We had not visited the classic Monaco circuit since 2017. Only three teams answered the call to race at the Monaco GP this year.
Maki’s Walker held the poll position at the start sharing the first row with Ferrari’s Lauda. Fushida, in the#36 Maki, and Miller in the #38 Parnelli occupied the second row. The final row was filled by Andretti in the #27 Parnelli and Regazzoni in the #11 Ferrari.
Walker took an early lead and was closely shadowed by Lauda. Regazzoni meticulously weaved his way through the pack and into 3rd. Lauda passed Walker and was first through the tunnel and down the long back straight. Walker attempted to regain the lead in the last corner and crashed out of the race! Luckily he escaped injury and only his pride was hurt.
Lauda started the second lap with an insurmountable lead. Fushida, the remaining Maki driver, pressured Regazzoni for second place, but slipped back and then spun-out in the corner leading to the tunnel. Ferrari finished the second lap holding both 1st and 2nd positions. Andretti set his sites on Regazzoni.
1st Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/40/140/5 S ** 2nd Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/40/140/5 3rd A.J. (E. Miller) 60/40/40/140/5 S 4th Ray R. (Fushida) 40/40/40/160/5 S 5th A.J. (M. Andretti) 60/40/40/140/6 S CRS Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/160/5 S
I hope you can join us on 7 May 2025 for our inaugural race at Zolder (another fantastic track recreated by Steve K.). Thanks and be seeing you at the races!
Eight teams met in South Africa for this years race at Kyalami fielding 8 cars. Lotus driver Peterson sat on the pole and shared the first row with Ferrari’s Lauda. Walker and Fittapaldi followed in the second row. Andretti and Evans occupied the third row. The final row was held by an anxious Hunt in the #24 Hesketh and Reutemann in the #7 Brabham.
Peterson jumped off the startline and held an early lead. Lauda pursued followed closely by Evans in the blue #35 Maki. The Brabham moved from the last position heading for the front.
Lauda spurred his Ferrari and passed Peterson taking the lead and earning a bonus point for being the first to finish lap one. Andretti and Reutemann increased pressure on Walker in a tense battle for third place.
Lauda pushed the Ferrari in an uncharacteristically reckless manner and the abused vehicle began to falter. Peterson took advantage of Lauda’s negligence to re-capture the lead and gain the second lap’s bonus point. After winning the battle for third, Andretti set his sights on Lauda. Hunt began moving up.
The third and final lap was dominated by Peterson in the Lotus. Lauda failed to fend off Andretti and Hunt. Hunt raced down the front straight ahead of Andretti to secure second place.
Race details follow:
1st Tom V. (J. Ickx) 80/20/40/140/6 W* 2nd Steve K. (J. Hunt) 40/40/40/160/6 S 3rd A.J. (M. Andretti) 60/40/40/160/5 S 4th Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S ** 5th John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 40/40/40/160/6 S 6th Dave M. (C. Reutemann) 40/60/40/160/5 S 7th Ray R. (B. Evans) 40/60/60/140/6 S 8th Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/160/5 S
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!
Eight racers participated in this year’s US Grand Prix including Pace and Lauda who battled for the championship.
Pace held pole position and shared the front row with March’s Brambillo. Mass and Lauda occupied the second row followed by the two BRMs driven by Beltoise and Pescarolo. Reuterman and Regazzoni impatiently filled out the last row.
Lauda had a good start and had taken the lead through the Club House Esses. Regazzoni beat the BRMs going into the Outer Loop. Both Surtees drivers were in hat pursuit of the leading Ferrari.
Pace passed Lauda and was first across the start finish line completing the first lap. The March driver, Brambillo battle against Mass for third place. Regazzoni lost a position back to one of the BRMs.
With the championship on the line, Mass and Lauda clawed at each other to stay in the lead. The rest of the field struggled to keep up with them.
Once again Pace regained the lead and finished the second lap ahead of Lauda, collecting another bonus point. Mass and Brambillo tried to stay with the leaders. Then it was Reutermann’s turn to scrap with the BRMs.
Pace stayed in the lead, but he could not shake Lauda. Mass defended himself against Brambillo’s assualt. Brabham’s Reutermann pushed pass the BRMs and slipped by Ragazzoni’s Ferrari. The last lap took a heavy toll on all the cars as they were pushed to their limits.
Lauda dived into the 90 Hard Right, the last corner in the race, ahead of Pace! Lauda bolted across the start finish line to win the race followed by Pace, Mass, and Reutermann. Although he did not win the race, Pace’s second place finish and 2 bonus points secured him the championship finishing 3 points ahead of Lauda.
Congratulations Tom V for managing this year’s Champion driver!!
The manufacture’s championship was awarded to Ferrari. Race details follow:
1st Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S 2nd Tom V. (C. Pace) 60/40/20/160/6 S** 3rd Tom V. (J. Mass) 80/20/20/140/6 W 4th Dave K. (V. Brambilla) 60/40/40/160/5 S 5th Dave M. (Reutermann) 40/60/60/160/4 S 6th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 40/40/40/160/5 S 7th Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 40/40/40/160/5 S 8th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 60/40/60/160/4 S
Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s simulation of the 1974 grand prix season. It was a lot of fun. We plan to hold our 15th season in 2025 using the 1975 Grand Prix teams. Please join us if you can. Thanks again.
Five teams and a total of ten drivers participated in this season’s Monaco Grand Prix. Teams Surtees and Ferrari occupied the first two rows of the grid and they battled ferociously throughout the race. Scheckter and Edwards started on the third row followed by Beltoise and G. Hill. Pescarolo and Hunt filled out the last row.
Lauda got to the inside of Mass, but he could not hold the lead position and he was soon passed by both Mass and Pace. Pace took the lead from his teammate Mass. Mass stayed behind Pace on the straights and slip streamed him throughout the race. Scheckter put pressure on the Regazzoni.
Luada tried to breakup the Surtees drivers, but he kept getting forced off the racing line. Hunt developed engine trouble and quickly fell out of contention.
Scheckter and G. Hill passed Regazzoni. Team Surtees began to extend their lead. Pace was first across the start finish line for the first lap.
Team Surtees maintained their lead. G. Hill slipped by Lauda and into 3rd.
Pace and Mass gained an insurmountable lead through the tunnel. Lauda and G. Hill battled for third place.
Regazzoni blundered, mis-shifted, and lost two positions. Scheckter spun-out in Virage De La Rascasse. Pace finished first followed by Mass. Lauda managed to get around G. Hill to finish third. Congratulations to Team Surtees’ manager Tom V.!
Race details follow.
1st Tom V. (C. Pace) 40/60/40/160/5 S* 2nd Tom V. (J. Mass) 60/40/40/140/5 S 3rd Den H. (C. N. Lauda) 60/60/20/160/5 S 4th Mike C. (G. Hill) 40/60/60/140/5 N 5th Ray R. (J-P. Beltoise) 40/60/60/140/5 S 6th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/40/160/4 N 7th Steve K. (I. Scheckter) 40/40/40/160/5 S 8th Mike C. (Edwards) 40/60/60/140/4 N 9th Ray R. (H. Pescarolo) 40/40/60/140/5 S 10th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 40/40/40/160/6 S
Next race is scheduled for 19 June 2024 at Brands Hatch. See you all at the race.
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
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.
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
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.
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
