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!

June 6, 2021January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2021 Kyalami

The 11th Season of Speed Circuit is Underway!

Seven teams showed for the 11th season inaugural race at Kyalami using the 1971 teams. After nearly 18-months of downtime, the unexpected was expected. But, once again strong downforce cars dominated the field of 14 cars.

Ferrari held positions one and two on the start grid with Ickx on the pole. Lovely shared the the first row and hoped to better the second place finish he had last year at Kyalami. The other teams had undergone extensive management changes during the off season.

Ickx and Regazzoni bolted off the start line. Would Ferrari own the day? Confidence was at an all time high in the Prancing Pony’s pits.

Hulme and Stewart catch up to Team Ferrari on the back strait on lap 1.

The high downforce cars flew through the Jukskei Sweep and began pulling away from pack. Biden’s low downforce car began to exhibit stability problems.

Ickx and Hulme battle for the lead on lap 2.

Ickx was first to complete lap 1, but he was challenged by Hulme, the McLaren driver. The gap between the strong downforce cars and the rest of the field was extraordinary. Biden continue to fall back.

Hulme drove at a blistering pace and passed Ickx just before entering Sunset Bend.

The field spread out at the beginning of the 3rd and final lap.

Hulme crossed the finish line before Ickx to take the second bonus point. The field was spread thin at the beginning of the third and final lap, but battles raged. Stewart, Regazzoni, and Lovely fought for third place. Cervert, the Elf Tyrell driver, spared with the Brabhams while Team Lotus was in hot pursuit. Meanwhile, the Marches reeled in Lovely BMW driver Biden.

McLaren driver Hulme maintains his lead on the third lap.

Final lap was marked by daring feats and catastrophe. Hulme continue his relentless pace pushing his car to its limits and beyond. Stewart caught and passed Regazzoni on the front straight and threatened Ickx.

As they completed the second lap, the Backfield Battled continued. Cevert passed the Brabhams. Team March blew by Biden. Team Lotus set Brabham in their sites. The third lap would prove to be the most challenging for the back-markers as their wear points depleted.

Hulme prepares to shoot down the front straight to win the race.

Hulme was in perfect position to blast out of the corner while Ickx speed was locked. Stewart prepared to execute a final charge. Then…

Regazzoni spunout in Leeukop Bend spoiling his chance for a place on the podium as Lovely passed him.

McLaren driver Hulme crosses the finish line for the win!

Hulme flew across the start finish line for the win, but the race continued for the other drivers. Stewart pushed past Ickx on the front straight to take second place for Tyrell. McLaren’s Gethin slipped by Regazzoni and Lovely to secure fourth place.

Cevert spunout in the Leeukop Bend and Brabham’s Charlton tried to catch him, but crashed in the Esses. Then the two Lotus drivers spunout in the Esses followed by Hill who promptly spun. After all the dust settled, here are the final results:

1st Travis (D.Hulme) 60/60/40/160/4S
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/60/20/180/4 S
3rd Steve (J. Ickx) 80/40/20/160/5 S
4th Travis (P. Gethin) 60/60/40/160/4S
5th Ray G. (P. Lovely) 60/40/40/160/5 S
6th Steve (C. Regazzoni) 80/40/20/160/5 S
7th Den (F. Cevert) 40/60/20/180/4 S
8th John H. (R. Wisell) 60/40/40/160/5
9th John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 60/40/40/160/5
10th Terry (G. Hill) 60/40/40/160/5
11th Ray R. (N. Galli) 40/40/40/160/6
12th Ray R. (R. Peterson) 40/40/40/160/6
13th Ray G. (J. Biden) 60/40/40/160/5 W
CR1 Terry (D. Charlton) 60/40/40/160/5

The next race is scheduled for 7 July 2021 at Steve’s new Monaco course.

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

2021 Speed Circuit Car Design Complete

I completed design on and started 3D printing the cars for our 2021 Speed Circuit season. The cars are inspired by the vehicles raced in the 1971 Formula 1 season including the Brabham BT34, BRM P160, Ferrari 312B2, Lotus 72C, March 711, Matra MS120B, McLaren M19A, Surtees TS9B, Tyrrell.

I designed the cars in Blender v2.83.4, a free program, and sliced them in Cura v4.7. I’m printing the cars on a Creality Ender 3 with a .2mm nozzle set at .08mm layer height. You may find photos of the completed prints in a later article.

Blender screenshots of the 1971 F1 Cars:

September 13, 2020November 5, 2020

2020 Season Cut Short By Global Pandemic

I hope everyone is in good health.

