BRSCC GOES NORTHERN ONE MORE TIME IN 2017
A fine circuit nestled amongst the rolling countryside of North Yorkshire, Croft plays host to our second and final meeting for the BRSCC Northern Centre as we begin to close in on the end of a 2017 season that almost feels like it’s flown by. Nevertheless, there’s no let up on the gas pedal as there’s championships to contest, claims to stake and bragging rights to earn here this weekend.
Once, the paddock is heavily populated with Mazda MX-5s, as both BRSCC championships recommence for their penultimate meetings of the season. In the Mk1 Championship, season-long points leader Will Blackwell-Chambers has had a season that read’s something like Jenson Button’s 2009 title success: win a lot of races at the start of the year, then battle as everyone else catches up! Anglesey’s mixed conditions threw some surprises both on and off the track, and you can be sure the likes of Oliver Allwood, Joshua Jackson, Martin Tolley and Sam Smith won’t let him have victory so easily here.
The MX-5 SuperCup will provide great entertainment on track as always – Photo: Jon Elsey
Over in the MX-5 SuperCup for Mk3 models, it’s a head-to-head duel between Luke Herbert and Tom Roche as we move closer to the climax of the success stories of British club motorsport this year. A hefty 36 car grid is in attendance this weekend packed full of top drivers ready to pounce on both Herbert and Roche should either of them slip up at this late stage. Expect them to be locked in combat with Liam Murphy, Brian Chandler, Jack Harding, James Blake-Baldwin and Jonathan Greensmith, while former Mk1 frontrunner Simon Baldwin is the latest convert to try his hand at a more contemporary version of Mazda’s popular little sports car.
There’s front wheel drive action in store too as the ever energetic Fiesta Championship rumble into town with 4 classes and an overall crown to settle in the remaining 6 races of the year. Silverstone was a frantic scramble for most drivers, with some unexpected results on the podium to boot. Nevertheless, Class D and overall leader Jamie White will be aiming to consolidate his lead ahead of his rivals, while Class C will be a titanic battle as new points leader David Nye will have to work hard to make sure Lewis Kent, Danny Harrison, Lee Dendy-Sadler, Simon Horrobin and the Gollin brothers Josh and Nathaniel don’t spoil his party. There’s a test drive in a Motorbase Ford Focus BTCC race car at stake between this lot, so expect lots of close racing here!
The racing stars tomorrow are also out to shine this weekend as the Fiesta Junior Championship also begins to near its climax. Last time at Silverstone, it was something of a formality for Jam-Sport’s Jack Davidson as he picked up the perfect grand slam of two race wins with pole and fastest lap in each to subsidize his championship lead. Title rival Nicholas Reeve had the weekend from hell with retirement in Race 1 and an oil leak forcing him to miss the second race, leaving him with a mountain to climb. He will be pushing hard to catch Davidson, as will James Waite, Scott Cansdale, James Hillery and Olly Turner.
Two guest championships are also here with us this weekend, as the MG Car Club send their Cockshoot Cup out to play with us on Saturday. A series dedicated to those who love one of the UK’s best loved brands, the Cockshoot Cup allows racers based around the North West of the country the chance to compete in one of several classes depending on tyres and level of modifications. As such, the variety is magnificent with Midgets, ZRs, ZSs and TF making up a fun and varied grid. The racing should be fast and fun here!
Speaking of variety, it’s safe to say that one series that definitely isn’t short of that is the Northern Saloon and Sportscar Championship overseen by the Darlington and District Motor Club. The entry is almost 40 cars deep with a mass of various makes, models and specifications. The top class boasts the likes of a Porsche Cayman GT4, a Renault Megane V6 Trophy and a thundering Vauxhall Monaro V8, all the way down through BMWs, Ford Fiestas, Peugeot 205s and a mixture of kit cars and hot hatches. You name it, this championship probably has it and it doesn’t fail to entertain!
Everything considered, Croft Circuit will certainly be a busy one with plenty of championship points available and up for grabs. The weather looks to be relatively clear and dry but as we head into Autumn, it’s safe to say that it’s never predictable in this country, just like motorsport! Even though it’s our one and only visit of the year, we’re sure this weekend in North Yorkshire will provide a real spectacle on track!
