Julian Thomas drove his Jaguar E-Type with Calum Lockie and journalist and Top Gear presenter Chris Harris. The car qualified a very creditable 18th, with a time of 2:52.930 as the fastest E-Type. Two Denis Welch Motorsport prepared Austin Healey's would also compete. Nils-Fredrik Nyblaeus in his 3000, YOP 999, co-drivng with Jaap Sinke, starting 39th and Tony Worthington driving his car, TSU 680, with 6 hours rookie Simon Drinkall who qualified 62nd.
The race start was delayed by nearly an hour, the large field was a real mix and included 14 very fast Ford GT40's. A last minute technical problem on the grid meant all 4 wheels needed to be changed on the the Thomas Jaguar, an 'F1 style' pit stop was necessary as there was so little time!
For the Healey's the race would be relatively uneventful. Nils-Fredrik Nyblaus and co-driver Jaap Sinke would have a great result finishing 23rd overall, the highest placed Austin Healey. Tony Worthington and Simon Drinkall broke with their scheduled stop plan throughout the race which did cause a little head scratching amongst the crew who sprung into action when the car appeared unexpectedly. They would finish 36th out of the 76 who completed the race.
In the Jaguar, Julian Thomas would take the first 2 hour and 15 minute stint in the car before handing over to Chris Harris who was able to run as high as 4th. By now it was getting quite dark and Harris really struggled without the additional driving lights which were were fitted at the next pit stop and Lockie's stint.The trio would go on to finish a very impressive 14th overall and 3rd in class, the highest placed E-Type. There was little rest for the car though as the team had to work quickly to turn the car around for the Gentleman Drivers race the next day.
Overall a fantastic race for Denis Welch Motorsport. All cars entered completed the distance without drama for the first time in a number of years and came home with good results, the hard work by the team over the weekend really paid off.
Chris Harris on Cars - Officially The Best E-Type!
Throughout the weekend Chris Harris was keen to broadcast to his 178k social media followers posting a number of photographs and comments.
One in particular though was saved directly for Managing Director Jeremy Welch.
"I've driven a number of E-Types, but this is the best I've ever driven, a real credit to the team".
You can find the full race results sheet HERE
Photos: Jeff Bloxham, Charlie Wooding, John Retter & Denis Welch Motorsport