Looks like we will not be able to finish our 10th season of Speed Circuit after all. After our first race in January everything went a bit crazy. Shutdowns and social distancing prevented us from gaming in person. I have missed our Wednesday gaming sessions and the camaraderie of friends.

I am looking forward to our next season. With luck, in 2021 the pandemic will be a thing of the past and we will be able to meet for gaming. I’ve already begun designing a set of 1971 F1 cars. I heard Steve is building tracks.

I can’t wait to see you all at the races!

February 2, 2020January 17, 2022

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2020 Kyalami

First Race of the new decade! Strong Down-Force Cars Dominate Kyalami.

Because of the incredible turn-out, teams were allowed only one car in Kyalami race. The new down-force rules were introduced. Four out of eight teams opted for normal down-force settings. On the other hand, Tyrell used weak down-force and Ferrari, Volkswagen, and Lotus opted for strong.

The eight cars that lined up on the starting grid were managed by veteran players and there were no rookies in the field.

Tyrell’s Jackie Stewart and Owen BRM’s Jacky Oliver lined up on the front row. With its acceleration and speed advantage the Tyrell car looked like a sure winner, but the car would be plagued by instability in the corner sections throughout the race.

During the first lap, Oliver began to pull away while the pack bunched up in The Esses.

Lotus driver Jochem Rindt took advantage of his car’s superior down-force setup to charge through the corners and catch Oliver on the front straight, but Oliver crossed the line first to earn a bonus point.

During lap 2, Rindt took the lead and Volkswagen’s Pete Lovely slipped by the field of competitors. Ferrari also dodged through the pack. The strong down-force cars set a blistering pace.

At the beginning of lap 3 Rindt, Lovely, and Ickx sprinted away from a wear depleted field.

During the last lap, many players ran out of wear and luck. Oliver and Beltoise battled for fourth place and then Beltoise spun at Sunset Bend.

Meanwhile, Rindt took the lead through the Esses with Lovely and Ickx in hot pursuit.

Kyalmi Lap 3: Battle for 1st Through the Esses

Lovely made a daring move in Leeukop Bend and passed Rindt.

Kyalami Lap 3: Lovely make a lovely move.

Lovely and Rindt ended up dead even after the kink and heading toward the finish line. The Ferrari was the only car near the the leaders.

Kyalami Lap 3: Leaders head to head through the Kink.

Rindt powered his Lotus ahead of Lovely to win the race.

Final race results follow:

1st Den (J. Rindt) 60/60/20/180/4* S
2nd Ray G. P. Lovely) 60/40/40/160/5 S
3rd Steve (J. Ickx) 80/40/20/160/5 S
4th Terry (J. Oliver) 80/40/40/140/5
5th John H. (D. Gurney) 80/20/40/140/6
6th Dan (Beltoise) 80/40/20/160/5
7th Ray R. (Amon) 60/20/20/180/6
8th Travis (J. Stewart) 80/20/60/140/5 W

The race was completed in 27 turns with an average speed of 128.148 mph.

Thanks for the turn out and a fun night of racing.

Special kudos to Steve for painting the new cars and providing a new printing of the classic Kyalami track.

Next race is planned for Monaco in February 2020.

January 26, 2020January 16, 2023

Speed Circuit 2020 Season 10 House Rules

SPEED CIRCUIT 2020 Season 10 House Rules (as of 26 Jan 2020)

Use normal speed circuit rules with the following variations.

Skill Points.

Each team is assigned 2 skill points per lap. For example at the beginning or a 3 lap race a team would be assigned 6 skill points. Players use skill points to adjust die rolls (adding or subtracting from the roll). Players decide after rolling dice whether or not to use skill points. Points do not need to be pre-assigned to a specific team member.

Car Construction.

When a player controls more than one driver he may assign 5 build points to each driver or assign 6 build points to one driver and 4 to another.

Down Force Settings (for winged cars).

After assigning build points and before the race starts, the player may adjust the downforce of each car. The player must choose one of the following settings for each of their cars independently:

Down Force Setting	Build Adjustment	Bonus/Penalty
Normal	None.	None.
Strong	-20 Acceleration &Top Speed	+20mph corner speed limit
Weak	+20 to Acceleration & Top Speed	-20mph corner speed limit

Note: If a player fails to choose a setting before the race begins, then the setting is automatically set to Normal.

Grid Order.

There are 5 grid groups. Cars in a lower numbered grid group will be placed on the starting ahead of cars in a higher numbered grid.

Step 1: Place all cars in a grid group based on their starting speed:

Start Speed	Grid Group
80mph	2
60mph	3
40mph	4

Step 2: Starting with cars in group 4, players may spend 1 wear point to move a car into a lower numbered grid group.

