3D Miniatures – Page 3 – Table Top Racing Club

October 24, 2023October 1, 2025

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.

August 5, 2023August 5, 2023

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

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023

Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Silverstone (by Steve)

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.

June 21, 2023

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.

June 4, 2023

Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Steve’s Monaco

Martini and Elf Battle at Monaco GP

Five teams competed in the Monaco Grand Prix this season fielding nine drivers. Martini’s lone driver, Amon, sat on the pole position and shared the front row with Elf’s Stewart. Brabham’s Reutmann and Elf’s Cevert secured the second row followed by William’s Galli and Brabham’s W. Fittapaldi. Team Hesketh filled the fourth row with Hunt and Purley.

Amon and Stewart set the pace and seemed to be pulling away from the pack. But the other drivers caught up to them at the Station Hairpin.

The Leaders Breakaway During the First Lap at Monaco.

Exiting the Station Hairpin, Cevert passed Stewart and gained an inside advantage on Amon. Then Cevert, Stewart, and Amon exited the corners ahead of the rest and extended their lead through the tunnel. Cevert attempted to slingshot Stewart into the lead going into the Gazometre, but the attempt failed and Amon gained the lead. Meanwhile, Williams, Hesketh, and Brabham battled for fourth.

Amon finished the first lap with Stewart and Cevert on his heals. Cevert began to slow and Williams caught him at the Virage Du Portier. Stewart extended his lead heading into the tunnel for the second time. The Brabhams and Heskeths were in a fierce struggle.

Amon caught up to Stewart and they raced neck-and-neck going into the Gazametre, but this time Stewart exited first and gained the bonus point for lap 2. Hunt broke away from the Brabhams and started to reel in Galli.

Stewart stayed off Amon and they built a large lead midway through the 3rd and final lap. Hunt passed Williams and tried to close the gap with the leaders going into to the Station Hairpin.

Stewart’s car faltered and he began to slow. Amon got by Stewart. Hunt smelled blood in the water, but could not catch the leaders. Amon crossed the finish line two spaces ahead of Stewart. Hunt finished 3rd followed by Cevert. Congratulations to Dave for the Win!

Race details follow:

1st Dave M. (C. Amon) 80/40/40/140/5 S*
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/40/160/4 S*
3rd Steve (J. Hunt) 60/60/40/140/5 S
4th Den (F. Cevert) 80/40/40/140/4 S
5th Travis (N. Galli) 60/60/40/140/5 S
6th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/140/6 S
7th Terry (W. Fittipaldi) 60/40/40/140/5 S
8th Steve (D. Purley) 60/40/40/140/5 S
9th Travis (Howden) 40/40/40/160/5 W

May 29, 2023

Race Report: Speed Circuit 2023 Monjuic

Stewart Wins Three Races in a Row

Monjuic hosted eight teams this year. Shadow’s Oliver (#21) held pole position sharing the first row with Elf’s Stewart (#3). The second row was occupied by contenders Reutmann (#16) and Fittipaldi (#1). Galli (#19) and Von Opel (#28) filled the third row. The final row included Hunt (#26) and Beltoise (#13).

Stewart got the jump on Oliver and led through the first corner. Initially, the rest of the pack stayed in a tight formation.

Stewart and Oliver battled for the lead. Oliver made a move, but lost control of the Shadow going into La Pergola. Galli began reeling in Stewart. Meanwhile, Hunt weaved his way to the 5th position.

Galli stayed glued to Stewart looking for an opening. Oliver closed in on the leaders, but spun-out again. Hunt passed Fittapaldi avoided the spinning Shadow and secured 3rd.

The second lap heated up as Fittapaldi and Hunt battled for third place and Stewart and Galli dueled for first. Galli’s Williams began to fade just as Stewart pushed the Elf through Sant Jordi.

Stewart began to build separation. Hunt had fallen back to fourth, but rebounded by making a series brilliant moves in the El Anulo de Miramar, Rosseleda, and Font Del Gat, ultimately moving into second.

Stewart led the third and final lap finishing in first place for the third race in a row. Hunt finished 2nd, and Fittapaldi 3rd. Race details follow:

1st Den (J. Stewart) 80/40/20/160/5 S**
2nd Steve (J. Hunt) 60/40/40/160/5 S
3rd John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 60/40/20/160/6 S
4th Travis (N. Galli) 60/20/40/160/6 W
5th Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/40/160/5 S
6th Dan (R. von Opel) 60/40/40/160/5
7th AJ (J. Oliver) 80/40/20/160/5
8th Ray R. (J. Beltoise) 60/40/40/160/5 S

April 4, 2022January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit Jarama 2022

Tabletop Racing Club’s first race at Jarama.

A great deal of speculation surrounds the abrupt departure of Steve K. from Ferrari. Did he have a falling-out with Enzo? Steve K. quickly signed with the fledgling Martini Techno team. Ferrari hired Dan to replace Steve K. as their team manager. The stage was set for Jarama’s inaugural race.

Denny Hulme seized pole position with high hopes of repeating last month’s McLaren victory. Ferrari’s Jacki Ickx started beside him in the front row. The season’s championship leaders, Fittapaldi and Peterson, occupied the front row. Last year’s champion, Stewart sat dead last in the blue #1 Elf.

Note: due to the number of teams, each team was limited to one driver.

During the first lap McLaren and Ferrari battled for the lead. Lotus tried to push forward, but was kept at bay. The Red #8 March followed close behind as Fittapaldi drove conservatively. Martini’s driver Galli stayed close behind the March and was followed by Schuppen in the white and red Marlboro BRM. Stewart lagged far behind.

