SILVERSTONE JUNE 19/20 PREVIEW – BRSCC MAZDA MX-5 CLUBMAN CHAMPIONSHIP
The first ever races for the BRSCC Mazda MX-5 Clubman Championship were an entertaining affair a few weeks ago back at Croft, with Harry Storer claiming victory in both to lead the points standings heading to the next rounds. The said rounds in question are now upon us with Silverstone’s National circuit attracting a very healthy entry of almost 30 cars at the time of writing. Practically everyone who made the trip to Yorkshire is back on the grid this time and they’re joined by a host of new names, featuring a mix of those who already have experience racing in this paddock and those giving it a go for the first time.
Let’s go over those who were in action a few years ago, starting of course with points leader Storer. Harry surprised even himself with his pace as he started both races from pole and dominated them from start to finish to take his first ever race wins in the process. He certainly starts as the favourite heading to Silverstone this weekend and with plenty of long straights similar to Croft, his advantage might just continue to last beyond this second meeting. Of those who are sure to give him the most headaches, they have to be the driver who were Harry’s main pursuers all day at the opening rounds. The Steel City MX-5 pair of Rob Greensmith and Kevin Bird proved to be a formidable pair and took a podium each for their troubles, but whether or not they’ll be able to keep Storer in closer attention his time will be something both drivers will be hoping to achieve.
Richard Bartlett was able to use all of his experience to collect a 2nd place after taking P6 earlier in the day, while Peter Higton also ensured he was immediately part of the lead group with a pair of 5th places, and both are sure to make further progress at Silverstone. Also in the mix is sure to be Dan Blake, who is being run by Martin Plowman & Kelvin Fletcher’s Paddock Motorsport outfit and is already proving to be rather consistent after taking 8th and 6th at Croft, meaning he’s very likely to be a top 10 runner all day. Andrew Dean, Tim Storer, Dale Whiteman and Owen Woodwards are all back again too, while Jay Shepherd will be itching to get back to the front after he couldn’t better his 3rd place in the first race due to an engine issue that forced him out of the second. Expect the former Britcar champion and TVR Tuscan Challenge racer to be straight on the pace once again.
With those who have already raced now covered, now we move on to the vast number of drivers joining them for the first time this year in the new championship. Once again, there are a handful of names that those who have followed the BRSCC Mazda MX-5 paddock in recent years will recognise straight away, those being primarily Richard Baxter, Chris Dawkins (usually an MX-5 SuperCup regular), Chris Watts, Jonathan Fieldsend, Andrew Dean, David Scouller, Jon Pethick and William Breame. Newly appointed BRSCC Competitions Coordinator Luke Souch is also electing to have a play in his MX-5 before he begins his new role as he makes his annual appearance on the grid in a bid to have some fun in the sun too!
For those competing with us for the first time, a big welcome to the BRSCC Mazda paddock is extended to Steve Pegg, Peter Williams, Neil Chisnall, Brad Jones, James McCutcheon, Barny Francis, Charlie Brisker, Michael Kirk and Steven Bartlett, all making their MX-5 Clubman debuts this Saturday. All of this means that we head to Silverstone with a superb 28 car grid as the latest MX-5 sensation to hit UK club motorsport continues to grow for its second event!
Scott Woodwiss
