2014 Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix Words and images by Peter Baker. Click to view gallery
David Hart takes to the gravel in the Lola T70
Once more the BBC got it wrong and, instead of dreary drizzle, spectators donned the shades and ate the ice cream.
In the second 500 Owners Association MSA Circuit Racing Championship race of the weekend, George Shackleton tried hard in his Cooper Mk11 to make it two in row for Team Retro-Speed, but luck was against him and Brian Jolliffe (Cooper Mk9) beat him to the post fairly and squarely by less than a second.
At the other end of the power scale the FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Race, run over one hour under a clear sky, was won by that well-known comedy act of Voyazides and Hadfield. Okay, maybe they are no Morecombe and Wise, but the pair were laughing all the way to the end, in the seemingly unbeatable Lola T70. Manfredo Rossi di Montelera, meanwhile, reeled off the laps to put in an impeccable performance behind the wheel of the Abarth Osella PA1, finishing third, hot on the heels of the David Hart/Martin Stretton Lola. Jason Wright was also a strong contender until he lost concentration on the entry into Tarzan Bend which dropped him down the field. Had it rained maybe things would have been different, but Morecombe and Wise would still have won.
Zandvoort at its very best - start of the HGPCA Pre-61 race
Zandvoort is an incredible place, it simply reeks of history and atmosphere, and the locals, unlike the good folk of Monza, are happy with unlimited noise levels. The track itself is very demanding and when it rains, and believe me it does rain, the swoopy surface turns into a skid pan. Just ask Roan Caresani who was at one with his Porsche 904/6 during the heavy storm that arrived early on Saturday morning, to win by just three seconds from the modern Porsche 911 of Michael Koel. And I love the way the dunes provide natural viewing platforms, maybe Silverstone should start importing sand!
Burgemeester (the 'boss' to you and me) Nick Meijer is passionate about this circuit that extends back to 1939. In his introduction he talks of the different smells, oil, and racing rubber, but he forgets one thing, and that's the sheer enthusiasm shown by the organisers. Even the programme is printed in English, an acknowledgement maybe that nobody outside Holland can understand a word of their language.
Simon Hadfield receiving unwelcome attention from Abarth Osella PA1 of Manfredo Rossi di Montelera
In a short three years, visitor numbers have grown from 40,000 to over 100,000. Let's just hope it keeps that wonderful family feeling.
Dus rieman vast en geniet van een rit door verviogen dagen, which means; buckle up and enjoy a ride through history, I think.
