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.
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.
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.
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.