BRSCC SET FOR SNETTERTON SUMMER SIZZLER
For the third time in four months, we head back to Norfolk and the superb Snetterton 300 circuit for what is already set to be our last weekend of racing there courtesy of the BRSCC East Anglian Centre. As we now move into the second half of the season, there’s developing championship battles to continue, rivalries to resume and more great on track action set to take place.
The BRSCC Fiesta Championship racing with MRF Tyres heads to the half way point this weekend with the overall title battle beginning to shape up a little now that dropped scores come into play. Right now, it’s Class C’s Harry Gooding that leads the way from defending champion Jamie White in Class D, while both are having to fend off their rivals in their respective classes. In Class C it’s Danny Harrison, David Nye and Ryan Faulconbridge who are Gooding’s nearest challengers, but also keep an eye out for the likes of Myles Baker, Jamie Going, Richard Ashmole and Tom Hutchins who will all be keen to pick up a podium for their troubles. Class D will see Zachary Lucas take on White, along with John Cooper, Tim Bennett, Marco Ricci and Luke Bannister.
Over in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship racing with MRF Tyres, it’s quickly developing into a duel for the title between points leader Magnus Kriklywi and James Waite. Both have taken three wins each so far this season with the pair sharing top step honours at the previous rounds at Rockingham. Both will be out to try and gain an advantage over the other, while hunting them down in pursuit of their first FJC wins will be Isaac Smith, Olly Turner and Josh Steed. All three have seen the podium at least once this season and all will be keen to add more silverware to their collection.
One championship that’s never short on flair is the Alfa Romeo Championship, one of the longest standing BRSCC series that caters to all things concerning one of Italy’s most iconic car manufacturers. Much like in the Fiestas, the battle for the overall title is a multi-class affair, as 2016 champ Tom Hill will wrestle his Twin Spark Cup Alfa 156 against Paul Webster’s Power Trophy example, with both separated by just 5 points after dropped scores. Both will have sizeable competition in their respective classes, while overall victory is likely to come from either Barry McMahon or Chris Oxborough in the Modified class, typically the fastest class in the field.
There’s set to be some great battles in store on Saturday for both groups in the CarThrottle Caterham Academy Championship. This will only be the drivers’ second ever race, so all involved will still be finding their feet on many levels. The Green Group has kicked off in superb fashion as heading into this weekend, both Justin Heap and Andrew Murgatroyd are level on points at the top of the table, with Ben Buckley only 5 points behind them in 3rd. The battle for victory between this trio should be intense. The White Group is also looking equally as intense as the top 3 is merely covered by just 3 points. Greg Monks leads the way from Chris Moore and Dan Piper and all of them have won an event each. Whoever gets to break the deadlock will be decided on Saturday afternoon.
Also in attendance representing BRSCC are our newcomers for 2018, the Cox Motor Parts Civic Cup. If you want a championship that defines competitive, look no further – from the first six races, each and every single one has produced a different race winner, with the reverse grid format for Race 2 really helping to shake things up. So far, the Civics have tackled both dry and wet conditions and Snetterton this weekend looks set to be nothing but dry and warm, which could suit some drivers better than others. Rob Baker holds a 12 point lead over Jason Ballantyne, with Daniel Reason and Mark Grice not too far behind them. As ever, the Civic Cup will produce a stunning grid of beautifully turned out cars as well as some spectacular racing.
Making a trip across from the emerald isle are the Golfmech Global Lights, a championship home to a field of the mini bike-engined sports prototypes that started life here in the UK. Now racing in Ireland, the Global Lights always put on a sensational race no matter the grid size or venue they’re racing at. This will be the first time the championship has visited and raced at Snetterton on the 300 layout. Key drivers to watch out for in this series include “Mad” Max Drennan, Conor Farrell and Mark Braden, while Formula Ford racer Jake Byrne gets a taste of sportscar action in a bid to sharpen his skill further and also be the proverbial car amongst the pigeons.
Also providing sportscar action will be the Clubmans Sports Prototype Championship with King Henry’s Taverns. This series specifically caters to front-engined sports prototype race cars, with Mallock being the preferred chassis maker of choice here. The championship is split into three classes, with CSP1 seeing a points battle between Clive Wood and Peter Richings, while CSP2 is topped by Michelle Hayward after a superb start to her season. With the fast straight and long corners that Snetterton provides, the three races these guys and girls will contest will surely be superb.
Last but certainly not least, we’re also joined by the magnificent bunch from HRDC, as once again their amazing entry of historic machines. The Coys Trophy brings some of the best machinery seen back in the glory days of saloon car racing in the 1950s and early 1960s. The entry here is stacked full of Austins, Lotus Ford Cortinas, Alfa Romeos, a Mini and a Jaguar Mk1 for good measure. You can expect some real “David vs Goliath” battles here. Over in the AllStars race, a real mixture of old school saloon and GT cars are set to do battle. Expect more Austins to dice it out with Fords, Minis, Jaguars, Alfas, a Lotus Elan and a Marcos 1800GT, giving spectators a real insight into how racing used to be all those years ago!