MITCHAM IS KING OF THE HOT JEDIS


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No less than 12 races were laid on by the North Western Centre of the BRSCC in a full day of action at Oulton Park on Saturday, 14th August. In addition, in deference to National Motorsports Week, spectators were offered a lunch-time tour of Race Control so that they could see for themselves how a meeting is run.

Richard Mitcham continued his winning ways in Formula Jedi by taking two victories at the Tarporley track. Nonetheless, he certainly didn’t have things all his own way in the opening encounter when he became embroiled in a thrilling dice at the head of the field with Daniel Cook and Richard Gittings. It was not until half distance that last year’s Champion secured a decisive advantage over Cook as Gittings dropped back and eventually retired in the pits. He repaired his car in time for the second outing but could only finish runner-up – some 7 seconds behind the dominant Mitcham.

This later event was red flagged with a few minutes remaining when Jack Smith’s car came to a halt and caught fire at the exit of Brittens chicane. Daniel Cook was the first person at the scene as he was watching nearby having earlier retired at that point on the track. Although his racing overalls were rolled down to his waist Cook didn’t hesitate to assist Smith in getting out of his cockpit. Both drivers were unhurt.

It was a significant day in both the Post-89 and Pre-90 categories of the 2010 Avon Tyres Northern Formula Ford 1600 Championship. First title contender to hit trouble was Pre-90 man Nigel Dolan. Although he secured pole for the first race, he was in trouble from the outset and failed to complete lap 1. In his absence John Farrell seized the lead but he was unable to shake off Lee Hannam. Having bided his time, Hannam made his move at Lodge with a few laps to go and got ahead only for his rival to snatch the advantage back at Old Hall. Soon afterwards Hannam repeated the same manoeuvre and this time Farrell had no answer.

Next time out Hannam hit the front from the start and Farrell was unable to challenge. Fastest lap meant Hannam took a one-point lead in the standings. Meanwhile Dolan charged through from the back of the grid to finish fifth behind the two Ians – Partington and Ellis.

In the Post-89s Stuart Gough and Jordan Skinner continued their season-long duel. After shadowing Gough throughout their pre-lunch contest Skinner dived into the lead at Old Hall at the start of the final lap only for his opponent to get the better drive out of the last corner and cross the line 0.034 seconds ahead. When their battle was renewed later in the day Gough again held the initial advantage but Skinner overtook him on lap 7. Gough then clipped the tyres which delimit Hislops chicane. He was out on the spot with damage to both his suspension and his Championship quest.

The other regional series on parade was the BRS Recovery Ford XR Challenge. The first time these hatchbacks took to the tarmac Paul Bishop was ahead of Jones’ John-Ifan and Chris throughout. A partially reversed grid made it difficult for Bishop to repeat his feat but once up to second he closed a three and a half second gap to Chris Jones in the latter part of the event. Alas he was just 0.115 secs adrift when the chequered flag fell.

Competitors affiliated to the Porsche Club of Great Britain made guest appearances on the programme and they brought some glorious machinery to Cheshire. Jim Geddie took the laurels in both GT3 encounters although Steven Ritchie led the opener for a number of laps – with this being his debut season in any category of racing it was the first time he had enjoyed a spell out infront.

Marcus Carniel took two wins in the Porsche Club Championship. He was only headed for a couple of corners when Mark Sumpter got the best start in their first race enabling him to lead at Old Hall but having run wide at Cascades and he then had to yield to Carniel on the Lakeside Straight.

To view the official results Click Here

Dave Williams


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