Stylish dress and classic cars for Shelsley Walsh

 Period dress will be the order of the day when the Midland Automobile Club hosts its Classic Nostalgia weekend later this month.

The stylish event is being staged at the club’s Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July and will feature a full entry list and wide range of classic and sports cars from over the years.

Club organiser Andrew Davis said: “This promises to be a great family weekend with something for everybody to enjoy in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside and the atmosphere should be truly vintage as we are asking everybody to dress in 1950s and 1960s style for the occasion.

“There will be prizes for the best dressed lady and gentleman in costume, a rock band on Saturday evening and a Jazz band playing on Sunday, as well as a host of other period attractions over the weekend.

“Famous names such as Riley, Austin, Triumph and Allard will be in the paddock and competing on the hill, while the car parks will host an even wider range of cars, with displays by clubs including AC Cobra, Austin 7, MG, Sunbeam, Dellow and Alfa Romeo.

“This year sees the 50th anniversary of the iconic MGB and the MG Car Club is staging a round of its Speed Championship at Shelsey Walsh on the Saturday, while the Bugatti Owners Club, Paul Matty Classic Championship contenders will also be taking part alongside period single seater racing cars, all in all making for a truly classic occasion.”

Over 100 cars from over the years will take part in the Concours de Elegance competition on the Sunday, sponsored by Classic & Sportscar Magazine and to be judged by renowned motoring journalist Simon Taylor, himself a regular competitor at Shelsley Walsh in his Stovebolt Special.

For further details HYPERLINK "http://www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk" www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk

PICTURED:
Last years Classic Nostalgia
Last years Concours winner
Picnic On the Hill
MAC members preparing for the Classic Nostalgia event at Shelsley Walsh.

Silverstone news

SPEEDY CELEBS PUT ON GREAT RACE AROUND SILVERSTONE & RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR CHARITY

Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher won Saturday’s Celebrity Challenge race ahead of musicians AC/DC ‘frontman’ Brian Johnson and Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay at the Silverstone Classic powered by the AA event.

The annual race at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival with its ‘Rocking and Racing’ theme raised money for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and the RPJ Chron’s Foundation.

Other celebrities to participate included Hollywood actor Sir Patrick Stewart, Nicola Stapleton and Tony Hirst of Eastenders and Coronation Street fame, chef Heston Blumenthal, BBC Radio 1’s ‘Comedy Dave’ Dave Vitty, BBC Sport presenter Andrew Castle, Sky Sports’ Vicky Gomersall and Wolves soccer legend Steve Bull.

All were in identical race-prepared 130mph Morgan sportscars but it was Fletcher, aka Emmerdale farmer Andy Sugden, who came out on top. Starting from pole position he led all the way and also set the race’s fastest lap around the famous Silverstone Grand Prix track.

Fletcher commented: “It was really good fun. The race was harder than qualifying, but I had an amazing time and a good battle with Jay Kay before edging away. Everyone came back unscathed which was the main thing. It’s been a great day and we’ve raised awareness for three great charities.”

Runner-up Johnson said: “It was fantastic. The crowds were awesome as were the guys who loaned us these magic cars. This is the best event on the planet and, what’s more, it’s right here on our doorstep in the UK. I’ve had a wonderful time. It was terrific fun.”

Kay added: “It was brilliant although fairly full on and I had a great tussle with Tony Hirst and Brian Johnson. But I was a naughty boy for driving off the track a few times so got a small time penalty which meant I missed out on second. But I’ve had a ball.”

Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge (8 laps)
1. Kelvin Fletcher, 21m05.479s
2. Brian Johnson, +7.513s
3. Jay Kay, +9.246s
4. Tony Hirst, +16.861s
5. Steve Bull, +21.682s
6. Dave Vitty, +1m01.825s
7. Heston Blumenthal, +1m34.207s
8. Andrew Castle, +2m51.003s
9. Sir Patrick Stewart, +3m02.808s
10. Nicola Stepleton, +1 lap
11. Vicky Gomersall, +1 lap
Fastest lap: Fletcher, 2m34.990s


CLASSIC RACING STARS AT SILVERSTONE
The world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the Silverstone Classic powered by the AA and with its ‘Rocking and Racing’ theme, was in full swing on Saturday night after no fewer than 13 races packed with excitement and drama on the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

Two incredibly close opening races set the tone for the rest of the event’s opening day as capacity grids of saloon, GT, single-seater and sportscars worth millions of pounds wowed huge numbers of visitors. The action closed spectacularly with iconic Le Mans 24 Hours cars, headlights ablaze, taking the chequered flag in a twilight finish…

Jon Milicevic was the first winner of the day in Historic Formula Juniors but only after race-long rival David Methley spun in the closing stages. Michael Lyons won the first of two Peter Gethin Trophy races for thundering Formula 5000 and howling Formula 2 cars from the Seventies in a desperately close finish. Simon Hadfield led much of the race but, after a wheel-to-wheel dice, was passed by Lyons and spun. Martin Stretton then joined in to finish just yards behind Lyons at the line.

Lyons had later been on course for another victory, in the recreated Daily Express International Trophy race for Formula 1 cars, only for his Hesketh to cruelly stop while in front with just a few miles to go. This gifted victory to Bill Coombs’s Tyrrell…

Driving solo, Shaun McInerney won the 50-minute Alan Mann Trophy for under 2-litre Sixties touring cars as just two seconds covered the top three finishers.

Alex Buncombe was twice a winner – first sharing with Chris Ward in the Stirling Moss Trophy for pre-61 sportscars and then on his own in a race for Jaguar E-types. So too was the Minshaw family with brothers Jason and Jon in races for rear-engined Formula 1 Grand Prix machines and then sportscars pre-dating 1966 respectively. Another pair of brothers, Gary and John Pearson, also stood on the top step of the podium when, together, they triumphed in the RAC Woodcote Trophy encounter for pre-63 GT cars.

Philip Walker headed a Lotus 1-2-3 after nine laps of pre-1961 front-engined GP car action, while Rick Pearson got the measure of current British Touring Car star Frank Wrathall to win the first of two special Fujifilm-backed races for touring cars spanning three decades (1970-2000).

Meanwhile soap actor Kelvin Fletcher (Emmerdale) was untouchable as he led all the way from pole position to win the Classic’s annual Celebrity Challenge race for famous faces in identical Morgan sportscars. Musicians AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay were next up as funds for three charities – Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and the RPJ Chron’s Foundation – were raised.

Completing the day’s on-track action just as Eighties chart-topper Adam Ant – one of a number of big name musical acts to be performing at the Classic – was taking to the stage on the Silverstone infield was a stunning into-the-dark sprint event for Group C sportscars, won in style by Gareth Evans.

