"The ETCC still was in bad shape, despite fine weather and a race on the traditional Nürburgring track - where it all began, in 1963. Jaguar was present, that was a relief, and fine battles could be expected in the 2000 and 1600 cc classes. But Jaguar, the 1963 winners, brought 12 engines with them, although there should have been a simple solution to their oil surge problem: from July 1, a dry sump system was allowed prevented it had been homologated - which Jaguar had not done.
Alpina, main competitor, had hired Quester and Nilsson to bring the second victory to this immaculate car - just one out of six so far was most disappointing. Zakspeed, another great name from the ETCC past, sent two Mampe Escorts with Heyer/Hahne and Schommers/Müller Sr - and dry sump engines, of course.
Yet again one Jaguar retired after only after one lap: Fitzpatrick, starting from pole, lost oil pressure at Breidscheid. Their pole position time had actually been slower than Stuck’s 1976 time, by the way.
The second Jag however came in better shape the further the race developed, but still the winning Alpina BMW could lower its lap time to 9.15 with ease. The Zakspeed car of Heyer and Hahne finished third, with the Luigi BMW of Xhenceval/Dieudonné/Grohs fourth after a troublesome race."
Frank De Jong, March 4th 1959 - March 10th 2018
2 авг 2024