Hulme was first to complete the initial lap and looked unbeatable, but the first lap was costly and he began to slow going into lap two. The the Ferrari pounced.

Meanwhile the two drivers who had started in the last row, Reutemann and Stewart had quietly moved up through the pack. Hulme slipped further back. The Ferrari completed the second lap just ahead of the STP March.

Travis’ strategy and patients paid off as the STP March car had more wear points going into the third lap than the leader. Martini Techno also began to push and move up during the last lap, but Galli ran into some bad luck when his car’s brakes failed going into the final corner.

Fittapaldi finished first and secured a sizable lead in the championship for himself and team STP March. Congratulations to Travis and a well run race. Ickx finished second followed by Reutemann marking Ferrari’s and Brabham’s first podium finishes of the season.

The final standings follow:

1st Travis (R. Peterson) 80/20/20/160/6 S
2nd Dan (J. Ickx) 80/60/20/140/5 * S
3rd Terry (C. Reutemann) 40/60/20/160/6 S
4th Den (J. Stewart) 40/60/20/160/6 S
5th John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 80/20/40/160/5 S
6th Ray G. (D. Hulme) 80/20/40/160/5* S
7th Ray R. ((V. Schuppen) 60/40/40/140/6 S
DNF (Brakes) Steve (N. Galli) 60/60/20/140/6 S

Next race is scheduled for April 6 at Monaco. Hope to see you at the races!

Speed Circuit Race – Jarama

January 19, 2022January 19, 2022

Race Report – Speed Circuit Buenos Aires 2022

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.

Fittapaldi prepares to launch down the straight.

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.

Fittapadi’s lead dwindles during the last lap.

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.

June 6, 2021January 16, 2023

Race Report – Speed Circuit 2021 Kyalami

The 11th Season of Speed Circuit is Underway!

Seven teams showed for the 11th season inaugural race at Kyalami using the 1971 teams. After nearly 18-months of downtime, the unexpected was expected. But, once again strong downforce cars dominated the field of 14 cars.

Ferrari held positions one and two on the start grid with Ickx on the pole. Lovely shared the the first row and hoped to better the second place finish he had last year at Kyalami. The other teams had undergone extensive management changes during the off season.

Ickx and Regazzoni bolted off the start line. Would Ferrari own the day? Confidence was at an all time high in the Prancing Pony’s pits.

Hulme and Stewart catch up to Team Ferrari on the back strait on lap 1.

The high downforce cars flew through the Jukskei Sweep and began pulling away from pack. Biden’s low downforce car began to exhibit stability problems.

Ickx and Hulme battle for the lead on lap 2.

Ickx was first to complete lap 1, but he was challenged by Hulme, the McLaren driver. The gap between the strong downforce cars and the rest of the field was extraordinary. Biden continue to fall back.

Hulme drove at a blistering pace and passed Ickx just before entering Sunset Bend.

The field spread out at the beginning of the 3rd and final lap.

Hulme crossed the finish line before Ickx to take the second bonus point. The field was spread thin at the beginning of the third and final lap, but battles raged. Stewart, Regazzoni, and Lovely fought for third place. Cervert, the Elf Tyrell driver, spared with the Brabhams while Team Lotus was in hot pursuit. Meanwhile, the Marches reeled in Lovely BMW driver Biden.

McLaren driver Hulme maintains his lead on the third lap.

Final lap was marked by daring feats and catastrophe. Hulme continue his relentless pace pushing his car to its limits and beyond. Stewart caught and passed Regazzoni on the front straight and threatened Ickx.

As they completed the second lap, the Backfield Battled continued. Cevert passed the Brabhams. Team March blew by Biden. Team Lotus set Brabham in their sites. The third lap would prove to be the most challenging for the back-markers as their wear points depleted.

Hulme prepares to shoot down the front straight to win the race.

Hulme was in perfect position to blast out of the corner while Ickx speed was locked. Stewart prepared to execute a final charge. Then…

Regazzoni spunout in Leeukop Bend spoiling his chance for a place on the podium as Lovely passed him.

McLaren driver Hulme crosses the finish line for the win!

Hulme flew across the start finish line for the win, but the race continued for the other drivers. Stewart pushed past Ickx on the front straight to take second place for Tyrell. McLaren’s Gethin slipped by Regazzoni and Lovely to secure fourth place.

Cevert spunout in the Leeukop Bend and Brabham’s Charlton tried to catch him, but crashed in the Esses. Then the two Lotus drivers spunout in the Esses followed by Hill who promptly spun. After all the dust settled, here are the final results:

1st Travis (D.Hulme) 60/60/40/160/4S
2nd Den (J. Stewart) 80/60/20/180/4 S
3rd Steve (J. Ickx) 80/40/20/160/5 S
4th Travis (P. Gethin) 60/60/40/160/4S
5th Ray G. (P. Lovely) 60/40/40/160/5 S
6th Steve (C. Regazzoni) 80/40/20/160/5 S
7th Den (F. Cevert) 40/60/20/180/4 S
8th John H. (R. Wisell) 60/40/40/160/5
9th John H. (E. Fittapaldi) 60/40/40/160/5
10th Terry (G. Hill) 60/40/40/160/5
11th Ray R. (N. Galli) 40/40/40/160/6
12th Ray R. (R. Peterson) 40/40/40/160/6
13th Ray G. (J. Biden) 60/40/40/160/5 W
CR1 Terry (D. Charlton) 60/40/40/160/5

The next race is scheduled for 7 July 2021 at Steve’s new Monaco course.