The opening round of the 2014 Super Lap Scotland Championship is all set to explode into action this Sunday (20th April) at Knockhill Racing Circuit. As some of Scotland’s fastest and most powerful modified sports and saloon cars, top the bill. Ayrshire racer, Charlie Shaw heads the Pro Class entry list behind the wheel of his 987bhp four wheel drive turbo-charged Ford Focus. The variety of cars in the new six class structure allow for the extreme machines such as Shaw’s to compete against other tuned monsters, but equally, road going models are also able to compete against each other; in this special lap time challenge event.
Charlie’s Focus is a famous car within the Scottish racing scene and has been developed over a number of years, but, it will be Subaru Imprezas and Mitsubishi Evos that will make up the majority of the entry list. Aberdeen based Fiona Kindness will be competing in her newly built Subaru after a huge off in 2013, which saw her trusted Nissan Skyline roll at the challenging Clark Corner. A winter of work saw the new car make its debut at the first SMRC meeting of the season, but engine problems meant that she could not fully exploit its power potential, a healthy 365bhp; but following a recent track test session, all seems set for her to challenge other Class A competitors for Super Lap glory this Sunday.
Returning to Super Lap Scotland is South Queensferry’s, BMW Compact Cup racer, Michael Gray who competed in a 440bhp Subaru Impreza in 2013. His new car, a Class E BMW Compact will feature in the class for the least powerful cars and will compete against other similarly powered cars such as Fiesta XR2s and Vauxhall Novas. Michael Gray said: “Whilst I am competing in the British BMW Compact Cup this year, the intense SLS format where you have to perform on that single lap definitely sharpens you as a driver. It’s a bit like Formula One qualifying where you could have the best car, the best team and the best set up; but unless you can deliver on the single lap, it’s all for nothing. I am really looking forward to the event on Sunday and hope that I can return for future rounds throughout the season.”
Super Lap Scotland driver co-ordinator and British GT star Rory Butcher said: “Sunday’s event will be a great launch for the 2014 SLS season. The interest is phenomenal, and with entries nearly double that of the first round last year, I can only see SLS growing in stature and numbers this season. We have been in touch with all the Tuning Shops and Rolling Roads over the winter and the interest is huge; as SLS gives keen drivers a competitive format to show off their modifying skills as well as their driving prowess”.
This event will also see Hot Hatch Trackday sessions taking place throughout the day. Hot Hatch Trackdays provide and ideal opportunity to sample the twists and dips of Knockhill in your own car. And who knows, you may even be inspired by the SLS competitors to take your on track activities to the next level. Trackday bookings can be made via our trackdays website (http://trackdays.knockhill.com) or by calling the team on 01383 723337. Track driving at this weekend’s SLS event will cost £55 in advance or £65 on the day. Pre-booking is advised due to the limited number of slots available this weekend.
Action starts at 9am on Sunday with Hot Hatch driver track sessions before the SLS competitors take to the track for the first of their 4 sessions. The Single Lap Shoot-Out Final scheduled for 4.15pm, will provide an thrilling climax for all the elite SLS competitors in each class.
Adult admission is £10 (£8 in advance), £5 for concessions and under 12’s go free.
More information about Super Lap Scotland can be found via their official website (www.superlapscotland.co.uk). Tickets can be booked in advance via the Knockhill website (www.knockhill.com) or can be purchased on the day (Sunday 20th April) at the gate.
Check out the timetable for this weekend’s Super Lap Scotland and Hot Hatch Trackday event below.