Formula Vee's Dramatic Return to Castle Combe
The Formula Vee series made a thrilling return to Castle Combe for the first time since 2018 during the May Madness event on Monday. The event, part of the Castle Combe Racing Club's 2025 calendar, showcased intense racing action under varying weather conditions, from dry tracks to sudden monsoon-like downpours. Champion driver Matt Harbot, piloting his AHS Dominator, emerged victorious, securing his fourth win in as many races this season.
The spotlight, however, was shared with local favorite John Hughes, who returned to the track after a six-year hiatus. Hughes, driving a rare Scarab Mk5, proved he hadn't lost his edge by challenging Harbot fiercely in the opening race. Despite initially outmaneuvering Harbot, Hughes admitted to a critical error at Bobbies corner, saying, 'I screwed up Bobbies and handed the lead back.' This mistake allowed Harbot to reclaim his position and ultimately clinch the win.
Race Highlights and Standout Performances
The day's races were marked by intense competition and dramatic shifts due to the weather. In the second Formula Vee race, Harbot again took the victory, with Hughes finishing strong in second place. Other notable performances included Peter Studer in his TCR Challenger, who battled through the challenging conditions to secure a commendable third place after starting fourth behind Richard Walsh in a GAC earlier in the day.
Additional top finishers in the second race included Chauhan, Gregory, and Mason, rounding out the top six as reported in posts found on X from the Castle Combe Circuit account. The unpredictable weather tested every driver's skill and strategy, making each position hard-fought and well-earned. Meanwhile, the Saloon races saw Adam Prebble dominate the opener in his Vauxhall Astra turbo, while champion Harrison Chamberlain was forced to retire his VW Golf due to turbo pipe issues.
In the Saloon category, SEAT Leon drivers Haydn King and Bill Brockbank led the chase behind Prebble, with King pushing his supercharged model past Brockbank's newer turbocharged Cupra. Mark Wyatt finished fourth and claimed the class B win in his Astra, while Wayne Rushworth held off Nathan Sutton in the MG ZR-rich class C, showcasing the depth of talent across different racing categories at the event.
Looking Ahead for Formula Vee at Castle Combe
The May Madness event has reignited excitement for Formula Vee at Castle Combe, drawing attention to the series' competitive spirit and the circuit's storied history with motorsport. Fans and drivers alike are eager to see if this return marks a more regular presence for Formula Vee at the Wiltshire track, known for its challenging layout and passionate local fanbase.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Matt Harbot to see if he can maintain his winning streak, and on John Hughes to gauge whether this comeback signals a full return to form. With such intense battles already defining the early races of 2025, the Formula Vee series promises more edge-of-the-seat action in the races to come.