STP March Rules the British Grand Prix!
Brabham driver Reutemann held the 7-car grid pole position at the start of this years British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. Season leader Peterson shared the front row with Reutemann. McLaren and Elf Tyrell followed in the second row.
Peterson seized the lead and Hulme blasted past Reutemann. Stewart held the inside position going into the Druid’s Hairpin, but lost the racing line to Reutemann.
Peterson got a jump through Graham Hill Bend and began to build an impressive lead. Ganely in the Marlboro BRM slipped past Galli in the Martini. Ickx pressed Stewart.
Peterson continued to build his lead obtaining a 5 space gap through the Clark Curve. Stewart’s Elf began trailing smoke and he began to slip back.Reutemann passed Hulme to move into second. The Ferrari threaten the McLaren at the Clearways and down the front stretch. Peterson finish the first lap far ahead of the pack.
Stewart was not able to finish the first lap and Elf slowly rolled into the pits; his race was over. Hulme charged his McLaren, passed the Brabham and began to close the gap with the STP March. Galli got by Ganely and looked like he was in a good position going into the Surtees Bend.
Peterson extended his lead and going into the Hawthorn Bend he once again had a 5 space gap between him and the rest of the field. For the rest of the second lap, Hulme then put on a tremendous show and closed the gap by the time they entered the Clearways. The Ferrari’s engine failed and Ickx joined Stewart in the pits.
Peterson and Hulme were neck and neck going down the front straight. Peterson won the sprint and finished the second lap ahead of Hulme. Reutemann maintained third place.
Hulme tried to stay with Peterson, but his second lap efforts had spent the McLaren. Low on wear Hulme fell back and found himself in a battle for second place with Reutemann. Peterson did not slow and had created a 7 space gap by the time he reached Pilgrim’s drop and he was unstoppable.
Peterson managed to maintain an incredible lead and finished the race in first place. Reutemann won the battle for second and finished ahead of Hulme who was followed by Galli.
Race details follow:
1st Travis (R. Peterson) 60/60/40/160/4** S
2nd Terry (C. Reutemann) 60/40/20/160/6 S
3rd Ray G. (D. Hulme) 60/60/40/160/4 S
4th Steve (N. Galli) 60/60/20/160/4 S
5th Ray R. (H. Ganley) 60/20/40/180/5 S
DNF Dan (J. Ickx) 60/60/20/160/5 * S
DNF Den (J. Stewart) 60/60/20/180/4 S
The next race is at Steve’s giant representation of the Nurburgring. Hope to see you at the “Green Hell”.