Tag: Historic F1

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2024 Buenos Aires (by Steve)

Surprises and Late Race Drama In Argentina

Two rookie along with six veteran team managers fielded drivers for this years race on the spectacular Buenos Aires circuit. Chuck took the helm of Elf Tyrell while Tori, the second rookie, became Shadow’s leader. AJ accepted an offer to take over McLaren and Den filled the vacancy at Ferrari.

Team Surtees driver Pace held the pole position and shared the front row with Ferrari driver Lauda. BRM’s Beltoise and Elf Tyrrell’s Scheckter occupied the second row. Hesketh’s Hunt appeared a bit impatient sitting in the 3rd row and Shadow’s Oliver was ready to race. The last row was shared by McLaren’s Fittipaldi and Lotus’ Peterson.

Pace and Lauda set a blistering pace during the first lap. Pace could not escape Lauda. Fittipaldi and Hunt also got a good start weaving their way through the pack. Fittipaldi was exceptionally quick moving from last to 3rd place by the end of the front straight.

Lauda slipped by Pace, got through the Curva de Parge Horquilla ahead of the pack, and passed the start finish line to collect the 1st bonus point gaining a formidable lead. Peterson and Hunt battled each other as they struggled to catch the leaders. Meanwhile Fittipaldi was stuck between Oliver and Scheckter, the two rookie managed team cars.

The 1st laps dynamic was repeated in the second. Lauda extended his lead while Pace chased him. Hunt followed closely behind Peterson. Fittipaldi got ahead of Schecter and Oliver, but could shake them.

During the last half of the 2nd, Pace closed the gap between him and Lauda, but Lauda was once again first to enter the front straight. Hunt and Peterson were neck and neck. Schecter moved by Fittipaldi. BRM driver Beltoise waited to make his move.

At the beginning of the 3rd lap, most of the cars showed signs of extensive wear. Luada was first across the start/finish line to gain the 2nd bonus point, but was not able to extend his lead as the pack reeled him in. Schecter catapulted by Hunt down the front straight and Hunt scrambled to regain the position.

A series of events made the race very interesting. Lauda skidded through the Entrada and Pace captured the lead. Peterson pulled up beside Lauda. Lauda charged into the Cajon and spun-out blocking the racing line. Schecter spun-out to avoid hitting Peterson and Fittipaldi spun-out in the Entrada. Exiting the Cajon, Pace was in the lead followed by Peterson. Hunt was in a drag race with Lauda. Beltoise passed Fittipaldi and pressured Oliver. The race had changed in the blink of an eye.

The leaders raced toward the Curva de Parga Horquilla, the last series of corners, with hardly and wear points. Pace made it through the last corner perfectly and was set to accellerate down the front staight the next turn with Peterson stuck behind him in the corner. Then Lauda made a daring move, he out braked Hunt and took the inside line to position his Ferrari next to Pace.

Lauda and Pace launch out of the last corner. The Ferrari’s engine began to sputter and lose power.

Meanwhile in the back of the pack, Fittipaldi attempted to out brake Beltoise but his brakes failed and his McLaren slid of the track just inches away from the retaining wall.

Lauda and Pace were side by side before the finish line and Lauda’s Ferrari trailed thick smoke. Pace crossed the finish line first to take the win. Lauda finished 2nd followed by Hunt and Peterson.

Race details follow:

1st Tom V. (C. Pace) 80/20/20/160/6 W
2nd Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S**
3rd Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/40/160/5 S
4th John H. (R. Peterson) 60/40/20/160/6 S
5th Chuck H. (J. Scheckter) 60/40/20/160/6 S
6th Tori P. (P. Revson) 40/40/60/160/5 S
7th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 60/40/20/160/6 S
DNF AJ H. (E. Fittipaldi) 60/40/40/160/5 S

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Watkins Glen (by Steve)

Record Number of Spin-outs Lead to a Photo Finish at the Glen

The final race of the 13th Speed Circuit season took place at the US Grand Prix held at the Watkins Glen circuit. After the tragic loss of his teammate Cevert, this season’s champion, Jackie Stewart, opted not to race. Den managed team Brabham in Terry’s absence with mixed results. Rookie manager Tom V. took charge of STP March for their first race of the season.

