24-hour 2CV triumph

| 25 Aug 2015

The 25th Classic 2CV Racing Club 24-hour race took place on Anglesey August 22-23, with the usual mix of super-close racing, friendly pit crews and outstanding reliability – every one of the 28 starters reached the finishing line. Ian Seabrook was there.

2CV Racing often features scenes like this, with cars sometimes pushing each other along to the benefit of both

There were four classes consisting of super-modified 2CVs and one Dyane, mainly from Belgium, British 2CV racing class, British 2CV Economy class (less modifications allowed) and, as has been the case for several years, a guest class for Minis.

Team SeaLion again took top honours, enjoying on track battles with the Minis as well as 2CVs

After a troubled race which saw them drop to 9th in class at one point, Team SeaLion took top honours in the British class, for the second year running. They finished three laps ahead of Porky Boys and two more ahead of Rent Boys Racing, with some thrilling on-track battles involving all three cars. 

Engines are gently warmed road units, with hotter cams and a Weber carburettor, producing around 40bhp. Note heat-sinks on inboard brakes

In the super-modified class, Team Seventeen by Speedeuche took top honours and the overall victory. They managed to lap the fabulous Anglesey Circuit 800 times, at an average of 51.64mph. Bits of their car were once a Dyane, but it's hard to see the resemblance. These super-modified cars take to Spa-Francocrhamps for their own 24-hour race in October. Car 17 uses a BMW 850cc motorcycle engine producing around 70bhp. 

Wingrove Racing's much-modified 2CV runs in the European class. Problems saw them finish 17th overall

The Minis added extra spice to the event, often out-dragging the 2CVs down the straights, but finding it hard to keep up around the bends. They are much closer to stock form than the 2CVs, which feature lowered, stiffened suspension. Slarky Malarky looked set for top honours when engine failure forced them into the pits. A 2CV engine can be changed in ten minutes. It takes a lot longer in a Mini. Team Toyshed won the Mini class, in 15th place overall. They finished just 18 seconds ahead of Lyford Racing.

Anglesey Circuit offers a stunning backdrop, as well as some hugely entertaining corners

There were open track sessions and a parade before the race on Saturday, with members of 2CVGB keen to demonstrate just how a 2CV should behave when cornering. Click here for more

Ed Davidge's BMW-powered, glassfibre 2CV van caused much merriment with its bodyrolling antics during the open track sessions

Team Blueberry Muffins carry out front bodywork repairs after a shunt. The spare front panels were fitted in minutes. Note bonnet simply slides off

Spirits were lifted as the sun began to rise, after some 19 hours of racing

Torrential downpours throughout the race gave drivers a challenge

There's a Dyane in there somewhere. Belgian car number 17 took overall honours, after completing 800 laps

The all-female Spice Girls Powered by Girl Power team proved very quick, but suffered a mechanical issue in the final minutes of the race