/180/4 S
6th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 40/40/20/160/6 S

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2024 Nurburgring

Italian Team Triumphs at the German Grand Prix

Ferrari’s Lauda held pole position ahead of seven other drivers at the start of this year’s German Grid Prix at Nerburgring. BRM’s Pescarolo shared the front row with Lauda. Hunt and Beltoise secured the second row followed by Regazzoni and Andretti. Schenken and Reutermann filled out the field in the last row.

Pescarolo took an early lead, but was soon eclipsed by Lauda and Hunt. Andretti clawed his way into 5th.

Lauda and Hunt battle for the lead. Andretti threatened the BRMs. Schenken crashed in the Halzenbackbogen turn, but escaped serious injury.

Hunt pushed his car hard and crossed the start finish line ahead of Lauda gaining the first lap bonus point. Lauda got by Hunt and took charge in the second lap. Andretti moved up to fourth with Regazonni hot on his heals.

Lauda extended his lead and was first across the start finish line to gain the second lap’s bonus point. Hunt began to slow. Andretti damaged his engine and pulled into the pits to end his day. Reutermann began charging his Brabham through the field.

Lauda dominated the third lap with his Ferrari and completed the race far ahead of the pack. Pescarolo finished second followed by Reutermann. Regazzoni squeezed by Hunt to finish fourth. Race details follow:

1st Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 80/40/40/140/6 S*
2nd Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 80/40/20/140/5 S
3rd Dave M. (Reutermann) 40/40/60/160/5 S
4th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/40/140/5 S
5th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S*
6th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 80/40/40/140/5 S
DNF Adam J. (M. Andretti) 40/60/40/160/5 N
CR1 Dave K. (T. Schenken) 40/60/40/160/5 S

Note: Due to a mix-up, Reutermann drove an orange March instead of the usual white Brabham.

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2024 Brands Hatch

Two Brits Led the British Grand Prix But Only One Finished.

Five teams and 10 drivers filled out the grid of the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. Teams included Maki led by rookie manager Jon. Embassy’s G. Hill held the pole position and shared the front row with BRM’s driver Pescarolo. The number two Embassy and BRM drivers held the second row. Followed by Keizan and Hunt. Maki’s Ganley sat on the inside of the fourth row with Lauda beside him. Scheckter and Regazzoni secured the last row of the grid.

Hill Blasted past Pescarolo to take an early lead. Hunt struggled to gain ground.

Team Hesketh drivers worked together and moved up second and third place while the Ferrari struggled in the back of the pack. Cars were three wide heading down the front straight as they completed the first lap.

Hill completed the first lap in the lead and gained a bonus point closely followed by Hunt and Scheckter. During the second lap, the Ferrari’s started move up, but Regazzoni spun out while avoiding a collision. Then the Team Maki dropped out of the race. Team Hesketh took the lead.

Hunt extended his lead and pushed his car to its limits. Lauda began moving up through the pack. Hill kept his sites on Hunt.

Hunt stayed out front and finished lap two with a formidable lead. The BRMs fell further back. Lauda pressed forward. Hill waited to make a move.

The third lap turned into a battle for the lead between the two British drivers, Hunt and Hill.

Then Hunt broke his car at Sterlings corner and was out of the race. Hunt moved into second, but could not catch Hill. Hill won the race far ahead of the other competitors for team Embassy’s first win! Congratulations Mike.

Race details follow:

1st Mike C. (G. Hill) 80/40/40/140/5 S*
2nd Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 40/60/40/160/5 S
3rd Mike C. (Edwards) 80/20/40/140/5 S
4th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 40/60/40/140/5 S
5th Steve K. (I. Scheckter) 60/40/20/160/5 S
6th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 40/60/60/140/5 S
7th Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 40/40/60/140/5 S
DNF (eng) Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/40/160/5 S
DNF Jon B. (H. Ganley) 60/40/40/160/5 S
DNF Jon B. (E. Keizan) 40/40/40/160/5 S

The next race is the German Grand Prix and its scheduled for 31 July 2024. See you at the races.