Another 11 races would then follow on Sunday before 2012’s Classic drew to a close (see separate report).

Podium results, Silverstone Classic, Saturday 21 July

Historic Formula Juniors (9 laps)
1. Jon Milicevic, Cooper T59, 21m18.420s
2. Sam Wilson, Cooper T59, +6.856s
3. David Methley, Brabham BT6, +12.308s
Fastest lap: Wilson, 2m20.297s (93.63mph)

Peter Gethin Trophy for F2 & F5000 (11 laps)
1. Michael Lyons, Lola T400, 21m39.553s
2. Martin Stretton, March 742, +0.144s
3. Simon Hadfield, Trojan T101, +24.735s
Fastest lap: Stretton, 1m56.266s (112.98mph)

Alan Mann Trophy for Under 2-litre Touring Cars (18 laps)
1. Shaun McInnerney, Ford Lotus Cortina, 50m30.874s
2. Leo Voyazides/Simon Hadfield, Ford Lotus Cortina, +1.401s
3. Andrew Banks/Max Banks, Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA, +2.005s
Fastest lap: Hadfield, 2m32.591s (86.08mph)

StirlingMoss Trophy for Pre-61 Sportscars (21 laps)
1. Alex Buncombe/Chris Ward, Lister Jaguar Costin, 51m32.021s
2. Graeme Dodd/James Dodd, Cooper Monaco T49, +12.039s
3. Ewan McIntyre/Jamie McIntyre, Lotus 15, +12.530s
Fastest lap: Buncombe, 2m22.974s (91.88mph)

Daily Express International Trophy for Grand Prix Masters (8 laps)
1. Bill Coombs, Tyrrell 009, 15m32.745s
2. Steve Hartley, Arrows A4, +5.388s
3. Michael Fitzgerald, Williams FW08, +14.038s
Fastest lap: Michael Lyons, Hesketh 308E, 1m53.696s (115.54mph)

HGPCA pre-66 Rear Engine Grand Prix Cars (9 laps)
1. Jason Minshaw, Brabham BT4, 21m02.114s
2. John Harper, Brabham BT4, +15.609s
3. Rod Jolley, Cooper T45/51, +18.451s
Fastest lap: Minshaw, 2m18.908s (94.56mph)

Masters ‘Gentleman Drivers’ pre-66 GT (20 laps)
1. Jon Minshaw/Martin Stretton, Jaguar E-type, 50m38.979s
2. Leo Voyazides/Simon Hadfield, AC Cobra, +7.908s
3. Pearson, Jaguar E-type, +17.679s
Fastest lap: Mike Whitaker Snr, TVR Griffith, 2m25.270s (90.42mph)

Jaguar E-type Challenge (9 laps)
1. Alex Buncombe, 21m58.232s
2. Jason Minshaw, +4.702s
3. Jon Minshaw, +7.977s
Fastest lap: Buncombe, 2m22.733s (89.89mph)

HGPCA pre-61 Front Engine Grand Prix Cars (9 laps)
1. Philip Walker, Lotus 16 368, 21m51.384s
2. Roger Wills, Lotus 16 363, +3.035s
3. Eddie McGuire, Lotus 16 362, +44.521s
Fastest lap: Walker, 2m23.910s (91.28mph)

Fujifilm Touring Car Trophy 1970-2000 (9 laps)
1. Rick Pearson, Nissan Primera, 20m17.982s
2. Frank Wrathall, Vauxhall Cavalier, +13.122s
3. Richard Hawken, Nissan Primera, +25.685s
Fastest lap: Pearson, 2m13.402s (98.47mph)

Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge (8 laps)
1. Kelvin Fletcher, Morgan Lightweight, 21m05.479s
2. Brian Johnson, Morgan Lightweight, +7.513s
3. Jay Kay, Morgan Lightweight, +9.246s
Fastest lap: Fletcher, 2m34.990s

Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for pre-56 Sportscars (12 laps)
1. Gary Pearson/John Pearson, Jaguar D-type, 31m44.086s
2. John Young/Andrew Smith, Cooper Jaguar T33, +10.449s
3. Nigel Webb/Anthony Reid, Jaguar C-type, +16.659s
Fastest lap: Gary Pearson, 2m32.293s

Group C Endurance Race Cars (15 laps)
1. Gareth Evans, Mercedes C9, 31m02.729s
2. Roger Wills, Lancia LC2, +4.906s
3. Chris D’Ansembourg, Porsche 962, +38.662s
Fastest lap: Evans, 1m54.393s (114.83mph)



SCARLET FEVER AT SILVERSTONE CLASSIC

Biggest ever parade of Ferrari’s finest supercar

A world record 60 Ferrari F40s took to the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit during Sunday’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA event to mark the Italian supercar’s 25th birthday.

The phalanx of scarlet red F40s led a glittering parade of marques, models and car clubs celebrating special milestones in the sun at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

On Saturday it had been the turn of hundreds of BMW’s Z1, Z3, Z4 and Z8 sportscars to lap the famous GP track as part of the UK’s first ‘Z-fest’.

The F40 was the world’s first 200mph road car when it appeared in 1987 and is still rated by many to be the finest supercar in history. It was also the legendary Enzo Ferrari’s ‘supercar swansong’ before his death in 1988.

In total more than 400 rare and exotic cars joined in today’s mouth-watering parade, notably iconic British sportscars such as TVRs, Lotus Elans, Triumph Spitfires, Austin Healeys and MGBs – 2012 is the MGB’s golden anniversary year – plus Lamborghini and Mercedes-Benz car club members.

Producer's Blog : Rumours of our demise are greatly exaggerated

Hello again, Kevin here. Well, it's been a busy time scince my last blog, and it's mostly due to Kart Force. The soldiers Travelled north to Middelsborough for their 24 hour record attempt and we followed them. This has resulted in many hours of footage to log, capture and edit. Keep watching this space for our first teaser trailer! Offline the trailer has generated lots of interest, so watch out for some news there. It's not just the Kart Force trailer that's coming up. Next week we'll have an exclusive interview with Autotest and stunt driving legend, Russ Swift. And we'll be catching up with Ali Rushforth and his team too. We're already planning our 2013 series of webshows too, and we'll have those plans ready to release properly soon. If you are already intrigued, we will have sponsorship opportunities available so if your company is interested in supporting British Motorsport by sponsoring a new way to watch it, please get in touch. Team Overdrive (the new name for M&W Productions will also be announcing new products and services for the Automotive and Motorsport industries soon too. Our web presence has taken a bit of a battering of late, in case you had thought we had disappeared. First our Facebook page disappeared (which turned out not to be a technical problem as I first thought, it was sabotage!) then to add insult to injury our access to Blogger (which makes this site work) was also interrupted. No idea why that happened, but it's back online now and all the links should point to the right places too. Webmaster Dan has one hell of a pile of Press releases to sort though too. Apologies if you haven't seen yours yet! On the note of web business, whoever it is that keeps on requesting new passwords for blogger, YouTube and twitter... Stop it! It really won't work. All you are doing is sending me yet another email to say you've done it and google and twitter are getting bored with me sending them onto their security departments. Give up now. Thank you. Right, that's it for now. I'm actually on the M25 at the moment heading for a short Holiday in Kent, typing this on my iPad. Unfortunately that apparently means no pictures. Which is a pity. TTFN Kevin P.s. of course I'm not driving!!

