Silverstone Classic 2011 Woodcote Trophy Race

RAC Woodcote Trophy Race 22-24th July 2011

Qualifying 30 minutes.


Weather: Warm, dry cloudy slight breeze.


Grid size 52


Qualifying time: 3.06


Qualifying Position: 50

Qualifying had one issue in that the engine would not rev cleanly to the normal 6000rpm, and would not go higher than about 4,500rpm which with the long straights does not lead to fast times. The problem is being investigated, but is probably a mix of issues.

Air box lid removed to improve air flow.

Aston Martin DB2 after qualifying

The Race Saturday 50 minutes:

Warm, dry, some cloud.

Got past Maserati several times but lost top end over last 4 laps

Race plan was not to come last and try and get going right from the start, which was from the new international wing. The start was rolling which does not help when you are at the back as the cars you are trying to race with rather than being about 50 metres ahead are 800 metres in front as far more difficult to catch.

Final classification:  Position 37

Class position: 6th

Best Lap: 2.55

I think about a 2.51 lap time was possible as I became more familiar with the new track layout and as the fuel load was reducing. But towards the end of the race the top end revs dropped away again over the last 4 laps, which allowed 3 cars I had over taken to re-over take me again.

I had a very enjoyable race against a Maserati, Frazer Nash and XK140 for most of the race and for a brief time until the power dropped off with another DB2.

Pit Stop

Winners of the Woodcote Trophy Race


General Pictures of the Silverstone Classic Meeting

Le Mans Legends 1949 to 1965 Race 2011

MRL Le Mans Legends Race 2011      (Support race to the Le Mans 24hr Race)

Race Car:- Aston Martin DB2 light weight Le Mans 1951 (non-team car)

Paddock Shots before qualifying

Qualifying Thursday 9th June 1hour.

Weather warm slight wind and over cast.

Total laps:- 10.
Best Lap time:- 6mins 16sec.
Grid position:- 55th
Grid sizes:-61 Plus reserves.

Car ran well with some vibration at above 100mph. Before the pit stop to tighten the new half shafts the DB2 would only rev to 4,500rpm and a top speed of 115mph.The points were re-set and the car ran better at higher speed down the Mulsanne and rev to 5,500 and about 132mph.

The brakes were very good just a few clunks from the new springs but after a few laps this stopped.

The Race Saturday 11th 2011

Total Race Time:- 51mins 49sec.  Ave speed 126.2Kph

Total Laps:- 8

Best Lap time:- 6mins 4sec

Final Position:- 42nd

Class Position:- 6th.

Total starters:- 61

Top speed down Mulsanne:- 140mph at 5,800 rpm

Best Lap Ave speed:- 134.40Kph

Fastest lap:- 8th 

Sector Times:- All on 8th lap sector 1 = 58.36, 2 = 2.17.59, 3 = 2.49.02

Race Results Legends Le Mans 2011

Photos during the race

Car ran very well although top end speed started to drop off over the last two laps. The top speed down the Mulsanne was about 140mph for a few seconds but I think the car with a tune up would rev a little higher to about 6,200 rpm which should be good for about 143 mph.

Not bad for a 2,580 cc engine when all the other cars in the class were 3L plus.

I think the car would be capable of a lap time of about 5mins 55sec. I was a bit slow through sector 3 as it was my first drive at Le mans and I wanted to make sure I got the car to the end of the race.

I have a good race against the HRG Le Mans Light weight of Chris Conoley/Allen Tice, I over took them several times down the Mulsanne straight and going into Indianapolis but each time was over taken again going through the Porsche curves. They were a head at the end but it at least made a race of it as in these big races you can often end up going round on your own.

The brakes were very good and the car handled well after all the work to the rear end after the half shaft breaking in the previous race.

Post Race:-

Its a tough job

Duncan with Sir Stirling Moss (last Race)

Awards post race

Jonanthan and Susan pit crew

Darren taking kit down to the pits.

A few short videos at The Dunlop Turn and Bridge

My Thanks to the following people

Duncan & Lindsey for organizing a great race meeting.

Darren from Wren Classic (mechanic & pit crew).

Jonathan & Susan as pit crew.

Liz for going at all.

Donington Festival RAC Woodcote Trophy

RAC Woodcote Trophy Race 30th April 2011.

Weather :- Warm, Sunny, Windy.

Race Number:- 21

Qualifying: 30 minutes

Grid: 32 cars

Best Lap: 1min 38.9sec

Qualifying Position: 28th                 Row 14 on grid.

Car was handling better than normal with the rear end more controlled due to changes in the tyre pressures.

Had one small off at the old hairpin when I hit a patch of oil and went off backwards but got the car back under control and managed to avoid the gravel. Completed one more lap and came in as the track was slippery with oil and it was unlikely I was going to get any quicker.


Race:- 60 minutes.

Results:-   DNF   4 laps

The car was heavily fueled to to see how it handled with 85L of fuel as a test run before Lemans. The car was    moving about more at the rear with a pendulum effect going down to the old hairpin. So I planned to take it easy for 10 laps to get rid of some of the weight then pick up speed.

I was running 21st when the car broke its half shaft.

Half shaft broke off left rear wheel going into Redgate. Wheel went under car damaged some of the under side body work, brakes, hubs etc. Car came to rest side on mid way round Redgate corner. Not the best place to end up but I got out quickly and the race went under the safety car until my car as removed which only took a few minutes.

A Series of Photographs showing the the rear wheel coming away going into Redgate.

All Photographs by John Retter.

The car rear left side was trolley jacked up and the car was wheeled back to the Paddock by the Wren Sport Team.

The car should be OK for the Le Mans Legends Race on the 11th June which precedes the 24hrs race.