Step 3: Starting with the lowest grid group containing cars, place cars on grid starting positions. If there is more than one car in a group, then the players roll a die for each car. Players may modify the initial die roll by expending skill points. Roll results may not be reduced below 1. The car with the lowest adjusted roll result is placed on the grid first. Tied cars will continue to roll off until the tie is broken. Rolls for ties may not be adjusted.

Late Breaking.

To avoid a collision or slow down for a corner, a player may choose to reduce his written speed. The speed reduction takes place in the space before the collision would occur or before a corner is entered. Even if the car is not exceeding its deceleration limit, roll on the breaking table as if it was. If the player chooses not to slow down to avoid a collision, then use the normal collision rules.

Pass Through.

When all lanes are blocked on a straightaway, instead of a collision a player may attempt to pass through one of the squares containing another vehicle. The passing player may spend 1 wear or roll on the Pass Through Table.

The player being passed through may allow or attempt to block the pass through. If the player attempts to block, then the passing player may call off the passing attempt or continue. If the passer continues, then both players must roll on the Pass Through Table and add 1 to their die roll.

Pass Through Table
1D6	Passer	Blocker
1-4	Successful Pass.	No effect
5-6	Spinout.	Spinout
7	Spinout and use one wear.	Spinout and use one wear

Corner Acceleration.

Players may accelerate a car starting on the last space of a corner (the last space with a speed limit). Cars starting in a corner, but not in the last space of a corner, may not accelerate. Cars that spin in a corner may accelerate using start speed on their next turn, even if they are not on the last space of the corner. Cars starting in the last space of a corner are not impacted by the space’s speed limit

Note: House rules are subject to change.

January 26, 2020January 16, 2023

Speed Circuit 2020 Season 10

Our tenth Speed Circuit season starts Wednesday night, 29 Jan 2020. The first race will be the South African GP at Kyalami.

This season will feature the 1970 F1 Teams and a brand new set of car miniatures.

I designed the cars in a 3D program called Blender and then printed them. Although not completely accurate, they represent the cars raced in the 1970 season. Steve is painting a set.

Steve as already claimed Ferrari, I’ve got Lotus, and Travis requested to stay with Tyrell. The rest of the teams are available.

We may try some experimental house rules for determining the starting grid and the impact of making wing adjustments.

I’m looking forward to a great season and hope to see you at the races!

November 18, 2019January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2019 Watkins Glen

A Race To Remember — Photo Finish!

The drivers championship hinged on the final race of the season. Bandini held a 5 point lead over Brabham for first. Ginther held a 2 point lead over Hill for 3rd. Only 7 points separated the next 7 contenders. As a result of the close standings, drivers battled for every position.

Although the winner of the last race, Tyrrell driver Hahne, started on pole, he fell back to third half way through the first lap. Hahne had been leap frogged by Brabham and Bell. Hill and Ginther were right behind him. The Ferrari drivers were side by side in hot pursuit.

But Hahne did not back off and slipped by Bell and Brabham to take the first lap bonus point.

Hahne Takes Back the Lead to Start Lap 2.

Most of the drivers are burning through wear and skill points at an alarming rate. Bell attempted to take the lead back from Hahne while Brabham positions himself for a series of bold moves. Ginther pulled ahead of Hill. Bandini moved up to fourth (he only needed to finish third to win the championship).

Brabham pushed his car to the limit and made what some might call foolhardy maneuvers, but his luck paid off. Brabham started the third lap with a formidable lead and a depleted car. Farrari fell back. Honda stayed ahead of Eagle. The second Tyrrell driver moved up to fourth.

Brabham Pulls Away from the Pack to Start Lap 3.

During the third and final lap, Bandini passed Ginther and Ickx, but was stymied by Hill. Hahne dashed away from Bell and caught Brabham on the back straight. Hahne and Brabham were side by side. Hahne won the shootout, late braked, and then spun on the inside of the last corner.

Hahne Spins in the Final Corner of the Final Lap!

Hahne recovered from the spin and managed to cross the finish line ahead of Brabham to take the win!

It was Hahne’s second win in a row and team Tyrrell’s third win in 5 races. Congratulations Travis!

Several position changes occurred as the rest of the racers finished. Race results follow:

1st Travis (H. Hahne) 80/20/20/160/6*
2nd Den (J. Brabham) 80/40/20/160/6*
3rd John H. (Bell) 80/40/40/160/5
4th Ray G. (R. Ginther) 60/60/60/140/5
5th Terry (P. Hill) 80/40/40/140/5
6th Steve (L. Bandini) 80/40/20/160/6
7th Travis (Jacky Ickx) 60/40/20/160/6
8th Terry (D. Gurney) 60/40/40/140/6
9th Steve (M. Parkes) 60/40/20/160/5
10th Den (D. Hulme) 40/40/40/160/5
11th Ray G. (R. Bucknum) 60/40/40/140/5
12th John H. (B. McLaren) 40/40/40/160/5

Brabham 2 points ahead of Bandini to take the Driver’s Championship. Ginther finished the season 3 points ahead of Hill to finish third in the Driver’s Championship.

