DUTCH LEAD THE WAY AT THE FESTIVAL

Day one of the Formula Ford Festival was dominated by the Dutch who outshone the opposition in the Duratec heats at Brands Hatch and put down a strong marker for the semi-finals and final today.

However, they didn’t have it all their own way as reigning MSA Formula Ford Champion James Cole’s Mygale won the first Duratec heat, sponsored by JDRF. Dutchmen took the next two places with Rogier de Wit and Chris Maliepaard in their SJ07 and SJ6 Mygales, second & third respectively.

The second Duratec heat, sponsored by Richard Egger insurance, was an altogether more frantic affair, ultimately coming down to a one lap dash to the flag after a late Safety Car period. Dutchman Melroy Heemskerk led from pole in his Mygale SJ07, but came under increasing pressure from Chrissy Palmer’s SJ08 which just failed to nose ahead on the run to the line. Liroy Stuart’s SJ09 claimed third.

FF Kent Heat One, sponsored by Aireshelta Plc, was claimed by Scott Malvern in his Ray GRS06 after 15 laps of frantic action, ahead of impressive Team USA scholarship runner Brett Smrz in his Ray GRS08, with Ivor McCullough inheriting third in his Van Diemen RF00 after a last lap fracas took out Matt Rivett and Noel Dunne.

Heat Two, sponsored by Lifeline Safety Systems, saw a dominant victory from Rory Butcher in his Van Diemen RF92. Matthew Parr’s RF01 took a distant second, ahead of Team USA’s Connor de Phillippi in his Ray GRS08.

A typically boisterous Competition Car Insurance Ford Fiesta Class A&B 20 minute race saw Brian Roper’s Si head home Jason Richardson and Tim Bennett’s similar machines. Class C honours in their separate race went to Nick Sanderson’s ST ahead of David Ellesley and Terence Clark.

Chris Needham’s Dallara F302 headed home the BRSCC Formula 3 Cardinus Championship field at the end of 25 minutes. Mark Terry and Mark Harrison followed him home.

The full meeting results can be found at: Click Here