BRSCC’S BLUE OVALS OUT IN FORCE FOR CMMC WEEKEND AT MALLORY PARK
As part of the Classic & Modern Motorsport Club’s race meeting this coming weekend, the British Racing & Sports Car Club will have four of its formulae out in force on the Leicestershire speed bowl. From single seaters to tin-top and future racing stars, the Club’s quartet of series appearing this weekend all feature a distinct Ford flavour which is sure to compliment the rest of the timetable perfectly.
The young chargers of the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship are back in action this weekend for the second time in 2025, after an all-action beginning to the season a few weeks ago at Snetterton. Back there, it was Jack Burgess who took both wins (the second after a post-race penalty) and he leads the standings going into this weekend. He’s one of a handful of sophomore drivers making full use of their experience to head the field, and he will be one of the names to beat this weekend.
Thomas Merritt is another year two driver who really showed his pace and it must only be a matter of time before that first win comes his way. FJC Scholarship winner Lewis Islin made an instant impact on his first ever race weekend with two podiums and will surely be in the hunt too, as will Dara McInerney, Callie Clifford, Archie Davies, Max Fenton, Isaac Doble and 2024 Scholarship winner Daniella Sutton. Remember these names and the rest on this weekend’s entry – some of them are destined for great things in motorsport
They won’t be the only Fiesta series in the paddock at Mallory this weekend – the Vinyl Detail Fiesta ST150 Challenge has quickly become a fantastic hot hatch battleground over the last couple of seasons and Snetterton showed the potential for this season’s leading group. Max Buxton took a superb couple of wins with Sam Watkins picking up the other from the opening triple header, and they’ll be the initial favourites to take to the top step once again.
That said, there’s plenty of drivers that have the speed and the ability to mount a strong challenge this time. Young charges like George Foxlow, Dillon Davis, Robbie Harrison and Sophie Kinghorn were quick to put down their markers at Snetterton, while more experienced hands like Liam Browning and Mark Blunt also tried to start strong. Plus, 2024 champion Mike Blackburn will be determined to have a smoother outing this time after a mixed start to his title defence that left him lying outside the top ten. Expect Michael to rebound strong.
Then there’s a distinct single seater flavour on the timetable as the Geoff Page Engineering Super Classic Pre ‘99 Formula Ford Championship comes to a circuit that was almost practically made for the kind of cut and thrust action Formula Ford always typically provides. After mixed conditions at Brands Hatch a few weeks ago, some dry running all weekend would certainly be welcomed!
Ben Powney looks as though he’s going to be a key player in this year’s championship, as he’s ready to go wheel to wheel with defending Super Classic A class winner Tom Hawkins in what’s sure to be one of the battles of the day. Vincent Jay and Neil Hunt will be among those in SCA, while BRSCC’s very own Peter Daly will be looking to get the better of Super Classic B leader Chris Stones, Oliver Roberts and Richard Earl among others, as well as his partner Lorna Vickers. Mark and Grace Bates and Colin Williams will also enjoy themselves representing some of the older cars in the field too.
And if all that wasn’t enough for Blue Oval fans, there’s also an appearance from the Modified Ford Series at Mallory Park, too. This incredible series full of rapid, tuned and brilliantly presented Fords always provides plenty of entertainment and spectacle, and on a circuit as short but fast as Mallory, they’re going to be a true delight to watch and and experience.
To give you an idea of just some of the variety of Ford models that will be expected to run towards the front, key names including Josh Payton’s Cortina, Rob Lewis’ Mk1 Focus, Paul Nevill Escort RS2000, ex-BTCC racer Lea Wood in his Mk1 Escort RSR, Martin Reynolds’ Mk2 Escort, and Lloyd Jamieson’s Escort Maxi Cosworth. All of them are sure to be gunning to be in the lead back right from the outset in qualifying.
The rest of the timetable at this CMMC race weekend will also feature action from the 500 Owners Association, Northern Saloon & Sports Car Championship, and CMMCs’ regular collective of series – the Intermarques Silhouettes (sharing with the Welsh Saloon & Sports Car Championship), Tin Tops and Super Saloons, completing a well-rounded timetable full of variety!
Written by Scott Woodwiss
