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*