Bernard gains edge in Classic (SMRC) Championship

Classic Sports and Saloons duo, Stand Bernard and John Marshall were finally separated at Knockhill today (Sunday 14th August). Both racers had clocked up 100% records, winning all races in their respective classes this year. However, a huge slice of misfortune was dealt to Dunblane ace Marshall, as a broken crank shaft abruptly ended his weekend before a race wheel had turned.

Bernard, spotting a huge opportunity to steal a march on his closest rival in the Classic Sports and Saloons Championship, took two impressive victories to top the standings. Bernard though, never had it all his own way though as veteran racer, Harry Simpson swapped his usual seat for a blast of Willie Robertson’s Datsun 240Z.
Simpson came home an impressive 2nd in his first ever outing in the car.

“It handles completely different to my car, to tell you the truth l’m bloody sacred of it.

“It’s a fantastic car and I’m just delighted to have been given the opportunity by Willie and his team. I’ll see if l can push Stan for the win in the next race,” said Harry.

That win never materialised for Simpson as a broken gearbox ended his podium charge allowing Bernard another maximum points haul.

In the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup the three leading drivers continued to trade blows and podium positions. Vic Covey, David Sleigh and Tim Sleigh shared all the rostrum positions barring the final Mini Cooper race of the day which saw Covey fail to get into the top three. The Sleigh brothers are proving to be a formidable duo in Scottish Mini racing and Covey was left feeling frustrated by the dynamic duo.

“It’s very hard to beat those pair when they are together. It’s so frustrating when you can see David’s car just in front and then Tim goes on the defensive very early. It makes it really difficult to make any ground,” said Covey.

The Sleigh brothers and the rest of the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup competitors will now be looking forward to a special appearance at the MSA British Touring Car Championship event at Knockhill in September.

Both the Minis and the Classic Sports and Saloons will race on the BTCC programme alongside the Ginetta GT Supercup, Ginetta Juniors and Porsche Carrera Cup.

Knockhill Events Director, Stuart Gray commented:

“The Minis and Classics will add another dimension to the BTCC event at Knockhill on 3rd and 4th September. Some of the racing this year has been very spectacular and l’m sure the BTCC audience will appreciate their efforts.

“It’s a huge opportunity for the Scottish Motor racing scene to showcase its quality to the entire nation. I’m pretty sure all the drivers will love competing as part of such an iconic event.”

Elsewhere today, Ken Thirwall continued his precession towards the Formula Ford title with a brace of wins. Rory Bryant suffered a rare defeat in the Fiesta ST Championship after a dramatic move by Scott Robertson on the final lap ensured his first ever ST race win. Stewart Whyte tasted victory in the Scottish Sports and Saloons Championship meanwhile Peter Cruickshank savoured victory in one of the Fiesta XR2 races.

Images from today’s event can be found here and tickets for the British Touring Cars on 3rd and 4th September are available here.

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