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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2025 Buenos Aires

McLaren LeadsTeam Championship but Fails To Win Race

Five teams appeared in this season inaugural race at Buenos Aires. Ferarri’s Luada held the pole and was accompanied in the first row by Hesketh’s Lunger. The second row was occupied by Peterson in the Lotus and Hunt in another Hesketh. The remaining Lotus of Ickx and Ferrari of Regazzoni secured the third row while both McLarens (Fittapaldi and Mass) held the last row. Two Maki’s were late to the grid and entered the race from the pits.

Lauda jumped out front and had a substantial lead entering Curva Numero Uno. The lotus’ consolidated their positions behind Lauda. Fittipaldi began fighting his way through the pack.

The field condensed going through the more technical part of the track. Peterson caught Lauda and threatened to take the lead, but would soon be haunted by brake issues that would take him out of contention. Fittipaldi cut his way through the Heskeths and moved into 3rd place.

Lauda and Peterson raced side-by-side, but Lauda got the better of Peterson going through the Curva de Parga Horquilla and finished the lap in the lead. Hunt challenged Fittapaldi for 3rd. Unlike his partner Lauda, Regazzoni had a bad day and skidded before entering the long front straight and fell far behind the pack (and his luck did not improve after that).

During the second lap, Lauda attempted to extend his lead while Peterson fell back as his brakes began to fade. Fittapaldi smelled blood in the water and he passed  Peterson and set Lauda in his sites. Hunt tailed Fittapaldi.

Lauda pushed his #12 Ferrari to the limit and finished the second lap with a tremendous lead, but his car was showing signs of wear. Fittapaldi and Hunt continued the joust for 2nd place. Regazzoni spunout in the same corner he skidded in during the previous lap securing last place.

Hunt began to fall off pace and Ickx passed him. Fittapaldi began reeling in Lauda.

Fittapaldi caught Lauda and tried to take the lead going into Parga, but he spunout! Lauda retook the lead and won the race. Fittapaldi recovered in time to hold second place. There was a three-way drag race between Hunt, Mass, and Walker. Walker took 3rd followed by Ickx (who had sprung out from behind the dragsters), and Mass.

Although Ferrari’s Lauda won the race, Team Mclaren earned enough points to start the season in first place.

Race details follow:

1st Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S **
2nd John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 40/60/20/160/6 S
3rd Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/160 S
4th Tom V. (J. Ickx) 40/40/40/160/5 W
5th John H. (J. Mass) 40/40/20160/6 S
6th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S
7th Ray G. (H. Fushida) 40/40/40/160/5 S
8th Tom V. (R. Peterson) 40/60/40/160/5 S
9th Steve K. (B. Lunger) 60/40/20/160/5 S
10th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/20/160/5

The second race of the season is on 5 February 2025 at Kyalami. See you at the races!

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2024 Monza

Pace Retains His Lead.

Only teams Surtees, BRM, and Ferrari showed for this year’s Italian Grand Prix. Ferrari’s Lauda started on pole leading the six car field. Pace also sat on the first row followed by his teammate Mass and Beltoise. Pescarolo and Regazzoni filled the final row.

During the opening moments of the race, Pace, Lauda, and Mass passed Pescarolo. Lauda moved into the lead for a time.

The Ferrari and Surtees drivers battled for the lead for most of the first lap leaving the BRMs behind.

Pace and Mass slipped stream each other working as a team. Mass was first to complete the initial lap. Regazzoni’s Ferrari experienced engine trouble and began to drop back. Pace also lost some engine power, but continued to stay in Mass’ draft. Lauda chased the Surtee’s machines.

During the second lap, team Surtees extended their lead. Lauda tried to close the gap between him and the leaders. Regazzoni unsuccessfully tried to fend off the BRMs. Mass once again was first to complete a lap.

As the final lap progressed, the BRMs surpassed Regazzoni. Mass’ ride ran out of wear and Lauda passed him. Although Lauda closed the gap, he could not pass Pace before Pace was able to win the race.

