CLUBSPORT TROPHY PREPARES FOR LIFT OFF IN 2020 AT SILVERSTONE
After it debuted to great support from the British club motorsport scene, the first race in the inaugural full season of the BRSCC Clubsport Trophy is ready to rumble at Silverstone and with a grid that’s once again near capacity, it’s set to be another incredible race with almost fourty cars ready to line up at the time of writing.
For those experiencing the Clubsport Trophy for the first time, the format is simple. Each event will see a 45-minute mini-endurance race that features a mandatory pit stop for all competitors. Entries can comprise of either a solo driver effort or two drivers sharing the same car, and entries are separated into one of five classes. Each class is divided based on the “true” power to weight ratio, this including the driver with full race kit on to ensure that everyone is competing against the right opposition within their class. A maximum of 235bhp per tonne is allowed and cars can run any 1A, 1B or 1C listed tyre as stated by Motorsport UK. The aim is provide a place for any and all clubman level race cars to compete against one another and so far in the two races run, it’s provided nothing but spectacular action.
There’s two sides to the entry list when it comes to the Clubsport Trophy. A portion of the field will be comprised of drivers and cars already competing over the weekend, and on this occasion that includes competitors from the Mazda MX-5 Championship, MX-5 SuperCup and the BMW Compact Cup. Familiar names include Richard Bartlett and the pairing of Jack Moody and Bill Taylor in their Mk1 MX-5s, Alex Miller and John Langridge in a Mk3 MX-5 alongside two examples entered by Sheard Autosport, and Fiesta competitor John Cooper in a contemporary ST180 to name a few.
As for the rest of the field, there’s a fantastic diverse mix of marques and models on display. As with many all-comers style series, the usual mix of common clubman level cars will feature including additional Mazda MX-5s, Honda Civics, BMWs, MINIs, Toyotas and Renault Clios. Among them are some brilliantly unique machines, which include Daniel Cogswell’s Nissan Almera GTi, a Peugeot 106 Rallye for Tony and John Hobbs, a pair of Caterham Sevens driven by Chris Payne and the combo of Allan Curtis & Kosta Kyritsis and Geoffrey Prince’s VW Scirocco. Andy Thompson, a regular of events such as the Plum Pudding Races at Mallory Park every December, will also bring his evergreen turbocharged SEAT Toledo to the party as well.
Alongside them will be some returning names such as Steve Griffiths in the Ginetta from the inaugural race at Brands Hatch, plus two cars that raced at Donington Park, graced the BRSCC stand at Autosport International and were also featured within both Autosport and Motorsport News. David Fender brings out his rare Caterham 21 sports car and Mark Thomas will pedal his beautiful Ford Capri, complete with a replica retro livery to finish the look. Both will have been fine-tuned over the winter and should look resplendent on track as they battle through the field.
All in all, the third-ever Clubsport Trophy race is all set to carry on exciting competitors up and down the landscape of British motorsport throughout this season, and Silverstone will no doubt put on another incredible show. As for choosing a winner, take your pick. Anyone from any of the five classes could spring a surprise, but one thing’s for sure – a packed grid will make for some very exciting racing. Enjoy it!
Scott Woodwiss
