RACING EXPOSURE :: Club level motorsport e-magazine

Damon Hill has sensationally topped the times in his first competitive session since his retirement nearly 13 years ago. Facing a field of young racers in the DTM-supporting VW Scirocco R-Cup, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion, racing for the HALOW charity, proved that he has lost none of his competitive edge.

Racing’s ‘rat pack’ took part in their first timed session on track for many years at Brands Hatch today (Friday), with Julian Bailey and Perry McCarthy also competing for the first time since retiring. Joined by Mark Blundell, Martin Donnelly and honoury member David Brabham, the group took part in the practice session ahead of Saturday’s DTM-supporting VW Scirocco R-Cup race.

The session coincided with a spell of rain and saw the Legends head the early running, perhaps thanks to their local knowledge and extra practice session on Thursday. However as the Scirocco regulars familiarised themselves with the track, Donnelly, a regular in this type of racing, continued to figure at the front end of the field. Performing well as expected was Blundell, who has competed in the series before, with former BTCC racer Bailey proving to be on the pace too.

As the rain came down harder, many drivers pitted for adjustments and as they rejoined the Legends came alive. First Hill, from way down the order, showed he’d lost none of his wet weather prowess with second, before Donnelly and Blundell duelled for the fastest time.

The track was by now drying as the rain abated and the times really began to tumble. Hill posted two headline laptimes, which for a while no-one was able to beat. Indeed the matter was settled as old friend Perry McCarthy’s bad luck also made a comeback and he lost a wheel on the way into Paddock Hill bend. The subsequent red flag, with less than five minutes remaining, left the 1996 World Champion fastest overall on his comeback.

The curtailed session and still-drying track left Martin Donnelly as the next best Legend in sixth, from Blundell in seventh, Brabham 11th, McCarthy 17th and Bailey 22nd. The Legends will be out on track to qualify tomorrow (Saturday) at 11:55 and will be signing autographs at 2pm, before their race at 3:45pm.

VW Scirocco R-Cup practice

1. Damon Hill, 52.124s

2. Adam Gladysz, +0.370s

3. Christofer Berckhan Ramirez, +0.439s

4. Jonas Giesler, +0.558s

5. Jann-Hendrick Ubben, +0.601s

6. Martin Donnelly, +0.692s

7. Mark Blundell, +0.733s

11. David Brabham, +1.154s

17. Perry McCarthy, +1.775s

22. Julian Bailey, +2.972s

Tour Britannia will have its first works entry when the classic race and rally tour runs for the eighth time on 6-8 June. In the concurrent targa category for post ’75 cars, Radical will field its fully road-legal SR3 SL for journalists Richard Meaden and Jethro Bovingdon.

Neither Richard nor Jethro have driven the SR3 SL before, but its race and track-proven pedigree – including scooping EVO’s Trackday Car of the Year – should make it ideal for the task. Both drivers have experience in a wide range of disciplines, both contesting the Nurburgring 24-hours amongst other events, and will be aiming for lap and stage records at every venue.

Targa Britannia is open to any post ’75 road legal car, including sports, GT and saloon cars capable of carrying a crew of two, and complying with MSA race regulations. The competitors will tackle 20 asphalt special stages as well as races at Croft and Cadwell Park, with the car being driven on the public road between the venues. It will be a real test of a car’s ability to perform in competition and be used on the road, all within the same event.

The Radical SR3 SL is a fully road-legal track car without compromise. The SR3 SL scores on all levels: performance, handling, styling and specification. It is powered by the advanced turbocharged Ford EcoBoost engine, delivering 240bhp, with direct fuel injection and a fly-by-wire throttle, coupled to a six-speed paddle-shift gear change. Confidence-inspiring handling comes from bespoke adjustable dampers, developed specifically for the car’s unique race-proven suspension arrangement.

It features a lightweight spaceframe chassis that’s been tested and approved to sportscar racing standards. Fully-floating 280mm disc brakes front and rear provide stopping power beyond the abilities of any other supercar. Despite a dry weight of only 725kg, the SL comes with trimmed bucket seats, a wraparound LCD dash, electrically-adjustable wing mirrors, cockpit heating and courtesy lighting.

More details about Tour Britannia and Targa Britannia can be found at the event website: www.tourbritannia.com and entry forms can be downloaded from the site.

Almost 30 years on from their first encounter on track together, racing’s ‘rat pack’ of Damon Hill, Martin Donnelly, Julian Bailey and Perry McCarthy returned to Brands Hatch today, scene of many of their battles, for a practice session ahead of this Saturday’s (19 May) DTM-supporting VW Scirocco R-Cup race. They will also race alongside friend Mark Blundell and honoury member David Brabham, who fought through the ranks of Formula Ford and Formula 3 at the same time.

