POD RECLAIMS HIS FORMULA FORD TITLE AT OULTON PARK
When the BRSCC’s North Western Centre staged their final Oulton Park meeting of the season on 29th September a number of titles were decided and one driver reclaimed a crown he last wore 17 years ago.
A consistent season saw Alaric “Pod” Gordon claim the Post89 section of the Avon Tyres Northern Formula Ford 1600 Championship. Seventh and eighth finishes in class were all he needed to win the series he previously won in 1999 and 2001 when it was known as the North West FF1600 Championship.
Gordon proved you don’t need contemporary machinery to enjoy success as he piloted a Swift SC97 throughout the campaign. His closest challenger in the points standings was Rory Smith in a Medina JL18 who followed home Michael Eastwell’s Spectrum 011C in both of the day’s Double Headers. Smith had the consolation of being declared Champion of Oulton.
In the Pre90 category, Jack Wolfenden (Reynard 88FF) maintained his unbeaten record at Oulton Park in 2018 as Mario Sarchet was confirmed as the Northern Champion.
The most dramatic title-clinching success occurred in the final rounds of the Kerax Hyperdrive ST-XR Challenge when Michael Heath pushed a little too hard in his Fiesta XR2 during qualifying and crashed heavily. Many in the paddock rallied round to get his car ready for the races. They did such a good job that he was the first home in both and took the championship in the process! Will Heslop was his closest challenger and led a few laps in race 2 but couldn’t keep Heath behind.
A misfire blunted Paul Webster’s hopes of taking the overall Alfa Romeo Championship, indeed his Power Trophy Class 156 was lapped in the final race of the day due to his engine malady. This allowed Twin Spark 156 driver, Tom Hill, to reclaim the crown he won in 2016. Out front, Roger Evans took a brace of outright victories with his Power Trophy 156 GTA.
Two guest series added a twist of variety. There were 2 Superkart UK contests both won by Andrew Gulliford while the MG Car Club’s Cockshoot Cup had a single outing which saw the laurels go to ZR 190 driver Gary Wetton from the similar car of Ray Collier. Completing the podium was Colin Robertson who was debuting the latest edition to the championship – an MG 3.
At lunch-time, the family of the late Tom Dooley held a ceremony in his honour on the start finish line. Tom, who passed away late last year, served the BRSCC for over 60 years and was the North West Centre’s Chairman for 40 of those. At one time he dovetailed that role with the championship co-ordinator’s position for the forerunner of the Avon Tyres Northern Formula Ford 1600 series therefore it was appropriate that the current contenders in that category formed up on the grid while he was remembered.
Although this was the final time the BRSCC took charge at Oulton Park in 2018, the North Western Centre will be organising their annual Winter meeting at Anglesey on 18th November.
You can view the full results at OULTON PARK RESULTS.
