MG Car Club
2017 racing dates announced
The MG Car Club is pleased to announce its dates for the upcoming 2017 race season.
Supporting every type of MG, the Club has been racing in many different forms since its existence and that continues today with seven race championships.From Triple-Ms to MG ZRs and almost everything in between, the Club offers high calibre affordable racing that caters to every type of driver and their individual circumstances.
For 2017, the Club will be returning to the home of British Motorsport, Silverstone, for its annual MGLive! celebrations on 17th & 18th June at the Historic Grand Prix Circuit.
The season will get underway in the Midlands at Donnington Park on 9th April before heading to Brands Hatch for a full weekend of action on the 29th & 30th April.Following MGLive! the Club will be at Cadwell Park on the 22nd July, and Oulton Park on the 2nd September with the season finale set for the 30th September & 1st October at Snetterton.
Race Competitions Secretary, John Hutchison said: “We are delighted to be running six race meetings again for 2017, and we’re determined to carry on the success of last year’s racing.”
The British Motor Heritage 4 Hour Classic Relay Race will also be taking place at Snetterton on Sunday 1st October 2017. Now into its 13th year, the relay is open to cars of all marques and of 26 teams each consisting of up to six drivers.
“Snetterton was a brilliant setting for the annual BMH Relay Race this year, and we’re hoping for the same in 2017. The variety of marques on show really mixes up the day and gives spectators something a bit different,” John Hutchison added.
More information on MG Car Club racing and the BMH 4 Hour Relay can be found at www.mgcc.co.uk or by contacting John Hutchison on 01235 849738 and johnh@mgcc.co.uk.
MG Trophy Snetterton highlights
The MG Trophy highlights from Round 7 at Snetterton on Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd October is now available to watch below. Many thanks go to Digitex Video for providing us with the finished package. For the full report of the Trophy races, and all the other Championships from that weekend, click HERE to be redirected.
MG Trophy Oulton Park highlights
The MG Trophy highlights from Round 6 at Oulton Park on Saturday 3rd September is now available to watch below. Many thanks go to Digitex Video for providing us with the finished package. For the full report of the Trophy races, and all the other Championships from that weekend, click HERE to be redirected.
MG Trophy Snetterton report
Chris Bray in his final MG Trophy appearance at Snetterton. Credit: Rebecca Farrow
Twenty six cars made it for the last two rounds of the 2016 season. Once again the title went down to the wire (for the 10th year in succession) with two drivers in with a mathematical chance of taking the honours, novice Will Payne in his 160 and Lee Sullivan in his 170. Both drivers were new to the championship this year and both have had exceptional results. This meeting also saw the last two races by Chris Bray in his 190, Chris joined in 2006 and has raced every year except 2015. In those 9 years he has been in the top 3 eight times with two 3rd places, three 2nd places and the outright title three times, a truly amazing record, we wish Chris well in his ‘retirement’, he will be missed.
Testing
There was testing available on the Friday and 12 cars were out on track at some point during the day.Testing dramas included Jim Kennon spreading oil everywhere due to an oil seal coming adrift, Paul Croker going hard into the wall backwards avoiding a Midget, and Mike Harris who’s oil filter fell off. The best lap time noted was a 1:25.8s by an on form Rob Perkins with his new car set up.
Qualifying
The Croker car wasn’t repaired in time so 25 cars made it out for the second qualifying session of the day which started at 09:20 on a cloudy/dry morning. Martin was out after just 1 lap as the rest settled down to post their grid slots for the two races. Initial front runners were Roberts, Luti, Perkins, Cole(J), Kennon and Harrris, Booth was flagged for smoking after just two laps but rejoined after a quick pit stop for a check over. Boulton made contact with the barrier early on as Rogerson topped the times with Luti, Cole(J), Bray, Sullivan and Perkins next up. Bray then went to the top with Sullivan, Perkins, Rogerson, Luti and Cole(J). On his 8th lap Perkins claimed overall pole with Bray next up 0.42s adrift, third place went to the recovering Cole(D). Next up was Luti claiming the class B pole just in front of Rogerson, the class C honours went to Payne in 16th overall followed by Turnbull in 19th. Booth’s car expired with an impressive engine blow up as the flag came out to finish the session, those following had a big wake up call as some only just managed to keep their cars out of the barriers.
