Shelby Cup race

AC and Shelby Cobras

The first-ever Shelby Cup race for AC and Shelby Cobras fell to Rick and Rob Hall. However, the early running was made by Derek Hill aboard Daniella Ellerbrock’s Cobra Daytona Coupe. The former F3000 racer, and son of 1961 Formula One World Champion Phil, blasted into an early lead from pole position as Ludovic Caron and David Hart battled behind him. Hill eked out the lead and was among backmarkers inside ten laps. At quarter-distance, Hill pitted to hand over to Kenny Brack. The Swede then proceeded to lap at a blistering pace, only to return to the pits three tours later amid a fug of smoke.

Caron pitted two laps later, handing over to Anthony Reid. The Scot put on a charge to take the lead which he held until, with four minutes left to go, part of his car’s exhaust pipe worked loose. A further section threatened to do the same which resulted in him being black flagged. He resisted pitting for several laps until, with four minutes left to run, he drove into the pits. Reid returned trackside and finished third on the road although the results remain provisional. As the Hall family toasted success, Hart and Tom Cornonel finished a fighting second.