CIVIC CUP RETURNS TO ACTION WITH CHESHIRE CELEBRATION

The Milltek Civic Cup, one of the UK’s most competitive single-make championships returns for 2020. Despite an interrupted start due to the Coronavirus pandemic, racing has once again returned to the UK without putting a dent in the drivers’ anticipation.

A new calendar will see the teams test their skills at four of the country’s top venues including Thruxton, Silverstone, Donington Park and our opening round from Oulton Park on Saturday 18th July. Last year, Lee Deegan and Daniel Reason took the chequered flag in each race as part of an intense, season-long title fight. Deegan would eventually take the crown, though as we turn our attention to 2020, we have a whole new crop of drivers waiting to prove themselves.

Of the front runners from 2019, Bruce Winfield will be the biggest scalp back on the grid. Third place in the standings and five podiums will hopefully be a precursor for the #37, as he aims to hit the front. Joining him from last year’s front runners are David Buky and Alistair Camp. Buky picked up a victory at Brands Hatch last season, finishing just behind fellow 2019 race winner Camp, again piloting his striking grey and pink number 43.

They certainly won’t be the only returning regulars from 2019 though as Paul Taylor and Morgan Bailey return to challenge for silverware. A third place for Taylor was his highlight of last season, finishing eighth in the standings, one ahead of the young Lincolnshire racer, Bailey.

Continuing our theme of familiar faces is the blue and orange machine of Max Lewis, who returns alongside fellow former-Autograss competitor Damien Harris. While Civic regulars Paul McHugh and Ross “Rossi” Darlington help bolster a friendly grid, whose experience could prove valuable in the opening rounds.

The championship has its fair share of next-generation talent too, with 16-year-old George Alp-Williams the youngest of the roster. A winner in Honda Cadets, Alpy (as he’s known) will be hoping to translate his success into car racing after a guest appearance last season. Joining him in the pool of young talent will be 22-year-old Ben Mills, both looking to shake up the order.

Chris Coomer was one only a handful of drivers to use the Civic FN2 as opposed to the EP3 in 2019 and it will be his black bullet FN2 that once again returns to the series after a one-off appearance gifted him with a top ten finish. Also entering the series for 2020 after a one-off appearance last year will be the Revilo Industries sponsored driver Oliver Barsby. The Leicestershire #10, like Alp-Williams, scored points during the last round and will have had a winter to get up to speed.

One of Winfield’s biggest rivals this season could be Bradley Lane. The 2019 CMMCS Class Champion rocked to the title in his Honda Civic and could be an immediate threat with a year’s experience already under his belt. Andrew Gaugler is another who does not come into the season blind to his Civic’s limit and will be hoping to hit the ground running after racing in the Tegiwa Type R Trophy.

Rounding out the grid are the championship wildcards. Sam Barrett and Jamie Tonks will both be aiming to make an impact during a maiden campaign, while the highly experienced Simon Tomlinson makes the leap over from the VW Cup. After seven years driving Volkswagen’s the change in driving style may take the #40 some time to adjust, though with a wealth of experience, could soon find himself battling for silverware. Further entries are expected throughout the year.

The Civic Cup will feature a 15-minute qualifying session at 11:05, before two races at 15:30 and 18:05 on the Saturday. (Times subject to change)

Connor Jackson