JOHANSSON VICTORIOUS IN SWEDEN

Former Grand Prix driver and Le Mans winner Stefan Johansson reigned supreme in Sweden last weekend taking victory in the Grand Prix Masters races held at the Anderstorp Circuit, the former home of the Swedish Grand Prix.

The Ronnie Peterson Historic Grand Prix at Anderstorp was a great success with a huge crowd joining royalty for the biggest motor racing event in the country for many years. King Carl Gustaf of Sweden presented trophies to the race winners and was joined by Ronnie Peterson´s daughter Nina and Ronnie´s brother Tommy.

Johansson, driving Peter Williams ex-Ronnie Peterson March 761, fended off a determined challenge from Simon Hadfield in Ron Maydon´s Matra MS80 in both races, whilst Nico Bindels took third in race one and with his JPS-liveried Lotus 77. Bindels´Lotus was one of the most popular cars on the grid, but Mike Wrigley earned a big cheer in the second sun-soaked race by taking third in his ex-Ronnie Peterson March 711.

In gloriously sunny weather, with Sweden enjoying heat wave conditions, World Sportscar Masters wins went to Mike Wrigley (Chevron B16) and Roger Wills Elva Mk.VIII, whilst Irvine Laidlaw bagged proto 70s honours in his Lola-Cosworth DFV V8.
Wills triumphed in the Gentlemen Drivers´ race, having his first outing in the ex-John Bendall Bizzarrini, whilst Top Hat Masters Saloons honours were split between local hero Ulf Larsson och Roy Stephenson, both in Ford Mustangs.

Stefan Johansson had busy days. Apart from winning the Grand Prix Masters races, he also demonstrated Ronnié´s beautifully restored Tecno Formula Three as well as a John Player Special Lotus 79 from Classic Team Lotus.
Johansson was also contesting the Ferrari Challenge races. In the first he was was punted off when in the lead which led to a very low grid placing in the second race.

Masters Series Director Christopher Tate said:” A huge amount of work has gone into this weekend but competitors have been rewarded with wonderful weather and great racing and the fans have enjoyed a tremendous weekend which has really underlined the popularity of our racing.”