After an hour of acclimatising themselves to the LPG-powered cars, the four, who apart from Donnelly have all since retired from racing, got together to discuss their return in aid of 1996 World Champion Damon’s HALOW charity.

We spoke to them all about the weekend ahead:

Damon: It’s wonderful to make my racing comeback here. I love Brands Hatch, I was Champion of Brands in 1983 on bikes, which is one of my proudest achievements! I’ve won here on bikes and in cars and had some great times at Brands Hatch, it’s had a fantastic history and Jonathan Palmer’s done an excellent job of keeping Brands Hatch up there as a premier venue for motorsport in this country.

Julian: The circuit hasn’t changed very much but it is a lot tidier. It hasn’t really changed from a driver’s point of view.

Martin: Obviously the exit at Graham Hill bend has changed and Paddock Hill bend is a terror as you cannot run four wheels off anymore. Brands Hatch is great for spectators with a natural amphitheatre. For the drivers it’s really busy there is no chance to have a rest.

Perry: I don’t think you should modify the circuit, what I think they should do is give me a faster car so I can overtake!

Martin: I’ve asked for a heavy front bumper so I can push Perry out the way just like old times!

What does it feel like being back on track together?

Damon: It’s fun, it’s good fun. Everyone said they weren’t going to try hard and drive fast but they’re all doing that, so they’re up to their old tricks again!

Perry: I’ve just come back from a three week intensive training session in Tenerife before that I was skiing in Norway with the Commando unit.

Julian: I have been spending a lot less time in my pub.

Martin: Damon’s attitude was to just drive the car round but when you put the helmet on you get competitive.

Perry: We are talking about the 1996 F1 world champion here – a 22 Grand Prix winner and he has come back after a 12 year lay off really with minimal testing and hasn’t driven front wheel drive. For Damon he is setting himself up for a fall against these young lads and he is doing it to be with us the rat pack and to raise the profile for the charity and I think that is incredibly commendable. There will be a bit of ribbing between us but we can’t really say much to Damon as he did the job and made it to F1.

Who would they be putting their money on for the race?

Perry: My money would go on either Martin (Donnelly) or David (Brabham) from our pack.

Martin: Mark Blundell should be the best draw as he did it last year and knows what to expect. He has a bit of confidence in the car and the upper hand.

Julian: I would say Mark too as he has the most experience. The cars are not difficult to drive but they are quirky with paddle shifts and the boost button.

Damon: I think Perry seems to be very motivated, strangely, I don’t know why!

Finally, would this be their last outing together?

Martin: I sincerely hope not this is not the final outing for the rat pack. It depends how much entertainment we put on.

Julian: It depends how many cars Volkswagen will have left.

Perry: Everything has kicked off just as we thought and the banter is flowing. It is down to the joy that Volkswagen have in motorsport to provide a platform for us to be us again, so we need to thank them for that.

Damon: Yes, I’m going to do this weekend and move on!

Tickets for the DTM-supporting VW Scirocco R-Cup are available on the gate for £10 on Friday and £15 on Saturday, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Damon Hill will make his racing comeback this May (Saturday 19) at Brands Hatch in the DTM-supporting Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup race. The 1996 Formula One World Champion has not competed since retiring in 1999 and he will be reunited on the track with racing friends Mark Blundell, Perry McCarthy, Julian Bailey, Martin Donnelly and David Brabham in the ultra competitive one make race series.

With the exception of Brabham – who has been given honorary ‘Rat Pack’ status for this race – the other five drivers are all members of the 80s racing gang who rose through the ranks of Formula Ford, Formula Three, Formula 3000 and into Formula One giving themselves the name ‘Rat Pack’. Through all the years of competition and ever since the drivers have remained close friends, with the period covered in McCarthy’s bestselling book ‘Flat Out, Flat Broke’.

Blundell raced for McLaren before tasting success in the US Champ Car Series and still races GT sportscars, whilst Bailey enjoyed good fortunes in the British Touring Car Championship and in sportscars before concentrating on stepson Jack Clarke’s racing career. Donnelly’s tenure in F1 was cut short by a huge accident at Jerez, famously documented in the recent Senna motion picture, leading him into team management and development work for Lotus. Still competing regularly in club racing, he is also entered for the Lotus Cup UK Championship race at the same meeting.

All are gathering together to enjoy some healthy competition while raising money for Damon Hill’s charity – HALOW. The project is dedicated to creating opportunities and supporting young people with a learning disability so that they are able to live independently. The charity is named after five young people, one of them being Oliver Hill, Damon’s eldest son.

