Sturt wins the day, Moore's first race win
Steinthal is top rookie

The Legends Cars 2005 Winter Weekend got underway with three typically entertaining races on the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit yesterday (Saturday, 5th November). A strong entry combined much of the talent from the regular National Championship plus five rookie drivers.

The newcomers included two drivers who have bought cars and intend to contest next season's National Championship. Ex 250cc Kartist Darren Goulton (Bristol) has bought Lawrence Davey's race winning car, whilst former Saloon Car racer Brian Webb has acquuired the ex Steve Thompson's Ford Coupe. Joining this pair on circuit in the rookies this weekend were returnee Chris Robinson, lady racer Georgina Steinthal (right) and race instructor Nick Arnold.

The first race saw Dave Moore (right) take an early lead from a second row start. The Midland based automotive engineer was having his first race as a self prepared entry and was clearly happy with the car's set up as he moved into a two second lead. Former Winter Champions Ian Sturt and Thompson were soon cutting their way through the pack however and caught Moore with two of the six laps remaining. Moore, still looking for his maiden Legends Cars win, showed real nerve and held on to take the flag from Sturt and Thompson with Steve Mills fourth ahead of impressive returnee Lee Fitzpatrick. Top rookie was Robinson in 12th place ahead of Steinthal.

The second race saw more of the same with Sturt and Thompson at the front this time although Moore's confidence following his first ever Legends win was evident as he cut through the field to join the leading pair. Sturt took the win this time although Moore nabbed second from Thompson to tie with Sturt on the meeting points lead. Mills and Fitzpatrick repeated their fourth and fifth positions whilst Steinthal bagged rookie honours with 10th place.

The ten lap final was full of drama as a seven car train engaged in battle early on. Fitzpatrick the brothers Thompson were hard at it early on before Paul T found himself off the circuit at McLaren corner. Steve Mill then worked his way to the front only to be spun by Steve T on the start finish straight. The move was completely unintentional as Mills's engine hit the rev limter and Thompson went into the back of him. Mills's gyration was narrowly avoided by most of the field but Moore clipped him and deranged a tracking arm causing him to retire. Steve Thompson continued unabated chased by Sturt and Fitzpatrick to the flag. Top rookie this time was Gaulton who was 12th just ahead of Steinthal who was top tookie points scorer and also awarded 'Driver of the Day'.

Saturday's points: 1st Ian Sturt (570), 2nd Steve Thompson (540), 3rd Lee Fitzpatrick (470), 4th Steve Mills (450), 5th Gerard McCosh (420). Rookies: 1st Georgina Steinthal (250), 2nd Darren Gaulton (230), 3rd Nick Arnold (180).

Sunday

More Moore
Gaulton tops rookie standings

A huge crowd greeted the cars at Brands on Sunday although sadly the weather was not so kind as the circuit ranged from damp to extremely wet.

Dave Moore added his second win to his career tally in the second race although it was far from easy as Sturt and Thompson chased him hard. Thompson took the lead on the last lap as Moore went wide at Graham Hill Bend but Moore nipped back on the inside on the last corner and made it to the flag. Leading rookie was Chris Robinson.

Steve Thompson made no mistake in the second race but was chased by Moore who closed in towards the end, Sturt was again third with Fitzpatrick proving consistent as well as quick in fourth. Leading rookie this time was Darren Gaulton ahead of Brian Webb.

Leo Mailm led the final away and held on well until Surtees when Mills and the Thompson brothers worked their way through with Sturt, Nick Evans and Moore in tow. Once the places had settled down it was Steve T who got clear with Evans and Sturt fighting hard for second. Moore was coming though as well but got caught out by the slippy conditions going into Paddock at half distance, bumping into the rear of Evans's car. Evans in turn collected Sturt and the luckless pair found themselves in the gravel. Moore caught and passed Thompson to add another win to his tally and claim the day's overall points win. Thompson's second place meant that he was also second everall on the day but also left Brands as the weekend's top points scorer. Gaulton was again top rookie (and awarded 'Driver of the Day'), this time from Steinthal.

Sunday's points: 1st Dave Moore (585), 2nd Steve Thompson (570), 3rd Lee Fitzpatrick (480), 4th Steve Mills (460), 5th Gerard McCosh (410). Rookies: 1st Darren Gaulton (260), 2nd Georgina Steinthal (230), 3rd Brian Webb (200)