Category: Speed Circuit Race Report

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Monza (by Steve)

Unexpected Team Wins Their First Victory of the Season

Due to health issues, Terry was not able to participate in the race. Steve graciously volunteer to manage Terry’s team and keep Brabham in the running.

Nine players attended the race fielding nine drivers and teams. Ray R. got his Marlboro BRM driver, J. Beltoise, in the pole position and shared the front row with Team Surtees driver C. Pace. Shadow and Tyrrell occupied the second row followed by the Martini and Lotus cars. The fourth row was allotted to Williams’ driver N. Galli and Gunthrie’s M. Beuttler (making his first appearance of the season). Brabham’s C. Reutemann was the lone occupant of the last row.

The cars bearing colorful liveries charged off the starting grid. Beltoise maintained the lead until Stewart took a daring racing line through the Curva Grande and passed him. The Tyrrell driver seemed to be driving with an intense sense of urgency.

During the first lap, Stewart set a breakneck pace. Oliver caught Beltoise and passed him in the Parabolica. By the time the pack reached the front staight, Reutemann, Galli, and Beuttler (all who had started in the back) had maneuvered into  4th, 5th, and 6th place.

Stewart captured a point for completing the first lap ahead of the others. Oliver stayed with the leader in his aptly named Shadow. The Williams, Brabham, and BRM cars were three wide down the front straight, but the Guthrie car slipped by them before they got to the Lesmos.

The Shadow, Guthrie, Williams, and Bragham cars proved to have superior top-speed in the straights and the Tyrrell could not hold them off indefinitely. During the 2nd lap the top 5 cars bunched up at the Parabolica with Stewart desperately hanging onto the lead.

Galli won the battle through the Parabolica and down the front straight securing a bonus point and starting the last lap in the lead. Reutemann got the jump on Galli going into Curva Grande and grabbed the lead and held it all the way to the Lesmos. All the cars were taking a beating and running out of wear.

Beuttler made a run on Reutemann and passed him right before the Parabolica. In the Parabolica, Stewart shot between Williams and Reutemann and into second position.

Fittapaldi spun his Lotus in the Parabolica as the bright yellow Gunthrie streaked down the front straight to win the race! Exiting the Parabolica, Stewart lost the drag race with Galli who finished second in photo finish with Beuttler.

Race details follow:

1st Riley G. (M. Beuttler) 60/40/20/180 S
2nd Travis (N. Galli) 40/40/40/180/5 W*
3rd Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/160/5 W*
4th Terry C {Steve K} (C. Reutemann) 60/40/20/180/6 S
5th AJ (J. Oliver) 60/40/20/180/5 S
6th Dave M. (C. Amon) 60/40/40/160/5 S
7th Ray R. (J. Beltoise) 80/40/20/160/5 S
8th Dave K. (C. Pace) 60/40/40/160/5 S
9th John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 40/60/40/160/5 S

Note: during the race we got a chance to briefly face-time with Terry. Hopefully seeing part of the race raised his spirits and we wish him a speedy recovery.

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Monjuic

Stewart Wins Three Races in a Row

Monjuic hosted eight teams this year. Shadow’s Oliver (#21) held pole position sharing the first row with Elf’s Stewart (#3). The second row was occupied by contenders Reutmann (#16) and Fittipaldi (#1). Galli (#19) and Von Opel (#28) filled the third row. The final row included Hunt (#26) and Beltoise (#13).

Stewart got the jump on Oliver and led through the first corner. Initially, the rest of the pack stayed in a tight formation.

Stewart and Oliver battled for the lead. Oliver made a move, but lost control of the Shadow going into La Pergola. Galli began reeling in Stewart. Meanwhile, Hunt weaved his way to the 5th position.

Galli stayed glued to Stewart looking for an opening. Oliver closed in on the leaders, but spun-out again. Hunt passed Fittapaldi avoided the spinning Shadow and secured 3rd.