A total of 8 drivers filled out the grid with Fittipaldi in the JPS Lotus on pole position. Galli and Beltoise also occupied the front row. Brabham, Hesketh, and Shadow teams held the second row while STP March and Martini Techno started in the last row.

Fittapaldi and Galli launch from the starting line and dueled for the lead. Beltoise in the white and red #13 BRM tried to hold off Reutemann, Purly, and Oliver who chased him 3-wide through the Club House Esses.

The black #1 Lotus took the lead with the Williams, Hesketh, Shadow, and BRM machines in hot pursuit. Beltoise slipped back to 6th place. Fittipaldi crossed the start/finish line just ahead of Purley to pickup a bonus point.

Fittapaldi and Purly raced side-by-side for most of the second lap. Beltoise continued to fall back while Jarrier began to move up. The four lead cars were side-by-side and nose to tail blasting out of the Chute!

Purly pulled ahead of Fittapaldi going down the Back Straight. Then, while entering the Speed Trap, Fittapaldi made the first of many spin-outs. Purly gained an impressive lead through the Fast Bend, but then inexplicable spun-out in the 90 Hard Right. Fittapaldi had fallen all the way back to 6th and his tires were wearing thin.

Purly righted his car and was first across the line to start the 3rd and final lap, but instead of having a comfortable lead he was facing a tough fight. Then the JPS Lotus spun-out in the 90 Hard Right. Amon got around Reutemann and was in 3rd place. Galli maneuvered to the inside and captured the lead from Purly.

Next, Fittapaldi spun-out in the Esses. Reutemann tucked in behind Amon, stressed his engine, and bolted into second place going down the Front Straight. He then attempted to take the inside lane going through the outer loop, a bold move that would have placed him in the lead, but he spun-out instead ruining his chances for a podium finish.

Purly’s race car was spent and he could not hold off Amon. Galli and Amon battle for the lead. The Techno was tuned with a higher top-speed, but the Williams stayed just ahead. Reutemann had lost momentum and slipped back to 6th and barely managed to fend off Beltoise.

The race ended in a photo finish between Galli and Amon with Galli taking the win for Williams. Purly took 3rd followed by Oliver. Race details follow:

1st Travis (N. Galli) 60/40/20/160/6 S
2nd Dave M. (C. Amon) 40/40/40/180/5 S
3rd Steve (D. Purly) 60/40/20/180/6 S
4th AJ (J. Oliver) 60/40/40/160/5 S
5th Tom V. (J.P. Jarrier) 40/60/20/160 S
6th Terry C {Den} (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/160/5 S
7th Ray R. (J. Beltoise) 60/40/40/160/5 S
8th John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 60/60/20/160/5 S

Thanks for everyone who participated in our 13th season of Speed Circuit. The 14th season is scheduled to begin in January 2024 simulating the 1974 F1 championships.

Sadly, we bid a fond farewell to Terry and will truly miss his presence at the racing table.

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Nurburgring (by Steve)

A battle to the end at the Ring!

Seven teams fielded a total of 7 drivers at this years German Grand Prix held on Steve’s magnificent rendition of the Nurburgring. On this gigantic course one lap equals three laps of an average size track.

Brabaham’s Reutemann had a great practice session and earned the pole position. While managing his second race, Surtees team lead Dave K. placed Pace in the first row. Stewart shared the second row with Oliver. BRM’s top driver Beltoise held the inside of the third row and Hesketh’s replacement driver, Purly, sat on the outside. For the first time this season, Williams’ ace, Galli occupied the last row.

The cars bolted off the starting line. Reutemann maintained an early lead. Stewart manuevered his blue #3 Elf Tyrell around Black #21 Shadow and the blue #9 Surtees to move into the second position. Galli clawed his way out of the last position.

