In 1998 Duncan was offered the opportunity to step up
from Formula Ford 2000 to drive in the British Formula 3 Championship
with CS Engineering in the National Class.
His first race for the team was at Donington Park.
Qualifying hadn't gone to well, so Duncan had to settle for 20th
on the grid, and 7th in class. The quality of the field was very
strong and included drivers like, Damion Hill. Eddie Irvine,
Miko Salo, Martin Donnelly, the late Roland Ratzenburg, Garry
& David Brabham, Alan Menu etc etc.
When the race got underway, Duncan made a blistering start, moving
up 5 places on the first lap and by half distance had moved up
a further 3 places. He was lying 12 overall and 4th in class and
by the time Duncan had reached the chequered flag, to the delight
of his team and sponsor's, he had finished a creditable 10th overall
and 3rd in class, beating many of the top teams and driver's,
an amazing debut and start to his season!
He came very close to a class win at the very prestigious Formula
3 Race supporting the British Grand Prix at Silverstone
in front of 100,000 spectators and live on BBC Grandstand.
The dice for class lead went right up to the last 2 corners between
3 cars, 1 of which was Duncan's very own team mate, Craig Simmis
and there was nothing in it. As the 3 entered the very last corner
Duncan's car was launched in the air by the 3rd car and promptly
landed on top of his team mate, retiring both cars on the spot,
while gaining substantial TV exposure at the same time!
Duncan's results did however get better as the season progressed,
finishing 3rd in class twice, 2nd once, and 1 class win, beating
a lot of the top teams and drivers in the process.