“Perry, Julian and I are coming out of retirement for this race”, said Damon, “so we are sure to be pretty rusty. But it promises to be a great weekend for all friends and family to get together and a great way to draw attention to the aims and objectives of the charity. I am looking forward to it.”

McCarthy, who instigated the reunion, is convinced that they will all enjoy the experience even if some of the old rivalries return. “We are all really good friends,” said Perry, “and we have regular reunions. This one will be a bit more serious but we are all looking forward to it. I haven’t actually sat in a racing car for eight years so I don’t expect great things but it will be a lot of fun and we will be ready for a party when the chequered flag is waved.”

“When they asked me to race with all the Rat Pack I couldn’t say no,” said Blundell, who topped the Legends race in 2010 and finished third overall. “We are all such good mates there will be a lot of banter but don’t let that fool anyone, we are all going to be really racing out there.”

Tickets for the DTM at Brands Hatch featuring the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup, are available in advance from £29 with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk

Competitors in the 2012 edition of Tour Britannia (6-8 June) will tackle 20 special stages and two races during two and a half days of intense competition following final sign off of the route for the eighth running of the classic race and rally tour.

As always the stages are interesting and novel, with four of the venues completely new to motorsport. There are unique variations at some venue, including the Harewood Hillclimb course being tackled in the opposite direction to normal. Meanwhile, the team at the event HQ hotel of Rudding Park in Harrogate is surfacing a new road in the grounds to be used on the first stage of the event.

Tour Britannia will visit 10 venues, with another new to Tour Britannia special stage venue confirmed as Blyton Park Driving Centre near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. “The stages for 2012 are new and interesting and should provide a great challenge and a lot of fun for our competitors,” said event director Alec Poole.

Full-on asphalt stages like Blyton Park, and another recent addition at Tockwith, contrast nicely with the beautiful parkland roads at Raby Castle and Aske Hall and the iconic stages at Harrogate and Newark Showgrounds. There really is something for everyone in the 2012 route.

Meanwhile, the organisers are dealing with a flurry of entries as the closing date approaches, including 2011 winner John Clark and rallying crew Tony Robinson and Jon Cropper in one of nine Porsches already on the entry list for the competition event.

In the concurrent regularity rally, a fabulous array of classic cars will compete, ranging from a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud to a Ferrari 250 GT Lusso and, marking the 50th anniversary of the model, an MGB. Also represented in the regularity entry are classic marques liker Porsche, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Austin Healey, Lancia and Bentley.

More details about Tour Britannia and Targa Britannia can be found at the event website: www.tourbritannia.com and entry forms can be downloaded from the site.

CELEBRITIES SET TO TEAR UP THE TARMAC AT THE 2012 SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

A host of celebrities were on hand at Silverstone race track yesterday (Wednesday 9 May) to launch the 2012 Silverstone Classic ‘Celebrity Challenge’. The race, which will take place on Saturday 21 July at the world’s biggest classic car racing festival, will see an all-star line-up competing in 130mph Morgan lightweight race cars around the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

Celebrity drivers including Hollywood star Sir Patrick Stewart, Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott and Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole joined fellow racers Kelvin Fletcher (Emmerdale), Coronation Street’s Tony Hirst and ex-England footballer Steve Bull at yesterday’s launch. Other famous faces set to line up on the grid for the event, which is raising funds for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and the RPJ Crohn’s Foundation, include Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury, award-winning chef Heston Blumenthal, lifestyle guru Jo Wood, ‘Comedy Dave’ Vitty from Radio 1, Sky Sports presenter Vicky Gomersall and legendary rocker Brian Johnson from AC/DC.

Speaking at the launch Sir Patrick Stewart commented: “I’ve raced once before, in a pro-celebrity event on the Long Beach Grand Prix circuit in California – but that was ten years ago. I’ve been in retirement since then! When the chance to drive a great British sportscar here at Silverstone came up… well, what could be better? It was just irresistible. I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

Sir Patrick faces tough opposition from the likes of Brendan Cole who’s hoping to improve on last year’s third place finish. “Yeah, I had a little podium finish last time round… which was very nice,” said Cole, “but let’s just say second place is not an option this year! It’s going to be a big weekend – the Silverstone Classic is a massive event – and I’m really excited about it.”

The boys will have a race on their hands, though, because Chemmy Alcott is determined to give it her all. “When I took on the boys on the ski slopes they didn’t really like it so I want to see if the same applies on the race track,” she added. “I’ve been clocked at 92mph on a downhill run, but I’m planning to go a lot quicker in the car. It’s a fabulous opportunity to have some fun and raise money for charity at the same time. I’m so excited about being a racing driver for the day – it’s just going to be an amazing experience.”