Race 1
Martin’s problem was down to a shredded alternator belt which somehow got trapped under the cam belt causing it to miss position itself with the obvious consequences. Booth sourced another engine but didn’t get it replaced in time for the first race while Croker continued his repairs. This left 23 cars to take the first race of the afternoon at 13:18. Weather/Track : Cloudy/Dry.
Class A
Cole(D) bogged down on the line and Perkins took advantage of his pole position and blasted off into the distance, the chasing pack some way behind. He gradually opened up a lead over Bray and by lap 4 he had a lead of over 4.7secs however Bray then started his relentless charge back and by lap 12 was within 0.6secs of the leader. The pressure told and a mistake at Nelson saw Perkins off the circuit for long enough to let Bray through to take the lead and the class A win. Perkins rejoined to take 2nd with Doug Cole 3rd 2.3secs behind, Walker took the last 190 place.
Class B
Sullivan, Luti and Rogerson toured together in that order before Rogerson claimed the lead on lap 3 as Sullivan’s engine cut out altogether. Quick thinking by Sullivan got his car restarted and he rejoined in 8th and began working his way back up the field. Harris had an off at Nelson on lap 5 and failed to rejoin.
Rogerson and Luti had a great scrap for a few laps and some way behind Roberts and Cole(J) did the same swapping places several times. Behind the recovering Sullivan, Kennon and Weidner enjoyed some close racing as did Firth and an off song Marsh. At the flag Rogerson took the class win, Luti was 2nd just 0.42 secs adrift, Cole (J) just held off Roberts to take 3rd.
Class C
Payne dominated the class C race leading from start to finish, Picone held onto 2nd for 4 laps until Turnbull made his move on lap 5 to take second place. Turnbull gradually increased his lead over Picone the only other class C car to complete the 14 laps, Jones and Heasman completing the class finishers.
Fastest laps Class A was Bray with a 1:25.838 on lap 7. Class B was Rogerson with a 1:27.632 (n/r) on lap 9 and Class C, Payne on lap 9 with 1:30.479 (n/r). Driver of the Race – Andrew Rogerson
Race 2
Marsh took preventative measures and popped a spare head on to try and rectify his poor running. Booth completed fitting his new engine, Martin fitted a new head to his car and was allowed to race due to him having raced here less than 12 months ago while novice Croker had to qualify with the BARC Tin Tops first thing on the Sunday morning. This meant that our grid was back up to 26 for the final race of the season at 09:29, Weather/Track : Showers/Wet. Two green flag laps were given as most cars ventured out on wets but some gambled as the rain eased slightly only to return during the race.
Class A
Bray was on pole for his last ever race, quite fitting, however he made a poor start and got a nudge from Luti in the row behind. This left Perkins to take the initial lead but 50m later his race was over as he pulled off to the left unable to select any gears. Bray resumed the lead after initially being headed by a class B fast starter (see below). Bray then raced off into the distance with no competition, something he would have liked for his last race. At the flag Bray won the race by over 14secs, the second and third cars being 170’s. The second class A car was Cole (D) some 26.6 secs adrift, the third and final class A finisher was Walker.
Class B
Cole (J) made a storming start from row 3 and lead the race until Bray (class A) squeezed past at Riches. Rogerson snatched the lead away before the end of lap one with Cole and Luti squabbling for second and Sullivan fourth. Luti moved into P1 on lap 5 the rest staying in the same order, Marsh’s car was running much better in fifth until a big blow up on lap 6 at Coram finished his racing season a bit earlier than planned! Sullivan moved into second on lap 7 as Rogerson visibly slowed but still managed to hold his position from Cole and Coles who were next up at the finish.
Class C
Payne once again lead from start with Turnbull in tow, Croker, who had started from last on the grid in his repaired car was already up 6 places by the end of the first lap. He got to within 2.8secs of Turnbull but couldn’t manage anymore, all 3 class C cars beating some of the 160 cars at the finish. Jones and Heasman were next to the line with Picone, not liking the wet, sixth and Martin completing the group.