Silverstone Classic roars into action

This weekend’s (20-22 July) Silverstone Classic powered by the AA will be the most entertaining and action-packed yet. Staged on the world famous Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit just two weeks after the Santander Formula 1 British GP, the event is already established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival – and 2012’s edition is all set to break yet more records.

a larger than life character gets to work on a Morgan

Once again both Silverstone’s National and new International Wing pits and paddock complexes will be maximised to house hundreds of the world’s finest historic racing cars which will be competing in a packed schedule of 24 races on the full GP track.

With more than 1,000 entries the non-stop on-track entertainment showcases the full spectrum of motor sport history with huge grids featuring a mouth-watering array of Grand Prix, GT, Le Mans, single-seater, sports and touring cars spanning more than seven decades of epic circuit racing history.

Adding to the spectacle more than 7,000 classic cars will be displayed during the weekend on the Silverstone infield with many hallowed marques celebrating important milestones in their evocative histories. Notably the busy Sunday schedule includes a world record parade of 70 Ferrari F40s to mark the stunning supercar’s 25^th birthday.

“The Silverstone Classic powered by the AA just gets bigger and better every year with more and more attractions to entertain those of all generations,” confirmed Nick Wigley, Event Director. “Once again the event has attracted a stunning entry with many of the race grids heavily oversubscribed. This year’s car club displays are going to be very special, too, with so many significant motoring anniversaries being celebrated at Silverstone. Moreover our exciting new partnership with the AA has extended the festival’s massive appeal still further by offering a great range of interactive driving experiences for those of all ages. Indeed, with so much to see and do it’s no surprise that our advanced ticket sales are running at unprecedented levels and we are looking forward to welcoming a record crowd.”

SILVERSTONE CLASSIC: FACT FILE 

2011: A RECORD BREAKER

With a total of 1,104 race entries the 2011 Silverstone Classic is believed to have been the biggest race meeting ever staged in the world, while the 80,000 attendance was unprecedented in the event’s recent history. Last year’s Classic also established a new Guinness World Record for the ‘largest parade of Jaguar cars’ when 767 E-types took to the track to celebrate the iconic British sportscar’s 50th birthday.

NON-STOP ON-TRACK ACTION

The old cars blast past the new pits and paddock at Silverstone

The 2012 Silverstone Classic will witness no fewer than 24 races, many boasting full 58-car grids. The impressive line-up includes the finest historic racing cars covering more than eight halcyon decades. The wide-ranging race card features no fewer than 100 Grand Prix cars plus spectacular grids of Le Mans, GT, Group C, Jaguar E-types, sports and touring cars providing the very best of nostalgic race action. Among many highlights is the re-birth of the Daily Express International Trophy, one of the most famous prizes in motor racing history. Past winners include greats such as Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill. This revived race will be for F1 cars from the Seventies and Eighties.

  

SHOWBIZ STARS AT WARP SPEED

A special celebrity race starring famous faces from the high-profile worlds of music, sport, media and show business is now an annual attraction. Those donning race suits and helmets include: Heston Blumenthal; Brian Johnson; ‘Comedy Dave’ Vitty; Jay Kay; Brendan Cole; Steve Bull; Andrew Castle and Sir Patrick Stewart as well as TV soap stars representing Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale. As in 2011, all the stars will be lining up on a grid of competition-prepared Morgan racing cars.

DEDICATED RACES

Special races dedicated to the memory of two of motor sport’s most respected figures, Peter Gethin and Alan Mann, will be among this year’s highlights. The Peter Gethin Memorial Trophy is dedicated to the memory of F5000 racing legend Peter Gethin who passed away in December while the Alan Mann Trophy hails the achievements of Alan Mann whose Alan Mann Racing team was revered in touring and sportscar racing circles in the Sixties. Although Mann passed away in March of this year many of his evocative red and gold cars are still competing today.

AA WORLD

Backed by the Automobile Association – the UK’s biggest motoring organisation – AA World is perhaps the most significant new attraction for 2012. Based right at the heart of the venue, this new motoring theme park will be the UK’s largest interactive motoring attraction for all ages from Roary The Racing Car and Wacky Wheelers for toddlers and children to a taste of driving at Silverstone for under-17s. AA World will be opened by 1992 Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell, CBE at noon on Friday 20 July.

FIELDS OF GOLD

The Silverstone Classic is one of the must-see events in the diary of every car enthusiast – that’s why the event has become a major highlight on the calendars of more than 120 motor clubs. During the weekend more than 7,000 classic cars will be on show.

CHAMPAGNE MOMENTS

This summer car clubs will be celebrating special milestones in model, marque or their own histories, notably golden anniversaries for the Lotus Elan, Triumph Spitfire and AC Cobra. The Silverstone Classic has also been selected by the MGB50 Committee as one of just three official celebrations to mark 50 years of the much-loved MGB.

FORZA FERRARI

A world record gathering of mouth-watering Ferrari F40s (numbering 70 and counting…) will celebrate 25 years of the idolised Italian supercar – rated by many to be the Prancing Horse’s greatest creation – with a special parade on Sunday.

Z-CARS: THE SEQUEL

The UK’s first-ever BMW ‘Z-fest’ will be staged at this weekend’s Silverstone Classic. Organised by the official BMW Car Club GB, the nation’s inaugural Z-fest will see many hundreds of BMW’s popular Z1, Z3, Z4 and Z8 sportscars on display.

  

ROCK FESTIVAL FEVER

Living up to its ‘Rocking and Racing’ tag, the Silverstone Classic is renowned for its live rock concerts staged on both Friday and Saturday evenings. This year’s impressive line-up includes chart-toppers Adam Ant and Mike & the Mechanics.

GOING, GOING, GONE

For those wanting to buy a classic road or racing car, Silverstone Auctions is staging a special sale in the venue’s stunning ‘Wing’ building. A wide range of desirable cars and automobilia will be going under the hammer with viewing on Friday and Saturday mornings before the bidding starts at midday on the Saturday (21 July). With classic car sales running at record levels the auction is certain to generate huge interest from both collectors and market observers.