SPECIAL RACES TO HONOUR TWO MOTOR SPORT GREATS AT JULY’S SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

Special races dedicated to the memory of two of motor sport’s most respected figures, Peter Gethin and Alan Mann, will be among the highlights of the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, this summer’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July).

The Peter Gethin Memorial Trophy for howling, growling Formula 2 and Formula 5000 single-seater machinery (1960s-70s) plus the Alan Mann Trophy for evocative Under 2 Litre Touring Cars (1960s-70s) are sure to provoke plenty of emotion among public – already pre-sales are 31 per cent up on 2011’s event which attracted some 80,000 visitors, itself a record.

Gethin was renowned for his exploits in Formula 5000, winning back-to-back British titles in 1969 and 1970 plus the Tasman Series in 1974. He even used an F5000 car to upstage the Formula 1 teams in the then-annual Race of Champions event at Brands Hatch in 1973. Gethin is also famous for winning what remains the closest race in Formula 1 history – the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in 1971. Meanwhile Mann set new standards in race car preparation that earned his Alan Mann Racing team official backing from automotive giant Ford and made it the outfit to beat in European and British saloon car racing in the mid-late Sixties. In addition, Mann’s squad was responsible for one of sportscar racing’s most stunning creations later that same decade, the Ford F3L.

Present at yesterday’s (Weds 9 May) Silverstone Classic media preview event were both men’s sons, Nick Gethin and Henry Mann – the latter will contest the U2TC race at the wheel of a Ford Lotus Cortina in the iconic red and gold colours made so famous by his father’s team.

Nick Gethin said his father, who passed away in December 2011, would have been moved by the tribute. He commented: “It’s just a lovely occasion and actually an absolute privilege to see and meet other drivers racing cars from that era and who want to carry on that spirit. The race will be a very emotional occasion for many people. My father would have been proud as punch and touched greatly that so many of his contemporaries thought so highly of him.”

Having lost his father in March, Henry Mann added: “Dad would have been chuffed. In the last ten years of his life it was always a great pleasure for him to meet up with old friends and see the old cars go round. He’d been out of racing for about 30 years but then, to suddenly find this revival in classic and historic cars and bump into some old friends and faces around the paddock – particularly at the Classic – was a big thing for him.

“The race for me will be quite a big deal. Normally I’d have called my father and asked for his advice on a few things but not having that now is a bit difficult. It will be emotional but hopefully he will be looking down approvingly. I’m not expecting any gentlemanly behaviour from my rivals and neither my father nor I would expect that. We’re racers at the end of the day.”

One of the worlds best known and loved Imprezas makes a welcome return to the the Time Attack series at Cadwell Park this weekend.

RCM Gobstopper at Cadwell Park

The iconic Subaru Impreza built by Roger Clark Motorsport is fondly referred to as “The Gobstopper”, and it has excelled in all competitions it has entered. It has been sadly missed by fans for the past two years, as Matt and Olly Clark have been concentrating on building up their highly respected tuning business.

Whilst it may not be the the absolute fastest Subaru in a straight line or even around a circuit, as an overall package it has been hard to surpass, even without the plethora of aero modifications seen on many of it’s rivals. With over 800bhp on tap from it’s 2 litre flat four engine, incredible engineering, quality of finish and impeccible attention to detail it is no surprise that the car has carved out a near cult status amongst motoring enthusiasts around the world.

With it’s highly anticipated replacement Gobstopper II nearing completion, this could well be the last chance for fans to see the original in competitive action.

A youtube video of the car in action has attracted over 250,000 viewers over the past few years:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiQ6FcyiPag

The action at Cadwell Park starts at 9am on Saturday 5th May.

Words & Photos: John Stewart

The Delphi British Truck Racing Championship will be appearing at Snetterton for the first time this August Bank Holiday (Sunday 26 and Monday 27), on the full 300 circuit. The championship, which attracts huge crowds to its two Brands Hatch events annually, has experienced strong growth in recent years.

Truck racing is one of the most spectacular forms of motorsport, featuring 1,000bhp machines that can out-drag a Porsche 911. The action is as fierce as anything seen in touring car racing, and the sight of the field heading along the Senna and Bentley straights will be something to behold!

The new Snetterton 300 circuit has been designed to promote exciting racing and with its panoramic spectator banks, fans will be able to watch almost all of the action, with the arena-like infield sure to be a popular viewing point. A practice and qualifying session on the Sunday, after the conclusion of the Citroen 2CV 24 Hour race, is followed by three races on the Monday

The championship is run to two divisions, with the top class dominated by rivals David Jenkins and Matt Summerfield. Jenkins is the reigning champion and has become a firm favourite with fans for his sideways driving style, whilst Summerfield is the early championship leader after a successful weekend in round two at Brands Hatch. Meanwhile the lower powered Division 2 trucks provide a closely fought contest with one point between leader Oly Janes and David Smith. Both championships are likely to remain tight by the time the series heads to Norfolk later in the summer.

