Rookie Manger Puts Team On Pole But Does Not Finish Race
Eight players showed up for the British Grand Prix. Due to the numbers each player only control one driver resulting in an eight car race.
Rookie manager Steve L. was hired by Matra and he promptly secured the pole position for J. Beltoise, but his lack of experience was soon evident. McLaren driver D. Hulme shared the front row with Beltoise along with P. Lovely. Hulme quickly assumed the lead, a position he would hold throughout the race. Unfortunatly, Beltoise and Lovely faded back.
Hulme drove a steady pace while the field battled behind him. As a result the McLaren driver gained bonus points for leading the first two laps.
His dominance was challenge in the final lap. Lotus driver E. Fittapaldi began an attack on Hulme at the start of the final lap. Ferrari, Brabham, and Tyrell drivers also jousted for position.
Lotus Manager, John, had reconfigured the Lotus car between races and the Strong Downforce appeared to be paying off as the Lotus threatened to take the lead at the Maggots Curve. But the McLaren had an abundance of wear points and was able to maintain the lead through Becketts Corner and the Chapel Curve.
Between Stone Corner and Woodcote, Fittapaldi once again closed the gap, but wasn’t able to pass Hulme. Hill and then Stewart slipped by Ickx.
As the leaders crossed the finish line, Beltoise crashed in Woodcote.
Hulme finished first closely followed by Fittapaldi, Hill, Stewart. Ferrari finished fifth, Lovely VW sixth, and March seventh. Silverstone had the closest top 4 finish this season.
Congratulations to Travis for his second win, John for his first podium finish this season, and Terry for his consecutive podium finish!
Race results follow:
1st Travis (D.Hulme) 80/40/20/160/5**S
2nd John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 40/60/40/180/4 S
3rd Terry (G. Hill) 60/40/40/160/5 S
4th Den (J. Stewart) 40/60/40/180/4 S
5th Steve (J. Ickx) 60/60/20/180/4 S
6th Ray G. (P. Lovely) 60/40/40/160/5
7th Ray R. (N. Galli) 60/40/20/160/6 W
CR Steve L. (J. Beltoise) 80/40/20/140/6
Next race is scheduled for 1 September at Monza!
Hope to see you at the race.