In fact he finished fifth overall both in the second heat and also on aggregate, and was third in the F1 class. His lap times had improved significantly over the course of the weekend.
De Cadenet decided not to go to the next World Championship race at Monza, although a curious organisation called Consultarace claimed to have rented the car for Nino Vaccarella to drive.
Instead he made the rather more ambitious decision to travel to the final two events of the season at Mosport and Watkins Glen, as Craft recalled: “In Alain’s wonderful chaotic way we went off to North America, via Page and Moy, with the fans.”
Craft was one of three drivers not to make the field at Mosport. However a soaking wet warm-up session saw Henri Pescarolo and Howden Ganley crash heavily enough to rule both men out of the race.
Craft and fellow non-qualifier Skip Barber were thus invited to join the back of the grid. Unfortunately after an overnight engine change in preparation for the upcoming US GP the Brabham didn’t run cleanly, and thus Chris had to cede his place to Pete Lovely.
“In Canada I was a reserve, but after other people had problems we got onto the grid. We came round to start the race, and the engine went all funny.
“It transpired that it had broken a cam, so we didn’t start. I can remember having a good few drinks afterwards, and riding a scrambles bike back to the hotel. The boys said, ‘How did you get past where the road was washed away?’ I didn’t even notice!”
Craft was guaranteed a start at Watkins Glen, where the Evergreen car was officially entered by Motor Racing Developments as a third works machine alongside Graham Hill and Tim Schenken. He qualified 27th in the 29-car field.
“I finally got used to how bad it was at Watkins Glen, and then you just adapt. I think it cut out and I spun it on the first lap. It stalled, and we got it going. I came in for a new battery and went out again.