TAKE TWO AT SNETTERTON FOR SUMMER


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Could we see another nail-biting finish in FunCup after 6 hours of racing? – Photo: Marvin Hall

Summer is finally here, hopefully bringing some well received sunshine in the process. Regardless of whether the conditions are good or bad, one this is for certain this weekend – the racing should be incredible to watch. It’s a return to Snetterton in Norfolk this time as we feature a selection of contemporary and historic machines all wrapped up into one enjoyable race meeting.

Saturday’s running is dominated one of the best endurance championships in the UK – the quirky and enigmatic FunCup. A 6 hour thrash is on the cards this time as the teams and drivers roll in for the 3rd round of the season. After the first two encounters at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park provided absolute thrillers all the way down to the flag, there’s much hope that Snetterton will provide much the same spectacle we’ve come to enjoy so far. There’s a tie at the top of the points between Track Torque 2 Rent Domino’s and Eco Racing 209, with Team Honeywell, Team Lane Roofing and Team Trooper hot on their heels. Don’t count out the multiple reigning champions Racelogic, whose shaky start sees them down in 10th and hungry to climb back towards the front.

Once the racing kicks in on Sunday, it’ll be the second visit of the season for the Quaife Fiesta Championship who once again have a very healthy grid in store. Over 30 cars are scheduled to start both races at the time of writing with all classes racing together, yet qualifying separately. Class C is makes up more than half the entry as the fight between Sam Priest, Simon Horrobin and Aaron Thompson intensifies at the top of the class points, after dropped scores. Everyone will be looking over their shoulder this weekend, however, as Scott Robertson, Mark Faulconbridge and reigning champion James “JJ” all return in force, meaning this could be one of the most hard fought Fiesta Championship meetings in recent times!

Of course, there’s 3 more classes in the mix as Classes A, B & D will also be there to scrap amongst themselves. Alastair Kellett leads both the class and overall points after a pair of wins at Rockingham last time, however he’s got competition moving forwards in the shape of John Cooper and Jamie White who both pressed him all the way. Jessica King should also return to defend her 2nd place against the likes of Stuart Robbins, Dana Freeman and Jack Youhill. Class A once again has Peter Dendy-Sadler and John Bateman go toe-to-toe, while Class B will see a triple threat between Kieran White, Luke Bannister and Derek Robinson.

Wherever the senior Fiestas go, the Fiesta Junior Championship will always be in tow. This series for 14-17 year old aspiring professional racers has seen some of its best and most entertaining races in its history so far this year, with more of the same destined here. Harry Gooding currently tops the points, while Carlito Miracco is a no-show this weekend, leaving the likes of Elliot Wilson, Callum Hawkins-Row, Sikandar Hussain and more set to chase him all the way in both races. If you want to see where the future of touring car, GT or single seater racing may come from, this would be a good place to start!

Only appearing on the Sunday but set to fill the paddock until it’s bursting at the seams, the BMW Race Days Compact Cup has really impressed us with their massive amount of enthusiasm, with grid sizes and racing to match! Rockingham produced 3 more cracking encounters, which left an incredibly close situation at the top of the points. Steven Dailly leads, however the spread between him, James Gornall and Joe Wiggin is a mere 4 points with Richard Miles and Samuel Carrington-Yates in tow just behind. A capacity field of over 40 cars will be battling it out over a pair of races, so expected a sight akin to rush hour on the M25 with these guys!

It’s not just modern machinery that’s taking to the track here at Snetterton, you know. It’s always a pleasure when our friends at HRDC come along for the ride and as ever they have two races in store for all involved. The first will be the increasingly popular HRDC Academy couples with the A-Series Challenge. While there’s only a small handful of A-Series cars on display, the brunt of the grid is made up of the wonderful Academy-spec Austin A30 and A35s. These cars provide an excellent starting ground for those wishing to dip their toe into the waters of historic racing with a small, nippy machine bound to put a smile on your face. At the time of writing this, nearly 30 cars are set to line up, with drivers young and old from disciplines including Caterhams and even Clio Cup.

The second race for HRDC will be the Touring Greats and TC63s. What you’ll see here is an excellent representation of where the British Touring Car Championship effectively gained its roots. Such is the diversity of machinery on offer, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back to the heyday of ‘50s and ‘60s saloon car racing. From Jaguars and Rileys, to Alfa Romeos and even an ex-police Morris Minor (piloted by superstar musician Chris Rea no less), there’s something that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Other star drivers in attendance include former BTCC stars Mike Jordan and Michael Caine.

So, take your pick – there’s plenty of top action on display here at Snetterton as Norfolk is once again set to come alive with the sounds of engine notes and the smell of burning rubber. Must be another race weekend!

The weather forecast shows it to be rather cloudy all weekend with showers present early on Sunday morning in Norfolk. Nevertheless, temperatures are still set to hit a high of 18 degrees over the two days, so it should be comfortable enough both in the paddock and out on track. A full detailed forecast via the Met Office can be found here – SNETTERTON WEATHER

Also, the timetable, final instructions, supplementary regulations and entry lists can be found here – SNETTERTON SUMMER RACE WEEKEND

Scott Woodwiss


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