Last weekend, Sylvie Mullins made her mark at the final Irish Championship Circuit Racing meeting of 2023 at Mondello Park. With determination coursing through her veins, Mullins set out to break Cian Carey’s outright lap record. For years, the record stood at 50.22 seconds, courtesy of Nigel Greensall. However, Carey managed to slash this time to 49.275 seconds last year in his Formula 3 Dallara F317. Mullins, in her powerful four-liter Gould GR55B hillclimb car, obliterated the record in the first BOSS Ireland race, achieving a breathtaking time of 48.129 seconds. Not stopping there, Mullins, after making a few adjustments, astoundingly lowered the record even further to 47.380 seconds in the second race. Her achievement surpassed Carey’s old record by almost two seconds, solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with on the track.
At Silverstone last weekend, the Classic Formula Ford racer Russell Giles turned heads with his Van Diemen RF77, adorned in a stunning livery inspired by McLaren M23/8-2, the car in which Gilles Villeneuve made his F1 debut in the 1977 British Grand Prix. Giles’ attention to detail was impeccable, as the car even carried Villeneuve’s iconic number 40. During the race, the RF77, designed by David Baldwin, who also created renowned period F1 Ensigns, showcased styling cues reminiscent of that era. Despite encountering a faulty water temperature gauge, Villeneuve impressed spectators by skillfully maneuvering the two-year-old chassis into a seventh-place position before being forced to pit. Giles’ tribute to Villeneuve perfectly encapsulated the nostalgia and passion of motorsport history.
A Delta Sunbeam Stiletto Returns to the Track
Motorsport enthusiast Ray Rowan recently acquired the long-dormant Delta-based Sunbeam Stiletto, previously commissioned by Pat Mannion, the boss of Revolution Wheels, and last raced regularly by Peter Thurston at Lydden. Inspired by racing Paul Knapton’s Maguire Stiletto, Rowan decided to take the Delta Sunbeam Stiletto for a run at Curborough. Encouraged by its performance, he made the bold decision to support the Historic Sports Car Club’s Modsports and Special Saloon finale at Silverstone last weekend. Equipped with a 1600cc Ford twin-cam engine, the car qualified sixth. However, an unfortunate broken stub axle prematurely ended Rowan’s day at Becketts. Unfazed, Rowan still praised the car’s stability, highlighting its potential for future success on the track.
At Snetterton last weekend, Marcus Bicknell bid farewell to his racing career in style. The 75-year-old former Clubmans racer brought his Joey Logano-tribute, Taurus-styled V8 ASCAR to the race. Although the first Classic and Modern Motorsport Club race saw Bicknell face difficulties with his car stuck in third gear, he showcased his unwavering spirit and determination. In race two, he roared back from 28th place to secure a commendable 15th place finish. As Bicknell closed this chapter of his motorsport journey, his final race demonstrated his resilience and love for the sport.
The weekend of motorsport showcased thrilling triumphs and emotional moments. Sylvie Mullins shattered records, solidifying her dominance on the track. Russell Giles paid homage to the legendary Gilles Villeneuve, capturing the essence of motorsport history. Ray Rowan embraced a new racing endeavor, showcasing the potential of the Delta Sunbeam Stiletto. Finally, Marcus Bicknell bid a fond farewell to his racing career, leaving behind a legacy of determination and passion. These stories highlight the indomitable spirit of the racing community and remind us of the exhilaration that motorsport brings to both participants and spectators alike.
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