Fastest laps Class A was Bray with a 1:35.670 on lap 2. Class B was Luti with a 1:36.159 on lap 12 and Class C, Payne on lap 11 with 1:43.414 . Driver of the Race – Paul Luti
Snetterton Race Report
The season finale came and went in the blink of an eye, but what a great way to end the season. A flurry of thrilling races and spectacular performances on track made for a great end of season treat. Despite questionable weather at times, everyone made it through safely. Read on to find out more.
MSCC Aero Racing Morgan Challenge
Keith Ahlers demonstrated his dominance once again in the opening race of the weekend. After briefly losing the advantageous view from his pole position perch, Ahlers reclaimed top spot, to win once again.
Behind, the father-son battle continued for the Paterson family. Russell had the upper hand early on, however after a spin from son Elliot Paterson in the opening few laps, the latter remained out of contention for much of the race.
Russell held on for a second place finish, ahead of Jeremy Knight and Andy Thompson. Elliot Paterson managed to clamber back to a strong top six position, with a late lunge on the final lap to steal fifth. A fierce battle between Stuart Anderson and Tony Hirst was settled on the final tour, when Hirst lost out, allowing Anderson to pass for sixth place.
MGCC MG Trophy Championship
Chris Bray triumphed in the penultimate MG Trophy race of his career. Having recently announced his retirement following the last round of 2016, Bray began his final race weekend in style.
The clouds had gathered before the start of the race, but luckily the rain managed to hold off for the 20 minute duration.
Pole sitter Rob Perkins had led for the majority of the race, despite Bray’s best efforts. However, as they thundered onto their final lap, Bray emerged in the lead. Perkins held on for a strong second place, narrowly missing out on his first MG Trophy victory.
Doug Cole rectified a steady getaway, to steer his way back to a third place finish. Behind, the battle for fourth overall and Class B honours was one to watch, as Andrew Rogerson and Paul Luti swapped places a number of times. Rogerson was ahead when it counted to claim the race spoils, whilst Luti finished fifth overall and second in class.
William Payne claimed race one Class C victory, ahead of Gianni Picone and Matthew Turnbull. Driver of the Race was awarded to Rogerson for his race one efforts.
A pole position start in race two on Sunday was just the advantage Bray needed to double his success, and end his MG Trophy career in style.
As the race began, rain drops started to fall, declaring it a wet race. Starting from second on the grid, Rob Perkins enjoyed the best start from the front, however immediately pulled off onto the grass with what appeared to be a lack of drive. With Perkins unable to continue, the top spot was swiftly occupied by Bray, who went on to claim an unrivalled victory.
Things were far from settled behind, with a flurry of Class B contenders battling over second place. Rogerson slipped into second place early on, and with the fast starting James Cole right on his tail, he certainly had work to do.
The order soon changed, when Luti, Lee Sullivan and Doug Cole came into play. Rogerson and Luti revisited their tussle from the previous day, with Luti eventually finding a way ahead. Once in second place, Luti disappeared into the spray, leaving Rogerson to battle with Sullivan and Cole.
After 20 minutes of fairly tame racing, the chequered flag fell on another season for the MG Trophy Championship. With Bray and Luti confirmed in the top two positions, the battle for third was undecided until the very end. Sullivan managed to fend off Doug Cole for third overall and second place in Class B, by just 0.1 seconds.
Rogerson collected an eventual fifth place, ahead of James Cole in sixth. Richard Marsh joined Perkins in retirement part way through, when his engine let go in spectacular style into Murray’s, having only just replaced a head gasket on Saturday.
Newly crowned 2016 champion Will Payne clinched another Class C victory, to cement his authority at the top of the table. Turnbull and Paul Croker followed in Class C. Luti’s commanding drive deemed him worthy of the Driver of the Race award.
BARC SE Quaife Motorsport News Racing Saloons Championship
The Subaru Impreza and Dale Gent combination proved triumphant once again, in the first Racing Saloons outing.
Rain drops began to fall on the warm up lap, declaring the outing a wet race. As more rain fell, Gent’s lead came under threat from chief pursuer Rod Birley, as Gent gently lapped the now wet circuit.
Despite the pressure, Gent managed to hold on for a race one victory, ahead of Birley, Malcolm Wise and Liam Dalton.
In drying conditions second time around, Gent again steered his way to a commanding victory. With an impressive 21 second advantage, Gent’s Subaru Impreza was again unbeatable.
