Professional race preparation and management

Reports > August Bank Holiday meeting Castle Combe 25/8/2014

Wet, wet, wet at Combe but a podium for Higginbottom



The WPR team had a three strong Formula Ford line up for the August Bank Holiday race meeting at Castle Combe on August 25th with Andrew Higginbottom having one of his occasional outings in Wayne Poole's personal Van Diemen RF88. He was joined by the familiar pair of Steve Bracegirdle and Pete Diccox in their RF89s.

Unfortunately the day was wet (really wet!) from start to finish. Practice times were generally in the 1m 30s bracket and Steve went well to qualify half way up the grid in 15th place and third in class. This became second when Glen Finn pulled out with engine maladies. Andrew and Pete were 19th and 20th in a large, 28 car, field.

It was still raining hard when the race got under way and, following his customary good start, Pete rotated on the first lap and rejoined at the back of the field. Thereafter he got his head down and, despite the odd moment and getting lapped, soldiered on to the end to finish a strong 20th and ahead of half a dozen other cars.

Steve also made a good start and was running 3rd in class early on until a big moment on lap 7 dropped him behind Andrew. As the race progressed Steve closed up a little but with both enduring further moments they held station until the end resulting in a excellent third in class for Andrew with Steve just behind. 

Steve Bracegirdle was also entered in the Sports Racing Car race with his Nemesis GT. After qualifying a competitive fourth, in touch with the top three cars ahead of him, Steve was fifth after lap 1 and held this position until the end.

All, including Wayne and the rest of the team, were please to finish the day with all three cars in one piece.