   

FLAT OUT FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

There’s so much more fun for all ages to enjoy at the Silverstone Classic with a vintage fun fair, go-karts, aerial displays with wing walkers, the Parachute Regiment The Red Devils, hot air balloons, Punch and Judy (celebrating 350 years), rally car and 4x4 experiences plus giant TV screens showing all the on-track action. There is even a pampering centre plus a retail village with nearly 200 exhibitors presenting a wide range of autojumble, automobilia, art, jewellery, books, videos and gifts for everyone.

ACCESS ALL AREAS

Another traditional Silverstone Classic forte is its widely-praised ‘access all areas’ policy. General admission tickets include FREE entrance to all live music shows, AA World, trackside grandstand seating and both the International and Wing pits and paddock complexes. Adult tickets for 2012’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July) cost from as little as £35 (plus booking fee) and special two- and three-day weekend tickets are also available with savings of up to 20 per cent if purchased before 5pm on 19 July. Full details are available via the event’s official www.SilverstoneClassic.com website. 

Formula Renault BARC takes on Croft

Formula Renault BARC blasts back into action at Croft!

Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire hosts the resumption of the 2012 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship this weekend and with seven races still remaining there’s everything to play for at the top of the driver standings.

Leading the way as the start of the second half of the season approaches is Cullen Motorsport’s Scott Malvern (Barkingside, Ilford) who shot to the top of the table last month at Thruxton, opening up a 21-point advantage.

As was the case last time out, the 23-year-old is once again venturing into uncharted territory for rounds eight and nine of the campaign as he has never previously raced, or even tested, at the 2.1 mile Darlington track.

“I’ve only ever worked at Croft as a mechanic – I’ve seen the pitwall, the paddock and that’s about it!”, said Malvern, “I’m not sure what to expect, I really am going there blind so we’ll just have to use the 15-minute warm-up to try and get a feel for the place. Hopefully it’ll be similar to Thruxton, I hadn’t been there before and it turned out well, although Croft is more technical.

“I’ve been the most consistent of the three of us at the top of the championship so far but, from my point of view, I’d like to have a few more wins. I’m not thinking about the championship too much at this stage, the aim is to keep winning races and then see what happens at the end of the season.”

Malvern’s main rivals, Josh Webster (Stowmarket, Suffolk) and Seb Morris (Marford, Wrexham), have both led the championship already this year but each has suffered misfortune – Webster at Rockingham and Morris at Thruxton.

In each instance, trouble in qualifying set the scene for greater difficulties. In Webster’s case, a huge accident not of his making, in very wet conditions, resulted in a massively damaged car and low grid positions for rounds four and five which seriously dented the MGR Motorsport driver’s points tally.

Morris encountered engine problems at Thruxton which led to lower than expected grid slots and ended his streak of five straight pole positions. This ultimately put him in the wrong place at the wrong time during round seven when he was caught-up in an accident while battling through the order at the wheel of his Fortec Motorsports’ machine.

One win and a runner-up spot last time out elevated Webster back into second place in the standings but Morris’ difficulties dropped him from the championship lead to third and so the 16-year-old will be determined to redress the balance next weekend.

Webster, meanwhile, will arrive at Croft with the benefit of some additional race mileage but not at the wheel of his regular FR 2.0. The MSA Team UK driver will make his Formula 3 debut at Zandvoort in The Netherlands this weekend, 14^th/15^th July, during the prestigious RTL GP Masters of Formula 3.

Outside the top three in Protyre Formula Renault BARC, quietly going about his business in fourth place in the standings is Scorpio Motorsport’s Macaulay Walsh (Northampton). Although he’s still chasing his first victory, two podiums and a consistently strong first half of the season for the rookie 17-year-old mean he is only 11 points behind Morris.

MGR runners Jake Dalton (Audley, Stoke-on-Trent) and David Wagner (Glasgow) are next in fifth and sixth respectively with two consistent fourth places at Thruxton enabling first year racer Dalton to leapfrog his more experienced team-mate. Unfortunately for Wagner, his second non-score of the year came in round seven after being involved in the incident which also accounted for Morris.

James Fletcher (Windlesham, Surrey) is seventh in the championship, tied on 104 points with fellow MGR racer Wagner, while Hillspeed’s Kieran Vernon (West Chiltington, West Sussex) is only nine points further back despite having only contested four races. With two podiums at Thruxton, the former category race winner should definitely be a contender for the top step of the Croft rostrum.

After a brief 15-minute practice at 09.30 on Saturday, 21^st July, qualifying for rounds eight and nine will follow at 12.10 and 14.40 respectively. Both races will then be contested on Sunday, 22^nd July, at 13.10 and 16.30.

James Theodore

James Theodore (Telford, Shropshire) will make a welcome return to single-seater action in the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship at Croft this weekend, 21^st/22^nd July, after agreeing a one-off deal with Cliff Dempsey Racing.

The 20-year-old, who last raced full-time in 2010 when he was third overall in Protyre Formula Renault BARC with three victories and six podiums, will have a brief shakedown in the CDR car at Mallory Park in Leicestershire today, Wednesday, 18^th July. From there, Theodore will be straight back in at the deep end with no testing at Croft other than a short 15-minute practice on Saturday.

“It’s a bit of a whirlwind appearance”, said the 2008 Winter Series Champion, “It’s a great chance to get back in a BARC car, Cliff’s a really nice guy and he runs a great team so I’m really looking forward to being back out there. We’ve only got half a day at Mallory to get back into the swing of things but it shouldn’t take long to get the cobwebs off.

“I’m not going into the weekend all gung-ho, I’m not in the championship fight and so I’m not there to mess anyone around. I’m still out to do as well as I can though and I’ll be racing hard to try and get the best result possible for me and the team.”

Budget restrictions have meant Theodore has been on the sidelines for the majority of the past year and a half although he did make two appearances in Protyre Formula Renault BARC in 2011 – with MTECH Lite at Oulton Park and Fortec Motorsports at Silverstone.

“I’ve not done much at all with racing this year, a bit of driver coaching with Hillspeed and I did a one off in the Smart series”, he added, “One of my mates from Uni was offered the chance but didn’t have his ARDS licence so I did it – I’d never touched a tin-top before. I want to get back into things more seriously though, I’m determined to do well at Croft but anything further is down to budget.”

While Theodore will run with CDR at Croft in the car previously driven by Trent Hindman, current championship leader Scott Malvern (Barkingside, Ilford) has parted ways with the Corby-based team and is expected to contest the remainder of the season under the Cullen Motorsport banner.

