DONINGTON CALLS MX-5 SUPERCUP AS SECOND WEEKEND OF 2020 BECKONS
Having begun in exciting fashion at Cadwell Park, the BRSCC Mazda MX-5 SuperCup now heads to its new second-round venue of Donington Park, having switched from the now cancelled race meeting at Anglesey due to Welsh government restrictions. It’s a real drivers’ favourite that has usually seen many of the championship titles decided here over the years, including 2019, and we’re anticipating that the 2020 races will provide no less action.
There were certainly plenty of talking points from Cadwell Park and the two races produced a rather interesting top ten in the standings as a result. Leading the way is Samuel Smith, a former Mk1 MX-5 vice-champion a couple of years ago that had almost the perfect debut weekend in the SuperCup. Two front-row starts, a 2nd place with the fastest lap and then a win meant he left Lincolnshire leading the championship, something even he probably didn’t even expect! However, now he has a feel for the car and the level of competition, he’ll be ready for what Donington will bring. Patrick Fletcher finally claimed his first podium finish with 3rd in the first race after spending his debut season coming so close on a number of occasions, and 2nd in the points just ten behind Smith will motivate him to score better. Jack Sycamore, meanwhile, settled into his new team superbly with a 2nd place in the second race, his results leaving him in 3rd heading to Donington.
James Cossins continued his impressive form from the end of 2019, while Adam Bessell also showed marked improvement from his last appearance in the SuperCup as both completed the top five, while triple defending champion Luke Herbert had a mixed event on his surprise return. Despite taking the first win of the year, a spin in the second race left him clawing his way back through to 7th in the second encounter, but everyone knows just how formidable he is and you can guarantee he’ll be on the pace from qualifying.
Other drivers who are certain to be in the mix for strong results include last year’s Mk1 MX-5 champion John Langridge, who made a steady start to life in this series and will want to build on it straight away. Former WEC and Le Mans winner Martin Plowman will hope his new three-car team of Paddock Promotions Motorsport will get stronger, with co-founder Kelvin Fletcher returning to his club racing roots on his SuperCup debut alongside brother Brayden to complete their line up. Simon Baldwin will push for more podium finishes, while a sensational return is set for multiple race winner Jack Harding, who has been in SuperCup title contention on a number of occasions, but just missed out, so redemption will surely be on his mind.
Plus, there’s also one more big surprise on the entry list – Masters points leader George Grant is unable to race this weekend, so instead he’s recruited the help of a super-sub, and what a super-sub it is – none other than 2014 SuperCup champion and series alumni Abbie Eaton! Driving George’s Clapham North car, Abbie will return to the wheel of a Mazda for the first time since Croft in 2015 and does so at the very circuit which she so dramatically clinched her crown. This may well be a weekend for her to have fun and enjoy herself, but her competitive spirit is sure to be burning bright when she lines up against the strongest competition this year’s field has to offer. Whatever happens, it’s certain to be exciting!
Scott Woodwiss
