Trophee Paul Richard

The opening round of the European 2-litre Sports-Car Championship was held at the Circuit Paul Ricard in April. Above is winner John Lepp in the Red Rose Racing Chevron B23, making his debut drive for the team, and scoring his first international victory. Competing in European competition for the first time was the BMW-engined March 73S, the works-assisted car (No. 30) being driven by Dutchman Toine Hezemans. Also making its debut was the Chevy-Cosworth-engined GRD S73 (No. 4) driven by John Miles. Both cars retired with engine problems, as did the new Osella Abarth PA 1 (No. 1) of Arturo Merzario, and the works-entered Barclays International Lola T292 (No. 12), which Guy Edwards put on pole position; Edwards retired after comfortably leading the first heat.