BRSCC RACE WEEKEND – PEMBREY 16th & 17th MAY 2009


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The BRSCC South Western Centre ran their first (and only) race meeting of the year at Pembrey over the weekend in very changeable weather conditions. The format was a first for our Centre, whereby the programme was made up of a sprint and then racing.

Due to the cancellation of the Webcon UK National Club Formula Ford rounds we had a 10 race programme spread over the two days for Federal Tyres Nippon Challenge (3 races), Silverstone Tyres MR2 Racing Series (3 races), and the Welsh Sports & Saloon Car Championship (4 races). There was a 4 hour period on the Saturday morning to hold the sprint for the Metro Caterham Academy Championship. Two practice runs followed by 3 timed runs saw the two classes enjoy a good battle on a circuit not familiar to them and with changeable weather. The third timed runs were slower. Fastest times were set in the second runs, with the following setting times below 61 seconds – Group 1 Jake Bonham – 60.18 (FTD), Jonathan Lek – 60.35, Jay Gardener – 60.70, Fergus Ryan – 60.74. Group 2 saw Chris Lay achieve 60.46 and Lee Wiggins – 60.85. A total of 55 cars took part in the sprint, and they behaved themselves so well that they finished before the 4 hours were up. That nice Clerk of Course – Dave Pierre offered them a top 10 run off, but they declined.

The Federal Tyres Nippon Challenge gave us good grids with a large variety of cars on show. Tim Clarke from Malmesbury got pole and won the 1st race, followed by two 2nd places in the other two races, whereas Maxim Taylor made the trip from Winchester worthwhile with a 3rd place qualifying place, followed by a 2nd in race 1, and then two wins.

The Silverstone Tyres MR2 Racing Series also gave us good grids for all three races, notable successes were provided by Adam Lockwood of Portsmouth claiming a 1st, 2nd and 3rd and Alex Gassman of Guildford who got a 2nd and two wins. There were quite a few drivers who also took part in the Nippon races so making it a very hectic weekend with up to six races (plus qualifications) for them. The feedback I got from the drivers was that they have had a wonderful weekend and hope to come back next year.

The ‘local’ Welsh Sports & Saloon Car Championship had an entertaining 3 normal races and a special ‘one-off’ handicap race. Low in numbers but not in entertainment, Jeffery Davies converted his pole qualifier into a first race win and Nick Jones – a 19 year old director from Castleton – qualified his Renault Clio in 2nd spot and came 2nd in the first race followed by 2 wins in the other races. The 4th race was a handicap start race with the handicaps now ‘guestimated’ due to the changing weather results from the previous 3 races. The result was a conclusive first-time win for the cheerful Adrian Chapman from Chippenham, who is allegedly 75 years young and enjoys the buzz.

Finally it was a pleasure to see so many marshals enjoying the varied sport shown by all the competitors. A big thank you to all concerned including Circuit Director – Phil Davies and his staff for making everyone welcome.

The full meeting results can be found at :www.tsl-timing.com/brscc/2009/92031.pdf

Mike Skelton


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