One-Litre F3 Historic Racing Association

8th-9th August 2026 - Castle Combe

De La Roche wins twice; newcomers star

Peter de la Roche clinched pole and won both races at a sunny HSCC 60th anniversary event at Castle Combe on 8/9 August. As often the case, that only tells half the story. Also noteworthy were some standout performances from newcomers to the One Litre F3 Historic Racing series.

Qualifying had de la Roche on pole by 0.2 from Jason Timms, Jason enjoying one of his best series so far this year. Third went to Oli Musgrave (ex Simon Haughton Chevron B15), a standout performance from the youngster in only his third outing in the car. Double winner at the last Brand Hatch round, Richard Trott (Brabham BT28) was fourth and feeling a bit off the pace. He was only 0.1 ahead of Jeremy Timms (Chevron B15) who in turn was followed by relative newcomer Ben Colburn (Merlyn Mk10), Jonathan Sharp (Chevron B17) and leading Class A protagonist, Chris Dunster (Lotus 31). The latter was another standout performance beating many of the more powerful and grippier Class B cars.      

Sadly, Andrew Tart’s immaculate Merlyn Mk9 caught fire leaving the ATME team tent. Thanks to the quick actions of nearby fellow competitors and team members, Andrew was extracted from the car and fire extinguished, although not before quite some damage to the car, Andrew suffering a burnt hand. The outstanding efforts and support of so many people for Andrew and Lynne, who was visibly shaken, are testament to the camaraderie in this paddock.

The remainder of the field left the assembly area and formed up on a two-by-two grid which meant each row was worryingly close to the one in front. Luckily, there were no incidents as the lights went out and field charged up to Avon Rise, Richard Trott having made a storming start mixing it with de la Roche, both Timms and Musgrave whilst a fast starting Sharp watched the unfolding scrap.

End of lap 1 and de la Roche led from Jason Timms soon to be passed by Jeremy with Oli Musgrave also passing Richard Trott. De la Roche gradually eked out a lead that eventually settled at an impressive 8 seconds at the flag ahead of Jeremy Timms with Jason third and Oli Musgrave fourth. Richard Trott was fifth ahead of Ben Colburn who had bravely despatched Jonathan Sharp at Quarry on lap 1, followed by Mark Pangborn who had given himself a talking to after qualifying. Sharp slipped down the order with a broken gear selector retiring on lap 7 having been bothered by Jeremy Rollason, another newcomer having a very impressive first outing in his ex Mike Walker Brabham BT21.

Further down the field other newcomers and regulars were mixing it. Ex hillclimber Clive Buffy was having a good run in his ex Mike Lamplough/ex Jolly Club Chevron B15 whilst former champion Leiff Bosson in his Jeremy Bennett run Brabham BT28 had a great scrap with YouTube vlogger and part time farmer, Martin Whitlock (Brabham BT21) 0.2 separating them at the flag.

Race 2 also started safely with de la Roche and both Timms going three abreast up-to Avon Rise. Lap 1 set the tone with de la Roche and Jason Timms embarking on a hard but fair race long duel. At one point Jason seemed to have an edge but on such a hot day, Peter reported that his temperatures were rising and he dropped back to cool things down before making a final push which got him front of Jason at the flag. Both looked very hot as they climbed from their cars and exchanged congratulations. Jeremy Timms retired with overheating. Oli Musgrave and Richard Trott both had lonely races to third and fourth, Oli deservedly bagging a podium spot in only his third single seater race. Mark Pangborn and Steve Seaman (Brabham BT21) rounded out the top six, whilst seventh and Class A winner was Chris Dunster ahead of Jeremy Rollason – another impressive race for the newcomer.

Only a short three-week break now until the prestigious Gold Cup at Oulton Park over August Bank Holiday weekend.

Castle-Combe-2026-Results.pdf [PDF]