Birley’s efforts was enough to secure him another second place finish, whilst Malcolm Wise completed the top three, despite a spin at Coram in the early stages. Graham Crowhurst, Liam Dalton and Tony Skelton completed the top six.
MGCC Watt Electrical BCV8 Championship
The first BCV8 Championship attempt was red flagged, when treacherous conditions befell Snetterton. A heavy downpour made things difficult on circuit, as cars began to aquaplane. With visibility disappearing, the race was temporarily stopped.
With the river on the pit straight dispersed, racing resumed, albeit the race distance was shortened somewhat. Drama on circuit towards the end of the race caused for a red flag and an early finish.
James Wheeler was the man to beat, as he immediately leapt to the head of the pack. Jordan Spencer had led the way for much of the outing, however lost the position to Neil Fowler in the closing stages.
Rob Spencer managed to weave his way through the pack to place himself nicely in a points paying position, dismissing the opposition, including son Jordan, for a third place finish. Andrew Young claimed fourth place, and the 2016 BCV8 Championship title, ahead of Jordan Spencer in fifth place.
Having just competed in the MG Metro race, a quick change of cars for Ben Rushworth saw him enjoy back to back success, with a sixth place finish in his first BCV8 outing. Wheeler doubled his success by also collecting the Driver of the Race honour.
MGCC Drayton Manor Park MG Metro Cup
Mike Williams dismissed treacherous conditions to claim victory and Driver of the Race in the first MG Metro Cup race. An early lead looked set to crown Williams as the victor, however a challenge from rival Oli Hood set a different plan in motion.
On a slippery circuit, Williams fell foul of the conditions, as Hood splashed into the lead. Before long, Hood was demoted to second place, and into the path of Ben Rushworth in third.
With Williams back ahead, he remained unchallenged to the very end. Behind, Rushworth mounted an attack, that saw him surpass Hood for second place. Hood’s third place came under threat in the final two minutes, when Lee Connell swept by to steal the position. Hood steered his way to fourth place, ahead of David Javes and Mark Eales.
Williams and Rushworth teamed up once again in race two, to provide a thrilling end to their 2016 championship feud. As the chequered flag fell it was Rushworth who was ahead on the final lap, to claim race victory and the 2016 championship title.
Williams stamped his authority early on, to lead the way ahead of Rushworth, however it wasn’t long before the latter sneaked ahead. A fiercely entertaining encounter followed, as the pair swapped positions lap after lap, including an exciting sideways moment for Rushworth around the infamous Coram.
With just a few laps remaining, Williams looked set to end his season in victorious style, however lost out to Rushworth on the final lap.
Behind, Andrew Ashton claimed third place, ahead of Connell, Javes and Richard Garrard. Rushworth’s title winning drive also secured him not only the Driver of the Race award, but also crowned him Driver of the Day.
MGCC Lackford Engineering MG Midget & Sprite Challenge
James Dunkley cemented his authority on the MG Midget and Sprite Challenge, with another triumphant drive in race one. Once gaining control, Dunkley refused to relinquish his hold, to finish in top spot once again.
A dominant grasp on the race saw Dunkley steer to an impressive 19 second advantage by race end. With the leader out of sight, Andy Southcott made second place his own, after a solitary performance. Championship contender Stephen Collier steered his way to third place, despite fierce competition from the chasing Nick Day. As the chequered flag fell, just 0.6 seconds separated the pair.
Despite a spin for Ed Reeve, he enjoyed his return to racing with a fifth place finish, ahead of Sam Healey in sixth place. Driver of the Race was awarded to third placed man Collier.
Race two was very much a repeat performance for Dunkley, as he triumphantly raced to another victory, and the 2016 championship title.
A cushion of 14 seconds by race end saw him ease his way across the finish line, ahead of Class B champion Andy Southcott.
The race for the Class B title was the one to watch, with Southcott and Collier both in line for the accolade. As both raced their way towards the chequered flag, Southcott had the upper hand, as he sat comfortably in second place.
Determined to keep himself in the running, Collier made his way to third place, however it was Southcott who clinched the title, by just 0.5 seconds for the fastest lap. Collier held on to third place, ahead of Ed Reeve, David Weston and Nick Day.
