Midget & Sprite Challenge gears up for a 41st season

Considering it caters for a derivative that’s been out of production since 1979, the Lackford Engineering Midget and Sprite Challenge is a remarkable success story. 2018 will mark its 41st season, with young drivers joining experienced heads for what promises to be another great year.

All the ‘usual suspects’ have once again registered, including ever-present driver Ted Reeve. And to highlight the lure of the Challenge, the likes David Pymm, James Bilsland, Marcus Fellows and Mike Chalk are set for a welcome return to the ranks.

Fresh faces will include newcomers Lloyd Rumbold and James Fettiplace, plus young drivers Edward Weston (David Weston’s son) and Abigail Whitt, who joins as the Challenge’s second ‘lady’ driver.

The class structure caters for Spridgets in all the period specs they raced in over the years, but registrations are strongest in the two modified classes ­- Class A Modsports, and Class E Modified ex-Healey Club cars).

Competition this year promises to be intense. At the front expect Steve Watkins and Steve Collier to continue where they left off in 2017, but this time they will have to fend off David Morrison, a Class E champion moving up to A this year, and former title winner Richard Wildman.

Also in the mix will be Nick Day with a new engine, plus Andrew McGee and Richard Bridge, who have both been developing their cars over the winter. Dave Weston and Bruce Carter are further contenders, while rumour has it that multiple champion Paul Sibley hopes to complete a new car to join the action later in the season.

In Class E, overall champion Paul Campfield will start favourite in defending his crown, but Richard Perry, Robin Lackford , Pippa Cow, and Ian Burgin will be pushing hard. Add in reigning Class B champion Carl Chadwick moving over, plus Nigel Lackford, Tom Walker, Dean Stanton and John Bridge from Class D, and Class E will be ultra competitive.

Class C/D is less predictable as several front runners have moved to Class E. However, Edward Easton, Martyn Clews, John Tewson, John Simpson and Andy Wolf, will all be pushing to be top dog.

All told, 2018 is shaping up to be very exciting for this long-running Challenge. For more details, see mgmidgetchallenge.club