Classics Round 7: Big Cats at Laguna

Race 1 of the weekend transported the Classics grid back to the era of polished chrome and gentleman racers, as Shane and Tiara lined up in a pair of magnificent Jaguar Mk 1s. The cars gleamed under the lights with their unmistakable curves, ready to relive a time when saloon car racing was raw, demanding, and unforgiving.

From the very first lap, Shane looked calm and composed behind the wheel. His Mk 1 flowed through the corners with precision, each lap building on the last as he found a steady rhythm. By the midpoint of the race, he had established himself as the benchmark, ultimately clocking a best lap of 8.005 — smooth, efficient, and controlled.

Tiara, however, was determined to keep him honest. Matching Shane’s pace almost blow for blow, she laid down a best lap of 8.025, just two-tenths shy of his mark. But while her outright speed was impressive, the Mk 1’s narrow handling window demanded perfection. A few early mistakes — small slips that cost her momentum — allowed Shane to edge away.

Still, Tiara pressed on with grit, refusing to let the race slip into a runaway. The gap never widened into comfort, but Shane’s consistency proved decisive. At the checkered flag, he had completed all 28 laps, with Tiara crossing 3 laps behind. It was a contest that captured the essence of 1950s saloon racing: style, resilience, and the relentless chase for precision.