A Thrilling Weekend at HSCC Silverstone Finals
Rick Morris, a name that still resonates in the world of motorsport, proved once again that age is just a number. At 78 years old, he showcased his incredible skills during the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC) Finals at Silverstone, where he dominated two classic races for pre-1982 machines. His performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, and it highlighted the enduring passion that drives him.
“Silverstone club circuit is the home of Formula Ford racing for me – it’s where I got my inspiration watching the F3 screamers around 1968,” said Morris, who now benefits from the coaching of his son Stevie on mid-corner speed at Brooklands. His victory in the SDC-supported championship, despite being shadowed by triple champion Jordan Harrison, demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive environment.
The races were filled with intense moments and strategic battles. On Saturday, Morris faced off against Jordan Harrison, who was driving a Lola T540E reminiscent of Peter Morgan’s 1978 BRDC Esso title winner. After multiple lead exchanges, Morris finished second, having won Snetterton’s opener in April. Tom Gadd, a former 750MC Locost and F1000 champion, came in third overall, ahead of Historic division champion Oliver Chapman.
The races evolved intriguingly, with some unexpected twists. In Saturday’s five-car breakaway, Swiss visitor Gislain Genecand (Crossle 16F) pushed Harrison back to fourth, but he managed to regain second, finishing 0.731 seconds behind Morris. Meanwhile, Colin Williams led a six-long train at the back of the top 10, while Richard Yeomans had seven cars on his tail.
Morris noted the challenges of a 32-car grid, where constant lapping of other drivers can be intimidating. “They are in their own races and some are inexperienced, so it can be scary when you are battling, but I’m told it was a great advert for Formula Ford.”
Historic FF1600 Races: Intense and Competitive
The Historic FF1600 races were equally intense, with Callum Grant and Benn Simms taking wins each. Benn’s win on Sunday was by a razor-thin margin of 0.019s, while Grant edged out the Paul Simms Memorial Trophy on aggregate. Sam Mitchell, the points leader, had a heart-in-mouth moment when his throttle cable snapped under hard acceleration from Luffield towards Woodcote. His car faltered, and Will Nuthall’s Jamun ran over his rear wheels, damaging its nose. Despite this setback, Mitchell managed to reclaim the title he won in 2013.
The Derek Bell Trophy races were sensational, featuring F1 and F5000 cars competing against well-driven two-litre F2 and 1600cc Atlantic machinery. Dan Eagling seized pole in John Evans’s ex-Jimmy Mieusset March 742 and went on to win on Saturday. However, hopes of a Sunday double were dashed by a cam belt failure flat-out through Woodcote. Mark Williams, driving an ex-Craig Hill Lola T460, shook off Marc Mercer and reeled in Peter Williams’s F1 LEC. Despite a valiant effort, Mark finished 0.125s short of victory.
Historic FF2000 and Other Categories
In the Historic FF2000 category, Ben Glasswell did not enter the final double-header, allowing Graham Fennymore to secure his third title in five seasons with the TMJ Reynard SF81. Michael Moyers returned to Adrian Reynard’s spare SF79 and won Saturday’s tight stanza, despite only six laps of testing on Friday. Fennymore turned the tables on Moyers on Sunday.
Adrian Reynard, a 75-year-old 1979 EFDA Euroseries champion, impressed grandson Luca with a strong performance. Following a disconcerting spin through Copse on his first flying lap, he recovered to finish fourth and then third on Sunday, regaining P3 in the table by a point.
Other notable winners included Nic Carlton-Smith, who secured his fourth crown in the Pinto class, and Simon Baines, who won the 70s Road Sports title in his emerald green Porsche 924. Elliot Paterson and Antony Ross claimed outright wins in their respective categories, while defending champion Howard Payne narrowly beat Mark Leverett to snatch class honours.
Final Standings and Winners
The weekend concluded with several key victories:
- HSCC SDC Classic Formula Ford races one and two: Rick Morris (Royale RP29)
- HSCC Historic Formula Ford race one: Callum Grant (Merlyn Mk20A)
- HSCC Historic Formula Ford race two: Benn Simms (Jomo JMR 7)
- HSCC Derek Bell Trophy race one: Dan Eagling (March-BDG 742)
- HSCC Derek Bell Trophy race two: Peter Williams (LEC-DFV CRP1)
- HSCC Historic Formula Ford 2000 race one: Michael Moyers (Reynard SF79)
- HSCC Historic Formula Ford 2000 race two: Graham Fennymore (Reynard SF81)
- FJHRA Silverline Historic Formula Junior, pre-1961: Adrian Russell (Condor S2)
- FJHRA Silverline Historic Formula Junior, rear-engined races one and two: Sam Wilson (Cooper T59)
- HSCC 70s Road Sports, Historic Road Sports and Historic Racing Saloons: Elliot Paterson (Morgan +8)
- HSCC Historic Road Sports: Mark Godfrey (Lotus 7)
- HSCC 70s Road Sports: Antony Ross (TVR 3000M)
- Alfa Romeo and Italian Intermarque race one: Jamie Thwaites (Giulietta TCR)
- Alfa Romeo and Italian Intermarque race two: Jack Berry (4C)
- HSCC Guards Trophy: Andrew Hibberd (Lotus-Ford t/c 23B)
