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CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Report and Photos

Sean Allen in his 1980 McLaren M30. DennisGray
Sean Allen in his 1980 McLaren M30.

The 11th annual Classic Sports Racing Group (CSRG) Charity Challenge was held October 3-5, 2014 at the 12-turn, 2.52-mile Sonoma Raceway Sears Point in Sonoma, California. The event featured a strong field of more than 250 historic race cars, with pre-war, sports racing, production and GT entrants running in eight race groups. Open-wheel racers from Masters HGP and Formula 5000 Drivers Association were the featured classes at this year’s vintage car race.

Masters HGP joined the event with more than twenty Formula 1 cars from the 1970s to the early ’80s.It had been two years since this series visited the West Coast, and the class was highlighted by John Delane’s 1971 Tyrrell 002; Nicholas Colyvas’ 1974 Tyrrell 007; Harindra De Silva’s 1974 Shadow DN3; Eddie Lawson’s 1977 Wolf WR4; Sean Allen’s 1980 McLaren M30; Chris Locke’s 1976 Lotus 77; Nathan Kinch’s 1982 McLaren MP4 and Laurence Kinch’s 1980 Ferrari 312T5.

Nathan Kinch was unstoppable at Sonoma in the CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 for Masters HGP cars. The Brit, in his McLaren MP4/1B, won both races at the Californian circuit having been the man to beat in the qualifying session as well.

Kinch started the opener from pole and scorched his McLaren into the lead, coping with temperatures reaching 34 degrees. On the twisty circuit, he built his advantage to win from Bud Moeller’s ex-Derek Daly Ensign N177 who rocketed his way up from sixth on the grid and local hero Steve Cook’s March 741 who was the best of the Pre-1978 division drivers. Having qualified an impressive second fastest, Cook took an excellent third in the first race, belying the age of the car. Behind him, Sean Allen’s McLaren M30 secured fourth place ahead of four-times World Motorcycle Champion Eddie Lawson who was fifth in his Masters HGP debut driving a Wolf WR4, after a race-long tussle with Greg Thornton’s March 761 and Martin Lauber’s Wolf WR6.

Kinch blasted clear at the start of the second race and once more was able to establish a lead, although the race had to be halted early after late-entry Michael Eckstein crashed his Williams FX3B. Behind Kinch, Moeller chased hard in his Ensign to secure second place. Cook’s impressive pace in his ex-Hans Stuck March continued as he ran third early on, but a cracked fuel line ruled him out of the race. That allowed Martin Lauber up to third after a great scrap with Greg Thornton’s March, while new four-wheel convert Lawson bagged fifth from Allen’s McLaren. Chris Locke’s Lotus 77 was seventh ahead of Nic Colyvas’s Shadow DN5 who took eighth despite a spin, while Scott Drnek took ninth in John Delane’s Tyrrell 002, its owner having raced it on Saturday.

The Formula 5000 Drivers Association racers were also featured at the CSRG Charity Challenge 2014. Finishing first in F5000 Class A (pre-1972 cars) was Bruce Leeson driving a 1969 McLaren M10B. Bruce returns to F5000 racing at his home track after almost a two-year absence. Second in Class A was Bruce Sevier in a 1968 Lola T140. Sevier and Seb Coppola in a Lola T192 had a spirited dual during the Sunday race swapping second and third place positions early in the race. After Coppola retired with gearbox problems, Sevier cruised to a second place finish. Finishing third was Tony Adamowicz in the 1969 Gurney Eagle in which he won the 1969 F5000 Championship. Tony suffered from low tire grip throughout the weekend but kept the car on track to clinch third place.

Finishing first in F5000 Class B (1972-1976 cars) and first overall in the group was Paul Wilson in his 1973 March 73A (ex-John Cannon/Skip Barber car). Wilson dominated with fastest laps through practice, qualifying and the feature race. Coming off an unfortunate incident at the prior race event at Road America in July which cost him a likely top three finish, Wilson was unbeatable at Sonoma.

Second place in Class B went to Tom Malloy in his 1974 ex-Vern Schuppan Jorgensen Eagle 755. After experiencing gearbox problems in the qualifying race, Malloy drove a spirited feature race staying just ahead of Jim Stengel who finished third in Class B in his 1973 McRae GM1.

In addition to the wailing F1 and booming F5000 machines, further notable and interesting entrants at the CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 included Charles McCabe’s 1955 Maserati 250F; Richard Duncan’s 1966 Leonhart USRRC Special; Ian Wood’s 1965 Fournier Marcadier Barquette; Dennis Losher’s 1971 Shadow Mk II Can-Am; Jim Gallucci’s McLaren M8C Can-Am; Jim Stengel’s 1973 McLaren M8F Can-Am; Jim Froula’s 1972 Nissan Skyline GTR; Mike Thurlow’s 1973 Lola T294; Tom Claridge’s 1953 Kurtis 500S and Nick Colonna’s 1963 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe.

