SNETTERTON SUMMER SPECIAL
There will be a very competitive grid of Alfa Romeos on duty at Snett. Photo: Paul Stone
We are back at Snetterton this weekend for the second time this season with our East Anglian Centre, although this time all the action will take place on the 200 circuit. Twenty races are scheduled to go across the two days with a good mix of saloons, single-seaters and sports cars.
First out of the blocks is Formula Jedi, the only single-seater offering on the timetable. Former champion, Lee Morgan, is top of the points table with a slender three point lead from Michael Watton, with Dan Clowes a further three behind. All three drivers are former race winners and so know how to compete at the front of the field. Just behind the leading trio sits karting graduate Ben Hingeley. Although new to Jedis, Hingeley has made an impressive start and took both race wins at the last event at Rockingham.
The Toyo Tires backed Honda VTEC Challenge continues their first season as a BRSCC series and grids are on the up. With a great mixture of Hondas on the grid, which range from the CRX of the 80’s and 90’s to the more modern Integra DC5, there is something for every fan of this iconic Japanese brand. At Rockingham last month, Peter Dixon was the man everyone else was trying to catch. The Bishop Auckland driver scored two race wins in his Honda Civic and so is on a hat-trick this weekend.
The Excool OSS Championship, the fastest championship in the UK, makes is annual trip to Snetterton. 2013 was the last time OSS raced on the 200 circuit so look out for some new class records. Expect a really good battle for overall victory between Duncan Williams in his Juno, and Championship leader Mike Jenvey in his Jenvey Gunn.
An impressive 24-car grid of Alfa Romeos of all shapes and sizes will line-up for championship rounds six and seven. The supercharged GTV of Graham Seager and 3.8 147 GTA of double champion Roger Evans will undoubtedly be at the sharp end as the pair have accounted for all the race wins so far this season – Graham winning three and Roger two. The first appearance this year of Anthony George’s 156 turbo should give them something to think about as should the fellow Modified class 156s of Vincent Dubois (2 litre turbo) and Andy Robinson (3.8 V6). The Power Trophy class is where we find the overall championship leader, Ray Foley in his 156 GTA. As ever, the Twin Spark class is the best supported and current champion James Bishop returns with a good chance of re-capturing his overall points lead.
Snetterton hosts rounds three and four of the Dunlop TVR Challenge and Class C Chimaera driver Matt Smith from Kings Lynn will be looking for a good result at his local circuit. With a number of regulars missing from the first two rounds at Rockingham and problems for those that did compete, the championship has some unexpected early leaders. New competitor Alex Champkin certainly comes into that category impressing at Rockingham taking a Class C win in round two. Hugh Marshall arrives in Norfolk boosted by an outright win and with the other race winner, the aptly name Andy Race, absent without leave, Hugh will be looking to stretch his points lead.
The BRSCC MX-5 SuperCup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and closely fought racing series in the country. Arriving at Snett, Alan Henderson leads the championship, closely followed by JJ Clements just five points behind. If either of those drivers take a win this weekend they are likely to take the lead to Cadwell Park in July. That will be easier said than done with a number of the chasing pack snapping at their heels and looking for race victories.
The Jam-Sport Fiesta Championship rolls out on the Snetterton 200 circuit for rounds seven and eight of the sixteen race season. The overall leader is Scott Robertson with 171 points and he is just one point clear of Alastair Kellett. These two head their respective classes (C and D). Classes A and B are led by Jamie Styles and Stuart Robbins respectively.
It has been a long seven week break since the last Fiesta Junior Championship race so all the drivers are itching to get back into action. Aaron Thompson increased his lead at the top of the points table winning both races at Donington Park ahead of Michael Higgs and Nathan Edwards in each encounter. However, the lead trio will have to keep a sharp eye Donington debutant Richard Crisp who showed a lot of potential in his first two races.
Over thirty cars will be joining us from the Track Attack Racing Club to contest three races. The first out on track will be the Nippon Challenge, plus the Deutsche Marques Cup. The second race features the MR2 series before the meeting finishes will all three series going out together in race twenty.
It would appear that summer has at last arrived, well at least for Saturday with the weather predicted to be warm and sunny all day. Sunday won’t be quite as warm and there is a small chance of light rain. You can check the full forecast at SNETT WEATHER
More information about the Snetterton meeting can be found at SNETT 200 RACE WEEKEND
