Nimrod NRA/C2 B'82

Powered by Aston Martin DP1229 Tickford V8/90° 2v DOHC 5340 cc N/A

Initially developed for use in the GTP class in North America, the Nimrod featured a flat bottom design. The curvaceous bodywork used showed similarities to the open Lola sports racers built during the previous years. The long tail featured a full width rear wing. Built and tested during the 1981 season, the first GTP-specification Nimrod was ultimately not raced. Instead, Hamilton focused his attention on the new-for-1982 Group C class.

For the 1983 season, the two Nimrod Racing cars were shipped to North America in search of dollars in the lucrative IMSA championship. A fifth place finish in the Sebring 12 Hours was the best result of the two-car effort. Hamilton eventually ran out of money and both cars were sold to privateers and remained in North America. Nimrod's honours were defended in Europe by the Viscount Downe car, which had been developed considerably over the winter by Mallock. The best World Championship result was a seventh at Silverstone, while an engine issue ended the charge early at Le Mans.

A fifth car appeared in 1984, and this was shortly thereafter added to the Viscount Downe stable for a two-car effort. This had a disastrous end at Le Mans where one car crashed heavily, and the second could not avoid the debris and also crashed. In the massive crash driver John Sheldon was injured while one marshal was killed and a second seriously injured. In private hands, one of the two two ex-Nimrod Racing cars continued to be campaigned in North America.

19.6.1983 - LM
Team Viscount Downe - Pace Petroleum #39
Chassis #004
Driven by: Ray Mallock (GB)/Steve Earle (USA)/Mike Salmon (GB)
Result: did not finish (Con-rod)
Grid: 15th (3:35.780)

19.6.1984 - LM
Viscount Downe/Aston Martin #31
Chassis #005
Driven by: Ray Mallock (GB)/Drake Olson (USA)
Result: did not finish (Accident)
Grid: 10th (3:33.120)

19.6.1984 - LM
Viscount Downe/Aston Martin #32
Chassis #004
Driven by: Mike Salmon (GB)/Richard Attwood (GB)/John Sheldon (GB)
Result: did not finish (Accident)
Grid: 29th (3:47.420) - 30th fastest qualifier

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