MotorSport Vision Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Delphi British Truck Racing Championship to Snetterton. The series has proven to be hugely popular at Brands Hatch thanks to the close and competitive nature of the racing and, of course, the spectacular machinery in action! The championship joins the British Superkart Grand Prix as another major new event to race at Snetterton since its transformation last year.”

Tickets for the Delphi British Truck Racing Championship at Snetterton on 26 and 27 August are available from £10 with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.snetterton.co.uk

Tanner Foust claimed the Supercar victory at the opening round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill’s Monster Energy International Rallycross Festival. The American star controlled the A Final, despite the treacherous mud and rain, beating second placed Mats Lysen and third place finisher Liam Doran.

In the highly competitive Super 1600 class Finnish-Russian Jussi-Petteri Leppihalme took his maiden win, beating team mate Andreas Bakkerud to the flag. Swede Anton Marklund steered his Ford Fiesta Mk 7 to top spot in the Touring Car class, with Czech Roman Castoral second.

At Lydden Hill’s fourth hosting of the ERC start light problems forced the organisers to abandon racing on Day 1. An even greater packed Day 2 with 3 sets of heats and finals resulted, causing non-stop action throughout.

Day 1 belonged to Tanner Foust, as the US Top Gear presenter finished top of the times in Timed Practice. The wet conditions allowed the OMSE Team to fine tune the Fiesta’s wet set up, aiding Foust who stated: “The weak point of my car is its wet set up. We’ve had limited testing in the wet, so this weekend has been one of our first tests in these conditions.”

Alterations to the Fiesta clearly paid off, as Foust finished top of the times despite a four wheel jump over the chicane. Andy Scott (Ford Focus) was an incredible second quickest, with experienced Frenchman Jean–Luc Pailler (Peugeot 207) third.

All eyes were on Monster Energy star Liam Doran, who Foust claimed was: “my biggest rival as he lives here!” Despite Liam’s extensive circuit knowledge a technical infringement on the Citroen DS3’s set up let him down. An exclusion from Timed Practice left Doran on the back foot before any racing began.

Day 2 and Heat’s 1 and 3 belonged to Foust, with Swede Stig-Olov Walfridson (Renault Clio) upsetting Foust’s domination in Heat 2. Doran fought back, powering his M-Technologies DS3 to the B Final win with a magnificent come back.

This earned Liam a spot on the A Final grid, which Foust headed alongside Walfridson and Scott. From lights to flag Foust led, ahead of Norwegian youngster Mats Lysen who fought through from his fourth placed grid spot.

Local star Doran out muscled Walfridson down Hairy Hill, taking third on the DS3’s debut. Guttorm ‘Maximum Attack’ Lindefjell brought his Fabia Mk1 to fourth, with the unfortunate Scott bringing up the rear of a frantic A Final.

The Set Promotion squad controlled the Super 1600 podium with Leppihalme (Renault Clio) and Bakkerud (Renault Twingo) beating Poland’s Krzysztof Skorupski (VW Polo) to first and second. The 2011 class champion Bakkerud pre race stated: “I can’t nail the starts; if I can do it my Twingo’s times will improve.”

Bakkerud did get away well, but so did Leppihalme, with the 2011 champion Bakkerud only able to follow Leppihalme to the flag.

The Touring Car class had one of its biggest entries, with a field of 17 hitting the mud plastered track. Irishman Derek Tohill (Ford Fiesta Mk7) ahead of the final commented: “It’s half the battle just to be at Lydden, any result is a bonus as the title is the aim.”

Young Swede Anton Marklund took a surprise win, ahead of the entertaining Castoral and a pleased Tohill who rounded out the rostrum finishers.

Next on the ERC calendar is France on April 28th/29th, where Europe’s finest will return to battle after a fantastic Round 1.

Report: Daniel Wright
Photos:  Joseph Wright

Paul Streather headed to Donington Park on Easter Sunday to embark on his 2012 season campaign in the MG Car Club’s Trophy Championship. The aim was to get a flying start to the 2012 season and break his curse at Donington Park.  In the 2011 season Paul did not finish either race at Donington this removed all hopes of the title in 2011.

Due to the timetable restrictions of the weekend the MG Trophy Championship was joined with the Peter Best Insurance Championship with various speed cars dating back to a 1949 MG TC and through to a MGB GT V8.