For rounds eight and nine at Croft this weekend, well over 20 cars are expected to be in action as Protyre Formula Renault BARC continues to prove its place as the most popular contemporary junior single-seater category in the UK.

Following a 15-minute practice session at 09.30 on Saturday, 21^st July, qualifying for rounds eight and nine will take place at 12.10 and 14.40. On Sunday, 22^nd July, the opening encounter will begin at 13.10 with the second race scheduled to commence at 16.30.

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault BARC is additionally supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium and NGK Spark Plugs.

Provisional 2012 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship Driver Standings (after Rd7):

1^st Scott Malvern, 182pts; 2^nd Josh Webster, 161pts; 3^rd Seb Morris, 151pts;

4^th Macaulay Walsh, 140pts; 5^th Jake Dalton, 117pts; 6^th David Wagner, 104pts

Alternator woes end Wright’s Nicky Grist Stages rally hopes

Bentham’s David Wright suffered a disappointing early retirement on last Saturday’s Nicky Grist Stages rally when an alternator problem caused him to stop after the first stage.

Wright was hopeful of a good result on the Builth Wells-based event after recent successes and he lined up at the start line of the opening Monument stage in his Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, York Brewery, Millers Oils and Grove Hill Garage-backed GPM Mitsubishi Evo 9 aiming for a top three position. His hopes were dashed when five seconds before he was due to start the stage the engine revs surged and then the engine cut out. After 30 seconds the car was restarted but the stage was run with the engine in road mode rather than competition mode resulting in a large time loss.

With no chance to repair the problem and a risk of damage to the engine if he continued Wright retired once he had completed the stage.

“It is very disappointing to retire from the event, especially as the stages used are some of my favourite in the UK but there was nothing we could do unfortunately,” said Wright. “The problem occurred as we were being counted down to start the stage. We think it was caused by the alternator surging in power but we’ll check it all out in the next few days.”

“We’ve had a really good run of success recently and it’s unfortunate that we could not continue the run on Saturday. Thank you to all the sponsors for their support.”

Wright’s next event is likely to be the Merrick Stages in South West Scotland which takes place in early September.

Wright ready to continue rally success on Nicky Grist Stages

Rally driver David Wright is aiming to continue his recent run of success next weekend when he contests the Nicky Grist Stages rally in Wales.

Wright, from Bentham, will use his Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, York Brewery, Millers Oils and Grove Hill Garage-backed GPM Mitsubishi Evo 9 on the event and after taking the fastest time on the rally stage of the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of June his hopes are high for another good performance.

“We had a bit of damage to repair on the car following Goodwood but that has all been sorted and we’re all ready for the Nicky Grist Stages,” said Wright.

“I’m full of confidence from both beating all the famous drivers at the festival and from our excellent results on recent rallies and I hope we can continue our form next weekend. I enjoy the stages that the event uses, they are some of the best in the UK – very fast and flowing with high levels of grip from the service.”

“There will be very tough competition with the world rally class cars as well as some really quick local crews so we will have to attack right from the start but I think we will be on the pace.”

The rally is a round of the BTRDA rally championship and it is based in Builth Wells with the stages taking place on gravel tracks around the Epynt military ranges.

2012 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY

Trying to condense the highlights of last weekend’s annual Goodwood Festival of Speed and Moving Motor Show into one news release is like trying to get dozen of top motor racing heroes to stop wondering off in the paddocks to stare at the fascinating cars and motorcycles on display; a real challenge!

However, the record 185,000 spectators at this year’s Goodwood event were treated to many exceptional sights and moments.

The very first Festival of Speed attendance of two of the greatest names in Formula 1 racing – reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel and previous champion Alain Prost – was worth the trip to Goodwood alone for many motor sport enthusiasts.  Adding in over 120 other motor racing heroes; from Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, to Emerson Fittipaldi and Kenny Roberts, made the event all the more memorable. 

Goodwood’s homage to Lotus, in the form of a 28-metre high sculpture outside Goodwood House, also saw over 40 significant racing examples of the marque taking to the Festival hillclimb.  The Festival’s founder Lord March was generously offered the rare privilege of driving the ex-Jochen Rindt 1970 Lotus 72 Gold Leaf, and he is still grinning from ear-to-ear after this unique experience. 

Goodwood also paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during the 2012 Festival of Speed with a special Diamond Jubilee display honouring her 60-year reign. For the first time ever, the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’elegance had just one subject, with royal vehicles ranging from stately saloons to an airplane, via a train carriage walked though by over 10,000 visitors from 24 countries, a caravan and even a half-scale American Midget Racer starring on the Cartier lawn.

The judging committee consisted of the likes of the Queen’s nephew Lord Linley, AC/DC front man and racer Brian Johnson, fashion accessories magnate Anya Hindmarch and actor Rupert Penry-Jones.  This year, the overall winner was HRH The Prince of Wales’ Aston Martin DB6 MkII Volante, while the sublime Chapron-bodied Citroen SM Cabriolet emerged on top in the Overseas’ Engagements class. The Duke of Edinburgh’s 1961 Alvis TD21 DHC SII claimed the Regal Runabouts category.

A hectic Festival culminated in the Timed Shootout on Sunday afternoon.  Former British Touring Car Championship ace Anthony Reid brought the house down at the 2012 Festival after recording the fastest time of the day. In a change from previous Festivals, this year’s running saw more than 45 cars vie to take part in the top 20 ‘shoot-out’ finale. David Tetley’s fearsome ‘Stars ’n’ Stripes’ Opel Manta V8 kicked things off, recording a time of 57.34sec, the times tumbling until Rod Millen’s Pikes Peak Toyota had an ‘off’ following a grassy moment exiting Molecomb. The Kiwi emerged unscathed, and even managed a smile, but his ‘truck’ had bent front suspension.

Following the restart, a psyched-up Reid blasted his Chevron GT3 racer up the hillclimb course in a staggering 46.46sec, the Scot reaching 131mph on his run. He narrowly edged out the favourite Gary Ward, who streaked up the hill in 46.80sec aboard his Leyton House-Judd CG901B Grand Prix car. However, fastest man in terms of outright speed was Group C Jaguar XJR8/9 driver Justin Law who recorded a belief-beggaring 142mph across the line. It was a suitably dramatic conclusion to a thrilling event.

For those eagerly awaiting their next fix of motor sport at Goodwood, the annual Goodwood Revival (14-16 September) is only ten weeks away, with many exciting plans in place, many of which will be revealed over the coming days and weeks.  Dates for the big, 20th anniversary 2013 Festival of Speed will be announced in the autumn.