Race details follow:

1st Tom V. (C. Pace) 40/40/40/180/5 W
2nd Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 60/40/20/160/6 W
3rd Tom V. (J. Mass) 40/40/40/160/5 W**
4th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 60/40/40/180/4 S
5th Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 40/40/40/180/4 S
6th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 40/40/20/160/6 S

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2024 Nurburgring

Italian Team Triumphs at the German Grand Prix

Ferrari’s Lauda held pole position ahead of seven other drivers at the start of this year’s German Grid Prix at Nerburgring. BRM’s Pescarolo shared the front row with Lauda. Hunt and Beltoise secured the second row followed by Regazzoni and Andretti. Schenken and Reutermann filled out the field in the last row.

Pescarolo took an early lead, but was soon eclipsed by Lauda and Hunt. Andretti clawed his way into 5th.

Lauda and Hunt battle for the lead. Andretti threatened the BRMs. Schenken crashed in the Halzenbackbogen turn, but escaped serious injury.

Hunt pushed his car hard and crossed the start finish line ahead of Lauda gaining the first lap bonus point. Lauda got by Hunt and took charge in the second lap. Andretti moved up to fourth with Regazonni hot on his heals.

Lauda extended his lead and was first across the start finish line to gain the second lap’s bonus point. Hunt began to slow. Andretti damaged his engine and pulled into the pits to end his day. Reutermann began charging his Brabham through the field.

Lauda dominated the third lap with his Ferrari and completed the race far ahead of the pack. Pescarolo finished second followed by Reutermann. Regazzoni squeezed by Hunt to finish fourth. Race details follow:

1st Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 80/40/40/140/6 S*
2nd Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 80/40/20/140/5 S
3rd Dave M. (Reutermann) 40/40/60/160/5 S
4th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/40/140/5 S
5th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S*
6th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 80/40/40/140/5 S
DNF Adam J. (M. Andretti) 40/60/40/160/5 N
CR1 Dave K. (T. Schenken) 40/60/40/160/5 S

Note: Due to a mix-up, Reutermann drove an orange March instead of the usual white Brabham.

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Race Report: Speed Circuit 2024 Kyalami

South African Grand Prix photo finish.

Nine teams completed in the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. Ferrari and Surtees started in the first row followed by Elf Tyrrell and BRM. Embassy made its debut in the third row accompanied by McLaren. Shadow and Hesketh shared the fourth row. Brabham was alone in the fifth row.

Pace took and early lead followed closely by Lauda. Hill stalled on the start and fell behind. Fittipaldi launched his McLaren into 3rd place.

The Ferrari and the Surtees raced side-by-side for most of the 1st lap, but Pace in the Surtees held the lead. The rest of the field formed a conga line through the Esses.

Pace complete the lap first and picked up a bonus point. Beltoise catapulted his BRM into 3rd place and pressured Lauda. Hunt nursed his ailing Hesketh and fell back.

Beltoise slipped into 2nd, but Lauda soon recaptured the position. McLaren and Shadow fought for 4th.

While extending his lead, Pace completed the 2nd lap and gained another bonus point. Lauda pushed his Ferrari trying to close the gap between him and Pace. Revson, Scheckter, and Reutermann raced 3-wide down the front straight.

During the 3rd and final lap Fittipaldi spun twice and lost his position. Lauda caught up to Pace and they raced side-by-side through the Esses, the Bend and down the front straight. Although his was out of wear, Lauda charged through the kink at 140mph and crossed the finish line first for a photo finish win.

Beltoise the rest of the pack to take 3rd place. Reuterman, Revson, and Scheckter once again raced three wide down the front straight. Scheckter skid going through the kink. Revson finish fourth beside Reutermann. Race details follow:

1st Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 80/40/20/160/5 S
2nd Tom V. (C. Pace) 80/20/40/140/6 W**
3rd Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 60/40/40/160/5 S
4th Tori P. (P. Revson) 40/40/60/160/5 S
5th Dave M. (Reutermann) 40/60/60/140/5 S
6th Mike C. (G. Hill) 60/40/40/160/5 N
7th Chuck H. (J. Scheckter) 60/40/20/160/6 N
8th AJ H. (E. Fittipaldi) 80/40/40/140/5 S
9th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/40/160/5 S

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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 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 Steve’s Monaco

Martini and Elf Battle at Monaco GP

Steve’s Monaco Layout.

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.

The Race Begins At the 2023 Monaco GP!

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.

The Battle for Lap 2 at Monaco.

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.

Fierce competition at Monaco.

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.

The 3rd and Final Lap at Monaco.

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

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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.