The qualifying session was the first one of the day. The track was still wet therefore almost every driver went out on full wet tyres. With such varied speed cars it was hard for any driver, including Paul, to put continuous fast laps together. Paul managed to put in two “flying” laps with limited disruption from the other traffic. Paul’s fastest lap was over 1 second quicker than the rest of the grid and over 30 seconds faster than the slowest. This meant that during the race, Paul would be lapping the slowest competitors within 3 laps. Paul’s second fastest lap time determined the starting position for race 2 which put him in second place on the grid alongside Doug Cole on the front row.

The cars lined up on the grid, all 32 of them, awaiting the lights to go out. The lights came on and went out, Paul got a flying start, for about 10 metres before the driveshaft sheared and meaning he had to pull off with no drive and watch the race from the side lines. The race continued when an accident later bought the safety car out. Doug Cole was still leading the field and sat behind the safety car for 2 laps. The lights went off on the safety car and Doug made his charge for the line and caught the rest of the pack off guard. Doug instantly had an enormous lead and held this to the end of the race. The finishing result was Doug Cole in first with Graham Ross in second and Mark Humphrey in third place. Fastest lap was set by MG Trophy newcomer Dan Neaves.

Paul set out to fix his car straight away with the help of his team and it was fixed and race ready within an hour.

“Things looked great after this morning’s qualifying session but due to a mechanical failure beyond my control it meant that I could not finish the race.”

Leading up to race two in the afternoon the weather was constantly changing and it was looking like the car setup and tyres would need to be changed before the race. The rain came and went prior to the start and therefore full slick tyres were put onto the car. Paul lined up along side Doug Cole, the race one winner, on the front row of the grid to start the second race. The lights went out and Paul Luti from row 2 of the grid flew into the lead with Paul Streather in second and Doug in third. As Paul Streather was on the outside line into the first corned it allowed Doug Cole, Graham Ross and Chris Bray to pass him by the exit of Redgate corner putting Paul into fifth position. This happened again further through the opening lap and meant that Paul was down to sixth.  Graham Ross spun off promoting Paul into fifth position again but was stuck behind Mark Humphrey and could not find a route past. The leaders started to pull away and increase their lead significantly while Paul was stuck behind Mark. Paul managed to overtake Mark on Lap 12 and was immediately on the bumper of Bray in third place a quarter of the way into lap 13 and had opened up over a one second gap from Mark. The race was stopped due to a major accident which then lead to the results being declared from the previous lap with meaning Paul was awarded fifth position.  Luti won the race with Cole in second and Bray in third.

Paul picked up third in class award.

After the weekend Paul said; “I would like to thank all of my family and friends who give up a lot of their time to help me. I couldn’t do it without them. I would also like the thank all of my sponsors; Michael Smith Switchgear, Round Towers Spares, DS Motor Services, TLA Distribution, Anglian Fasteners, Holme Dodsworth Metals, Sygnature Workwear, Decon Design and SMS Images, without them it would not be possible.”

Paul went on to jest; “At least I have finished a race here now and broken The Curse of Donington Park. I am really looking forward to Brands Hatch in May.”

Report and pictures by Sean Smith – SMS Images

Stefan di Resta, the 22 year old brother of Sahara Force India Grand Prix star Paul, is to make his race debut this Sunday at Knockhill.

Stefan di Resta testing GPA mini Cooper at Knockhill

Stefan, who comes from Bathgate and works in the family property development business, will be racing the Grand Prix Adventures #6 Mini Cooper in the Celtic Speed Scottish Mini Cooper Cup. With three races scheduled, Stefan will be competing against 25 other Minis, including 4 lady racers, all of whom will be tackling the twists and turns of the challenging Knockhill circuit. 17 year old Lewis Grant from Aberdeen will also make his racing debut in the same event driving his Apex Tubulars backed Mini Cooper.

Lewis Grant Apex Tubulars Mini at Knockhill

GPA owner Kenny McLeod said “I am delighted to be playing a small part in Scottish motorsport history with Stefan driving the #6 GPA Mini resplendent with the McLeod tartan roof!” Stuart Gray Knockhill Events Director added “It will be great to see how Stefan gets on at Knockhill as it’s the same track that his brother Paul, his cousin Dario Franchitti, David Coulthard and Alan McNish all drove their first race cars.

A busy 14 race programme kicks off at 10am and features the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup, Scottish Classics, Legends, Formula Fords and Sports and Saloons in an action packed race day.

Fiona Kindness starts her first season of door to door racing, having successfully campaigned her Nissan Skyline in the UK Time Attack series for the past 3 years.