The second lap heated up as Fittapaldi and Hunt battled for third place and Stewart and Galli dueled for first. Galli’s Williams began to fade just as Stewart pushed the Elf through Sant Jordi.

Stewart began to build separation. Hunt had fallen back to fourth, but rebounded by making a series brilliant moves in the El Anulo de Miramar, Rosseleda, and Font Del Gat, ultimately moving into second.

Stewart led the third and final lap finishing in first place for the third race in a row. Hunt finished 2nd, and Fittapaldi 3rd. Race details follow:

1st Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/160/5 S**
2nd Steve (J. Hunt) 60/40/40/160/5 S
3rd John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 60/40/20/160/6 S
4th Travis (N. Galli) 60/20/40/160/6 W
5th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/160/5 S
6th Dan (R. von Opel) 60/40/40/160/5
7th AJ (J. Oliver) 80/40/20/160/5
8th Ray R. (J. Beltoise) 60/40/40/160/5 S

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Kyalami

Stewart dominated the South African Grand Prix.

Nine teams populated the Kyalami grid. Stewart in Tyrrell (#3) held the pole position and shared the front row with Hulme in the McLaren (#5), and Amon in the Martini Techno (#17). The second row featured Ickx in the Ferrari (#7), Oliver in the Shadow (#21), and Reutmann in the Brabham (#16). Beltoise in the Marlboro BRM (#13), Fittapaldi in the JPL Lotus (#1), and Hunt in the Hesketh March (#24) secured that third and final row.

Starting Grid at Kyalami 2023.

The front row cars dashed off the start finish line closely followed by the Ferrari. Meanwhile, Oliver mis-shifted and spun the Shadow’s tires resulting in a poor start. The field squeezed though Crowthorne Corner and into the narrow part of the track. Amon took the lead, but lost monentum and was passed by several drivers. Fittapaldi meticulously maneuvered his Lotus through the pack and found himself beside Hulme going through Clubhouse Bend just behind Stewart the leader.

First lap a kyalami 2023.

Some of the vehicles were already showing signs of stress. The BRMs brakes were malfunctioning and the Ferrari’s engine was losing power. The field was expending a large amount of were points.

Hulme and Fittapaldi were putting a great deal of pressure on Stewart. Then, Fittapaldi spun in the Esses.  Stewart managed to exit the Leeukop ahead of the field gaining a substantial lead. The McLaren, Martini, and Ferrari were next out of the corner and in hot pursuit of Stewart.

First lap Kyalami 2023. The Lotus spins while Tyrrell takes the lead.

Stewart maintained the lead. Hulme and Amon jockeyed for second while trying to close the gap on Stewart. Ickx, in his wounded Ferrari, struggled to stay with the leaders. Hunt, who had started in last place, began to make some progress.

Second lap at Kyalami 2023. Stewart keeps the lead and the battle for second continues.

Hulme pushed a little to hard and spun his McLaren in the Esses. Stewart capitalized on the disruption in the field to charge out of Leeukop Bend and extend his lead once again.

Second lap at Kylami. Stewart extends his lead and Hulme spins-out.

Stewart looked untouchable and unless he made a dire mistake he would win the race. The competition for position in the field escalated.  Reutmann, Fittapaldi, and Amon went three wide down the front straight battling for second position. Fittapaldi seized second closely followed by Amon through Barbeque Bend. Reutmann fell back and fought Ickx fourth.

Third lap at kyalami 2023.

Stewart did not make a mistake and smoothly drove the Tyrrell to victory, but the race was not yet over. Amon got around Fittapaldi and secured second place. Hunt successfully executed a series of daring maneuvers through the Esses, Leekop Bend, and the Kink to blast through the field and take third place. He was closely followed by Hulme in the McLaren.

Stewart wins at Kyalami 2023.

