TCR UK KNOCKHILL RACE WEEKEND

This weekend the BRSCC sets off to cross the border into Scotland and visit the magnificent Knockhill Circuit in Fife, where the next chapter of the 2023 TCR UK season is ready to be written alongside the main event, there’s the usual exceptional support timetable of races, including some championships and series that are making their very first appearance at this track!

TCR UK TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s felt like a rather long summer break for the TCR UK Touring Car Championship, but after six weeks of waiting patiently it’s time for the tin-tops to make their first visit to Knockhill in Scotland since the very first season way back in 2018. Back then, the races were on the anti-clockwise Reverse layout, but this time they will race in the regular clockwise direction for the very first time.

Points leader Bruce Winfield has done an exceptional job to date racking up the points to maintain is place at the top of the standings. Following an emotional win at Snetterton, Bruce has since backed that up with another in Oulton Park’s first race, showing commanding pace and looking very much like the championship contender he’s currently presenting himself to be. His nearest competition is currently Carl Boardley, the touring car veteran also finding himself in the winners’ circle with his first TCR UK win at Oulton too. Right now, there’s 29 points between the top two and both will be pushing hard to make sure they’re on top come the end of the weekend.

Sitting in 3rd place is Adam Shepherd who has done a phenomenal job placing as well as he has done despite running on a limited budget. He may be currently 58 points behind, but he’s shown real flashes of pace on several occasion and his sole 2nd place at Croft doesn’t exactly tell the whole story. If the car’s working well, Adam is one of the fastest men on track, so if all is as it should be, expect him to be on the pace.

Next come two more race winners from this season in Jenson Brickley and Jac Constable. Both picked up their first victories of the year at Croft, with Jac adding to his career tally and Jenson capturing his first TCR win of his fledgling career. Both are another pair of drivers that can really lead the way when their pace is good, so both will want to make sure that they’re on it from the word go this weekend.

Out of the five drivers that make up the second half of the top ten, only Brad Hutchison won’t be present on the grid, while Joe Marshall, Alex Ley, defending champion Chris Smiley and Bradley Kent will also be hoping that their trips to Scotland bear fruit.

MILLTEK SPORT CIVIC CUP
If there’s one championship that’s provided plenty of cut and thrust racing action on track throughout this season, you’d certainly have to look hard to find anything more intense than the Milltek Sport Civic Cup. As TCR UK’s official feeder series which acts as a proving ground for future touring car drivers, it’s put on a magnificent show wherever it’s touched down. Surprisingly, it’s never once visited Knockhill before and is ready to put on a real show.

This will be further aided by the battle at the head of the championship. Former champion Alistair Camp has managed to work his way to the head of the table and currently holds a lead of 20 points over Will Redford, one of two drivers at the top of the standings that have had quite the journey in recent times. After an accident at Croft, he managed to source a new car to compete at Oulton Park and incredibly took his first win in tremendous fashion. Now with a car back to full strength, he’ll be hoping Knockhill gives him more good fortune.

The story of the weekend, however, may well turn out to be Jack Harding. After crashing at Oulton Park and at one stage looking as though he may well have to sit out the rest of the season, an unbelievable effort from Jack, family and friends, sponsors and his team have not only helped provide him with a new car, but also managed to get it ready in time for this weekend. All Jack will wish for now is to repay the faith, trust and generosity of everyone who has helped him get back to this point and to continue challenging for the title from 3rd in points. If he can even win, we’re certain there might not be a dry eye in the house!

Dan Thackeray and Ryan Bensley have proven themselves to be race winners already this year and cannot be counted out by any stretch, and neither can Max Edmundson either. Max has already shown that’s he got the raw speed and pace to be a front runner and battle for wins, however he has proven to be a little erratic at times which has subsequently cost him results. If can get this under control, there’s no question that he’ll be on course for victory.

There are plenty of others who are almost certain to want to try and muscle their way to the front, such as Danny Hobson, Morgan Bailey, Louie Capozzoli, Harvey Caton and David Buky, all of which are no strangers to fighting for podiums and victories already and will surely only continue to solidify the claim that the Civic Cup is right now not only more competitive than it’s ever been, but also one of the motorsport competitive club championships in British Motorsport.

