ValdeVienne started with storm, rain, cold, hail and a sopping wet track. We started on Dunlops while the others were on rain tires (rules appeared to be changed but we didn't know that). As a result we qualified as 36th of the 42 entries. The Marcos was fitted with the spare engine – as the regular engine wasn't ready yet - but was very well prepared. On Sunday race 1 (Joep) started at 10.45 and it hadn't been raining anymore as from 6 a.m. The very nice track was still slippery here and there but the Dunlops fitted Marcos was getting better and better. Finally finished as 24th but it would have been better if the race had last a bit longer…

Now it was all up to Dirk: race 2 at 15.45 from position 24. Due to sunshine, lots of wind and many races the track was completely dry now. Dirk's start wasn't too wonderful but further he improved his laptimes lap by lap. After 4 laps he was already at 16th place and still going faster and faster on the Dunlops. Alpines, Commodores, Porsches 911s, (all on Toyos or Yokohamas) were devoured, a Lotus Cortina and many others were lapped. At the finish Dirk appeared to be at the 8th position and passed the chequered flag as 1st pre-66 car!

The pre-1976 group was won by a very fast and wonderful driven Ford Escort BDA followed by a five Porsches ST, RS but in any case with a 2.7 or 3.0 litre engine.

Apart from the initial bad weather we've had a very pleasant weekend. Saturday afternoon after the qualification the Asave had organised an aperitif with lots of food and drinks, very enjoyable.

In about 4 weeks there is an event on Circuit de Charade near Clermont-Ferrand, seems to be very beautiful…

Click here for all the photos.