Stewart got on the inside of Reutemann and then slipped by him while going through the Kottenborn. Stewart was first by the Aremberg bonus point marker. Then Oliver passed Reutemann. The Elf was chased by the Shadow. Galli made progress while Purly seemed to be losing ground. Beltoise stayed steady.

The competition was fierce. Reutemann surged to regain the lead, but once again lost the racing line and fell back into third. Pace faded back to 5th while Galli threatened the leaders. The drivers flew their machines through the Kesselchen.

Stewart maintained the lead, but could not shake the Shadow. Galli and Reutemann struggled side-by-side each trying to get the upper-hand on the other. Purly held the 5th position. Pace moved past Beltoise, but Beltoise remained calm.

Oliver challenged Stewart for the lead, but Stewart checked his moves. Purly moved into the frey for third place and found himself three-wide with Reutemann and Galli.

Purly got through the Kienes Karussell ahead of Galli and Reuteman and set his sites on the leaders. As he exited the Galgenkopt, Stewart could hear the engine of the Hesketh revving to the max behind him. Stewart red-lined his Elf, but he knew the it wouldn’t be enough because the Hesketh was stronger on the straights. Purly hammered the throttle going down Dottinger Hohe, but then he felt the clutch slip and he cursed as the Hesketh lost power–he couldn’t catch Stewart! Galli used the superior speed and durability of the Williams to close the gap between him and leaders. The BRM also had a powerful engine and Beltoise waited for the right time to use it.

Stewart got through the Chicane. Galli attempted to pass through Oliver, but Oliver blocked and they both spun-out! Then Beltoise made his move passing through the recovering Williams and gunning his BRM down the front straight. Stewart secured the checkered flag. Purly took second in a photo finish with Beltoise (Team BRM’s first podium of the season).

Race results follow:

1st Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/140/6 S**
2nd Steve (D. Purly) 40/40/40/160/6 S
3rd Ray R. (J. Beltoise) 60/40/20/160/6 S
4th AJ (J. Oliver) 60/40/40/140/6 S
5th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/140/6 S
6th Dave K. (C. Pace) 60/40/40/140/6 S
7th Travis (N. Galli) 40/40/40/160/6 S

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Rheims

A Frenchman Seizes the French Grand Prix.

Stewart who was suffering from a stomach virus was not able to attend the race and his teammateCevert had to fill the top spot at Elf Tyrrell. Rookie manager Dave K. took charge of Team Surtees.

Fittipaldi put his #1 black Lotus on pole.   Cevert shared the front row with Fittapaldi. Shadow and Brabham occupied the second row. Pace made his season debut in the Surtees and shared the 3rd row with a very eager James Hunt.

 

Fittipaldi held on to the lead at the start of the race. Cevert pressured Fittapaldi. Hunt gained two positions early on. 

Cevert made a bold move to pass Fittapaldi in the corner before the front straight and crossed the finish line ahead of him to end the first lap.

During the second lap, Cevert tried to pull further ahead, but Fittapaldi stayed close behind. Reutmann also kept Hunt at bay.

Cevert started the third and final lap in the lead. Oliver built momentum, but then spun his Shadow in the Courve du Calvaire dashing his hopes for the race. Pace took advantage of Oliver’s misfortune and passed him. Then Fittapaldi spun in the Virage de la Hovette falling out of the second position.

Cevert held the lead until the end claiming his first victory of the season. Hunt defeated Reutmann’s defense and took second place. Reutmann shared the podium in the third spot. Oliver and Pace had a drag race down the front straight with Pace coming out on top.

Race details follow:

1st Den (F. Cevert) 80/40/20/160/5 W**
2nd Steve (J. Hunt) 60/60/40/180/4 S
3rd Terry (C. Reutemann) 80/40/40/160/4 S
4th John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 80/40/40/160/4 S
5th Dave K. (C. Pace) 40/60/40/160/5 W
6th AJ (J. Oliver) 60/40/40/180/4 S

Note: this was the first recorded win for a weak down-force setup car.

