Smith scores F2 double at the Nurburgring
Irish ace Darwin Smith was the star of the Historic Sports Car Club’s Historic Formula 2 Championship with a double victory during rounds five and six at the Nurburgring (31 May/1 June).
The German double-header marked the third event of the 2014 season for the FIA-sanctioned International Series, which will now visit Brands Hatch, Zandvoort and Dijon over the second half of the year.
Young Northern Ireland racer Smith, a former rising star of British single-seater racing, won both Historic Formula 2 races at the Nurburgring driving the March 722 owned for four decades by his father John. On his first visit to the Grand Prix version of the German track Darwin also claimed pole position, set fastest lap and led every lap of each race. “I'm really more than happy: it’s been a perfect weekend,” said Smith after his second victory.
Second in both races was Swiss racer Hans Peter with his Ralt RT1 with current champion Robert Simac (March 712) third in race one and Peter Williams (March 782) third in race two after a storming drive from the back of the grid following retirement in race one.
Class A for the earlier 1600cc cars was dominated by Frenchman Simac with fellow Frenchman Alain Lagache (March 712M) second both times from 2012 champion Tim Barrington (Lola T240). Also showing well in the class for Formula Atlantic cars was championship newcomer Myles Castaldini in his Brabham BT38.
The Historic Formula 2 Championship season continues with rounds seven and eight at Brands Hatch GP on 12/13 July.