Race finish details follow:

1st Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/160/5 S**
2nd Dave M. (C. Amon) 80/40/20/160/5 S
3rd Steve (J. Hunt) 60/40/40/160/5 S
4th Ray G. (D. Hulme) 80/40/40/140/5 S
5th Stephen L. (J. Ickx) 60/40/40/160/5 (Eng Dam)
6th John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 40/40/40/160/6 S
7th AJ (J. Oliver) 60/40/40/160/5 S
8th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/160/5
9th 5th Ray R. (Beltoise) 60/40/40/160/5 (Brake Dam)

Next race is scheduled at Monjuic in March 2023.

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Race Report – Speed Circuit Buenos Aires 2023

Another Argentina Grand Prix Thriller!

Seven teams took to the grid inaugurating the Table Top Racing Club’s 13th season of Speed Circuit. The race also marked the first appearance of the UOP Shadow racing team managed by AJ. Unfortunately, Travis, last year’s champion team manager, was not present.

J. Stewart started in pole position in the Elf Tyrrell and Hulme in the Yardley McLaren shared the front row. Lotus and Shadow held the second row. The Tyrrell, McLaren and Lotus bolted at the start and were three wide down the front straight. Stewart gained an early lead. The Shadow began to have engine problems.

Hulme and Fittapaldi challenged Stewart’s position. Hulme got the upper hand and completed the first lap ahead of Stewart.

During the second lap, the McLaren and Tyrrell led the pack while exchanging positions several times. Hulme and Stewart pushed their machines to the limit.

The McLaren lost grip in the corners and began to slow. Stewart took back the lead and finished lap 2 ahead of Hulme. Fittapaldi passed Hulme and made Stewart his next target.

Hulme spun-out in Curva Numero Uno and then again later causing him to fall further back. Stewart began nursing the Tyrrell while Fittipaldi charged the Lotus gaining the first position.

Fittipaldi was not able to shake Stewart and they ended up side-by-side going into the last series of corners. Fittipaldi had the inside position and it looked like he had secured victory, but then he spun-out. Stewart maneuvered around the spinning Lotus, seized the lead and captured the win!

Fittipaldi finished 2nd followed by Reutemann in the Brabham. The Shadow’s engine gave out and Oliver was not able to finish the race.

Race details follow

1st Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/160/5 *
2nd John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 60/40/40/160/5 S
3rd Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/160/5
4th Steve (J. Hunt) 60/40/40/160/5 S
5th Ray R. (Beltoise) 60/40/40/160/5
6th Ray G. (D. Hulme) 60/40/40/160/5 S*
DNF (Engine) AJ (J. Oliver) 60/40/40/140/6 S

Our next race is at Kyalami hope to see you there.

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2022 Watkins Glen by Steve

Thrilling finish to the spectacular 2022 season.

Twelve cars, including season champion Ronnie Peterson, occupied the grid at the US Grand Prix.

Hulme in the the white McLaren jumped of the front row and took an early lead. Stewart, who started on pole, battled Hulme ahead of the pack throughout the first lap with Peterson on their heals. The Blue #1 Tyrrell completed the first lap ahead of the McLaren.

Stewart leads start of second lap at Watkins Glen 2022.

During lap 2, Stewart and Hulme continued an epic battle not only for the race but also for second place in the championship. The Tyrrell and the McLaren set a blazing pace. Meanwhile Galli in the red Martini Techo began to move up. The McLaren faltered and Hulme was passed by Peterson and Galli on the last corner of Lap 2.

Stewart clears the line ahead of the pack at the start of lap 3 of the US Grand Prix.

Galli made a run at the leader while Peterson and Hulme battled for third. Then Peterson blasted past Galli. Stewart’s Tyrrell slowed and they began to close the gap with the leader. Galli slipped into the inside of Stewart going into the last Hard Right to take the lead.  Galli, Stewart, and Hulme were 3 wide across the finish line with Galli taking the win!

Three wide across the finish line at Watkins Glen 2022.