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Kyalami

Stewart dominated the South African Grand Prix.

Nine teams populated the Kyalami grid. Stewart in Tyrrell (#3) held the pole position and shared the front row with Hulme in the McLaren (#5), and Amon in the Martini Techno (#17). The second row featured Ickx in the Ferrari (#7), Oliver in the Shadow (#21), and Reutmann in the Brabham (#16). Beltoise in the Marlboro BRM (#13), Fittapaldi in the JPL Lotus (#1), and Hunt in the Hesketh March (#24) secured that third and final row.

Starting Grid at Kyalami 2023.

The front row cars dashed off the start finish line closely followed by the Ferrari. Meanwhile, Oliver mis-shifted and spun the Shadow’s tires resulting in a poor start. The field squeezed though Crowthorne Corner and into the narrow part of the track. Amon took the lead, but lost monentum and was passed by several drivers. Fittapaldi meticulously maneuvered his Lotus through the pack and found himself beside Hulme going through Clubhouse Bend just behind Stewart the leader.

First lap a kyalami 2023.

Some of the vehicles were already showing signs of stress. The BRMs brakes were malfunctioning and the Ferrari’s engine was losing power. The field was expending a large amount of were points.

Hulme and Fittapaldi were putting a great deal of pressure on Stewart. Then, Fittapaldi spun in the Esses.  Stewart managed to exit the Leeukop ahead of the field gaining a substantial lead. The McLaren, Martini, and Ferrari were next out of the corner and in hot pursuit of Stewart.

First lap Kyalami 2023. The Lotus spins while Tyrrell takes the lead.

Stewart maintained the lead. Hulme and Amon jockeyed for second while trying to close the gap on Stewart. Ickx, in his wounded Ferrari, struggled to stay with the leaders. Hunt, who had started in last place, began to make some progress.

Second lap at Kyalami 2023. Stewart keeps the lead and the battle for second continues.

Hulme pushed a little to hard and spun his McLaren in the Esses. Stewart capitalized on the disruption in the field to charge out of Leeukop Bend and extend his lead once again.

Second lap at Kylami. Stewart extends his lead and Hulme spins-out.

Stewart looked untouchable and unless he made a dire mistake he would win the race. The competition for position in the field escalated.  Reutmann, Fittapaldi, and Amon went three wide down the front straight battling for second position. Fittapaldi seized second closely followed by Amon through Barbeque Bend. Reutmann fell back and fought Ickx fourth.

Third lap at kyalami 2023.

Stewart did not make a mistake and smoothly drove the Tyrrell to victory, but the race was not yet over. Amon got around Fittapaldi and secured second place. Hunt successfully executed a series of daring maneuvers through the Esses, Leekop Bend, and the Kink to blast through the field and take third place. He was closely followed by Hulme in the McLaren.

Stewart wins at Kyalami 2023.

Race finish details follow:

1st Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/160/5 S**
2nd Dave M. (C. Amon) 80/40/20/160/5 S
3rd Steve (J. Hunt) 60/40/40/160/5 S
4th Ray G. (D. Hulme) 80/40/40/140/5 S
5th Stephen L. (J. Ickx) 60/40/40/160/5 (Eng Dam)
6th John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 40/40/40/160/6 S
7th AJ (J. Oliver) 60/40/40/160/5 S
8th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/160/5
9th 5th Ray R. (Beltoise) 60/40/40/160/5 (Brake Dam)

Next race is scheduled at Monjuic in March 2023.

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Race Report – Speed Circuit Monaco 2022

Monaco Starting Grid 2022

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.

The Race Begins!

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.

The race heats up during lap 1.

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.

Peterson dominates in the March at Monaco during lap 2.

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.

The fight for fourth during the 2nd lap at Monaco.

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.

Field begins to spread out during the 3rd and final lap at Monaco.

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.

March wins at Monaco 2022!

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.