My Month in Cars: Nigel Greensall

Barcelona, March 21-23

The Peter Auto season opener, four cars in five races, all with John Emberson. John achieved his first outright pole position – at night, in the rain – in his Morgan SLR for the Gentlemen Challenge. We raced John’s Chevron B19 in the Classic Endurance Racing 1 race – second overall, class win and fastest lap – then his ‘Chocolate Drop’ B26 in the CER2 race. Sadly, John had a collision with a Porsche that was rejoining the track on lap one.

The other car was his Corvette C6.R GT2 in Endurance Racing Legends. I got pole in night qualifying, then in race one we finished eighth (fourth in class), then fourth overall (second in class) with fastest lap in race two. What a terrific weekend’s racing.

Brands Hatch, March 29

Saturday was spent racing in the Equipe Prototype Challenge with Richard and Matthew Chamberlain. Their company CTR Developments, the Porsche engine rebuild specialist, has designed and made its own sports prototype called a CTR 01. A beautiful little thing – around Brands Indy we were doing 44sec laps. I turned up, sat in it for the first time and put it on the front row. Then sadly as I drove to the pre-grid the alternator belt snapped. We must try again.

Brands Hatch, April 6

Racing with David Hudson in the BMW 116 Trophy, in a 90-minute endurance race. Great fun. Lots of red flags and safety cars in qualifying so we didn’t get a lap in. I started 29th and by the time we pitted I was up to P2 – 18 overtakes in 11 laps on the Indy circuit! A fantastic series for people who are coming into the sport. The cars are inexpensive with about 130bhp and the top 20 are covered by a second.

Our top events this month

Motogp – French Grand Prix

Le Mans, France, May 9-11 A month before those Hypercar behemoths arrive at Le Mans, two-wheeled titans take over – on the Bugatti Circuit which has been home to French GP motorcycle racing since 2000. This is a tight track, so expect late braking and hard acceleration. Capacity is 100,000; tickets from £105.

Uk Slot Car Festival

British Motor Museum, Gaydon, May 10-11 It’s a given that Motor Sport-ites will have an appreciation of slot cars, so this small-scale spectacular will leave many dizzy with anticipation. Free tracks to use, race competitions, a chance to meet the Scalextric design team – and you’re permitted to have a wander around the British Motor Museum. 10am-4pm; entry from £17.

WRC – Portugal Rally

Matosinhos/Porto, Portugal, May 15-18 An ever-present on the rally calendar since WRC’s inception in 1973 (apart from a Covid cancellation in 2020). Stages are centred around Porto; get yourself a glass of white port – you’ll thank us. Then head to the legendary Fafe jump – it’ll be busy – and pay a visit to McRae Rock.

50 Years of Car Racing at Knockhill

Knockhill, Fife, May 17-18 The first race here was May 18, 1975 and to mark this milestone, Knockhill is rewinding to the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s for a “best of Scottish” fest. Expect a recreation of the opening ceremony Formula 5000 race. Entry from £17.

Historics – Masters Historic Festival

Brands Hatch, Kent, May 31-June 1 A rollicking schedule of F1, sports cars and touring cars of old – look out for the new Masters Demo Legends for 1990s F1 cars. Qualifying on Saturday; main race day on Sunday. From £27.

More Events

May 10 WEC – Spa, Belgium
May 11 JapShow – Santa Pod, Beds
May 23-25 Formula 1 – Monaco GP