Race details follow:

1st Steve (N. Galli) 60/40/20/160/4 S
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/160/4 S**
3rd Ray G. (D. Hulme) 60/20/40/160/6 S
4th Travis (R. Peterson) 60/40/20/160/4 S
5th Dave (M. Buettler) 60/20/20/180/4 S
6th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/20/160/4 S
7th Terry (G. Hill) 60/40/20/160/4 S
8th Steve (D. Bell) 60/40/20/160/4 S
9th Dave M. (J. Oliver) 80/20/20/160/4 S
10th Travis (N. Lauda) 60/40/20/160/4 S
11th Ray G. (P. Revson) 60/20/20/160/4
12th Den (F. Cevert) 60/20/20/160/4 S

The race concluded the 2022 Speed Circuit season our 12th running of the series. Congratulation to Travis for leading Ronnie Peterson and the STP March racing team to a resounding championship victory.

In 2023 we will race with teams from the 1973 F1 season. Hope to see you at the races.

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Race Report: Speed Circuit Monza By Steve 2022

Rookie Team Makes it Big at Monza!

Eight teams filled out the grid for the Italian Grand Prix. Dave led Guthrie racing to its first pole position. Guthrie’s Beuttler shared the front row with this season’s champion, Peterson in the STP March. Brabham’s Reutermann and McLaren’s Hulme secured the second row.  

During the initial lap, Beuttler and Peterson raced side by side ahead of the pack. By the time group approached the Curve de Lesmos, Stewart had picked up several positions as he cut a path toward the leaders.

As they exited the Lesmos, Beuttler maintained his lead while Hulme and Stewart threatened Peterson’s position. But Peterson exploited the superior speed of his weak down force setup to outrun the others and secure the lead just before entering the Parabolica. The Brabham’s engine began to make a terrible noise, lose power, and Reutemann began to fall back.

Peterson, Beuttler, and Stewart were three wide through the Parabolica. Peterson exited the Parabolica in the lead followed by Stewart, Hulme, Beuttler, and Fittipaldi in a four wide formation! Peterson charged down the straight to secure the bonus point. Stewart slipped streamed Peterson and they were side-by-side to start the second lap. Reutemann continued to nurse his sick car.

Peterson began to struggle with the weak down-force setup. Stewart outmaneuvered Peterson through the Curva Grande and took the lead. Then Beuttler and Galli passed Peterson in the Lesmos.

Stewart and Beuttler battled for the lead through Valone and into the Parabolica. Peterson tried to regain momentum and passed Galli. Then Peterson flew out of the Parabolica, but this time Stewart crossed the line first to gain the bonus point. The Brabham may have lost a gear or two, but Reutermann was able hold it together for another lap.

Peterson took the lead going into the Curve Grande, but had lost the inside position going into the Parabolica. Beuttler and Galli were in hot pursuit of Stewart and Peterson. Stewart took the lead once again exiting the Lesmos. Beuttler and Galli passed Peterson as the March became more and more unstable in the corners. Stewart seemed in position to win.

A puff of smoke emanated from the rear of Stewart’s Tyrell as he exited the Valone and he slowed. Beuttler and Galli passed Stewart while Peterson vied for his position. Stewart out broke Galli and Peterson to regain some lost ground. The 4 leading drivers charged into the Parabolica. Peterson spun-out. Beuttler emerged in the lead followed by Galli and Stewart. Then the Tyrell’s engine exploded into a ball-of-fire and black smoke forcing Stewart to glide the car to a stop. Beuttler crossed the finish line first to win the race followed closely by Galli. Fittipaldi and Hulme had been battling and swapping positions throughout the race. Fittipaldi won the battle and finished in fourth place just ahead of Hulme.

Congratulations Dave!

Race details follow.

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

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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!

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Race Report – Speed Circuit Monaco 2022

Monaco Starting Grid 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.

The Race Begins!

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.

The race heats up during lap 1.

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.

March wins at Monaco 2022!

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.