Lotus 61 returns to the track in triumphant style

VICTORY in the final race meant that Dave Lowe finished his Classic Formula Ford Championship season on a high. Although unable to defend his title this year largely due to mechanical problems, the Guernseyman brought out his Lotus 61 for the first time since 2000 to complete his campaign. It proved to be an inspired move.

'Things are not bad with the old car after six years in the garage,' said a delighted Lowe.

He had been left with little option after the rebuilt engine in his Lotus 69 destroyed itself during the second practice for a race at Dijon-Prenois in France.

The crankshaft broke in two, which in turn wrecked the gearbox and meant that Lowe and his helper, Mick Ogier, were spectators for the race on the former Grand Prix circuit. It also signals a long winter rebuild.

The solution for the remaining CFFC meetings was to get the Lotus 61 ready by transferring such equipment as seat belts, the extinguisher system and ignition before travelling to Snetterton for the penultimate race.

Lowe's main rival Andrew Smith was good enough to allow the Sarnian an extra hour practice stint before the race that would decide the title.

'I must admit the car felt a little strange after seven years but had no vices except pedal position, gear lever angle and some balance problems, which I improved during my practice,' he said.

The following morning Lowe qualified sixth out of 19 cars, but second to Smith in the B class only 0.2sec. behind.

'In the race I lined up behind Andrew but got a better run to the first corner to be just ahead when someone behind me caught my rear wheel, sending me sideways a little and making me lose ground to my rival on the first lap,' said the Guernseyman.

'I chased as hard as I could for the 12 laps but was running 50 yards behind whereas Andrew was up with some quicker A class cars and being towed along with them so we finished sixth and seventh on the road, first and second in the class.'

That meant Smith became the first different class B champion for 13 years, ending Lowe's extraordinary run.

The Sarnian then went to the final meeting at Castle Combe with a point to prove and he did just that.

He qualified ahead of Smith and although they exchanged places more than once during the race, Lowe had the upper hand eventually, particularly at Camp. That corner saw several significant crashes during the day and there is undoubtedly bravery as no run-off area means at best damage to the car.

Lowe passed Smith twice at the corner, demonstrating that age is no barrier to courage. Interestingly, his lap times were slightly slower than Smith's, but the Sarnian demonstrated that race craft is not all about sheer speed.