Final round of the FUCHS LUBRICANTS Classic Mini Challenge
FUCHS LUBRICANTS Classic Mini Challenge
Round 8 Raintite Metal Coating Patriot Stages 2019
The FUCHS LUBRICANTS Classic Mini Challenge was in South Wales last weekend for the final round of 2019, the Raintite Metal Coatings Patriot Stages for 61 miles of action over 6 stages. This rally was based at the Caerwent Military Training Area.
2019 champion Rick Ford was forced to withdraw from the rally at the last minute because of flood damage at home, so runner up Jim Brindle (with co-driver James Squires) led the way in the Classic Mini class.
The six stages of the event ran smoothly throughout the day, in spite of a scare for Harvey Stevens on stage 2 when his co-driver collapsed and was taken to Royal Gwent hospital for precautionary checks.
The weather was variously described as ‘changeable’, ‘wet’, or ‘sopping’ during the day, but towards the end the sun came out and the last two stages were relatively dry. It was here that Brindle / Squires consolidated their lead in the class, with Steve Robinson / HeidiWoodcock chasing hard to make up for time lost after a cautious start. Their efforts came to nought, however, as Robinson overshot a gravelly corner and hit a kerb hard enough to shorten the already diminutive Mini by another couple of inches and consign it to instant retirement.
That left the way clear for MartinMelling / Lewis Griffiths to consolidate 2ndplace behind class winner Jim Brindle / James Squires after a storming run over the morning stages, ahead of Barry Stenhouse / Suzanna Whalley who took 3rdin the class.
Gartrac G3 Escort catches the eye at Colwyn Bay
Neil Kirkham was invited by the organisers of Wales Rally GB last weekend to take his Ford Escort Gartrac G3 toentertain the large crowds on the Colwyn Bay spectator stage last Friday evening. Neil was able to do several runs at near-competition speed during the demonstration, and pronounced himself ‘satisfied – the car didn’t miss a beat at all. Thanks to everyone at FUCHS Lubricants for their help and technical assistance over the year.’
Pain for Preston on Wales Rally GB
FUCHS backed team CA1 Sport were in Llandudno last weekend looking after Tom Preston / Carl Williamson (Ford Fiesta WRC) as they headed the entry list for the National Wales rally, which ran over selected stages from the International Wales Rally GB.
Preston lead from the off over the two days of competition until disaster struck on the penultimate stage when the crew ground to a halt with a non-functioning clutch. There was nothing the crew could do to mend or repair the problem, so a fine run came to a dismal end.
Redding in charge in BSB
PBM Be Wiser Ducati’s Scott Redding has taken charge in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship with a double win at Donington.
The Gloucestershire rider has excelled in the four Showdown races so far and will feel that he is closing in on a first BSB title.
Team-mate Josh Brookes is 28 points behind with 75 left to play for ahead of the finale at Brands Hatch.
BMW Smiths Racing’s Peter Hickman, meanwhile, managed a very respectable fourth in race one, only to retire from race two with a snapped chain.
It was another tricky meeting for Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawaski with riders Hector Barbera and Ben Currie finishing between 17thand 19thin both races.
Jack Valentine, of Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawaski, said: "The team worked hard but both riders struggled with set-up over the weekend. It's been a very tough season and I hope we can end it on a high note at Brands Hatch."
Jackson steps up
FUCHS Silkolene-backed Kawasaki Team Greenhas announced that Lee Jackson will step up to the Superbike class and will partner Danny Buchan at FS-3 Racing for the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship season.
It follows a strong showing in this year’s Superstock 1000 Championship.
Meanwhile, Cullen Scott has joined Team Green for 2020.
In a change of focus for Team Green, Cullen joins Lewis Hall and Ryan Mawhinney on the new KX250 for an all MX2/MXY2 line up for next season.
Cullen will compete in the Maxxis British Championship and MX Nationals in the Rookie class.
Heroes in our eyes
True Heroes Racing competed at Donington on the weekend, where weather played its part.
Dave (Scrawn) Mackay finished the Ducati TriOptions Cup championship with a 14th on Saturday and an excellent ninth on Sunday with wet tyres on a drying track.
Jim Walker, who qualified at the back of the grid in the Superstock 1000 race, managed to jump to 21st on the first lap and battled through to finish 28th.
Dave (Salty) Sellers had a less exciting meeting as a blown head gasket and pulled securing stud brought his weekend to an early conclusion.
Garside stars for Myerscough College
Ryan Garside represented Myerscough College at Three Sisters Circuit in Wigan, racing the Honda CBR125.
And he didn’t disappoint with three comfortable wins in damp/drying conditions and then third place in a very wet final race.
Kershaw clinging onto championship dreams
Kershaw Racing – Steve Kershaw and Stuart Clark – are 30 points adrift at the top of the British Sidecar Championship after the penultimate round at Donington Park.
The team got off to the perfect start by winning race one before coming home second in race two.
It’s not quite over yet, though, with double points up for grabs at Brands Hatch.
Morgan ready for season end
Adam Morgan wraps up his BTCC season this weekend at Brands Hatch.
Despite some good moments, it has been a trying season for Morgan, who will be looking to sign off in style.