Stunning Goodwood Festival of Speed for Race2Recovery

The Race2Recovery team, comprised predominantly of injured British servicemen raising money for charity by targeting a finish on the 2013 Dakar Rally, enjoyed what can only be described as a stunning weekend at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. The team was present in several areas thanks to Lord March and R2R Official Sponsor Land Rover but it was its Dakar Wheel Change which caused the most interest, with dozens of people trying to change one of its Qt Wildcats' Silverline 4x4 wheels and Cooper Tires in as fast a time as possible. The team was invited to attend the event as it builds awareness of its campaign to compete on, and finish, next year's Dakar Rally and in the process, raise money for Help for Heroes, which will be restricted to the Tedworth House Personal Recuperation and Assessment Centre. There were three main strings to Race2Recovery's bow at Goodwood; firstly, there were several Qt Wildcats running on the event's rally stage with Greg Morris at the wheel while R2R drivers Tony Harris and Dave Marsh took two of the Wildcats up the world-famous hill climb course. But it was Ben Gott and Charlie Sincock who had the honour of driving the largest vehicle ever to climb the hill; the team's MAN 8x8 T5 support truck drew incredible applause from the thousands of fans as it thundered up the course. The team had its full range of merchandise available which allowed the public to directly support the race team. It was also collecting funds for charity from members of the public and was once again, humbled by the generosity of the visitors to the event and by their reaction to the team and the charitable endeavour. But it was the Dakar Experience area that proved most successful. Located next to the Formula One paddock, the team re-created a small part of the Dakar route, by importing a section of sand dunes and setting-up the Dakar Wheel Change Challenge. The idea was simple; the quickest time taken to change a Silverline 4x4 wheel and Cooper Tire, as used by the team on all Wildcats, would win a daily prize of a ride in a Qt Wildcat on the Forest Rally Stage. The team was inundated with visitors, including the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team, who tried their hand and notched-up an impressive 38 seconds. However, Race2Recovery's mechanic and storeman, Gareth Paterson went a little better, completing the task in just 32 seconds. The following day, the Ferrari team repaid the favour, showing how to change a wheel on the F2012 F1 car in a staggering two seconds. They offered Gareth the chance to sample action and he posted an impressive time of around 4.5 seconds - not bad for his first try. Members of the team were also delighted to meet some of the personalities from the world of motorsport, including Red Bull driver Mark Webber, sporting a Race2Recovery wristband, Dakar podium driver Giniel de Villiers and Formula One legend, Ron Dennis. The team was also well and truly in the media spotlight over the weekend; there were numerous radio interviews as well as TV interviews with Steve Ryder and Hungarian TV! Only just able to speak after the event, driver and co-founder Captain Tony Harris said; "This weekend's Festival of Speed was just incredible; once again, the entire motorsport community and the fans made us feel so welcome and the support we had was humbling. "The public, as always, have been incredibly generous and we raised a huge amount of money to go to the charity, both from donations and from sales of our merchandise. We are heading towards the target we set ourselves for the total money raised for the charity and the whole team is so grateful to everyone that supported us. "It was a magnificent sight to see the team Wildcats going up the hill, as well as the T5 support truck. It was the biggest vehicle that had ever climbed the famous hill and the response was amazing - the cheers were louder than for the Formula One cars! "We also got into a little friendly rivalry with the Ferrari team mechanics on the wheel change challenge. They did really well on the Wildcat but we couldn't get anywhere near them on the F1 car. They are so slick and professional, it's an incredible thing to watch. "I and the entire team are so grateful to Lord March and the Goodwood team for the invitation to be a part of this year's event. It's the highlight of the year for anyone remotely interested in motorsport and motoring and it was an amazing experience to be part of it."

 

Kev Monaghan has received a boost to his 2012 rally season with the news that Stauff UK will be supporting his Pirtek Vauxhall Corsa in the REIS MSA Tarmac Championship.

The Sheffield-based company has serviced the UK hydraulic industry for 35 years offering hydraulic pipework, components and accessories. In addition to a state-of-the-art distribution and manufacturing facility in Sheffield Stauff UK have regional branches in Aberdeen, Southampton and County Antrim.

John Morris MD of Stauff UK said: “ Supporting Kevin in the rally car helps to strengthen our working relationship and gives Stauff an opportunity to build its brand, we wish him every success.”

Monaghan added: “It is fantastic to have a sponsor who recognises what our rally car can achieve for them with the television coverage of the REIS championship and the PR support we have. We will be investing in new Dunlop tyres which should see our times improve and give us that competitive edge.”

Monaghan’s Corsa is presently at Playskool Motorsport having some work done on the paddle shift to improve the gear change times. The next event for the team will be the Tyneside Stages at the Otterburn military ranges on 12th August.

News from Overdrive Towers : The Producer's Blog

Hello visitors to www.overdrive-uk.com - It's your gallant (hah!) Producer here...

It's been ages since I wrote something, so here goes. I thought it might be nice to bring you lovely people up to speed with what's been going on in "Overdrive Towers". Actually that's a bit misleading as we don't actually have any towers at the moment.

Rosie interviews the very enthusiastic Rhodri Jenkins

You'll have seen our coverage from the Autosport Show. This year we filmed on two days and we've already got plans for next year's event. Oh yes, we'll be back. And we'll probably badger Andy Noble from Caterham for another interview (He loves us, really!)

Other highlights from Autosport have been the artist Ian Cook who certainly provided us with a unique interview. I don't think we've ever interviewed an artist before! We also for the first time interviewed a bear on Ginetta's stand.

What you haven't seen yet due to a few issues with internet connections and a few other things is the footage filmed at the WyeDean Rally and also the first round of the British Autotest Championship. The problems are now sorted so hopefully the Autotest video will be online shortly.

Well, we've been really busy, but not on making our own programme! Firstly we delivered a documentary on the opening rounds of the Welsh Sports And Saloon Car Championship after being commissioned by the Welsh Racing Drivers Association to go and film for them. The resulting film has been made into a DVD and distributed throughout the Drivers and Marshals who attended the event, one of whom has since told me that he is looking forward to playing it repeatedly and boring his family with it...

The Pembrey shoot was the first thing for our Overdrive Filming Services (we're now known as "Team Overdrive Productions") and we're hoping to expand this business and will be pleased to talk to you about creating video or even full blown TV programmes related (or not, we're not picky) to the Automotive and Motorsport Industries.

Rosie and BTCC driver, Tom Onslow-Cole.

Although we're not doing complete programmes this year, we're making smaller features instead. The first one this year took place at Bedford Autodrome at the invitation of the E-Bay motors BTCC team where Rosie and I went off to interview Tom Onslow-Cole. A nice bonus was not only riding in the touring car with the man himself, but also getting to drive 7 amazing cars at the Autodrome. I've got a new respect for racing drivers after that - although I was best at Auto Solo and somehow bagged an award for Karting despite finishing 6th! Still don't know how that happened. You've probably already seen our interview with Tom on the site.