BRSCC FIESTA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
This year’s BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship continues its journey as the strongest and most popular season in its history as it heads up to Scotland this weekend to visit Knockhill, a track that has only just started welcoming them in the past couple of seasons but is already proving to be a firm favourite with teams and drivers whenever it visits.

Right now, the two drivers that hold the advantage at the head of the standings are Daniel Lewis in the lead and Ben Mulryan just behind him in 2nd place. Both of them represent the new Mk7 generation of Fiesta Junior car and have managed to work their way to the head of the table through showcasing the new car’s true capabilities from the outset. While Lewis is yet to take a win, Mulryan has already scored the first pole position and two race wins for the new-spec car, but with Ben dropping points in Oulton’s second race, it’s allowed Daniel’s consistency to shine through and lift him to the head of the table.

Giving chase are Luke Hilton and Sam Neser, two drivers who have had vastly contrasting fortunes weekend by weekend. Hilton began with a win at Snetterton, then he too dropped points at Croft before scoring another two victories at Oulton Park. Neser, meanwhile had a similar trajectory with a win under his belt too and a pair of 2nds from Cheshire. The two drivers are separated by four points and are almost certainly the two biggest rivals to both Lewis and Mulryan ahead of them. All four are sure to be favourites for victory, but it will depend on who can make the most of Knockhill’s sweeping elevations and blind corners that decides who takes victory.

There are others who could spring a surprise too. JamSport’s squad of drivers all have the potential to get towards the front, including scholarship winner Maks Solarski and Rashan Chigorimbo, who showed plenty of speed back at Croft. There’s also others from Race Car Consultants’ stable with Ronnie Smith and Lucas Hayden currently sitting 6th and 7th overall at this stage, while 20Ten will hope that Jensen Bell, Hadley Simpson, Jasmine Shaw, Flame Airikkala and co can make an impact from the outset.

AIRTEC MOTORSPORT FIESTA ST240 CHAMPIONSHIP
The AIRTEC Motorsport Fiesta ST240 Championship ventures back to Scotland this weekend and the Knockhill circuit in Fife as it prepapes to once again support TCR UK. Up to this point, the form guide still looks a little unpredictable, but as the season crosses over into its second half this weekend, the picture of who the true title contender are will start to become clearer.

Leaving the last rounds at Oulton Park, Albert Webster found himself in the championship lead. This was courtesy of picking up his very first car racing victory since he began his journey back in Fiesta Juniors in 2020. It was a success that had been a long time coming for Albert and his team and now he has the confidence to go and grab more, so he will be one to watch straight out the box. His current main challenger is Alastair Kellett, the former Fiesta champion having finished runner up two seasons in a row and determined not to make it three. With three wins to his name so far, his objective will be to bounce back from an Oulton Park event that saw him very much conducting damage limitation points wise.

Joseph Knight and Simon Horrobin come next in the Pro class, with Knight showing very well throughout the year so far and also coming close to his first wins last time at Oulton. Now his pace is where he wants it to be, there’s every chance he’ll be in the mix for silverware this weekend too. Horrobin, meanwhile, would have had a pair of wins last time out had a time penalty for starting too far outside his grid box not denied race two victory. Simon will want to put that right, so don’t be surprised if he’s topping the time sheets early on.

While there’s no Olly Turner present this weekend, Matt Luff is on the grid and hoping he can finally break into the top five in points. Having taken a steady start to life in Fiestas, last year’s Civic Cup champion has been building his pace up gradually and was in good form at Oulton Park. If the car’s in good shape too, there’s every chance he could get the result he’s been promising since the start of the year. Zachary Lucas also has work to do after he only took 23 points from Oulton which included a DNF from race one. Another proven race winner. Zachary knows that he too can be the pace setter if it all comes good this weekend.

Plus as an added extra in Pro class this weekend, watch out for William Kellett’s anticipated return to the grid. The son of Alistair, William had a great run last time at Knockhill last season, so all hopes will be on him for a repeat performance.

Morgan Kidd heads the Club class at this stage having been one of the main pace setters since the start of the year. Right now she finds herself 25 points ahead of Marco Ricci in 2nd place, while Caitlin May has some ground to make up back in 3rd in class. Some engine work to recover lost power means she’ll want to really push on this weekend and make a beeline for the class podium, while Sean Reynolds, Connor Blackburn and Archie Johnson will also be along for the ride too.

