ABOUT

Focused on the cars of the British Saloon Car Championship’s Pre-1983 era, the Group 1 race will carry the Vince Woodman Trophy title in memory of the local hero, who won 12 races in the era, driving Equipe Esso Ford Capris. “We are privileged to have Dad honoured in this way at Castle Combe. He would be so proud that his name will be remembered in this way at the circuit he loved above all others,” said son James Woodman. It also cements Automobiles Historiques’ ongoing bond with the evolving Castle Combe Racing Club, which hosted the GTSCC for the first time in 2017.

“The Gerry Marshall Trophy touring car event at Goodwood [debuted at the 72nd Members’ Meeting of 2014, which bridged the gap from the contemporary circuit’s closure in 1966] always produce spectacular racing. Its following is growing [two grids last year, and cars in-build], but having made the investment many owners now want to compete more often, against cars of similar performance, with the same tyres on a level playing field. That’s what we are offering,” says Flavien Marçais.

“Group 1 was such a lovely era, but current car owners may not want to compete alongside slick-shod Sierra RS500s. There is definitely an appetite for stand-alone races and ours will put them in the spotlight,” says Lindsey Warren, who strengthens the Automobiles Historiques team working alongside founders Flavien and Vanessa [Finburgh] as series co-ordinator.

Lindsey brings vast experience to the role, having started with the Le Mans Legend race in 2001. “My first race meeting was at Brands Hatch with Production Saloons in the ’70s. Seeing Capris go wheel-to-wheel with Dollys [Triumph Dolomite Sprints] still fills my heart with joy,” said Warren, who organised MRL’s Tony Dron Trophy [for Group 1, within its Historic Touring Car Challenge] for several years.

All cars must run to period specifications used in FIA Group 1 and conform to Appendix J of the relevant period, or to period Group 1½ British Saloon Car Championship specs, conforming with the relevant regulations. All must comply with Appendix K, as well as the event organiser’s regulations. A valid Historic Technical Passport is recommended, but is not mandatory. Dunlop Post-Historic tyres are obligatory, regardless of weather conditions. 

Entry to the Group 1 Touring Car race at Castle Combe is by invitation only. Car and driver selections are at the sole discretion of the organiser and promoters, who may accept cars from a later period provided that they are in the spirit of the series. Four classes will be run for cars from 1966-’82, split by engine capacity: up to 1600cc, 1601-2500cc, 2501-4000cc and over 4000cc. Per the GTSCC, organisers reserve the right to move cars into another class to balance performance. Contact is invited via email: competitors@group1tc.com

Group 1 Touring Cars and GTSCC will henceforth be registered by CCRC with Motorsport UK, alongside Castle Combe’s resident championships and series.