The race was hard fought up and down the whole grid, with nearly every driver involved in 'dices' with fellow competitors. Up front, Graham Chambers gradually began to dominate proceedings and pulled slowly ahead of Paul Lawrence's single seater. As things got more and more mixed up, Chambers fell victim to an errant back-marker as he took first to the grass, then to the infield and retirement. Thankfully there was no contact. The back-marker in question soon retired also, to join both Chambers, and Nick Hayward-Cook, who had retired his Monoposto with a broken valve.
This left Paul Lawrence in the lead, followed by Terry Rowing in his Ulster-type special. With some brilliant driving, Rowing began to close the gap. Under pressure, Lawrence had a big moment on the grass but just managed to hold on to come home in first place. Second was Terry Rowing followed by Geoffrey Brandon, Darrell Woods and Alex Myall. Fastest lap was set by Graham Chambers.
Later on in the afternoon, the spectators were again treated to a fantastic display of close fought racing. This time Graham Chambers drove through the field to take a well earned victory. Again he fought hard with Terry Rowing and Paul Lawrence (till he retired). Rowing took second again with Brandon, Powell and Woods making up the top five. Casualties of this race were Matt Shepherd and Alistair Frayling-Cork who had a coming together. Thankfully neither driver was injured in the incident. To watch the racing throughout the whole of the field was a great treat, and a fantastic testimony to all those who have worked so hard to make The Austin 7 Triple Challenge such a popular event.
All left to do was to open a beer and work out the winners of the various trophies awarded for the three-race series. The Don Rawson Challenge Cup for outright winner went to Terry Rowing. The Phoenix Crankshaft Handicap Trophy for the overall winner on handicap went to Geoff Brandon. The Bantam Trophy for the best placed 'upright radiator' car went to David Whetton. The Dingo Cup, for the best placed car in roadgoing trim, went to Clive Bergman, and Team A of Skevington, Jones and Bergman won the Lodge Trophy. Look out for the Austin 7 Triple Challenge next year!
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