On the subject of the site, Our team has just grown a bit. We've now got our own resident Stills Photographer Chris Lucas who will also be doing some presenting for the features that we'll be releasing over the rest of the year, and off the camera, and indeed off the set but by no means making any less of a contribution is Daniel Gould - our new researcher and webmaster whose domain I've just invaded to make this post.

What else has been happening? Well we got an e-mail from Dave Player from the Charity Kart Force who approached us about a new project that has gone on to dominate most of our time. Kart Force offers soldiers who have been injured in the course of their duties [often horrifically badly] the opportunity to get back to some form of normality in their lives. 4 of them will be taking on the challenge of a 24 hour marathon to set a new world record - and as only one of the soldiers has both his legs, they will do this by using some really innovative and to my knowledge unique hand controls. These guys really are amazing and really do deserve your support. The upshot of Dave's e-mail is that we're working on a hour long documentary about these inspirational drivers and we're really pleased to be able to support the team in this way. The problem we've got though - Kart Force is a Charity and, well, Money's a bit tight for everyone at the moment. So we're asking for your support to help us make it a reality. Our goal is to fund the documentary and eventually get it broadcast so we can spread the guy's story even further. So... if you could see your way to donating a bit on our wefund page, that would be very nice of you indeed and if you donate enough we'll send you a copy of the DVD and a T Shirt in return. Many thanks in advance for that. Oh yeah, quick note, Yes, Team Overdrive Productions is a business, but honestly, we won't be making any money on this project, just seeing the lads get their stories out there a bit more is reward enough.

We're off to Middlesborough to film these wonderful guys next week, so make sure you're following us on Twitter and Facebook (new facebook page by the way after technical problems nobbled our last one)

So, apart from Kart Force (and that will even include a bit of Olympic Fever too!), we've also got some interviews with Ali Rushforth to pull together, and we'll also be hearing from precision driving legend (and multiple autotest champion) Russ Swift very shortly too. I will try and do a blog a bit more regularly from now on so watch this space for more ramblings!

Thanks for continuing to visit us here, and watch out for our new videos soon!

Kev

The MG KX Momentum Racing team secured their second race victory of the 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season at the Croft circuit in North Yorkshire. Jason Plato recovered from a first race technical issue, to win the third race of the day - the 70th victory of the Englishman’s BTCC career.

For the second race meeting running, Jason failed to make it to his grid slot for the start of Race One, as the technical issues that blighted his qualifying session yesterday returned. The MG KX Momentum Racing Crew worked away at the problem and got Jason back out on track to record some running and check the issue was resolved. Andy Neate had a strong opening lap and moved forwards from his 9th place start, bringing his MG6 home in 6th to equal his best finish of 2012 to-date.

Jason set out in Race Two to repeat his heroics from Oulton Park two weeks ago, where he came from the back of the grid to secure a podium finish. Despite a determined drive he couldn’t quite match that, however he did come through to seventh to score solid points and put himself in the mix for the reverse grid draw. Andy had a solid run to score his second successive points finish of the day, coming home in 9th position.

The Triple Eight run, MG squad’s luck seemed to turn for Race Three of the day. The reverse grid draw was kind to the team, placing Andy on the front-row in 2nd position, with Jason directly behind in 4th. Both MG’s made good getaways to battle the fast starting rear-wheel drive BMW’s into Turn One. Andy then fought his way past Foster for the lead, with a brave move into Lodge corner. Jason was soon behind him, as the two MG6’s ran first and second. Jason then moved into the lead as Andy lost some pace in his car after some contact with one of the Honda Racing cars when battling for position, he fell backwards to finish 9th. Jason held on to win brilliantly, completing his back to front day and keep the pressure on his championship rivals.

Jason Plato (#99), BTCC Standings: 3rd – 192 points: “A great end to what had been something of a tough weekend. Getting the win means the team can head into the summer break with optimism for the second half of the season. We made some changes to the set-up in that last race, which took the car in the right direction and with some testing and some development parts, we’ll be ready to fight when we get to Snetterton in August”

Andy Neate (#44), BTCC Standings: 17th – 46 points: “It’s good to come away from Croft with three top ten finishes. It’s disappointing to have led the majority of Race Three and not won it, especially as I think I had the pace to do so. The Safety Car bunched everyone up and I lost some temperature and pressure in my tyres, which means I couldn’t hang on, but it’s pleasing to have at least been fighting right at the front!”

Ian Harrison, Team Principal, BTCC Standings: Teams - 4th – 235 points, Manufacturers – 2nd - 360 points: “It’s been a difficult weekend, with the technical problems that carried across from yesterday to this morning on Jason’s car. But he had a brilliant drive in Race Three, which is what I expect from him, he’s the stand out driver in this series. Andy had a solid weekend and it should have been even better, having lead the majority of the race, it’s just unfortunate that it fell away at the end, but at least he’s proved he can fight outright for wins”

Soccer legend joins the Silverstone grid

Soccer legend Steve Bull, MBE, is the latest star name to join the grid for the special fund-raising Celebrity Challenge race being staged at this summer’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July).

Like the Silverstone Classic, Bull is a record breaker having scored an unprecedented 306 goals in a 13-year career with Wolverhampton Wanders. He was also capped 13 times for England between 1989 and 1990, scoring four goals.

Having been forced out of the game by injury in 1999, Bull is now ready for a new sporting experience when competing in next month’s star-studded Celebrity Challenge taking part on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. The 47-year-old marksman successfully passed his ARDS test last week to qualify for an official MSA Competition Licence. Now he is ready to take his place alongside a host of personalities from showbiz, sport, TV and music all racing in lightweight, competition prepared Morgan sportscars capable of topping 130mph.

“It’s not just about winning,” says the Wolves goal scorer. “It’s about doing something that not many people get the chance to do. It’s a one-off opportunity and a massive tick in the box. I’ve got medals and lots of other trophies but coming to Silverstone is something else. When I’m watching the Grand Prix I’ll be able to say I went round there in a Morgan!”

While excited to be joining a grid that includes a host of famous faces such as award-winning chef Heston Blumenthal, Hollywood actor Sir Patrick Stewart, BBC Sport presenter Andrew Castle, legendary rocker Brian Johnson from AC/DC and Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole, the soccer star doesn’t rate himself as natural racing driver.

“I haven’t done any track driving,” he admitted. “At home I drive my big 4x4 around leisurely, just enjoying life. I’m actually quite a careful driver, so hopefully this will be good for me. I’ve just got to get used to the car and see how it goes.”