Fiona Kindess Nissan Skyline

Photos: John Stewart, Flatoutphotography

Round 1 of the Monster Energy MSA British Rallycross Championship got underway at a packed Lydden Hill. 2007 Supercar champion Ollie O’Donovan took the A Final win on his return to the class, a perfect way to start his comeback.

In the hotly contested Super National championship fellow Irishman Ian O’Connell steered his Lotus Exige to victory. In the many supporting classes Richard Norman claimed top spot in the Swift Sports, James Ross took the Junior win, Ulrik Linnemann the Super 1600, Kris Hudson the BMW Mini.

Throughout the Supercar heats Irishman O’Donovan took control, with fastest times in both Heats 1 and 3. 2011 champion Julian Godfrey found his Ford Fiesta’s speed in Heat 2, recovering from an uncharacteristic error in his first outing.

Heathfield racer Godfrey would had claimed the fastest time in Heat 1, but forgot to take his all important Joker Lap, handing him a 30 second penalty. Further down the order and Pat Doran, borrowing George Tracey’s Citroen Xsara performed well, so too Steve Mundy (Ford Focus) and Andy Grant (Ford Focus).

O’Donovan’s rapid times earnt him pole for the A Final, with Andy Scott aboard his trusty Peugeot 306 alongside. The first corner lead went to O’Donovan, holding off Scott and Godfrey as they squabbled over second.

Steve Hill in his MakTrak backed Mitsubishi Evo 10 had an eventful final, holding on to fifth despite his bonnet blocking sight of the Kent circuit. On Lap 2 Scott suffered a puncture and Godfrey spun, allowing Pat Doran into second.

Both Mundy and Grant also pounced, finishing third and fourth respectively. On his first Supercar outing Steve Harris (Citroen C4) came home an encouraging sixth, ending a typically frantic Supercar final.

X Games Gold Medalist Liam Doran could only watch on as his M Technologies Citroen DS3 was without vital electronic parts. The absence of the Monster backed star did not affect what was a fantastic start to the Supercar year.

The Super National racing was just as entertaining with a red flag bringing the A Final to a stoppage. The TDI Audi TT of Michael Boak came together with Ash Simpson’s Lotus Exige, sending Simpson into the wall and littering the track with cars.

All but an unfortunate Ryan Lawford took the restart, in a race in which O’Connell, Simpson and gamekeeper Jamie Bird (Renault Clio V6) dominated. As the top three tussled, Gary Dixon in his elderly Vauxhall Astra E picked off his rivals, finishing an incredible fifth. At the line O’Connell beat Simpson, Bird, and fourth place finisher Steve Cozens in another popular Lotus.

Richard Stomin’ Norman took his first ever Swift Sport win beating a strong entry of 15 cars. The West Malling driver defeated pre season title favourite Tony Lynch who was fastest in 2 of the 3 heats.

The Junior Rallycross result was a surprise to many as Prize Driver winner James Ross defeated 2011 champion Aidan Hills. 14 year old Charlie Bean completed his first Rallycross event, learning much about the 1300cc Swift on the way.

Norwegian Ulrik Linnemann used the Lydden event as a test for his Super 1600 Peugeot 207, which was a definite success. The European Rallycross hopeful claimed top spot in a lowly supported Super 1600 class.

Next up for the Monster Energy British Rallycross Championship is Knockhill on May 12th.

Report: Daniel Wright
Photos:  Joseph Wright

Paul Streather, the 22 year old, from Hinckley has set the bar high for his 2012 season campaign in the MG Car Club’s Trophy Championship.  Streather was the 2010 MG Trophy Champion in a MG ZR 160, breaking the lap record at all six of the circuits that he raced at. In 2011 Paul took the leap up into the fully race prepared MG ZR 190 and had yet another successful season. He battled the elements at Oulton Park and disaster struck at Donington Park for Paul, yet he still managed to finish third in his class.

Over the winter break Paul has been working non-stop on his race car to ensure that it is prepared to his extremely high standard going into the 2012 season. Paul’s meticulous preparation routine has also secured him a client’s car for preparation for the 2012 season.

Paul took his MG ZR 190 to Mallory Park last week to check all of the set-up and ensure that he is happy with the performance.  Paul started off steady and returned the garage to check that there were no immediate issues. All was clear so he returned to the track to put the car, and himself, through the paces.

Paul’s lap times were consistently fast and were within two tenths of a second of the lap record for his class of car.

This is the promising start that Paul is after heading into the 2012 season where he aims to challenge for the Championship Title once again.

Following the morning’s three testing sessions, Paul commented; “I am extremely happy with the test sessions this morning. I had a few minor issues with the car but I would rather find these during a test session than during a race.  I am really looking forward to the upcoming season, the car feels great!”

The MG Car Club’s Trophy Championship race season starts at Donington Park on Easter Sunday.

