A SUMMER SYMPHONY OF RACING AT SNETTERTON


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The Race Boxsters are ready for action this weekend in the Toyo Tires Porsche Championship – Photo: Jon Elsey

After our first visit to Snetterton amidst sunny skies back in April, those same conditions look set to greet us on our second trip to Norfolk, where a mix of disciplines are ready to battle it out on the 300 Circuit’s long straights. Expect plenty of slipstreaming and overtaking this weekend as championships make their way towards the half way point in the season.

One such series that reaches this stage is the Toyo Tires Porsche Championship, where 3 classes catering to the iconic German marque’s Boxster and 924 models duke it out for supremacy. So far thi season, the Race Boxster and 924 classes have each been about one man – Ed Hayes and Pip Hammond respectively. Hayes wants to add a second title to his 2015 success, while Hammond has impressed many in his first full season in the class, often dominating the races he’s won so far. There’s also a Production Boxster contest on display and with over 20 cars in the field in total, it’ll be intriguing to see how traffic plays its part in this triple header.

It’s also another 3 race affair for the Formula Jedi Championship, home to some of the fastest single seaters in the country. Former champion Lee Morgan proved last time out just why he can be called one after a pair of impressive race wins at Cadwell Park, while Michael Watton took the third, meaning in 5 races we’ve seen 4 different race winners. This season is already shaping to be incredibly competitive with both in attendance here, plus Brands Hatch winners Dan Clowes and Kristian Prosser. Also keep an eye on 2016 champion Rob Sayell and Bryony King as both will be in the mix. These cars are phenomenally quick, with low weight, a sophisticated aero package, slick tyres and a high-revving 1000cc bike engine in the back. It’s a perfect combo for drivers that just want to go fast!

Continuing to be ever popular, the Nankang Tyre BMW Compact Cup continues to thrill as it graces Snetterton’s long straights for their 3rd meeting. Reigning champ James “Jiggy” Gornall already has 3 wins out of 4 with James Nutbrown claiming the other, so right now it appears that the former British GT champion is in control. That being said, you shouldn’t count out his opposition for a second as Steven Dailly, Sam Carrington Yates, Owen Hunter, Ian Jones and a whole host of new drivers will be hot on his heels. The Compact Cup has quickly built a reputation in the last couple of years as one of the fastest growing and best supported championships in British club motorsport.

There’s more hatchback action in store from the Teekay Couplings Production GTis, with the Mk2 Championship and Mk5 Series once again out on track together. Last time out at Silverstone, Dan Rose couldn’t be beaten in the Mk5s all weekend with two wins, however Simon Hill and Kevin Glover were always there to trouble him on the podium. Martyn Walsh should also be expected to bounce back. As for the Mk2s, there were wins shared by George Haynes and reigning champion Chris Webb in the 16V class, while Matthew Eccles and Russell Laidler took one each in the 8Vs. With both competing at the same time, traffic could play a key role here.

We’ve got two guest series here with us this weekend, with the first being our good friends at HRDC. With two races in store, these guys will give you a real taste of how racing used to be in the late 1950s and early 1960s, as they duke it out on track together. The 45-minute Touring Greats/ TC63 race will feature a mandatory pit-stop with some cars being shared by two drivers, while the 30 minute Allstars/ Academy & A-Series Challenge opts for the sprint format in an out-and-out thrash. You’re guaranteed an enticing mix of models from the likes of Austin, Riley, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Lotus, MG and even a Porsche 911. It’s a wonderful sight and sound, so make sure you’re around On Sunday to watch these magnificent races take place.

We’re also joined this weekend by an arm of the motorsport division of the MG Car Club, with the Peter Best Insurance MG Cup, which sees a brilliant mix of models from the historic British marque, split into 3 classes. Alan Brooke’s Class C Metro leads the way overall, however Ed Davies (2nd in Class B, 4th overall) and Richard Buckley (3rd in Class B, 5th overall) will be bidding to make gains thanks to David Mellor’s absence. With classes separating cars based on modifications (either road going, modified road going or modified), there’s a great selections of ZRs, MGBs, Maestros and Tomcats.

Fingers crossed we’ll get some brilliant weather to go with all of this magnificent action that’s set to be in store. Then again, this is the UK we’re talking about so don’t be surprised if rain turns up at some point. Whatever the conditions, Snetterton is a circuit that seems to breed excitement so sit back, enjoy and cheer your favourites on! The forecast can be found via the Met Office website here – SNETTERTON WEATHER.

Scott Woodwiss


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