Thrilling Season Opener!
During the 2022 season we will be racing with the teams that participated in the 1972 formula season. Steve returns to manage the 2021 constructor’s championship team, Ferrari. Den once again leads Elf Tyrell, Terry spearheads MRD Brabham, and John steers the helm of JP Lotus. Travis moves to STP March. Yardly McLaren filled the void left by Travis by hiring Ray G.
The season opener took place in Argentina at the Buenos Aires circuit. Steve built the track board and it is the first time the club raced on the circuit. The narrow fast circuit proved to be a challenge to both drivers and vehicles.
Lotus driver Fittipaldi took pole position on the 12 driver starting grid. Elf’s Stewart, last years champion started in 10th. Ferrari drivers also started near the back of the pack. McLaren was the only team not using a strong down force setup and Hulme started in the front row next to Fittipaldi.
During the first lap Fittipaldi stayed in the lead and positioned himself coming out of the Cajon turn to pull far ahead of the pack. Stewart and Peterson began moving up while Luada moved into 3rd place.
Fittipaldi continue to beat the pack out of the corners and built a commanding lead going into lap 2. Hulme faltered as his car chewed through wear points. Ickx remained in 3rd while Lauda moved up to 2nd.
Fittipaldi dominated the second lap. The remaining positions were highly contested.
Once again Fittapaldi was first to cross the finish line to begin the last lap earning his second bonus point in the race, but his wear points were running low. Soon, Stewart and Peterson made a run against the slowing leader.
Stewart backed off, but Peterson pressed forward catching Fittipaldi and passing him in the last corner garnering victory!
Peterson was followed by Fittipaldi and Stewart. Congratulations Travis.
Race details follow:
1st Travis (R. Peterson) 40/60/20/180/5 S
2nd John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 80/60/40/160/4 **S
3rd Den (J. Stewart) 40/60/20/180/5 S
4th Travis (N. Lauda) 60/60/20/180/4 S
5th Steve (J. Ickx) 60/60/20/180/4 S
6th Terry (G. Hill) 60/60/40/160/4 S
7th Den (F. Cevert) 40/60/20/180/5 S
8th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/60/40/160/4 S
9th Steve (C. Regazzoni) 60/60/20/180/4 S
10th Ray G. (D. Hulme) 60/40/40/160/6
11th John (J. Walker) 60/40/40/160/4 S
12th Ray G. (P. Revson) 40/40/40/160/5
Next event is at Kyalami. See you at the races.