Proceeds from this race weekend benefited the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC), the charitable arm of the raceway. CSRG has contributed over $600,000 to Sonoma County youth organizations through Speedway Children’s Charities since 2004.

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Similar to the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 races, Senior Photographer Dennis Gray also documented the CSRG Charity Challenge 2014. We split up Dennis’ 120 pictures into two galleries. The first gallery starting below features our favorite images, all displayed in the full-width view of Sports Car Digest, while the second gallery and race results can be found on the last page of the article and gives a comprehensive view of all the photographs.

CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Featured Photo Gallery

 

Eddie Lawson's 1977 Wolf WR4 into turn four.
Eddie Lawson’s 1977 Wolf WR4 into turn four.
Tony Adamowicz's Eagle.
Tony Adamowicz’s Eagle.
Allen Nicholas in his 1978 MARCH 78B in turn thee.
Allen Nicholas in his 1978 MARCH 78B in turn thee.
Dave Zurlinden's 1977 Chevron B39 FA.
Dave Zurlinden’s 1977 Chevron B39 FA.
Tom Malloy's AAR Gurney Eagle.
Tom Malloy’s 1974 ex-Vern Schuppan Jorgensen Eagle 755.
John Obialero's 1973 Lola T332 over the hill into turn three.
John Obialero’s 1973 Lola T332 over the hill into turn three.
Marlboro Williams-Iso Rivolta Formula 1
Marlboro Williams-Iso Rivolta Formula 1
Peter Inshaw's 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spyder.
Peter Inshaw’s 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider.

 

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CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Two

 

Jim Stengel's 1973 McLaren M8F.
Jim Stengel’s 1973 McLaren M8F.
Jim Gallucci's McLaren M8.
Jim Gallucci’s McLaren M8C.
Dennis Losher's wonderful 1971 Shadow Mk.ll.
Dennis Losher’s wonderful 1971 Shadow Mk.II.
Ron Hornig's 1971 Brabham BT-35 FB.
Ron Hornig’s 1971 Brabham BT-35 FB.
Through the Quick Dry is the 1972 Nissan Skyline driven by Jim Froula.
Through the Quick Dry is the 1972 Nissan Skyline driven by Jim Froula.
Tom Claridge's 1953 Kurtis 500S-22.
Tom Claridge’s 1953 Kurtis 500S-22.
Charles McCabe's 1955 Maserati 250F.
Charles McCabe’s 1955 Maserati 250F.
Bruce Miller's 1963 Chevrolet Corvette.
Bruce Miller’s 1963 Chevrolet Corvette.

 

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CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Three

 

Nick Colonna's Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag Coupe
Nick Colonna’s Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag Coupe
1959 Lancia Dagrada FJr. driven by Mark Sange. This car is powered by a neat v4 with dual Webers,
1959 Lancia Dagrada FJr. driven by Mark Sange. This car is powered by a neat v4 with dual Webers,
Richard Duncan's 1966 Leonhart USRRC special in turn ten.
Richard Duncan’s 1966 Leonhart USRRC Special in turn ten.
Seb Coppola's 1970 Lola T192 late Friday afternoon as the sun drops.
Seb Coppola’s 1970 Lola T192 late Friday afternoon as the sun drops.
1968 Lola T140 driven by Bruce Sevier.
1968 Lola T140 driven by Bruce Sevier.
Ian Wood's 1965 Fournier Marcadier Barquette.
Ian Wood’s 1965 Fournier Marcadier Barquette.
Bruce Leeson in his Ginger People 1969 McLaren M10B.
Bruce Leeson in his Ginger People 1969 McLaren M10B.
Paul Wilson in his 1973 MARCH 73A, quickest F5000 of the weekend
Paul Wilson in his 1973 MARCH 73A, quickest F5000 of the weekend

 

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CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Four

 

Into the shadows cast by the setting sun Laurence Kinch in his 1980 Ferrari 312T5.
Into the shadows cast by the setting sun Laurence Kinch in his 1980 Ferrari 312T5.
Tony Adamowicz in his 1969 Gurney Eagle F5000.
Tony Adamowicz in his 1969 Gurney Eagle F5000.
Keith Frieser's 1973 Shadow DN1 in turn two late Friday afternoon.
Keith Frieser’s 1973 Shadow DN1 in turn two late Friday afternoon.
Vern Neff's Lotus 18 up the hill towards turn two.
Vern Neff’s Lotus 18 up the hill towards turn two.
William Jordanov's 1975 Shadow DN5 exiting turn two.
William Jordanov’s 1975 Shadow DN5 exiting turn two.
Jon Wactor's 1970 Porsche 914/6 GT in turn two.
Jon Wactor’s 1970 Porsche 914/6 GT in turn two.
Fred Della Noce in his Gineta G12.
Fred Della Noce in his Ginetta G12.
Turn two. Brian Mertz's 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint in turn two.
Turn two. Brian Mertz’s 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint in turn two.

