British Fledgling Crashes at Silverstone
Six teams attended the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this year. Amon sat on pole in his red number 17 Martini Techno. Galli joined him in the second row in a dark green and red Williams, the only car in the field setup with weak down-force. The season points leader, Stewart, shared the second row with Beltoise. The rising British star Hunt started on the third row with the ever tenacious Reutemann. The engines roared and they were away in a flash.
Stewart drove like a man possessed and pushed his blue number 3 Elf to an early lead. Williams slipped into second. Reutemann got around Hunt while flying through Beckett’s Corner.
The contest’s theme was set early. Stewart and Galli pulled away from the pack and appeared to be in a private race. Stewart was first to complete the lap 1. Reutemann fought his way past Amon. Hunt slipped by Beltoise and battled with Amon.
During the lap 2 Stewart and Galli extended their lead and once again Stewart was first across the finish line for the bonus point. Hunt got around Amon and trailed closely behind Reutemann who showed him no quarter.
During lap 3 the unthinkable happened. Hunt exited Beckett’s corner at high speed, out-braked Reutemann going into Chapel Curve, and then lost control resulting in a terrifying crash. Later in Hospital, Hunt claimed he felt something just, “let go”. Doctors cut the interview short, but team manager Steve agreed that the most likely cause of the incident as a broken suspension. Hunt’s injuries are severe and he may be out for the rest of the season.
While exiting Maggot’s Curve, Stewart made a dreadful error and gave away the inside position to Galli. Galli immediately capitalized on Stewart’s mistake and captured the lead going down the Hanger Straight.
Stewart tried to recapture the position he had held for most of the race, but the Elf was spent and Galli held the inside advantage. Galli won in an exciting photo finish with Stewart beside him. Reutemann fended off Amon and finished second.
Race details follow:
1st Travis (N. Galli) 60/20/40/160/6 W
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/160/5 S**
3rd Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/160/5 S
4th Dave M. (C. Amon) 80/40/40/140/5 S
5th Ray R. (J. Beltoise) 60/60/40/140/5 S
CR4 Steve (J. Hunt) 60/60/40/180/4 S
Note: Special thanks to Terry for hosting the race at his house.