Southcott’s successful drive was enough to secure him the Driver of the Race award, doubling his trophy collection in one outing.
MGCC Peter Best Insurance MG Cup
Dan Molloy claimed an untroubled victory in the first Peter Best MG Cup adventure. A dominant performance saw the MG ZR 190 driver lead the way from start to finish.
As he settled in the most desired position, Tom Halliwell clinched a second place finish, behind. Alan Brooke managed to hold onto his third place, ahead of Dan Ludlow in fourth. Molloy’s winning performance was also good enough to earn him the coveted Driver of the Race accolade.
Brooke claimed victory in a thrilling second outing, after a very close encounter with Molloy for the duration.
Early leader Halliwell was soon dispersed, when Brooke and Molloy came thundering through. Brooke stamped his authority early on, however as he and Molloy battled, yesterday’s race winner saw his opportunity to sneak ahead.
Once in front, Molloy held on to top spot, ahead of Brooke and Halliwell, with Lewis Anderson and David Thompson in hot pursuit.
With the result far from decided, the final lap was a hive of activity. Keen to nudge Molloy from his perch, Brooke fought back on the final tour, as the pair crossed the finish line millimetres apart. As the results came in, it was Brooke was claimed victory at the flag, a mere 0.053 seconds ahead of Molloy.
Brooke’s sterling drive was enough to catch the eye of our commentary team, to earn him not only Driver of the Race, but also the Driver of the Day award.
MGCC Motoring Classics Thoroughbred Sportscar Championship
James Wheeler tripled his Saturday success at Snetterton, with victory in the sole Thoroughbred Sportscar Championship outing, as well as clinching the Driver of the Race award.
As the race thundered into action it was Rob Spencer who claimed control, however rivals Neil Fowler and Wheeler were right on his tail.
The order soon began to change when each driver searched for a turn at the front. A fierce performance from Fowler elevated him briefly into the lead, before Wheeler clinched the chance to sneak ahead. Once in control, Wheeler steered his way towards the chequered flag, to finish ahead of Spencer and Fowler.
Chris Edwards scored a Class C victory, ahead of fellow class winners Jim Bryan and Babak Farsian. Although not racing this weekend, Russell McCarthy was on hand to receive his championship title applaud from his fellow competitors.
BARC Quaife Cannons Tin Tops Championship
Chris Bassett and Peter Osborne shared the spoils in the double Tin Tops Championship outing. Bassett’s pole position start was enough to secure him the advantage as race one began.
With Bassett and his Peugeot 205 GTi comfortably ahead, he looked set to have the position secured. The race was soon neutralised, when the safety car came into play, which immediately haltered the pace.
With very little time to continue, the safety car pitted, to leave just one racing lap to the chequered flag. Unable to disturb Bassett’s control, Osborne collected second place, ahead of Daniel Fisher and Mikey Day.
Race two saw a change of positions, as Osborne claimed the upper hand this time around. Starting second gave him a perfect line of sight into the first corner, which he used to his advantage. Once getting ahead, he was able to fend off his rivals to steer to an eventual nine second advantage.
Behind, Fisher progressed to claim second place this time around, whilst race one winner Bassett finished in a solitary third.
British Motor Heritage Relay Race
Ricky Riccardo and the Rickette’s was the team to beat this year in the four hour British Motor Heritage Relay race. Their fleet of BMW’s were the perfect machine for the outing, to claim victory on circuit by over one minute, as they raced into the sunset.
The team led the way from start to finish on circuit, barring their visits to the pit lane, to demonstrate dominance in its finest form.
The Aero Racing team of Morgan machines were second on circuit, ahead of their fellow CDMC Morgan team.
With handicapped results taken into consideration, Chapman’s Chariots were the team to beat, having developed a healthy lead with their team of Lotus cars.
It’s difficult to believe but we have swiftly come to the end of another season, courtesy of a sterling finale at Snetterton. What a season it has been, we have seen some fantastic racing all season, and now we have crowned another brilliant batch of champions. The 2017 calendar is already taking shape, and we’re looking forward to another exciting year with you all next year.
May I take this opportunity to thank you all for another great season, it’s a pleasure to work with you all, and I can’t wait for more action in a few months time. See you next year.
Leanne Fahy.