VINYL DETAIL FIESTA ST150 CHALLENGE
In its first season in its new guise, so far the Vinyl Detail Fiesta ST150 Challenge has been a great success with three very competitive events held already. Across the season opener at Snetterton, through Silverstone GP and on to the previous rounds at Oulton Park, there’s been some incredible competition with no less than six different race winners already from just seven races. Now at Knockhill this weekend, there’s real potential to add even more to that list.

Points leader Matthew Pimlott picked up his race win back at Snetterton in April and along with another four podiums in total, he is in command of the championship heading to Scotland. With a lead of 36 points, Pimlott knows that he has to keep up the consistent scores in order to stay in the hunt, especially as this year’s field is so competitive. Next in the table is Thomas Ikin, the young gun having made a sucessful switch from single seaters to tintops and using all that skill well to currently place in 2nd. His victory came at Silverstone and compliments the three additional podium finishes he’s scored so far. He’s more than capable of challenging Pimlott for the title, but needs to ensure he’s outsourcing him regularly from now on to bring down the gap.

Daniel Robinson is the highest placed driver without a win so far and is currently in 3rd. Despite this a 2nd place at Snetterton and P2 and P3 at Oulton last time out have really done his confidence wonders, so it’s almost inevitable that a first win will come his way soon – perhaps this weekend. Paul Dobson is also settling back into the championship well and took an excellent win at Oulton Park to thrust himself into contention also. If he can do well again at Knockhill, perhaps he’s one to watch too in the second half of the year.

Sam Beckett was also victorious at Oulton Park and is looking back to the kind of driver he was last season when he took the title all the way to the wire. In fact, Oulton was the first time he’d stood on the podium so far this year after a tough start at Snetterton and then Croft. With his rediscovered pace, Knockhill would be an excellent continuation of the form he showed last time out. As for others to watch, they include defending champion Mike Blackburn who’s had a tumultuous title defence thus far. He only has 2nd place finish to show for his efforts and two DNFs haven’t helped his cause either. He’ll be desperate for some good fortune this weekend to prove that he’s still got it.

Plus, watch for Mark Blunt who is still searching for that first ST150 Challenge win after coming close at Snetterton, and among the other attendees we’re pleased to welcome Alec Townley to his first race of the season, as he sports quite possibly the best livery on the grid – a tribute replica of the old school Rapid Fit livery from the Ford Mondeo Super Touring days!

AUDI TT RACING CUP
There’s just no stopping the Audi TT Cup Racing series this season, as the brand new series launched towards the end of last year continues to go from strength to strength. 2023 is seeing the TTCR series visit circuits for the very first time and this weekend, it’s on its way to Knockhill in Scotland to experience a true rollercoaster racing experience.

While the entry may be a little smaller than we’ve regularly had in the previous rounds at Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Donington Park, there’s still plenty of quality on the grid. Two of the favourites for victory this weekend will certainly have to be the pair of 4G Racing cars driven by Ross Makar and Patrick Booth. To Ross in particular, this will essentially be a home race and he’ll be keen to impress in front of the many Scottish racing fans set to turn out this season. Already a multiple time winner this season, a win at Knockhill will certainly be on he remembers.

Scott Parkin has already racked up plenty of miles in his TT both in the series and in the ClubSport Trophy and should certainly relish the challenge that Knockhill will bring. Others with solid experience who will want to make the most of it include Paul Maguire and Morgan Wroot. Maguire has previous experience at this circuit from racing in the BMW Compact Cup, while Wroot is settling into his new car nicely having gained plenty of front wheel drive experience previously raced in MINIs.

Tim Evans continues to add to his ever giant mileage numbers at the wheel of these TTCR cars and will hope to be competitive, while young karting graduate Joe Weaver had a very respectable debut at Donington and will be keen to continue with his early progress. Make sure you also keep an eye out on Luke Handley who already has a podium to his name in the series, as well as Richard Forber who has several and would love to challenge for victory soon.

NANKANG TYRE BMW COMPACT CUP
This weekend marks the fourth round of this season for the Nankang Tyre BMW Compact Cup, and on this occasion it visits a circuit that all drivers absolutely adore – Knockhill Circuit in Fife, Scotland. In previous years, this track has produced exceptional close and exciting racing and as the championship crosses over into its second half this weekend, the battle for the crown is surely set to intensify.

