Masters Series Head for Spanish Finale
All of the Masters Historic Racing championships are set for a thrilling finalé as they head to Jerez, Spain, this coming weekend for the Historic Festival on October 10-12.
The event, set in the heart of the famous sherry-producing region of Spain, is in its second season and brings together Europe’s top historic motor racing categories for an end of season event in superb weather. Jerez has a proud heritage of motor sport events, such as Formula 1, sports cars and a busy two-wheeled calendar, with the circuit still used for F1 testing in the resent era.
Although Steve Hartley secured the FIA Masters Historic Formula One crown last time out at Spa, second place in the post-1978 division is still to be decided between Simon Fish (Ensign N180), Christophe D’Ansembourg (Williams FW07), Ian Simmonds (Tyrrell 012), Greg Thornton (Lotus 91/5) and Silvia Kalb (Arrows A4). Fish has a three-point cushion over D’Ansembourg with Simmonds a further two points adrift and Kalb the outsider, two points behind Simmonds. However, mathematically any one of them could take the runner-up slot in what should be a tense final round. Manfredo Rossi di Montelera (Brabham BT42) has already secured the Pre-1978 category, but Max Smith-Hilliard (Lotus 77) and Andrew Beaumont (Lotus 76/1) are battling for second with just three points between them.
The FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship is another that could go to a number of drivers. Leo Voyazides/Simon Hadfield (Lola T70 Mk3B) are four points clear of the similar car of Jason Wright, who is tied on points with Keith Ahlers/Billy Bellinger (Cooper Monaco), with a car-switching Andy Newall and Mark Bates (Porsche 911 RSR) in touch as well.
Ahlers/Bellinger have secured the Gentlemen Drivers Pre-66 GT crown but second place could fall to Voyazides/Hadfield (AC Cobra) or the less experienced Mark Martin (Lotus Elan) who has impressed in his first busy season of racing. Martin would need to win his class of Voyazides/Hadfield fail to score in order to bag second spot.
Leo Voyazides has guided his Ford Falcon Sprint to the Pre-66 Touring Car title, helped by Simon Hadfield. However, as Leo drove solo at Brands Hatch, he is nine points clear of Hadfield, who mathematically could win the crown – but not if they share a car as normal! Therefore, Voyazides is secure as champion heading to the final race in the Spanish sun. Ron Maydon (Mini Cooper S) is secure in third, the best of the Mini drivers.
Event promoter Jesus Pozo said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the final rounds of the FIA Masters Historic Championships. Fabulous cars and exciting racing are a hallmark of Masters events and we are sure that these final rounds will be no different. Our event at Jerez is still young but it is growing all the time with activity on and off the track and it is the must-do event at the end of the season.”
The Jerez Historic Festival is at the popular former Grand Prix circuit on October 10-12 and promises to be a thrilling end to the season.
The event, set in the heart of the famous sherry-producing region of Spain, is in its second season and brings together Europe’s top historic motor racing categories for an end of season event in superb weather. Jerez has a proud heritage of motor sport events, such as Formula 1, sports cars and a busy two-wheeled calendar, with the circuit still used for F1 testing in the resent era.
Although Steve Hartley secured the FIA Masters Historic Formula One crown last time out at Spa, second place in the post-1978 division is still to be decided between Simon Fish (Ensign N180), Christophe D’Ansembourg (Williams FW07), Ian Simmonds (Tyrrell 012), Greg Thornton (Lotus 91/5) and Silvia Kalb (Arrows A4). Fish has a three-point cushion over D’Ansembourg with Simmonds a further two points adrift and Kalb the outsider, two points behind Simmonds. However, mathematically any one of them could take the runner-up slot in what should be a tense final round. Manfredo Rossi di Montelera (Brabham BT42) has already secured the Pre-1978 category, but Max Smith-Hilliard (Lotus 77) and Andrew Beaumont (Lotus 76/1) are battling for second with just three points between them.
The FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship is another that could go to a number of drivers. Leo Voyazides/Simon Hadfield (Lola T70 Mk3B) are four points clear of the similar car of Jason Wright, who is tied on points with Keith Ahlers/Billy Bellinger (Cooper Monaco), with a car-switching Andy Newall and Mark Bates (Porsche 911 RSR) in touch as well.
Ahlers/Bellinger have secured the Gentlemen Drivers Pre-66 GT crown but second place could fall to Voyazides/Hadfield (AC Cobra) or the less experienced Mark Martin (Lotus Elan) who has impressed in his first busy season of racing. Martin would need to win his class of Voyazides/Hadfield fail to score in order to bag second spot.
Leo Voyazides has guided his Ford Falcon Sprint to the Pre-66 Touring Car title, helped by Simon Hadfield. However, as Leo drove solo at Brands Hatch, he is nine points clear of Hadfield, who mathematically could win the crown – but not if they share a car as normal! Therefore, Voyazides is secure as champion heading to the final race in the Spanish sun. Ron Maydon (Mini Cooper S) is secure in third, the best of the Mini drivers.
Event promoter Jesus Pozo said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the final rounds of the FIA Masters Historic Championships. Fabulous cars and exciting racing are a hallmark of Masters events and we are sure that these final rounds will be no different. Our event at Jerez is still young but it is growing all the time with activity on and off the track and it is the must-do event at the end of the season.”
The Jerez Historic Festival is at the popular former Grand Prix circuit on October 10-12 and promises to be a thrilling end to the season.