Ferrari finished 21 points ahead of Brabham to secure the Constructor’s Championship. Eagle took third place.

Special thanks goes out to Steve for creating 5 superb tacks for us to race on this season.

Also thank you all for participating this year, even if you only had a chance to race a couple of times. I hope you had as much fun as I did and I look forward seeing you all compete next year for our 10th season!

Note: Season 10 is planned to start in Jan 2020. We will be using teams from the 1970s season. The first race is at Kyalami South Africa.

October 29, 2019January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2019 Monza by Steve

Tyrell Triumps, Brabham Falls, and Ferrari Takes Championship

This year’s Italian Grand Prix took place at Monza. The first lap was run on Monza’s 10K course and the remaining two laps were raced on the standard course. Ten drivers lined up on the starting grid, but only 7 finished the race.

Throughout the race, Honda, Tyrell, Ferrari and Brabham battled for the top positions. The race was fantastic. The audience witnessed Jack Brabham make a daring pass-thru on the Curva Nord. Tyrell engineers built the fastest car in the race and its driver, H. Hahne, put the cars power to good use.

Tyrell lead the first lap closely followed Honda, Brabham and Ferrari. The rest of the pack was in close pursuit. Brabham got past Honda and Tyrell to take the second lap.

During the first two laps drivers pushed their vehicles to the braking point nearly expending all wear and skill points.

On the final lap, Honda took the lead going into the Parabolica. Jack Brabham attempted to late brake and take the inside lane, a position that would have won him the race, but his brakes failed and he slid off the track ending his hopes for victory. Tryell was dead even with Honda coming out of the Parabolica. Hahne accelerated the Tyrell to 200mph and finished a car length ahead of Honda’s Ginther. Tyrell’s J. Ickx and Ferrari’s Bandini crossed the finish line on the next turn.

Note: Team Winkleman was withdrawn from the race due to illness.

Bandini takes a 5 point lead in the driver’s championship. Ferrari expands its lead in the constructor’s to 25 points.

Race results follow:

1st Travis (H. Hahne) 60/40/20/180/5*
2nd Ray G. (R. Ginther) 60/40/40/160/6
3rd Travis (Jacky Ickx) 60/40/20/160/6
4th Steve (L. Bandini) 80/40/20/160/6
5th Den (D. Hulme) 60/40/20/160/5
6th Steve (M. Parkes) 60/40/20/160/5
7th Ray G. (R. Bucknum) 40/40/40/160/5
DNF Brakes Den (J. Brabham) 80/40/20/160/6*
DNF Dan (A. Rees) 60/40/20/160/6*
DNF Dan (H. Hermmann) 60/40/20/160/6

September 15, 2019January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2019 Nurburgring

Close Racing at the German Grand Prix

Tyrell’s H. Hahne started on pole and was immediately challenged by Ferrari’s L. Bandini. Jack Brabham started in 8th place, but bolted into 5th. During the first two laps Hahne and Bandini battled fiercely trading positions several times.

Meanwhile Ickx, Gurney, and Brabham fought for third place. The rest of the field exchanged blows, losing and gaining positions. All paid a high price for setting such a searing pace, burning most of their wear points.

During lap 3, Brabham made a series of bold moves, relying more on luck than skill, that paid off. He passed the quickly fading leaders and won the race. Bandini finished second followed by Hahne and Eagle’s Phil Hill.

Race results follow:

1st Den (J. Brabham) 80/40/40/140/6
2nd Steve (L. Bandini) 80/40/40/140/6*
3rd Travis (H. Hahne) 60/40/40/140/6*
4th Terry (P. Hill) 80/40/40/140/5
5th Travis (Jacky Ickx) 80/40/40/140/5
6th Ray G. (R. Ginther) 60/40/40/140/6
7th Ray R. (G. Hill) 60/40/40/140/6
8th Dan (H. Hermmann) 60/40/40/140/6
9th Ray G. (R. Bucknum) 60/40/40/140/6
10th Steve (M. Parkes) 60/40/20/140/6
11th Terry (D. Gurney) 60/40/40/140/6
12th Dan (A. Rees) 60/40/40/140/6
13th Den (D. Hulme) 40/40/40/140/6
14th Ray R. (J. Stewart) 40/40/40/140/6