The special Celebrity Challenge takes place on Saturday 21 July and will raise funds for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and the RPJ Crohn’s Foundation.

Adult tickets for 2012’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July) cost from as little as £35 (plus booking fee) and special two- and three-day weekend tickets are also available with savings of up to 20 per cent if purchased in advance. Full details are available via the event’s official HYPERLINK "http://e2ma.net/go/11609114144/4166337/113240288/39710/b64/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zaWx2ZXJzdG9uZWNsYXNzaWMuY29t" www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

BBC CAMERAS FOCUS ON GO MOTORSPORT

Millions of television viewers were given an insight into how the Motor Sports Association is developing the sport in the UK during the BBC’s live coverage of the weekend’s European Grand Prix in Valencia.

In the latest in a series of films highlighting the route to Formula One via karting and junior single-seater formulae, multiple Grand Prix winner and BBC F1 commentator David Coulthard MBE went back to his racing roots by focusing the cameras on Formula Ford. Now celebrating 45 years, the British Formula Ford Championship has long been the established stepping-stone into single-seater racing as highlighted by the roster of its past champions which includes Ayrton Senna and Jenson Button. 

Coulthard, who last raced a Formula Ford in 1989, took his chance to turn back the clock at Brands Hatch and report on one of the MSA Academy’s initiatives. He not only sampled the latest EcoBoost Formula Ford chassis introduced for this year’s series, but also experienced one of the MSA’s Performance Master Classes, a key component of the MSA Academy’s driver training modules set up to prepare those aged between eight and 24 years of age for the rigours of top level competition.

The MSA introduced the Performance Master Classes in 2010 to bring an introductory level of driver development and training to competitors aged 13-16 and their parents. Developed in conjunction with the Youth Sports Trust, with support from the Racing Steps Foundation, the Master Classes are delivered free of charge and cover topics including planning, nutrition, fitness, communication, sponsorship and technical understanding.

“Formula Ford has always been the ultimate proving ground for young drivers but it’s incredible how much this form of motor sport has moved on since I was competing in it back in 1989,” reported Coulthard. “I basically turned up with a mechanic, sponsor, car and went racing. Now these guys are getting a full briefing on how to interact with their team, how to work with their engineer, how to deal with the media… It’s very impressive.”


As well as attending the Master Class, Coulthard also interviewed various past and present Formula Ford drivers as well as Le Mans winner David Brabham who oversees many of these activities in his role as the MSA’s National Race Coach.

“It’s not just a case of turning up and driving fast anymore,” explained Brabham. “If you talk to any F1 team they are looking for a driver whose skill set is complete. The standard now is getting higher and higher – these guys need to be educated on how to look after themselves, how to get more out of their car and how to get more out of the team around them.”

Screened in the build up to qualifying in Valencia, it is hoped that the BBC coverage will inspire young Grand Prix viewers to take up motor racing at a junior level as well as putting the spotlight on the MSA’s investment in the future of UK motor sport.

“The MSA Academy is establishing an international reputation for its approach to talent development,” said Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive. “We are grateful to both the BBC and David Coulthard for shining a light on the MSA’s commitment to young drivers and their future success, which will help to shape the future growth of the sport.”

Matt Neal (left) battling his way to both victory in today's first BTCC race at Croft and ultimately the championship lead

 

Matt Neal, Gordon Shedden and Jason Plato shared the wins in today’s three Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship races at Croft Circuit which were full of incident, drama and controversy. It is Neal who tonight leaves the North Yorkshire venue leading the standings by just a point from Honda team-mate Shedden as the championship enters a lengthy summer break before resuming at Norfolk’s Snetterton circuit on the weekend of 11/12 August.

 

Worcestershire’s Neal set the fastest time in Saturday’s qualifying session to take pole position for the first of today’s races in his Honda Yuasa Racing Team Civic. He dropped to third at the start but fought back to win ahead of eBay Motors BMW driver Robert Collard and Shedden and take over at the top of the points table.

 

Fife’s Shedden then responded with victory in the second race to re-claim the championship lead. Neal took the runners-up spot to complete a 1-2 result for Honda – it was also the seventh win in a row for the Team Dynamics-prepared factory Civics. Behind, Rob Austin took his first podium result of the season in third in his Rob Austin Racing Audi A4.

 

Having missed the first race because of mechanical problems with his car, Oxford’s Plato, who hails from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, won race three to end a six-year wins drought in front of his ‘home crowd’. Tom Onslow-Cole’s eBay Motors BMW and Andrew Jordan’s Pirtek Racing Honda Civic were second and third.

 

Fourth place for Neal was enough to move him back ahead in the title race from Shedden who finished the race in sixth. Plato remains third in the standings, some 29 points – 20 are awarded per race win – adrift of Neal.

 

Neal’s win today was his fourth of the season and the reigning Champion commented: “I’m very pleased but all it does is give me the bragging rights for the next seven weeks before we get back to business. Plus maximum success ballast in my car for Snetterton! Our car, the Civic, is in a class of its own under braking and through the corners but we need to test during the break because Jason and Triple Eight Race Engineering who run the MG will come out all guns blazing in the second half of the season.”

Dalgety Bay’s Shedden, now with an unrivalled six wins in 2012, said: “I don’t mind being second at this stage – the lead is going to keep on changing hands all the way until Finals Day in October. It’s great to get another win but it’s all about scoring as well as possible in every race. I think I’ve achieved that today so job done.”

 

Double Champion Plato’s win was his second this year and he added: “Today’s win was crucial in making sure we keep the Hondas in sight but, as a team, we are still learning about the MG6. It’s important we manage our expectations but we have a few test days planned for the break and that will enable me to get more comfortable with the car and for the engineers to work their magic. I think we can still find another second per lap.”

 

Meanwhile Honda/Dynamics and the Honda Yuasa Racing Team have significantly increased their respective leads in the Manufacturers/Constructors and HiQ Teams championships. Jordan continues to lead the Independent Drivers Trophy but only just from Collard. eBay Motors has leapt from third to first in the Independent Teams Trophy ahead of Pirtek Racing which is just two points behind.

 

Elsewhere officials punished a number of drivers for on-track incidents during the weekend. Ollie Jackson received two penalty points on his competition licence and an official reprimand following an incident in race one involving Tony Gilham. Jackson was then handed the same penalty again after race three for an incident involving Chris James. Officials also took action after reviewing incidents in the third race at Oulton Park two weeks ago. Dave Newsham received two penalty points on his licence and an official reprimand for an incident involving Daniel Welch. Robert Collard was similarly punished for an incident involving Andrew Jordan and also received a verbal warning for a separate incident involving Mat Jackson. Will Bratt and Adam Morgan were given verbal warnings for an incident between them.