BRSCC SLIDES BACK INTO SNETTERTON FOR EASTER WEEKEND

With its long straights and high-speed corners, Snetterton’s 300 circuit in Norfolk is a unique test for any car, particularly in championships where the classic David vs Goliath battles of power against handling happen all too frequently. While there may not be too many of those this weekend, the racing should be just as exciting as five championships make the trip east in a bid to either resume their skirmishes from the opening rounds or kick off their 2019 season in the best possible fashion.

Given the events of the past couple of weeks, the headline of the weekend is set to be shared between two championships. The first of which is the Avon Tyres National Formula Ford Championship, a long-standing bastion of British motorsport that’s seen the category itself exist for more than 50 years. Even now, it’s still seen as a fantastic next step in a young, budding racing driver’s career given how much they’re able to learn from Formula Ford’s reliance on mechanical grip with very little to zero aerodynamic assistance. This season’s National ranks see a great influx of new drivers interwoven amongst some familiar names as the next generation of potential champions step forward. Defending Pro Class champions Team Dolan head into 2019 with a mammoth 5-car effort ready to defend the crown, with former Scottish FFord champ Ross Martin, Max Marzorati, British F4 convert Jamie Sharp and ex-Ginetta Junior racer Morgan Quinn amongst their ranks. They will face competition from American racer Aaron Jeansonne from Oldfield Motorsport, James Clarke, Spike Kohlbecker and co from Cliff Dempsey Racing and Neil MacLennan from Kevin Mills Racing, who is joined this weekend by 2-time F1 eSports champion Brendon Leigh making a highly anticipated circuit racing debut.

Also sharing the headline bill will be the Mazda MX-5 SuperCup, a highly competitive one make series for the Mk3 generation Mazda MX-5. Over the past two seasons the title has been taken by Luke Herbert, who is back once again in the 2019 to do the “three-peat” – however, the usual suspects are lining up in a bid to finally prize away the #1 from his door. Main rivals Jack Harding, Aidan Hills and 2016 champion James Blake-Baldwin all return with their own title aspirations in mind, while former Compact Cup dominator Steve Roberts also lines up in a new car ready to take up the fight too. Young charge Will Stacey should also be a factor, while newcomer Patrick Fletcher can boast success in the Clio 172 Championship to his name; it will be fascinating to see how he adapts from front to rear wheel drive this season.

Beginning their second season with the BRSCC with a new title sponsor, the Disklok Civic Cup has received a healthy dose of new entries over the winter. Last year’s champion Rob Baker has elected to remain on the sidelines as leader of Area Motorsport’s vast squad of Honda Civic Type R’s. This means that any of his main rivals from 2018 will be hungry to take his place and succeed him as the champion. Names such as Mark Grice, Jason Ballantyne, Daniel Reason and David Vincent will all be ready to take up the throne, while the mass of new faces will be hoping to make an instant impact on their debut race weekend against the established challengers.

Another thrilling battle should be in store in the Alfa Romeo Championship, with three classes dedicated to one of Italy’s most beloved automotive brands. The opening rounds of 2019 saw a thrilling battle in the Modified class between the Alfa 156 of Barry McMahon and experienced newcomer Richard Thurbin’s beautiful Lancia Delta Integrale. McMahon got the better of him on that weekend in both races and Snetterton’s long straights may benefit the 156 once again, but Thurbin will hope for rain to make full use of the four wheel drive of the Lancia and gain an advantage. Paul Webster will get ready to do battle in the Power Trophy class against the MiTO of Ben Sharich and newcomer Jamie Thwaites in his 155, while the Twin Spark Cup will see intense competition between former champions Tom Hill and Andrew Bourke, plus Richard Ford and experienced Alfa racer Anthony George.

Finally, the Toyo Tires Porsche Championship makes its second appearance of the season with Boxster and 924 classes ready to rumble once more. In the top Supersport Boxster class, expect a four way scrap for victory between Garry Lawrence, Nick Hull, Anthony Hutchins and Andrew Porter. Over in Class D for the evergreen 924s, the quartet that battled back and forth at Brands Hatch will be ready to resume their duels with Hugh Peart, Chris Valentine, Jon Jones and Andrew Pritchard.

Scott Woodwiss