Picture & Report By: Sean Smith – SMS Images

The Masters Series members blow the winter cobwebs off themselves and the cars with a track day at Goodwood Motor Circuit organised by the club, before the first race of the year at Outon Park on March 17^th. Being a track day no racing was involved, but of course this doesn’t stop the drivers from finding their cars limits and the Goodwood Circuit is the perfect venue that suits the cars and the Master Historic Racing.

The racing is made of seven series, GP Masters – 3-litre Formula 1 cars from 1968 to 1985.

World Sportscar Masters – Le Mans-type Group 4 prototypes pre-1975.

CanAm Interserie Challenge – For Can Am cars and 2-litre (to the end of 1977) and 3-litre (to the end of 1976) sports-prototypes. Invited MS-P cars are eligible as well.

Sports Racing Masters – 1960 to 1965 sports-racing and GT prototypes.

Gentlemen Drivers – Pre 1966 GT cars running to Appendix K with HTP papers, accompanied by Pre 1963 sports cars. Includes a seperate podium in each race for the Under 2-litre GT cars.

Masters Pre-66 Saloons – Pre-1966 touring cars running to Appendix K specification.

70s Celebration – Group 2 touring cars of the 1970s, plus 1970s touring cars and production saloons plus production sports and GT cars.

Report and Photos by Tim Surman.

The Oulton Park 2012 season starts this Saturday (17 March) with a spectacular festival of historic racing, featuring classic cars spanning the circuit’s six decades. The opening Masters Festival follows a successful inaugural event last year.

Historic racing is hugely popular and unlike many sports, fans can get up close to motorsport’s history and turn back the clock as the cars take to the track. Oulton Park’s layout remains largely unchanged since the halcyon days too, making it the ideal venue for this event.

The compact schedule makes for breathless action from saloon and GT cars from the 40s to the 70s in the Gentlemen Drivers, Pre-66 Touring Cars and 70s Celebration races. These events will recall the days when cars such as Mustangs, Cortinas, Austin Healeys and Capris were a familiar sight on British roads.

There will also be plenty of exotica on display too, with the World Sportscar Masters providing a flavour of Le Mans from the days when the might of Ford, Ferrari and Porsche regularly battled with smaller British marques including Lola and Cheshire’s Chevron. The cars are certainly a sight to behold on the narrow and twisting Oulton Park tarmac!

New for this year will be the Single Seater Allcomers race, which brings back the powerful cars that once competed in Oulton Park’s Gold Cup event from the 50s to the 90s, when it ran to Formula 2, 3000 and 5000 regulations. Plenty of thrills are expected in this much-anticipated race.

In addition to the action on track, the paddock will be open for fans to see the cars close-up, whilst there’s further entertainment for all the family with a fun fair and treasure hunt.

Tickets for the Masters Historic Festival at Oulton Park on 17 March are available on the gate for £16, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 843 9000 or visit www.oultonpark.co.uk

The Swift Sport Rallycross championship was introduced to the British Rallycross package in 2010, and is now a well established series offering equal, cost effective racing. Based on 1.6 litre Suzuki Swifts the cars are quick, competitive machines, a more modern but still simple alternative to the aging Mini’s previously used.

Run by Peter Gwynne Motorsport’s friendly team the championship offers TV coverage, prize money and a variety of packages to get drivers started. The series focuses on driver ability, tempting a wide range of racers including former Super National champion Dave Bellerby, BTCC star Andrew Jordan and top ERC driver Liam Doran.

After the senior championship success’s 2011 saw the introduction of a new Junior class.

Offering 14 to 16 year olds identical 1300cc Swifts the series is ultra competitive and cost effective compared to other Junior series.

For 2012, Kevin Hansen, son of 14 times European Champion Kenneth, will start his racing career in the Junior Swifts; showing the stature and popularity of the championship.

To kick off the 2012 season the annual Open Day (on February the 4th) was held, aimed at attracting new drivers to the championships. At a snow covered Lydden Hill, Hansen completed his first test; with many senior competitors also testing ahead of the 24th March season start.

Passenger Rides again ran at Lydden, with the snow and ice not stopping the Swift’s – or my ride. In a new built car, recently driven by Jason Plato at the Autosport International, instructor Paul Alexander showed me why the Swift’s attract so many drivers.

All aspects of the car are perfectly set up to suit any driver’s needs, a great environment to learn or improve racing craft. Always providing great competition and reliability, the championships offer a stepping stone for club level racers or an easy option for newcomers and graduating Juniors – attractive to everyone.

For more information on both championship’s check out the website at: http://www.swiftrallycross.com/

Written by: Daniel Wright
Images by: Joseph Wright