Local saloon car racing legend, Vince Woodman, is praying his beloved 'Cologne Capri' will be fit for this weekend's Rapid Racking Classic Carnival, with a race against time to ready the car's engine for Castle Combe's highlight to its week of 'classic' events.
The car, which was built for the Ford Motor Company in 1973 by 'Broadspeed', has a cult status amongst race fans, having won numerous championships and races both here and in Europe, including the Belgian and Swedish saloon car championships. Its 464 bhp engine was significantly more powerful than anything of its kind in its day.
Following an engine failure at its last race, the car's original engine builders, Swindon Racing Engines, have been working flat out to restore the complex 3.4 litre 'GAA' Ford unit to full health, a shortage of parts delaying their progress.
At Castle Combe's Classic Retro and Sports Car Action Day last Saturday (6th June) Woodman, from Frampton Cotterell, drove what is likely to be the main rival this weekend, the sister Cologne built Capri now owned by Shaun Lynn as he headed a record 119 Capri's around the circuit celebrating the car's 40th anniversary. Slightly less powerful than Woodman's, the car was originally driven by the likes of Niki Lauda in long distance races. With Woodman's car on show, less engine, this was the first time the two 'sister' cars had been seen together.
Said Vince, "I am so grateful to Shaun for lending us his car to show everyone and it's been interesting to compare it with mine. Everyone has been working flat out and non stop and we will do everything we can to make the race. After winning it last year, it will be great to compete against Shaun's car as well as the BMW Batmobiles which were our main rivals in the 1970's."
Once again co-driving the car in the 'Stars of the 70's' touring car race is Dan Cox from Bristol, an accomplished historic car driver who was an integral part of the win last year.
The 45 minute race is on Saturday afternoon at 12.30.
More information available on-line at www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk
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