A SUMMER RACE WEEKEND AT THE COAST
There's more battles awaiting the National FF1600 competitors in North Wales this weekend – Photo: Rachel Bourne
Our second visit to the Welsh coast and the gorgeous setting of the Anglesey circuit sees a variety of single seaters, tin-tops and sportscars with a couple of championships guest starring on the timetable. With the weather seemingly looking as though it’s going to be clear and dry, all of our attendees competing on track will get the chance to drive on one of the country’s most picturesque motorsport locations, with incredible views hopefully matching up with some intense high-speed action.
As we move closer towards the end of the season, those in contention for the title of Avon Tyres Formula Ford 1600 National champion now have their sights firmly set towards reaching the end of the Mazda Road To Indy, in their bid to secure a slot in the USF2000 Scholarship shoot-out in the USA over the winter. Right now, the man to beat is Niall Murray who took a convincing clean sweep of victories in both Post ’89 races to maintain his points lead. With a capacity grid entered for Sunday’s pair of races, Niall won’t be short on pursuers, including chief title rivals James Raven and Chase Owen, as well as Patrik Pasma, Jake Byrne and more. This meeting also doubles up as a round of the Northern championship, so stalwarts such as Martin Short and Matthew Cowley are also ones to watch.
That’s not the only Formula Ford action you’ll get to enjoy, however, as the slightly more historical Pre ’90 class will also run their own pair of races for those who are happy to compete in machines that hold memories of classic encounters from years gone by. Ben Tinkler will be the strongest favourite to succeed after emulating Niall Murray at Brands and clinching both races last time. His main threats are sure to be Jaap Blijleven, Ian Wolfenden and Nick Barnes, while Iain Houston and Jamie Jardine will also be in the mix too.
For fans of German sportscars, the Toyo Tires Porsche Championship is sure to delight with a pair of classes catering for both the Boxster and the 924. Over in the Boxsters, your safest best for overall and class glory will undoubtedly be former champion and current runaway points leader Richard Styrin. Richard Avery, Garry Lawrence, Nick Hull and Kevin Molyneaux will all be out to attempt to knock him off his perch. Over in the 924 class, we could see two of the most competitive races so far this season, as regulars Linda Warren, Nizar El-Chamaa and Alastair Kirkham will all have to watch their mirrors. Reigning class champion Adam Croft is back this weekend, as well as an appearance from Alfa race Stephen Potts.
When it comes to British sportscars, there are some who will say that there is simply nothing like a TVR. It’s fair to say that those who compete in the Dunlop TVR Challenge would undoubtedly agree with that statement as a delectable selection of models are in attendance here on the Welsh coast. Jason Clegg’s fearsome Tuscan Speed Six is expected to be back at full strength, while Hugh Marshall, Ivor Watson, Billy Thompson and Matthew Holben will all bring examples of the legendary Tuscan Challenge race car, along with Class B’s Tim Davis and Chris Ridge. Keep an eye on Class C’s Mathew Smith too, as his multi-coloured Chimaera has been sweeping all before it in class in a bid for the overall crown.
If you prefer your motorsport with a more Japanese flavour, then fear not because we’ve got you covered on that too. The awesome Toyo Tires Honda VTEC Challenge rolls into town with an line-up of quality cars and drivers. The man to watch without question will be the Tuner Class’ Robert Burkinshaw, who is almost unstoppable in his rapid DC5 Integra Type R. The Super Tuner category will also look to be a fairly interesting contest as race winner Adam Jones will once again bring his turbocharged Civic Type R to lock horns with Neil Wrenn, Jeff Cooper and Martyn Kemp. Supporting the VTECs will be the quirky and fun Smart 4Two Cup, proving that you can turn just about anything into a race car and it can still provide an excellent form of motorsport at a lower price than you may anticipate.
With our championships and series taken care off, let’s talk about those two support acts we mentioned earlier. The first of which comes from the MG Car Club who bring their enigmatic Cockshoot Cup to play on the Coastal circuit. Four classes cover the entry on this one with the front runners likely to come from either those who are contesting in either one of the three MGFs or the numerous MG ZRs. There’s also a great entry of six MG Midgets to mix things up. Oh yes, and there is a driver in the field by the name of David Coulthard – OK, it’s not the former F1 star, but he’s still a great peddler nonetheless!
Our second supporting series comes from across the Irish Sea as the awesome Irish Global Lights head across to fill the air with the sound of high-revving bike engines. There’s a field in double figures in attendance with some of Ireland’s finest doing battle here in Wales. Max Drennan will be a key man to watch, along with Ivor Miller, John and Michael Conway and Mark Braden to name a few. Usually, these cars and drivers always put on a fantastic race, no matter their numbers. The quality of those competing in exceptional, so fingers crossed it’s a close run thing.
So, motorsport with a sea view – what more could you ask for? There’s something for every circuit racing fan to enjoy this weekend with every championship in attendance set to provide a battle or two to keep the spectators on their toes. If the weather holds out as its been predicted at the time of writing this, it could will be the perfect weekend for a petrolhead!
Speaking of which, the forecast for this weekend looks to be dry and fairly clear, although some cloud will be around. Temperatures are set to hit a high of 19 degrees across the two days with humidity levels looking high as well. That means there's a slim chance of some rain, although the forecast says that the only time it's likely to hit will be overnight on Saturday, so it could have an effect on track conditions come Sunday morning. The full breakdown can be found here – ANGLESEY WEATHER.
Also, the final instructions, provisional timetable, supplementary regulations and entry list can be found here – ANGLESEY RACE WEEKEND.
Scott Woodwiss
