While many historic racers love Monaco for its glitz and history, equal numbers venture across the coast to the southwestern corner of France to Pau for the challenge of the circuit itself. Monaco and Pau are two demanding circuits, but Pau wins on the sheer concentration needed to master it.
The “round-the-houses” circuit was established back in 1933 and runs past the local railroad station rapidly uphill in a series of bends to the scenic Parc Beaumont, then plunges down again through another series of tough curves, measuring just under two miles. The Pau Grand Prix ran several times in the 1930s and 40’s with Bugattis and Delahayes often taking the honors. Fangio won for Maserati in 1948-49 and Jim Clark had a great record there in the 1960s.
Rising French historic star Flavien Marcais who was denied victory at Monaco due to a broken belt, avenged himself at Pau on May 25-26, by taking the main event for 3-Liter F1 cars in his BRM P180 over the March 761 of Peter Williams. American John Dimmer also put in an excellent performance in his Tyrrell 004 for a fine 3rd place and a class win. Marcais then stepped into his regular Cooper Bristol and was pushed hard to the flag by Julian Bronson who had won previously at Monaco.
Celebrities were a bit thin on the ground but Sir Stirling Moss had travelled across France to please the crowd, though not himself, as the engine of his Lola Mk I blew up comprehensively. As a result, the Sports Car 14 lapper then went to the Lotus 15 of David Haynes. The Historic F2 cars were only slightly slower than the F1 cars, with the March 712 of Robert Simac winning. The Prototypes were spectacular on the tight little course and Jonathan Baker’s wonderful sounding Ford F3l won from an ex-Bonnier Lola T-70. Rod Jolley was also on fine form in the HGPCA Pre-66 GP race in his Cooper T45/51.
Submitted by Ed McDonough
