Today (Saturday 10th September), Knockhill Racing Circuit played host to Scottish Championship Car Racing featuring a guest appearance from the MG Trophy. In wet conditions Scotland’s best car racers still managed to entertain the assembled crowd.
However it was Haddington man, Kenny Thirwall who stole the show in his 1600cc Van Diemen single seater racer. Thriwall who had been extremely dominant all year long secured the 2011 Championship title with 3 races to spare. On his way to the title, Thirwall has racked up an impressive 12 wins and 11 pole positions.
After missing out on the Championship win by the smallest of margins last year, Thirwall set about rectifying that disappointment with a busy winter re-building programme.
“I was distraught last year and therefore doubly determined going into this year’s championship. I decided to completely re-build the car ahead of this campaign.
“We had the car in bits, so standing here as champion is just reward for all those efforts,” said Thirwall.
Elsewhere, Scottish MG Trophy star Paul Luti from Callander claimed victory in race one, although he couldn’t repeat that feat in race two as he was forced to retire with engine trouble. Stan Bernard maintained his championship lead ahead of John Marshall after coming home 2nd behind the Dunblane ace in the opening race. The Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cup competitors continued their all-action style as Chris Smiley took victory in race one. The top four drivers had served up some thrilling racing as Covey Jnr, David Sleigh and Tim Sleigh fought in-vein for the win ahead of Smiley. The Mini Cooper Championship is now finely balanced ahead of the season finale at Knockhill 9th October.
One of the most acclaimed podium finishes of the weekend went to Coleraine racer Ivor Mairs. Ivor, one of the most likeable Formula Ford competitors finally took his first ever 3rd place finish on-the-road today. Ivor has taken numerous class wins and championship titles but we assume this latest result will be one of Ivor’s best career highlights. Climbing up on to the podium Ivor quipped:
“Twenty years l’ve waited for this… twenty years!”
Tickets for the final round of the Scottish Championship Car Racing season are on sale now via the Knockhill website. We’d love to welcome you back to witness a nail-biting finale to the 2011 series.