Race report – 1926 II Grand Prix de Provence

A Triumphant Display at Miramas: Nurmi Dominates the II Grand Prix de Provence!

Miramas, Southern France – September 25th, 1926 – Spectators were treated to an exhilarating spectacle of speed and daring at the Autodrome de Miramas today, as the seventh round of the Golden Era Championship, now progressing into the glorious year of 1926, unfolded on this unique concrete oval circuit. This high-speed track, featuring two formidable chicane-style corners, promised a test of nerve and machine, and it certainly delivered.

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the intrepid drivers prepared for the 50-lap challenge. The season standings had Hyytiäinen leading, followed closely by Nurmi and Peltonen, with championship organizer Tolonen in fourth. The starting grid, determined by a peculiar ballot system, saw some top contenders, such as Tolonen, Hyytiäinen, and Markus Peltonen, starting from the rear, requiring them to fight their way through the field. Conversely, Lipi, Nurmi, and von Rosen secured excellent front-row positions, setting the stage for a dramatic start.

Pre-race discussions buzzed with speculation about tire strategy, as the favored smooth compound offered superior grip but also the fastest degradation, raising questions about whether cars could complete all 50 laps without a tire change. The powerful 1926 Delage models, though benefiting from increased torque due to a 30-horsepower reduction, faced higher fuel consumption, making their ability to finish without refueling a key strategic point. The 1925 Delage, however, seemed to hold a slight advantage. The Talbot automobiles, boasting the fastest top speed on the straights, were handicapped by notoriously poor brakes, a potential Achilles’ heel at the sharp chicanes. Other marques, like the underpowered Amilcar with only 83 horsepower, were expected to face an uphill battle against their more potent rivals.

The Race Begins Amidst Early Drama!

From the moment the flag dropped for the regular standing start, the tension was palpable. Nurmi, as predicted, immediately took the lead, guiding his 1925 Delage 2LCV through the first chicane. However, chaos erupted just behind as Kuusela was turned around, catching several other cars in a messy entanglement that likely inflicted early damage. Tolonen, after a promising start, was sadly involved in a separate incident, colliding with a road sign while trying to avoid Kuusela, which damaged his radiator and brakes. Despite efforts to get back on track, his race ended prematurely as he tragically ended up upside down in the pits after major brake failure, forcing his retirement after just two laps. He was somewhat injured in the accident, but got released later from the hospital.

Haley Smith also suffered from unfortunate events in the beginning. Her unlucky event happened in the first lap – she had a flat tire but managed to just barely limp into the pits and get fresh rubber to be able to continue.

Throughout the race, collisions, though often minor, punctuated the high-speed action, with drivers constantly battling for position. The wide track at Miramas offered ample overtaking opportunities, particularly for the faster machines.

Nurmi’s Unwavering Dominance

From the early stages, Nurmi demonstrated masterful control and consistent pace, establishing a commanding lead that only grew as the race progressed. His 1925 Delage 2LCV proved to be the ideal machine for the circuit, recording a best lap of 02:03.673. By lap 29, Nurmi held a formidable 30-second lead over Peltonen – who suffered from valve problems, which extended to over a minute by the checkered flag. His strategy to potentially run a “no-stop” race on the smooth tires, despite their rapid degradation, appeared to pay dividends, showcasing exceptional tire management and mechanical endurance.

Fierce Battles and Mechanical Woes

While Nurmi sailed serenely at the front, the remainder of the field engaged in fierce contests. Anssi Hyytiäinen in the Talbot demonstrated its straight-line speed, battling intensely with Jessie Lamure in the 1926 Delage, often finding an advantage on the long straights. Henry, piloting his Sunbeam, found himself consistently in the thick of the action, often surrounded by the faster Bugattis of Lipi, Moisés Pereira, and newcomer Nick Van der Meijde.

The race also highlighted the brutal nature of the concrete oval on machinery. Paul von Rosen in his 1926 Bugatti, starting well, mysteriously lost significant pace, crawling along and being lapped repeatedly. It was later revealed that he was suffering from exploded supercharger, a testament to the mechanical frailties of these magnificent automobiles.

Towards the latter stages, Kari Uotila in the 1926 Delage and Kai Syvertsen also in a 1926 Delage, despite their strong positions, visibly struggled with tire degradation and braking issues in the chicanes, leading to numerous spins and off-track excursions. This allowed other drivers to close in, forcing them to push their worn-out machines to the limit to maintain their positions.

The Final Act: A Podium Secured

As the final laps approached, the intensity peaked. Markus Peltonen, after gotten his valve issues sorted out pit stop on lap 34 for his 1925 Delage 2LCV, showcased remarkable recovery, quickly regaining his second position and setting his best lap of 02:04.430. Despite battling closely with Hyytiäinen and Uotila, Peltonen ultimately secured a well-deserved P2 finish.

The battle for the final podium spot was tightly contested. Kari Uotila, despite his late-race struggles with the delicate braking zones, managed to hold on, crossing the line in P3 with his 1926 Delage 15S8. Jessie Lamure, also in a 1926 Delage, put in a strong performance to secure P4.

A particularly dramatic finish unfolded for Kai Syvertsen, whose race ended in the car park with a flat tire. Despite the unorthodox conclusion and a desperate attempt to cross the line, the race organisers ultimately confirmed his position, securing him a hard-fought P7 finish.

Final Results

Despite numerous collisions throughout the challenging race, the session reported no formal penalties. The 1926 II Grand Prix de Provence at Miramas proved to be a thrilling exhibition of classic racing, where consistency, strategy, and sheer will separated the victors from the valiant contenders.

Race stream: