RACING EXPOSURE :: Club level motorsport e-magazine

Snetterton – Saturday 25^th July.

With thanks to Steve Wood from Britcar with help in compiling this report.

Last time we were at Snetterton, back in April we had separate Production & GT races. This time however, there was a rather more novel approach to the race. Both Production and GT entrants would line up for the start. The Production cars were to do 2 hours, and the end of their race was to be signified by the waving of a huge Britcar flag. The GT cars were to carry on for another 2 hours. Should any Production cars wish to do the full length, as some did, they would only get points based on their position at the 2 hour mark. This, coupled with a number of invitation entrees throughout all of the classes gave us a whopping 32 car grid.

The grid should have been 33, but for an oil failure for the Production Class one entry of Taylors Foundry Supercopa, which had an oil failure halfway round the first lap of qualifying, which proved fatal. Hopefully they will be back for future rounds, as during free practice they were mixing it with the Production regulars.

Aaron Scott & Arwyn Williams in the JHM Ferrari 430 GT3 set the pace in practice, but were unable to take the top spot from the MJC team who, despite winning the first four races of the season, took their first pole of the year, with a time 7/10ths quicker.

Two invitation entrees next, the first being the Apex Tubulars Porsche 996 RSR driven by the Geddie family (Glynn & father Jim) who had won two British GT races the previous weekend. They obviously like to aim high, as they didn’t seem particularly impressed with third “would have been much better if we were starting on the front row”. Just a tenth back was the FF Corse Ferrari 430 driven by McAllistair (who was starting his first ever race!) & pro driver Rob Barff who set the time to take the GT Class 3 pole just another tenth ahead of GT3 regulars Chris Headlam and Birthday boy Jamie Stanley in the Orbital Sound Lotus Elise.

The Britcar regulars were interspersed quite nicely with the invitation entrees. Lining up in 7^th was the Eurotech racing Porsche 997 of the Jones family who could have qualified better had they a new pair of slicks for their final run. In 14^th was the Worldwide Group and their Ferrari 430 with Bailey taking the first stint in what would be his first ever endurance race, with co-driver Schulz.

Taking Production pole, and 15^th on the grid, was the Eurotech Racing Ford Mustang which hadn’t been seen since engine problems last time we were at Snetterton. Problems also for usual Production front runners. The BMW M3 of Keith Gent was having power steering problems, and has also been re-shelled after an accident the previous weekend. Kevin Clarke and Wayne Gibson also had issues, suffering from a sheared suspension pin.

Starting 11th of the Production runners were Ashely Woodman and Own Thomas, who had got themselves a new set of wheels and another co-driver – Greg Noble joining them for this race. Gone was their class two Renault Clio Cup, and in was their class one Seat Supercopa. Ashley fully admitting this was more of an extended test for them, rather than an out and out race.

In 23^rd on the grid (and 8^th of the Production runners) was the Bullrun Seat Cupra driven by David Green & Richard Adams, for whom only a Production victory would do, to put them right back on top of the championship standings.

Filling two of the final three places were the Team Jota Mazda entries – part of a campaign to celebrate 20 years of the Mazda MX5.

The last race at Snetterton saw an accident strewn start to the production race. This weekend, however, there were no problems and the top six drivers were close, but orderly, as they approached the line ready for the rolling start. Aaron Scott had a great first lap, and took the lead from Gamski, with Glynn Geddie holding station in third.

Unfortunately for the JMH team, they had an oil pressure problem, which was known about before the race, and Scott had only a few laps of glory before needing to slow down to the 1 min 20’s. This was to allow them to be reliable enough to last until being classified, and get some championship points.

Another Ferrari slipping down the order was the FF Corse car, Mark McAllistair – starting in his first ever race, remember – handled the initial laps well, but unfortunately his inexperience was showing through. Sadly, the car would be retired after just 15 laps, not allowing Rob Barff to make his impression on the race. A man going in the opposite direction was Tim Hood who had made a superb start from 8^th to 4^th by the end of lap 1 in the GTF racing Sagaris.

While this was going on Glynn Geddie, now in second place, was hounding Witt Gamski, oftentimes less than half a second behind going over the line – until lap 7 when Gamski had a spin, and dropped to 4^th position. This released Geddie who shot off and was 15 seconds ahead by lap 15. The order at this stage was Geddie from Neil Huggins in the Topcats Mantis, who had taken Tim Hood on lap 12, then Gamski in fourth and Chris Headlam in the Lotus Elise in 5^th spot.

While this had been going on, there were some movers and shakers in the Production race as well. Gino Ussi had made his way into the lead, ahead of Steve Wood’s Mustang. Calum Lockie had started from the pitlane in the Strata21 BMW, but had already made his way up to third, and then took the Mustang on lap 16.

Back with the GTs and Gamski got a drive through penalty for having all four wheels off the circuit, while trying to overtake Tim Hood for third. He emerged back down in fourth but quickly caught up with, and took that spot from Hood.

The other Sagaris being driven by Sam Head caused a safety car period about forty minutes into the race as it stopped on the outside of Riches corner with locked brakes, and needed recovery. Although perhaps slightly early, this signified pitstop time for most of the front runners. Jim Geddie was able to get out and still head the field, though in doing so he jumped the red light at the end of the pitlane, earning himself a stop go penalty in the process. Javier Morcillo in the Neil Garner / Azteca Porsche, who had not stopped, now found himself in second place ahead of the Topcats Racing Marcos Mantis, now driven by Raphael Fiorentino. Keith Robinson was in fourth place, now in charge of the MJC Ferrari, but soon made that second and was hot footing it after Jim Geddie – who came in on lap 50 to serve his punishment. At the end of lap 51, Robinson crossed the line just two tenths behind the Porsche, and when they came round again the deed had been done and he was 2.6 seconds ahead.

GT drivers weren’t the only ones attracting the attention of the stewards, with Gino Ussi losing his lead due to a penalty, and Gary Furst having to serve a drive through, and then a stop go for two seperaate incidents in his Evo 9.

90 minutes in, and another safety car period – MN reporter Lewis Beales was the man on the scene – Arwyn Williams, who had taken over the number 12 Ferrari, had been dropping oil from the chicane round to Coram Curve, and had retired there. Manuel Cintrano, who had taken over from Morcillo, in the Neil Garner / Azteca Porsche had no control after hitting the oil which put him in a spin with which he subsequently took out Jim Geddie.

With the resultant lengthy clean up operation, the Production cars never got racing again, and their two hours came to an end behind the safety car. Paul White, who was now piloting the Strata21 BMW had been leading until 10 minutes from the end, when he pitted for extra fuel. This was to give them an advantage in the full 4 GT hour race in which they were competing. However, Britcar rules state no re-fuelling stops are allowed in the final quarter hour of a race, and so they were handed a two lap penalty for breaching this in respect of the Production Race.  This gave Gino Ussi the lead back and he won for the Geoff Steel team. Mick Mercer and Gary Smith finished second in their Ginetta G50 – a much better result than their last visit to Snetterton where they collided with the Cunninghams at the start.

The White / Lockie BMW was classified third, but they decided, with the officials, to remove themselves from the Production race and become class 3 invitation entrees in the GT 4 hour endurance event. “We’re OK with it – we’re now Class 3 in Britcar, the four-hour race is what we’re really interested in” admitted Calum. This gave third place to the Eurotech Mustang team.

The Cunningham’s Seat Supercopa was fourth in class, the duo unable to match the front runners this time out, with the Thomas/Woodman/Noble trio finishing fifth in class in their aforementioned new Supercopa. Novices Sanders and Dougall were impressive in their taking of the Class 2 win, though they were an Invitation entry, and the top points were bagged by Dave and Jason Cox in the Race Car Spares Ford Escort Turbo, against considerable adversity, it must be said, Denchy and the boys doing a great job managing the usual gearbox problems, and a new fuel pressure issue. Ginetta Cup regulars Peter and Matt Smith split the Class 2 podium in their G50, finishing just two seconds ahead of the Bullrun Seat of David Green and Richard Adams, with the Ian Lawson/Anthony Wilds BMW 320i bagging the third-placed class points.  Invitation entries finishing at this point were the Honda Accord of Andre Severs and Peter Rigg, and the Hooper/Paveley/Wilds Mazda. Racing on were the White/Lockie BMW, the Mildenhall/Ticehurst MX5, the BPM Seat, and endurance fanatics Brunswick, with veteran campaigner Martin Parsons, Nick Gooch and Dominic Malone sharing the driving.

Back to the GT race, which was only now at the halfway point. Witt Gamski & Keith Robinson would keep their first place all the way to the chequered flag giving them five wins from five and the Class 1 championship, although the overall title is still wide open. Not only is the speed of Gamski & Robinson impressive, but also the reliability of their wheels. A fact which Witt Gamski praised: “consistency, the quality of the car and the skill of the team”, whilst MJC factotum Peter Livesey, was the most vocal as the team celebrated.  “It was all down to our strategy and quick thinking  – Keith radioed-in as he passed the crash at Coram, and reckoned there would definitely be a safety car, so we got him in just before the boards went out, and put in 50 litres. Then we fuelled the maximum 25 litres a few laps later under the caution, without getting held at the pit exit. We’d all like to dedicate this win to Tony Merry, who was a good friend of the team, and died of cancer last week”.

Second place was being fought between the class two Marcos Mantis, and the Jones family Porsche, with Gareth Jones snatching the runner up spot shortly after the end of the safety car period. Fourth place was held by the other Topcats Racing Mantis, with Own O’Neill leading class three and finishing 6 laps down on the leader.

Andy Schulz brought the Worldwide Group’s Ferrari 430 home in 5^th place and runner up in class 3. The promoted BMW of White & Lockie finished 6^th overall to take the final spot on the class podium – they had been running higher until a spin, and then fuel pressure problems which caused them to pit 10 minutes from the end, giving them another 2 lap penalty. “We had no option” said Lockie after the race, “Paul made a little mistake, then we had fuel pressure problems- we just had to fuel the car to make the flag”.

Chris Headlam and Jamie Stanley were a further 6 laps back in the Orbital Sound Lotus Elise. In 8^th place was one of the commemorative Mazda MX5’s,  Mike Ticehurst and Owen Mildenhall doing a sterling job to prepare for the 24 hour race at Silverstone in October. In 9^th were Ashley Woodman and Owen Thomas in their new Seat Supercopa finishing ahead of the Brunswick Automotive BMW 130 of Parsons, Malone & Gooch.

Words: Alex Ings / Images: Alex Ings.

Title fight gathers momentum as top ten drivers battle for Norfolk honours

Following a six week break, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will take to the tarmac at Snetterton next weekend (7/8 August), where the title fight will gather even greater momentum as the BTCC’s main contenders bid to become 2010 champion.

This year’s closely fought contest is still wide open, with the top ten drivers in the standings all capable of snatching the 2010 crown. Just eight points currently separate championship leader Honda Racing’s Matt Neal from his primary rival Silverline Chevrolet’s Jason Plato, however – with more than 45 points on offer during the weekend and nine different race winners this season to date – Snetterton could see the tables turned upside down.

The super-quick Norfolk circuit is known for producing some of the fastest, most dramatic racing on the BTCC calendar, as cars go up to three abreast down the infamous Revett Straight. Here is your guide to the main challengers at Snetterton next weekend:

Matt Neal – Honda Racing – 1st – 119 points

At 6’6’’ tall, Neal is one of the largest characters in the BTCC paddock, not to mention one of the most experienced. The 2005/6 double champion is vying for a title hat-trick this season after taking three victories and a consistent collection of podium places so far in 2010.

Jason Plato – Silverline Chevrolet – 2nd – 111 points

Plato also has many miles of BTCC racecraft under his belt, and his ‘do or die’ manoeuvres and outspoken opinions have made him a firm fans’ favourite. His Chevrolet Cruze has clinched victories at Rockingham and Oulton Park this year, but technical problems at Brands Hatch in May cost Plato the opportunity to steam ahead in the championship chase.

Gordon Shedden – Honda Racing – 3rd – 100 points

‘Flash’ Gordon has shown continual improvement throughout the season, stepping out from behind team-mate Neal’s shadow in the last round at Croft where he scored two commanding victories – launching a serious title challenge in the process.

Tom Onslow-Cole – Team Aon Ford Focus – 4th – 97 points

The Ford Focus has been one of the stars of the season to date, following a steep learning curve in 2009. The squad reaped its development rewards at Brands Hatch when Onslow-Cole and his team-mate Tom Chilton both scored victories, and they also topped the timesheets in a recent test at Snetterton.

Steven Kane – Airwaves BMW – 5th – 92 points

Affable Ulsterman Kane only put a late deal together for this season, but he sprinted straight out of the blocks with a victory in the season opener at Thruxton. After taking podiums at every subsequent round this season, Kane could be a dark horse in this year’s trophy fight.

Mat Jackson and Paul O’Neill – Airwaves BMW/Sunshine.co.uk Honda Integra – 6th – 79 points

Kane’s team-mate Mat Jackson has also enjoyed a solid season to date, which includes a much-deserved victory on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. Jackson is currently tied on points with another fans favourite, Merseyside racer Paul O’Neill – who continues to deliver results far beyond the supposed capabilities of his BTC-spec Honda Integra.

Snetterton will feature a trio of nail-biting BTCC races including a reverse grid for race three, which often produces dramatic and unexpected podium results. There will also be a support action from the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Formula Renault UK, Renault Clio Cup, Ginetta Junior Championship and Ginetta G50 Cup.

In addition, fans will be able to meet the stars of the British Touring Car Championship at a free of charge pit lane walkabout on Sunday morning.

Tickets for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton on 7/8 August are now available from £24 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.snetterton.co.uk.

Photo: Steve Spurr

It’s easy to take for granted just how entertaining Locost racing is when compared to what is on offer at other race meetings.  Just three days after watching some thrilling racing at Cadwell I packed my bag of hammers and spanners and headed south again to Brands Hatch. My driver kept  out of trouble and I was able to watch FIA f2, Seat Eurocup, Trofeo Maserati and the Lotus Elise series. As exotic, expensive and powerful as some of this machinery was, only the lotuses provided consistently close racing. The WTCC on Sunday might have been interesting but by then I was back at Cadwell for the Kart GP – proper racing.

The large entry of 42 cars meant that once again Locost qualifying would be split into two groups and there would be a heat and final format for the racing.  Matt Cherrington took pole on his second flying lap. Scott Mittel took second spot. Both of them had taken part in the all-comers race on the previous day. Dave Black was in third, alongside Mark Glover who was making his return to Locost racing after breaking his wrist at Donington in 2008.Tom Coller managed fifth place despite a fractured front wing stay and Alex Von Erheim was sixth.  Llynfel Owen, Paul Bryant, James McAllister, Steve Evans, Sian Stafford, Simon Wood and Vicky Pickles made up the top fourteen who all went straight through to the final. Notable absentee from the top qualifiers was Nic Morley who qualified 21^st and would be one to watch in the heat.

Matt Gilmore was on pole in Ali Garrett’s car beside Steve Kimber who had an identical qualifying time of 1.50.730. Matt posted his time two laps before Steve.  Gilmore led the first three laps before being passed by Kimber. Next time round, Kimber was easily passed on the Park Straight by Gilmore and James Pinkerton repeated the manouver on lap five.  Steve struggled on with an over-heating engine until lap nine.  Nic Morley slipped from seventh to ninth on the first two laps then charged up to fourth on the third lap. The leaders were six seconds ahead of him but he began to close on them at over a second a lap. Nic set the fastest lap of the race on lap seven and took the lead on lap nine.  He won from Pinkerton and Gilmore. The top fourteen went through to the final. Fifteenth placed Ernie Gushlow just missed out after spinning away a comfortable tenth place.

Matt Cherrington, Scott Mittell And Dave Black pulled away from the field and ran close together for the whole race.  Even Tom Coller struggled to stay with them before he had another front wing stay failure. This time the stay damaged the tyre and Tom went off at the bottom of the mountain on lap six. Cherrington was able to pull out a small lead in the middle of the Park Straight which was usually enough to give him some breathing space for the braking area. Even when his exhaust broke this pattern was maintained until the last lap when he slowed on the run down to the gooseneck and Mittell and Black slipped by. Black then made an over-ambitious lunge for the lead at Mansefield but his tyre-smoking trip to the infield only managed to drop him back to fifth. Nic Morley again set the fastest lap on his way to third place from grid fifteen. Alex Von Erheim was fourth, Vicky Pickles had her best ever finish in sixth place.

A huge grid, no red flags and two great races – Locost goes from strength to strength.

Full results, lap sheets, championship positions and information on Locost Racing at http://750mc.co.uk/

Report by Maurice Dudley.

Britcar are giving away (yes giving away) tickets for the 2010 Britcar 24hrs.

Tickets give you weekend long access to the only 24hr GT race in the country, including paddock access, grandstand seats, a full package of support races and off-track activities including a trade mall, air shows and car displays.

To book your tickets visit: www.britcar24hr.co.uk/tickets

The Britcar 24hr was made famous by the Top Gear team entering a BMW 3-series Diesel in the 2007 event and is regularly re-shown on the Dave TV channel.

Small print:

• Ticket stock is limited and is supplied on a first come, first serve basis
• Tickets are limited by the number of car parking spaces available
• Car park passes must be purchased with each ticket order and are priced at £ 6 per car and £ 12 per large vehicle.
• Tickets subject to a £ 2.50 booking fee per ticket.
• Tickets are not transferable.
• Ticketholders become members of the free Britcar Spectactors Club (unsubscribe options are available)

The AAA Saloon Cup, featuring the UK’s fastest saloons, headed to Oulton Park on July 24th for a double header and was dominated by Simon Norris – his unique 2-door (900 bhp) Mitsubishi Evo IX taking two race wins, pole position and one fastest lap. Mitsubishi Evos also dominated GpB.

His time from qualifying was enough to secure pole position for Race 1 by a clear 4 seconds; he was going to be a tough act to follow. And he confirmed that speed advantage by leading the race for the entire 20 minutes, ending the race a full 30 seconds clear of the runner-up.

Laurie Kilby driving the Ajec Racing Evo IX kept Norris on his toes for the first couple of laps – setting the fastest lap in the process, despite his usual gearbox problems and a smashed windscreen – before Norris pulled clear, leaving Kilby with an occasional view of his huge rear spoiler way ahead in the distance.

Meanwhile Richard Jones (Launch Motorsport Evo VIII) got off to a flying start for his debut race at Oulton Park and despite a ‘moment’ or two was delighted to secure the 3rd place on the rostrum.

Gary Prebble, behind the wheel of his 700 bhp Sparshatts Evo VII RS was having a very frustrating race, a mysterious engine/electrical gremlin reducing his power to nothing on a regular basis, before picking up again allowing Prebble to put his foot down again. He eventually finished 7th overall (4th in GpA).

In GpB (cars limited to 400 bhp) it was AAA Saloons newcomer Vaughan Fletcher (ScoobyClinic Subaru) only running around 300 bhp, who claimed pole position and initially led the GpB runners before Martin Thomas’ Evo blasted through from the back of the grid to lead the GpB charge – that charge won him the Launch Motorsport champagne for Driver of the Day.

But then Thomas retired on lap 6 when a boost hose blew off (as it had done in qualifying – hence starting at the back of the grid). That was the signal for other GpB runner to head for the pits; Fletcher with fuel pump failure, and Evo magazine’s feature writer Roger Green – guest driver in the Ajec Racing Evo VIII – cutting short his race with brake problems.

Local boy Dominic Barnes took his Ajec Racing Evo VIII to a surprise GpB victory and set the fastest GpB time ahead of Ian Froggatt (ScoobyClinic Subaru) another making his AAAS debut, and Angus Gorringe’s Audi S2.

Race 2

In Race 2 Norris once again led from the green lights to the chequered flag – this time setting the fastest lap – despite some rather worrying propshaft noise and vibration from half distance.

With the problems encountered in Race 1 now cured Prebble was hoping to make up for lost time and shot from the 4th row of the grid and tucked in behind Norris by the time the pack had reached the first corner! His luck didn’t hold for long and he retired just two laps into the race when the bracket for the throttle cable snapped, leaving him with no way to control his engine.

Jones, the only other GpA runner in Race 2, was going well until his broken/dragging splitter forced him to pull off the track on lap 7.

The winner of GpB, Martin Thomas, started his race from the back of the grid due to his DNF in Race 1, but fought his way up to take a class win and secure an impressive 2nd overall, despite a few off-track moments.

He was followed by Froggatt, setting fastest GpB time, who at one time fancied his chances of overall race victory once he sniffed Norris was having problems, but it was not to be.

Barnes again made the rostrum, this time in 3rd while Fletcher never really had a chance to be up the front at the end of the race; having started on the back row of the grid, he hammered his tyres down to the canvas and wore out his rear brakes in an effort to make up lost ground, but just couldn’t make it, ending 4th in class and 5th overall. Green made another all-too-brief appearance, still hampered by brakes which were either all or nothing.

Motors TV are broadcasting a 25 minute programme from each Oulton Park race, the first on Friday August 6th at 7.40 pm with the second race shown on August 13th.

Full details about the series can be found at www.aaasaloons.com and on Facebook.

The final rounds of the 2010 AAA Saloon Cup are at Castle Combe on August 30th and with the introduction of a 2WD class it’s certainly going to entertaining.

Round Four Brands Hatch GP Circuit July 31st/August

The GT Cup Championship will be at Brands Hatch this weekend on the same programme as the global Superleague Formula.

The GT Cup is rapidly becoming the most popular place to seriously race a GT car in the UK.. The organisers are expecting over 40 cars on the grid for the two 25 minute races over the weekend. This is ‘multi-marque’ GT racing at its very best.. with some of the most prestigious GT machinery represented on the grid .. Ferrari, Porsche, TVR, Lotus, KTM, BMW, Venturi and Ginetta will all be out there racing against each other in three ‘Groups.’ These Groups are decided by the overall performance of the cars concerned. All the cars will be running on Pirelli tyres who are the sole suppliers to the Championship.

There are eight rounds in the 2010 GT Cup Championship and this is round four.

The overall points situation couldn’t be closer with Keith Webster and his #10 Group Two BMW M3 E36 in first place with 146 points … just two points behind him is Alex Martin in his Group One #87 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car and then one point behind him is Danny Winstanley in his Group One #78 TVR Tuscan.

In Group One this weekend Alex Martin in his #87 Porsche GT3 Cup car will be feeling the pressure because there is everything to play for with Andy Ruhan back in terrific form with a win under his belt at Snetterton. But also back in the reckoning will be Jim Geddie in his #79 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup who missed the last round. But don’t ignore third place man Gary Eastwood who is now totally at one with his Ferrari 430 GTC and challenging for a podium place. To add to the excitement in Group One is the return of Chris Randall in his #89 Lotus Europa, this is a very quick car but it has not yet fully delivered its full promise! Phil Dryburgh is back with GT Cup in his #81 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car and he is capable of giving the other Porsches a run for their money! But for pure excitement watch Danny Winstanley in his wild, lurid green TVR Tuscan.. He may be young but he is a star and often to be seen hopping kerbs on 2 wheels!

In Group Two Keith Webster in his #10 BMW M3 E36 has, by GT Cup standards, a modest lead of 13 points over Michael Dwane and his #67 Ferrari 360 Challenge. But Dwane is only one point ahead of KTM XBow of Colin and Sam Mowle. Group Two has given us some sensationally close racing all season and one man who is out to top up his points tally will be Marco Pullen in his #13 Ferrari 360 Challenge . he didn’t finish one of the races at Snetterton so fell off the leader board.. but with some excellent earlier results and entrants able to drop 2 scores for the season he is a serious Championship contender so he needs a win here.

In Group Three Tom Andrew leads in his #7 KTM XBow.. this is very nimble and reliable car and he will be facing a serious challenge from Dan Norris-Jones in his equally nimble #77 Lotus Exige. With plenty of points on offer this weekend he could easily close the 15 point gap.

A good spot to watch from might be at Paddock Bend when all 42 cars come streaming over that brow after the rolling start!

Team Aon Ford Focus tops BTCC pre-event test at Norfolk track

Tom Chilton’s Team Aon Ford Focus was quickest in testing at Snetterton (Jakob Ebrey Photography)

Honda Racing’s Matt Neal may lead the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at the halfway stage, but the Team Aon Ford Focus of Tom Chilton laid down a gauntlet to his title rival at Snetterton last week when he triumphed in an official pre-event test ahead of the BTCC’s annual visit to Norfolk on 7/8 August.

Neal and his team-mate Gordon Shedden were not present at the six hour testing session, but 16 drivers from the BTCC field went head-to-head around the 1.95-mile Snetterton circuit to fine tune their set-up ahead of the race weekend.

Despite rainfall interrupting the afternoon session, Chilton steered his Ford Focus to a commanding quickest time of 1m11.40s – half a second ahead of the rest of the field. The Poole-based racer, who has already clinched a victory this year at Brands Hatch, set his best lap of the day on a drying track against the dramatic backdrop of lightning bolts in the distance

Matt Neal leads the title chase with Honda Racing (Jakob Ebrey Photography)

Tom Chilton said: “I was struggling for pace in the morning but we worked hard on our brakes and front geometry settings and it turned things around for us. It’s a shame it rained as that meant I’ve missed out on doing a race run, so I’m still a little nervous about our form. Maybe it’s something I’ll have to focus on during free practice when we’re back here in a couple of weeks for the race weekend”.

Silverline Chevrolet’s Alex MacDowall set the second quickest time of the day in the morning before an engine failure brought his Snetterton test to an early close, whilst his team-mate – and Neal’s main title rival – Jason Plato finished fourth fastest. Just eight points currently separate Plato from Neal, with more than 45 points available over the Snetterton race weekend.

Paul O’Neill steered his Sunshine.co.uk-backed Honda Integra to an impressive third quickest position on a shortened testing programme, ahead of the Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra of James Nash in fifth and Andrew Jordan’s Pirtek Racing Vauxhall Vectra in sixth.

Jason Plato is Matt Neal’s main championship rival (Jakob Ebrey Photography)

Chilton’s team-mate Tom Onslow-Cole could only manage seventh on the timesheets after an off-track excursion early in the day left his Team Aon Ford Focus with front end damage.

Snetterton will mark the return of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship to the track following its annual six week summer break. Free practice and qualifying will take place on Saturday, followed by three races on Sunday.

There will also be an exciting programme of support races provided by the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Formula Renault UK, the Ginetta Junior Championship and G50 Cup and the Renault Clio Cup.

Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, Snetterton, official test:

1. Tom Chilton (Team Aon Ford Focus), 1m11.40s

2. Alex MacDowall (Silverline Chevrolet Cruze), +0.550s

3. Paul O’Neill (Sunshine.co.uk Honda Integra), +0.563s

4. Jason Plato (Silverline Chevrolet Cruze), +0.566s

5. James Nash (Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra), +0.712s

6. Andrew Jordan (Pirtek Racing Vauxhall Vectra), +0.998s

7. Tom Onslow-Cole (Team Aon Ford Focus), +1.150s

8. Mat Jackson (Airwaves BMW 320si), +1.261s

9. Robert Collard (WSR BMW 320si), +1.307s

10. Steven Kane (Airwaves BMW 320si), +1.666s

Tickets for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton on 7/8 August are available from £24 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.snetterton.co.uk.

Captions:

1. Tom Chilton’s Team Aon Ford Focus was quickest in testing at Snetterton (please credit Jakob Ebrey Photography)

2. Matt Neal leads the title chase with Honda Racing (please credit Jakob Ebrey Photography)

3. Jason Plato is Matt Neal’s main championship rival (please credit Jakob Ebrey Photography)

Do any of you racers fancy racing in a 6 hour race on 15 August at Snetterton?

The event is open to all road designed sports, GTs & Saloon cars up to the 1986 model year & is designed to re-create the spirit of the original Willhire endurance events and the current Spa 6 hours or Guards Trophy 3 hour races with one big exception – this event is aimed at normal club level racers on a limited budget.

The entry fee is based on a NOT FOR PROFIT model and the organising club are looking at entry fees of around a £1000 for qualifying and a 6 hour race. If we get a full grid of 47 cars then the fee will be around £850, hopefully & entrants will get a rebate.

The organisers are all experienced racers & Officials including people who have raced at major international historic events or are officials with years of experience as Clerks of the Course etc.

The organisers are underwriting this with their own money!

Other details:

Snetterton has been booked for 15 August

A number of classic car clubs will be in attendance

There will be a demonstration from 2 Porsche 962 and an Aston Martin Le Mans racer

The event is truly about giving club level competitors the chance to race in an endurance event a low cost. Yes, really, the club that has been established to run this event is none profit making & everyone is giving their time free to run it.

After much debate by the organising committee, the rules have been adjusted recently to allow wide eligibility, including all road designed sports, saloon & GT cars up to the 1986 model year (and cars deemed by the Committee to be in the spirit of the race!)

There is a good level of interest including from a few Alfas) but a few more entries would not go amiss!

I know there is not much time but the club is still staying true to its word about having this as a not for profit making venture & so should be the best value endurance race ever.

Have a look at the 360 motor racing club web site for updated details & to enter.

http://www.360motor-racing-club.com/

The format of the day is planned as follows:

• 8.20 Marshals Briefing
• 8.30 Drivers briefing
• At approx 8.45 we will have the stewards inspection and hoping that all is well on that, the Clerk of the Course with the stewards, will state over the radio to Race Control, “The stewards are happy and the circuit is YOURS”
• 9.00 we have the first practise and qualifying session, it will be for 45 mins
• 10.00 the second of the practice and qualifying sessions again for 45 mins
• 10.45 this is the brunch break, and this is where the fun starts (hopefully) there will be clubs in attendance (well they say they are coming) and they will have a parade lap or two, then Permit permitting we will then see a Porsche 962 or two do a couple of demos for us
• At 11.45 we will get the cars assembled on the grid
• Noon and the race is underway, after over a year of ooohing and arrh ing, of wondering if it can be done, of putting off and then putting back on …..the inaugural running of THE 360 , the (not so yet but who knows) Grand Prix d’Endurance) will start, it will be a rolling start and then….six hours of racing with cars that are now as far apart as 36 years…it will be hopefully a lot of fun While all this is happening our friends from Radio Le Mans will be broadcasting live at the circuit and on the world wide web keeping those around the circuit and those not lucky enough to be there, up to date on what’s happening
• At six o clock, providing someone is still running, the race will conclude, with hopefully winners from all classes…
• At around 6.15 or maybe a bit later, the ceremony of the trophies will take place and we are still working on who will present them
• At 6.30 its all over and we can ALL give ourselves a great pat on the back !!!!”

Racing Exposure is 6 months old today.

Thanks to everyone for their support.

Snetterton Rounds 9&10 2010 Race Report

Tester takes two wins at Snetterton

With much of the season already completed, the weekend of 19/20th June saw the next instalment of the Toyo Tires Racing Saloons series take place. Snetterton was the venue in question, with a packed grid of 29 cars and two races ahead of them.

Morning practice and qualifying kicked started the action, with a wet track in practice waking everyone up. Colin Tester powered his Ford Sierra Cosworth to pole position for race one, with Rob Sadler keeping him honest alongside. The two shared the quickest time throughout the session, with Tester just gaining the advantage.

Race 1:

As the first race got underway, the wheel spinning duo on the front row both got an even start, as they ran side by side towards the first corner, with Tester holding the inside line. Eventually it was the Sierra Cosworth leading the way as the action began to hot up in his mirrors.

As Tester concentrated on edging away at the front, it was a battle of the red BMW’s behind, with Sadler soon coming under pressure from Roger Kneebone. After starting third on the grid Kneebone had rocketed away to latch onto the rear of Sadler’s comparable machine. As they weaved around the opening tour Kneebone saw his opportunity, demoting the BMW E36 M3 of Sadler back to third. This scrap continued for much of the 11 lap duration, with Sadler eventually stealing back his position.

As the top few battled for position, carnage struck many others in the field, with yellow flags urging everyone to slow down. Many drivers succumbed to the chaos, whilst others were lucky to avoid it.

Whilst the top three chased each other around the Norfolk-based track, Tim Sweet was hot on their tails, holding the fort in fourth place. Behind, Lawrie Dunster managed to fend off Leigh Franklin for fifth, whilst Wayne Howlett brought his BMW E36 M3 home seventh, behind Franklin.

Lawrence Ball managed a sturdy eighth place finish, whilst Tom Murphy exchanged a start from the back of the grid with a ten second penalty for a ninth place finish, much to his delight. James Hebditch rounded out the top ten, and first in Class D, in his first ever outing in the VW Scirocco. After spending time upgrading the car over the winter Hebditch enjoyed his first race of the season with his new car, and also his first race at Snetterton. Completing the ‘firsts’ theme, Adam Tindell also sampled the Snetterton tarmac for the inaugural time, finishing 25th in race one.

Race 2:

Confusion reigned as all drivers arrived in the assembly area for the start of race two, when they were told by officials where they would be starting. For reasons unknown, different positions were handed out, with Wayne Howlett being awarded pole position, whilst Tester lined up next to him in second.

More side by side action came as the lights went out, however this time Tester was sharing the tarmac with Howlett, as they thundered towards the first corner. Wet conditions made for an interesting outing, as everyone scrambled for position.

With Tester again taking the advantage ahead Howlett was left to defend from Sadler, as the BMW pilots exchanged positions. Eventually it was Howlett who held second, with Sadler third ahead of Kneebone. Sweet again had the pleasure of following Kneebone across the line in fifth, with Dunster sixth. A delighted Tester beamed: “Pole and two wins was a first for me so I’m over the moon.”

The next track encounter for the TTRS series is at Oulton Park on 24th July.

Race Report by Leanne Fahy
Image by Snappyracers.com

GAZ Shocks Production BMW Championship
Rounds 9&10 Snetterton 19-20/06/10
Three fantastic races

The weekend of 19/20th June saw the Production BMW and Toyo Tires Racing Saloons Championships make their way to Snetterton, Norfolk. Alongside the championship regulars, we had a number of newcomers who got their first taste of the PBMW lifestyle.

Mark Palmer and Freddie Tatham both made their PBMW debut, each securing a points scoring finish during their opening weekend.

Pole position was awarded to a surprised Nick Barke after a hard fought qualifying session, with familiar rival and friend Rob Smith lining up second and Robin Welsh third.

Race 1:

As the lights went out, pole sitter Barke was slow off the mark, allowing Smith to slip through into the lead. Still hanging onto second, Barke was forced to defend from Ben Winrow; however it wasn’t too long before Winrow made his move.

A few laps down the road, Winrow saw an opportunity to steal Smith’s stranglehold on the race, when he lunged passed, dragging Barke along with him. In one swift movement the top three had been re-shuffled once more, with the fire at the front being re-ignited.

Unable to sneak through for honours, Barke was forced to enjoy Winrow’s slip stream for the remainder of the race, with Smith third. “It was great to be on the podium with Rob and Ben,” said Barke. “I got fastest lap as well, which was handy,” he added.

Behind, the action was as hot as ever. Regular front runner, Liam Crilly, endured a difficult opening to his weekend, with the rain playing a huge part in his drama.

Wet conditions were a welcome sight to many during the first race, however expectedly caused problems. Crilly struggled to get off the line, instantaneously losing two places, however luckily managed to avoid a number of spinning BMW’s on the opening lap. A bit more swapping and changing eventually saw Crilly muscled back to fifth, but still enjoying the thick of the action.

After 11 action packed laps the top three were followed home by Tim Wilson, Ravi Ramyead, and Mike Dugdale. Further back, Kevin Denwood enjoyed a good start to his “best weekend of racing so far”, when a 22nd place start saw him rocket through to 13th.

Race 2:
Race two kicked off with Crilly enjoying his “best start of the year” to launch into third, however it was short lived as he was soon pushed back to fourth, but not without a fight. It became clear the weather was going to play a large part in the outcome, with Robin Welsh prevailing through the weather to take honours

Kristian Dean, after starting eighth on the grid, enjoyed an eventful race, which left him ninth at the chequered flag. “I had a better start this time, but soon realised the track was like an ice-rink,” said Dean. “After being treated to a Ken Block-style drifting master class from Mike Dugdale, I lost a couple of places avoiding spinners. Overall it was the most fun I’ve had in a car,” he added.

Rob Smith was the man to watch, as an early race spin saw him drop to the back of the field, before a come back drive wowed the enthralled spectators. After fighting his way through the action, Smith swept passed the chequered flag in a remarkable fifth place.

Race 3:
The final race of the weekend saw Winrow and Barke repeat their one-two performance, with Robin Welsh on their tails in third. Stuart Waite fought through to fourth, just ahead of Crilly.

The Production BMW assemblage will be in action again at Castle Combe, on 31st July / 1st August.

Race Report by Leanne Fahy
Image by Snappyracers.com

Round 3 of the Time Attack series took place in blistering conditions at the iconic Brands Hatch circuit in Kent on Sunday 27th June.

Steve Guglielmi took the top podium spot for the first time this season in Pro class, edging out the dominant winner of the first two rounds Gareth Lloyd in the Car Planet Racing EVO

Paul Doyle reveals the new colour scheme for his Impreza, fondly known as The Badger

Practice

(click driver names for photographs)
With bilstering temperatures of 32 degrees in the shade, and track temperatures approaching 50 degrees it was very tough going for both the drivers and their finely tuned machinery. Indeed, there were some notable retirements during the morning warm up and practice sessions.

First out in the imposing heat were the Club Challenge cars which have been now split into two groups for all sessions to help ease track congestion and give all drivers a fair chance of getting a clean lap. Setting the early pace were RWD rivals Jamie Wilson in the Lotus Exige, and Steve Linton in the Whifbitz Toyota Supra, with Paul Hughes in the FWD DC5 Integra 3rd overall, heading the 4WD quartet of Scott Robson, Mark Pollard, Fee Kindness (who was driving the circuit for the first time!) and Warren Kelly.

In Club Pro, Kev Horsley clearly showed his intentions for the afternoon as well as a fresh paint scheme with an impressive time of 52.262, which bettered even some of the Pro Class runners.

Kev Horsley also reveals a new colour scheme

It was business as usual for in Pro Class Gareth Lloyd in the CPR EVO with a sub 50 second practice time of 49.761 beating Guglielmi’s 50.693 and James Nicholls’ 51.493.

James Nicholls enjoying the challenge of Brands Hatch

Qualifying

After lunch, and the inspiring demonstration runs by the Sumo Power GT1 cars, the Club Challenge cars were back on track for their qualifying sessions. Up front again were the leading RWD contenders Jamie Wilson and Steve Linton. Wilson’s Exige appeared to revel in the hot conditions, and posted a time of 52.599, almost 8/10ths faster than Linton’s best of 53.389 and enough to take the bonus qualification point.

In the 4WD class, Scott Robson did enough to secure the extra point with an excellent 53.912 ahead of fellow challengers Fee Kindness 54.144 and Warren Kelly’s 54.295.
Mark Pollard continued his dominance of the Normally Aspirated category by qualifying 3rd overall with a time of 53.812 in his ever popular 6R4.

Scott Robson qualifies first at Brands Hatch

Kev Horsley put on a dominant display in qualifying, perhaps inspired by his victory in the car v’s bike challenge during the interval, with his best time of 51.411 giving him over a second’s margin ahead of Shane Smith’s Skyline which was finally showing it’s true potential.

In Pro Class, Gareth Lloyd again headed the leader board with his best time of 49.858 giving hope to Guglielmi who narrowed the gap to less than 1/10th with a 49.955. Simon Norris in his 2 door EVO qualified 3rd a few tenths further back with a 50.243.

Gareth Lloyd leading James Nicholls around Druids corner

Club Challenge Finals

It was no holds barred as the club challenge contenders rolled out onto the Brands Hatch tarmac for the final session late on in the afternoon with the temperatures still as high. Steve Linton was the early leader with a time of 52.550 looking like it was enough to secure the honours, but Jamie Wilson pulled out all the stops to record a 52.187 late on in the session to grab the top podium position in the RWD class. Mathew Webb in his Mazda RX7 took 3rd overall with 53.301, re-enforcing the point that the track conditions on the day certainly favoured RWD cars.

Mathew Webb earns first Time Attack Podium at Brands Hatch

In the 4WD category, the top position was secured by a 3rd different driver in as many events as Warren Kelly headed title contenders Fee Kindness and Scott Robson. Warren’s Escort Cosworth set a time of 53.410 which proved just enough to head Kindess and Robson who were separated by just 2/100ths after setting their best times of 53.659 and 53.684 towards the end of the session. These results give Kindness an extended lead in the championship.

Mark Pollard continued his dominance of the normally aspirated category, with 3 wins out of 3 taking him to the top of the overall points table. Mark’s time of 53.782 proved just enough to fend off the strong challenge by Paul Hughes in the Integra DC5 with a best of 53.801 set right at the end of the session.

In the class for Forced Induction FWD cars, Bo Nielsen continued his run of strong performance, setting a time of 55.628 midway through the session in his Astra VXR. Bo’s winning margin was much reduced by the ever improving minis which have improved their performances with each round. Nigel Brown was delighted with his podium position and a 56.126 time just ahead of fellow mini driver David Ward with a 56.241. The party certainly seemed to be in full swing in the mini pit lane garages, with what seemed like over 50 people crammed in at one point soaking up the atmosphere!

Nigel Brown showing how to tackle Druids in a mini

Pro and Club Pro Finals

In Club Pro class, Kev Horsley continued his class leading performance, with fresh tyres giving him an extra boost to record a time of 51.066, which not only proved enough to win the class, but was also enough to beat the Impreza running in Pro class. Shane Smith proved that his qualifying position was no fluke, earning a well deserved 2nd place on the podium with a best lap time 52.378 in his Skyline proving enough to better Russ Paton in his EVO who was delighted with his 3rd place result.

Shane Smith earned a popular 2nd place finish at Brands Hatch

With Steve Guglielmi closing the gap to Gareth Lloyd during the qualifying sessions, all eyes were on the timing boards as both drivers headed out together for the final session. Both drivers spurred each other on to their best times of the day, but it was Guglielmi who turned up the heat to take the honours for the first time this season with a stunning time of 49.031 ahead of Lloyd’s 49.648. Both drivers completed several more laps during the session, but were unable to improve on their earlier times. Simon Norris secured the final place on the podium with a best time of 50.063.

The Lateral Performance Impreza piloted by Gavin Renshaw was cured or the driveshaft failure problems of earlier rounds, and put in a strong performance to win the SIDC award for the fastest Impreza in Pro Class, despite narrowly missing out on a podium position.

Guglielmi takes Brands Hatch honours

The full results from the Brands Hatch event can be found by clicking here

One of the rules for Time Attack Club Challenge, is that competitors cannot set times within 5% of the leading Club Pro cars. If drivers receive 3 “strikes” during the season, then they are automatically promoted to the Club Pro class. With blistering performances in all 3 rounds so far, both Jamie Wilson and Steve Linton have triggered the conditions for this rule, and will now compete the rest of the season in Club Pro. Cheering on Kev Horsley in the final were Club Challenge contenders Fee Kindness and Scott Robson. Horsley’s time in the final was only just fast enough to beat their times by the critical 5%, and with only two rounds remaining in the championship, both drivers are now safe from automatic promotion for the rest of the season.

Time Attack Points Table after 3 rounds

The 4th and penultimate round of the 2010 Time Attack series takes place at the demanding and technical Cadwell Park on the 1st August.

Words: John Stewart
Images: Flat Out Photography

CHANGE OF CHASSIS CHANGE OF MIND FOR JAMES TUCKER

Burntwood racer James Tucker had a solid weekend, of the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, at the Northamptonshire Circuit, Rockingham.

This was James’ first race in the, French made, Mygale chassis, after his sponsors felt it was best for him to change chassis and teams, in this his learning year, ready for an onslaught of the championship next year. Both races James found himself fighting with, second year driver, Josh Hill, son of World Champion Damon Hill. This really showed how much James had learnt during the weekend, as Josh is a race winner.

“The weekend was not an easy, with only one test in this chassis before hand, putting me on the back foot entering the race. However with our (my sponsors and I) focusing on next year, using this one as a learning year, it was a great meeting, as I learned more about the car and how it needs to be driven. I owe a big thanks to my sponsors, Superseal.com and BG Printers, and the JTR team for helping me through the weekend.” said James.

Never Say Die – Khani in Fighting Mood!

Croft- Round 5&6 – BARC Formula Renault 2.0

With the BARC Formula Renault Championship heading for Croft in North Yorkshire, Welch Motorsport’s Kourosh Khani (who was celebrating his 21st birthday later that weekend) was fired up going into rounds 5 & 6. Having spent the last three weeks preparing mentally and physically Khani was ready to push the car into top place on the grid.

Going into qualifying for Race 1, Khani was upbeat about his chances to secure pole just as he had done 2 years ago in the BARC Winter series. “I’m going out there to get pole position, that’s my aim, I had a pole and a win here 2 years ago – If I can do that it would be my birthday present”

Khani exited the pit lane eager ready to put some fast laps. After the installation lap disaster had struck Kourosh was unable to select 4th and 5th gears and promptly returned back to pits where his mechanics worked to try and fix the issue. Unable to do so, Khani went out for a further 3 laps and attempted to set a lap time to qualify for the race. His best efforts despite not having 3rd and 4th gears saw him set a time of 1:23.633 some 3.8 seconds slower than the pole lap set by Hillspeed’s James Theodore.

“What can I say? I am not happy… we had gear selection problems; I lost 4th and 5th gears which cost me a lot of time, more so at Croft where 5th gear is used a lot. My engineers did a great job to get the problem fixed so credit to them.  I will start from 13th, but I am ready to fight, I will be going for it, other drivers better watch out!” With the gearbox fully fixed for second qualifying session, Khani who had lost a lot of valuable track time earlier went out on track to qualify for race two.

He managed seven laps battling with some front-end understeer to post a time of 1:21.933 before spinning off into the cornfield exiting Sunny Out corner. “I had a bit of understeer from the car which was affecting me mid corner and on the exit, I put 2 wheels on to the rumble strip on the exit of Sunny Out, where there is a bump that spun me out into the corn field. I could have gone faster, my delta times were showing I was up by .9 of a second would I would have been in the top 3.I am looking forward to the race, I still believe I can make up some good positions from 7th”

Race 1

As the lights went out for Sundays first race Khani who was in attack mode immediately began to attack, overtaking two cars on the run to the first corner.  Meanwhile at the front it was Theodore who got away best to lead from a slow starting Wright allowing Reilly to move into second and Powell into third as all the field safely navigated the opening lap. The early stages of the race also saw Webster gain ground to lie in fifth ahead of teammate Hale.

On the next lap Khani was right on Andrew Jarman’s rear wing, tracking his every move before finally getting by on lap 3. Next up was Steven Durrant in his 09 spec car, he was not about to give his position easily as the two battled on hard for the next couple of laps in the process Durrant had managed to get by an erratic Jake Rattenbury but lost the lead on the next lap.

On what would be Khani’s final lap, he caught up and muscled past Durrant coming into the Complex. Next up was Jake Rattenbury who he was easily able to pass on the pit straight. Saturday indeed proved to be unlucky for Khani, Sunday was not far off, being clearly in front he braked for Clervaux , a right hander where he was hit by Rattenbury the pair continued to touch with Rattenbury making further contact going into Hawthorn Bend.

With a plume of smoke bellowing from a punctured right rear tyre, Khani’s race ended as he pulled off the track. This had prompted the release of the safety car. “I’m very disappointed with what had happened. I got cleanly past Jake going into the first corner and then he decided to hit me with his left front. I don’t know if he missed his braking or wanted to try and overtake me again.. It was not the smartest of moves. I have to look forward to the second race hopefully I can get a good strong finish even a podium”

Two laps later racing resumed with Theodore bunching the field up well to get a good restart and lead once more with the race distance extended to 16-laps. Powell and Wright remained in second and third respectively but with the two now much closer. The next lap Wright tried a repeat of his earlier move at Tower but Powell closed the door to hold the place. The same lap though saw Wright and Reilly both lose ground, with Reilly in particular dropping well down the order, after coming together.

Theodore was having no such problems out in front so much so that he continued to push and even set the fastest lap of the race on lap 14. Shortly after, he exited the tight Hairpin for the 16th and final time to take the chequered flag for his maiden Formula Renault victory and, being a lights-to-flag win, in some style. Powell finished second to complete a Hillspeed one-two with Webster in third having capitalised from Wright’s misfortune.

Race 2

A disappointing result from race one, Khani was focused to make amends as he needed his championship assault to get back on track with a strong haul of points. Race starts were one of Khani’s strengths lining up in 7th place he had every reason to hope for a good race.

At the front, Theodore lay Wright with Reilly and Powell on row two and the championship leader coming into this weekend Mitchell Hale on row three. After completing, the green flag lap behind the championship’s Mégane Renault sport 250 Safety Car, Theodore and the rest of the field waited for the red lights to go out for the start of the 14-lap race.

Once they got going Khani gained a couple of places, meanwhile pole sitter Theodore had stalled, dropping him well down the order and leaving the Dorset teenager to lead the field into the right-handed Clervaux. Powell was also able to capitalise to slide into second with Reilly in third closely followed by Webster and Khani who had battled fiercely during the opening lap.

Khani would harry Webster for the next four laps but at the same time, Hale almost had past him through the Complex. With the two battling all the way through to Clervaux until the Bristol teenager finally got clear at Tower with Antel Motorsport’s Kasper Krogh also slipping by. The battle for fifth, sixth and seventh places were far from over though and it was not long before Theodore joined the back of this group and overtook Khani demoting him to 8th place.

Khani had lost some 3 seconds and 3 places in which he reveals the engine had momentarily lost power allowing his rivals to jump past. “Coming out of Hawthorn Bend, the engine almost gave up, I had almost no power, and unfortunately three cars got past. I don’t know what happened but we will have to look at the data and see what the cause was”

Out in front the windy conditions were not affecting Wright who was looking comfortable as race leader despite Powell’s best efforts to close the gap. Reilly was still in third although a spin at the Complex almost but an end to that.

Then a mistake by Mtech’s Jake Rattenbury at Clervaux saw him spin off and cause the championship’s Safety Car to be deployed, neutralising the race and putting an end to Wright’s good work. Two laps later racing resumed with Luke slowing the field right down through the left-handed Hairpin before applying the gas to get a clean restart and lead once more.

With the field tightly bunched up it allowed Khani to make ground to move into seventh where he would finish the race with Theodore also making a place at the Hairpin with Hale the driver losing out.

Wright though knew what he had to do and pressed on setting the fastest lap of the race in the process. Powell also sensed this was her last opportunity to grab the lead and matched the Dorset racer for pace with the two nose-to-tail as they entered the Complex for the final time. Wright ran slightly wide forcing him to go very defensive into the Hairpin and allowing Powell to get a better exit. The two were almost side-by-side as they crossed the line with Wright just taking the chequered flag although by a mere 0.130s.

A 7th place finish and just 16 points was not what Khani had hoped for at the start of the weekend, while championship leaders Hale and Powell have increasing their lead by 76 and 71 points respectively.

Not one to remain downbeat, Khani was optimistic for the next race at Snetterton at the end of July and looking forward to be able to demonstrate his speed.  “I drove my best, but we had some bad luck this weekend, I lost a lot of track time in the first session, then I was playing catch up in the second and made a small mistake. Atleast I know I have the pace to keep up with the leader which is a good motivation and is pushing me on and aiming for a strong result at Snetterton in three weeks time”.

Report: Demitri Ianou

The AAA Saloon Cup, featuring some of the Uk’s fastest saloon cars, heads to Oulton Park on Saturday July 24th for the penultimate double header of the season.

With double Brands Hatch winner Nick Williamson having to miss this round the action at the front end of the pack is likely to centre on Malcolm Wise (Escort Cosworth) who won a race at Silverstone and will be going head-to-head with the infamous 900 bhp Bogey Evo driven by Simon Norris. Norris is currently the driver on form, having recently won a round of the MLR Sprint Series and been fighting with the front runners in the latest round of Time Attack.

After a poor performance at Brands Hatch, compared to his usual winning ways, Gary Prebble, behind the wheel of his 700 bhp Sparshatts Evo VII RS, will be hoping for a return to the top step on the rostrum to add to his 2 victories from earlier in the season.

Making his better-late-than-never debut in AAA Saloons will hopefully be Paul Doyle in his 700 bhp Subaru – assuming his last minute track session goes according to plan. Although the car has proved to be fast in Time Attack, Paul has yet to put his skills and car to the test under full race conditions.

Meanwhile Ajec Racing’s Laurie Kilby (Evo IX) will be hoping that his fast but unlucky season finally generates the results he’s been looking for all year. With recent Time Attack success and a track session at Oulton Park earlier this month Richard Jones is gaining more and more confidence in his 2.2L Launch Motorsport Evo VIII – will we see him returning to the rostrum as he did at Silverstone ?

Completing the GpA runners is Jonathan Faull hoping to finally put his Evo’s mechanical problems behind him and secure a decent result.

In GpB, for cars limited to 400 bhp – and getting their first taste of slick tyres, Steve Liquorish in the Ergo/JRM Evo X is likely to be the front runner, his main competition coming from the Ajec Racing guest Evo VIII which so far this season has raced to victory in three races; twice at Castle Combe and once at Silverstone.

At Oulton Park the Ajec guest driver is Roger Green from Evo magazine – a very experienced racer in numerous different cars and events – let’s hope it goes better than his latest race; that was at the Nurburgring and ended with him jumping out of his Lotus Exige which was on fire!

With two GpB wins under his belt from the last round at Brands Hatch Martin Thomas (in his first season of racing) driving the Somerset Storage Evo VIII has his fingers crossed that he’ll once again be taking some champagne home with him, although this event marks his Oulton Park race debut.

The man to beat in this year’s Nippon Challenge – 5 wins out of 6 – is Vaughan Fletcher and this weekend he’s switching to AAA Saloons to see how his race-winning Subaru Impreza RA matches up with the GpB Evos. He’ll be joined by another new Subaru driver in the shape of Ian Froggatt, both cars built by the well-respected Scooby Clinic.

Completing the mixture of Group B cars are Angus Gorringe – he made his race debut at Combe last year in a BMW M3 – who will be racing his Tangerine Audi S2, while David Harries is hoping that his Subaru will now be more competitive due to some weight saving and a switch to wider tyres.

Motors TV are broadcasting a 25 minute programme from each race at Oulton Park, the first on August 6th and the second on August 13th.

Full details about the series can be found at www.aaasaloons.com

Free is a price Racing Exposure likes!

The Cooper Tire British F3 International Series and the Avon Tyres British GT Championship will be thundering into the home of British motorsport, Silverstone, on August 14/15 and you could be there to catch all the action.

The two tyre manufacturers are offering VIP tickets to watch the F1 stars of the future, plus a grid full of mouth-watering sports cars on the newly-christened Silverstone GP circuit.

The winner will enjoy two VIP tickets, with entry to the paddock area as well as breakfast, hot and cold buffet lunch with reserved table, open bar and afternoon tea.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply visit www.avonbgtpromotions.co.uk/silverstone or www.coopertyrespromotions.co.uk and fill in the application form to be automatically entered into the free prize draw.

Closing date for the competition is 2^nd August 2010.