Algarve Classic Festival 2016

Jack Rawles and David Grace finished 3rd in class after an unfortunate timing of the safety car combined with a pit stop strategy , resulting in losing half a lap

September 2016 saw Jack Rawles completing his 2016 race schedule with competing at The Algarve Classic Festival at Circuit Portimao, Portugal. Jack was invited to share this event with David Grace in his Austin Healey 3000. After setting the lap record in qualifying (2:13.1) Jack settled into the race but later in the race overheating issues meant he had to short shift losing seconds per lap.

Jack said “What could have been a first or second in class finish was not to be due to an unfortunate timing of the safety car combined with our pit stop strategy meant we lost half a lap. The Healey was getting very hot, I had to short shift to keep the engine temperature down but handed the car back to David to come home 3rd in class and top 10 overall. I was pleased to leave Portimao  holding the lap record for a Healey at this circuit. I had a fantastic time over the 4 days and I will hopefully be able to return. Thanks to everyone who has enabled me to race this year and it is now time to get plans in place for 2018”

This on board footage from Jack Rawles is  just after the safety car restart. The Healey was getting very hot so he had to short shift in places, picking his way through the traffic