3rd May 1987 - Ringwood - Southern Championship
Report by Dave Cox from Motoring News
Track conditions were made difficult by a strong wind blowing
sand onto the surface, but Graham Sinclair coped well, sweeping
past race leader John Lowe on lap 3 to open up a half lap
margin in the first heat. Paul Sinclair took second place
on lap five but made little impression on Graham's lead while
Basil Craske was trying everything to pass Lowe for third.
Lowe held on grimly with Craske fourth ahead of Dermot McGivern
and Harry Sayell.
Lowe set the pace in heat two until Graham Sinclair took
up the running with Paul Sinclair soon through to second as
a four car battle for third developed between Lowe, Craske,
McGivern and Sayell. Sayell spun trying, to pass McGivern
whilst Craske outbraked Lowe to go third. Craske rapidly closed
on Paul Sinclair and a furious dice for second place eroded
the gap to the leader. Time ran out however, Graham Sinclair
taking his second win from brother Paul, Craske, Lowe, McGivern
and Dave Wesbroom.
The Southern Championship awaited the winner of the 25 lap
final with Paul Sinclair the defending Champion. Once again
Lowe set the pace until Graham Sinclair took up his customary
position on lap 3 as a determined Paul Sinclair rapidly moved
through the field into third spot. Paul made short work of
passing Lowe and set off after his brother while Craske and
Sayell moved in on Lowe. Paul soon caught Graham and a hammer
and tongs battle developed for the lead with Lowe busy fending
off Craske and Sayell for third. With three laps to run Paul
Sinclair summoned up the courage for a successful late braking
attempt to take the lead from Graham and retain the title.
Graham Sinclair was a close second ahead of Lowe, Craske,
Sayell and Wesbroom. Duncan Reed's long journey from Suffolk
was in vain for clutch and suspension problems in practice
prevented him from racing his new car.
