Classic F3 Association Including Classic F3 and Classic FF2000

The HSCC’s 2021 season kicked off at Donington over the Easter weekend when the HSCC Classic F3 and Historic F2 series joined the Masters programme for what was to be a three day meeting. Inevitably Covid considerations took precedence and the two F3 races were to be run on the Friday to avoid overnight stays. A long day for some but I doubt it will be the only time racing will be affected this year. The Scottish branch would have joined us but for travel restrictions.

Whilst the entry was a bit short on numbers it was full of quality. Ben Tilley (March 743), class A1 was back to defend his 2020 title and Connor Murphy (March 803B) class A2, looked to continue his form first shown at Silverstone last year, especially as the team made a major effort to be there when their rebuilt and sealed engine only arrived from Italy on Monday. Andrew Smith (March 783) now without side pods to run in the A1 class, Tony Hancock (Lola T670) class A1, Lee Cunningham (Dallara 381/2) class A3 on his own returning after an 18 month gap. Shaun Hollamby (March 803) class A2, was having his first single seater race for 30 years in the championship car from 2019. Even more astonishing was the fact that it is the same chassis his father used in 1970’s FSV! Former champion Keith White (Ralt RT1) class A1, Clive Wood (Ralt RT1) class A1, in his newly acquired car and Hugh Price (Chevron B38) class A1 completed the F3 runners. So the 2 litre class runners were:
A1 - 6 cars without side pods
A2 - 2 cars with side pods
A3 - 1 cars with side pods and flat floor

The URS FF2000 cars had three entries Murray Shepherd, Eric Pagano and Steve Nicholls all in Van Dieman RF82’s. The Nichols car sounded unwell prior to qualifying. They were joined by four Historic FF2000 cars, Chris Whittingham (Royale RP30), Stephen Collyer (Crossle), David Manning (Delta T79) and Paul Hubbard (Van Dieman RF78).

Qualifying

First out on track Donington was very unwelcoming and it looked like it was going to be a long cold day. Avon tyres bank balance had clearly received an injection of funds and everyone hoped they could generate some heat. It was soon clear that was not going to be a problem as times tumbled at the front and in a largely uneventful session, apart from a few pit visitors, Smith topped the times in 69.4 seconds, way under the lap record. Murphy was close behind in 70.1 with Hancock and Tilley also in the 70 second bracket. Cunningham bagged fifth ahead of Hollamby, taking a break from his BTCC duties, then came the first URS car of Shepherd leaving an unwell White in a URS sandwich when Pagano filled ninth. The final runners timed in the order Wood, Whittingham, Price puzzled by his slow pace and being about 500 metres short of fuel , Collyer, Manning, Hubbard and Nichols, his car still unwell. Three cars lost laps due to exceeding track limits! Thought that was just an F1 thing?

Race 1

The shiny thing in the sky made an entrance for race one although the thermometer didn’t seem to notice as Murphy led away at the start followed by Smith but half way round the lap Hubbard and Nichols were out and so was the safety car. The track clear Murphy led away at the restart with Smith in tow, followed by Hancock, Tilley who would find a way by and pull away, Cunningham, White, Wood, Shepherd, Pagano, Price going much faster, Whittingham, Collyer, Manning and Hollamby who had spun on lap one and by the end had driven splendidly up to seventh. Whilst the positions remained largely unchanged there were plenty of battles throughout the field particularly Murphy/Smith and Hancock/Tilley. On the last lap Murphy said he was a bit cautious at the chicane and Smith seized his chance but lost out to the tune of 0.186 seconds at the line and had to console himself with a new lap record at 69.3 seconds. In URS Shepherd and Pagano duelled all race which finally fell to Pagano until a ten second penalty was applied for a safety car error leaving Shepherd to take the win. Class winners were A1 Smith (March 783), A2 Murphy (March 803B), A3 Cunningham (Dallara 381/2).

Race 2

The race began as a mirror of the first with Murphy leading Smith and Hancock leading Tilley followed by the Cunningham, White and Hollamby group. This time Smith eventually found a way by Murphy who shortly after pitted with misfire which left the team looking into the cylinders in the paddock afterwards. Fingers crossed. With nobody to race Smith took the win and lowered his own lap record from race 1 to leave it at 69.2 seconds. Tilley again passed Hancock and pulled away to take second. The next group resolved themselves in the order Cunningham, Hollamby, White with Wood this time the URS Pagano/Shepherd sandwich filling. The runners were completed by Whittingham, Collyer and Manning. The only retirement was Price who came in on lap three with no clutch. His mechanic for the day, me, amazingly managed to identify the cause but trying to tighten hot locknuts next to a hot exhaust with fingers proved too much and after a couple of tries Hugh retired clutchless. I must buy a spanner! Class winners were A1 Smith (March 783), A2 Hollamby (March 803), A3 Cunningham (Dallara 381/2).

Sadly no podiums but garland/trophies and champagne were distributed to the winners. Photos on facebook where you can also catch up with “Murray” Ranson’s live commentary! In the end, a great day, hope more of you will be able to join us soon.Why not try Snetterton, see paragraph below.

Snetterton Entries

Online entries have now closed for Snetterton on the 17/18th April. When I checked this morning (Monday) we have just nine entries 5 F3 and 4 FF2000. If following a good weekend at Donington you have not entered yet but are intending to, please do so as quickly as possible as otherwise our race may well come under pressure from the HSCC. If you do want to enter you now have to call the office and enter over the phone.

Class Points



Based on current championship points award structure which will be reviewed throughout the year. Your comments are welcome.

Our thanks to Colin Painter for producing this report.

Hugh Price
Chairman Classic F3.