One driver that won’t be present in Knockhill is Oliver Faller, who has elected to miss this weekend’s rounds. That means the championship lead is now up for grabs and it’s almost certain one of the drivers in the rest of the top five will take it over. Topping that list is current leading and defending Masters champion driver Mike Doble, father of last year’s champ Mikey Doble, less than 30 points back and in with a shout provided he has a clean trio of races. He’s yet to take his first win of the season too, so will fortune smile down upon him?

Matt Flowers also has a shot too from 3rd in the points, and despite not scoring a podium to date this year, he has come close on more than one occasion. His best came last time at Donington with 5th place and he’s been edging closer and closer to the lead pack, so perhaps Knockhill could his break through. Also in the top five are Jim Barratt and Matt Millson, Jim also searching for his first top three of the year while Matt already has two “points” victories after finishing 2nd on the road twice to double Snetterton guest winner Ian Howes. Matt is another driver who is not present this weekend either.

Rudi Macmillan and Dale Wherton are also two more drivers that have made big strides throughout this season, Rudi in particular coming close on more than one occasion to his first Compact Cup win, only for luck and fortune not to go his way. Dale too has looked quick on occasions, but both know they need to be in the right place when it counts in order to score well and score big.

Oh, and one more thing – there’s the small latter of a local favourite who’s joining the grid this weekend. Apparently he’s done rather well racing BMWs before and won a few championships along the way, and has decided to dust off his driving gloves for a comeback at his home circuit. His name is *checks notes* Steven Dailly, and we hear he’s a bit good. Perhaps he might throw up a surprise or two this weekend…

BRSCC EVOLUTION TROPHY
So far this year, the BRSCC’s new Evolution Trophy has provided an excellent proving and and development platform for new series and projects to grow, build and prosper on track together at the same time. Having produced some thoroughly entertaining racing through the season so far, now the Evolution Trophy ventures up to Knockhill in Scotland for their first visit across the border.

This weekend’s entry is mainly populated by cars representing the Classic VW Cup, which caters to a wide variety of Volkswagen and VAG Group cars to compete against one another across a number of classes. Top of the list is the pair of ex-VW Racing Cup cars entered by Team HARD and driven by Tommy Gilham (son of team boss Tony) and Adam Marshall. Both have two wins apiece this year with Tommy taking a pair last time at Donington, while Adam picked up a couple on the opening weekend at Brands Hatch. Both are sure to prove formidable once again and we’re certain they’ll be instant contenders.

Chris Adams is back in his Mk4 Golf, along with Ken Lark in his rapid silver Corrado, while Carey Lewis makes his first appearance back since Brands Hatch, hopefully with a car that’s now back up to full strength. Dawn Butcher shares the driving duties with husband Andrew in her ex-Production GTi Mk5 Golf, while Steven Watson’s classic Scirocco, Chris Mohan, Nick Sanderson’s SEAT and local favourite Donald Dewar will also star.

In the Cooksport Renault Cup dedicated to Renault Clios and Meganes, it’s set to be a straight one-on-one duel between Frank Pettitt in his Clio 182 against local favourite Michael Imrie, who dovetails these races with those in his regular Knockhill Modsports series.

Also represented is the Mazda MX-5 Mk4 Trophy, with series regular Ben Davies its sole representative and looking forward to once again mixing it up with cars from the other classes.

KNOCKHILL MOTORSPORTS CLUB MODSPORTS – written by Duncan Vincent
Alongside the BRSCC content on this weekend’s timetable, we’re also delighted to be joined by the Knockhill Motor Sports Club’s Modsports championship to add an excellent little local flavour to proceedings.

The 2022 Mod Sport Championship was won overall by Marc Dawson; G-Class Honda Civic #24 with Scott Armstrong; Mini Cooper #771 second and Adam Kindness; Mini Cooper #155 third.

The KMSC Mod Sports Race Championship is for Saloons, Sports Cars, Sports Racing Cars and Kit Cars. Its intent is to provide enjoyable, accessible racing for a wide variety of cars with the potential for competitors to progress within the sport if they desire. 

The championship gives a fantastic blend of multiclass racing, a great starting point or home for the seasoned pro. They are very excited to be a part of the BRSCC Knockhill event where we will showcase one of the biggest grids we have had, 25 cars across 9 different classes.

Scott Woodwiss