 

The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Five

 

Steve Torp's 1967 Porsche 912 in turn two.
Steve Torp’s 1967 Porsche 912 in turn two.
Charles McCabe's 1955 Maserati 250F.
Charles McCabe’s 1955 Maserati 250F.
Ron Erickson's 1957 Corvette.
Ron Erickson’s 1957 Corvette.
Tom Malloy's AAR Gurney Eagle.
Tom Malloy’s AAR Gurney Eagle.
Nicholas Colyvas' 1974 Tyrrell 007/3.
Nicholas Colyvas’ 1974 Tyrrell 007/3.
Lancia V/4 in the F Jr. Dagrada driven by Mark Sange.
Lancia V/4 in the F Jr. Dagrada driven by Mark Sange.
Ron Erickson's 1957 283ci Chevrolet Corvette engine with Rochester FI.
Ron Erickson’s 1957 283ci Chevrolet Corvette engine with Rochester FI.
Jeffrey Rothman's 1965 Forsgrini Veloce.
Jeffrey Rothman’s 1965 Forsgrini Veloce.

 

The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Six

 

Start of Sunday's Group 4A/4B race. Michael Reischi's 1968 Chevron GT.
Start of Sunday’s Group 4A/4B race. Michael Reischi’s 1968 Chevron GT.
Mike Thurlow's rapid 1973 Lola T294.
Mike Thurlow’s rapid 1973 Lola T294.
Randall Smith's Chevron B19.
Randall Smith’s Chevron B19.
Robert Forbes in his 1967 Brabham BT21.
Robert Forbes in his 1967 Brabham BT21.
Buzz Dyer's 1970 AMC Javelin.
Buzz Dyer’s 1970 AMC Javelin.
Jim Froula's 1972 Nissan Skyline.
Jim Froula’s 1972 Nissan Skyline.
Alan Terpins in his 1967 Porsche 911T.
Alan Terpins in his 1967 Porsche 911T.
Nicholas Colyvas in his 1974 Tyrrell 007/3.
Nicholas Colyvas in his 1974 Tyrrell 007/3.

 

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CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Featured Photo Gallery Page Seven

 

1976 Penske PC4 driven by Ron Maydon.
1976 Penske PC4 driven by Ron Maydon.
John Delane in his 1971 Tyrrell 002.
John Delane in his 1971 Tyrrell 002.
Bud Moeller's Ensign MN179.
Bud Moeller’s Ensign MN179.
Harindra De Silva's 1974 Shadow DN3.
Harindra De Silva’s 1974 Shadow DN3.
Chris Locke's 1976 Lotus 77.
Chris Locke’s 1976 Lotus 77.
Sean Allen in his 1980 McLaren M30.
Sean Allen in his 1980 McLaren M30.
Nathan Kinch's 1982 McLaren MP4.
Nathan Kinch’s 1982 McLaren MP4.
Corvette, E-Type and Mustang into the sunrise.
Corvette, E-Type and Mustang into the sunrise.

 

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CSRG Charity Challenge 2014 – Main Photo Gallery (click image for larger picture and description)

 

[nggallery id=746 images=15]

 

The unauthorized use and/or duplication of any editorial or photographic content from sportscardigest.com without express and written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to sportscardigest.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

[Source: Masters HGP; Formula 5000; Dennis Gray]

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13 Comments

  1. Wonderful pictures! Great light, too. Any reason why all images are basically shot at the same angle? I would have liked more variety, if at all possible.

    1. Please let me reiterate how much I always enjoy your photos. My complaint is not of the quality of the image or the ones you selected, which we can all agree are impactful, but that I would have liked to see more variations of the track, more angles of the cars and so forth. In this gallery, it became monotonous seeing the same front 1/4 angle over and over. I looked again and we didn’t see the right side of any car in the entire gallery. My two cents.

  6. Great shots as always Dennis!

    As you’ve taught me, the choice of point of view depends on many factors including the light at that time, the background, and access / safety considerations, not to mention the location of photo holes. ;-). These are things that many spectators may not recognize.

    Mike

  7. Being an avid historic car enthusiast, every Thursday morning is like Christmas morning with your images, you never know what’s going to be there, but it is always great! Attended the svra at indy this year and it was awesome, to see these works of art in motion is truly priceless and then brought to life with the lens…..wow!! Can you give us an insight on the equipment used, lens type, body etc..? Thanks for makin Thursdays awesome!

  9. Yes, great pictures and with captions telling us not only the make of car, but also the driver. And Historic F 1 beats the modern stuff hands down, pretty cars that make the right noise! Nathan Kinch is one very quick driver, also running at the front when racing in Europe.

  10. Excellent photography, you consistently produce outstanding images that capture these moments in a manner such that we feel the action, speed and excitement of being not only there, but driving one of those fantastic machines (absent the G force), Thanks Dennis!