Scottish Motor Racing Championships head back to Knockhill this weekend (Sunday 15th June) for round three of the 2014 Scottish Championship season. Even at this early stage in the season, it’s becoming clear who the leading contenders will be in each class. Upwards of 120 drivers will take to the track this weekend to compete in seven different Championship classes; featuring action from Formula Ford, Legends, Mini, Classic, Sports & Saloon, Fiesta and BMW Championships.
Indeed, a staggering 27 BMWs will line up this weekend, making up, by far, the biggest grid this weekend. The BMW Compact Cup returns to Knockhill after an ‘away’ round at the challenging Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire. At the event, St. Andrew’s racer, Alan Kirkcaldy showed his fellow competitors a clean pair of heels by claiming two dominant race wins. Kirkcaldy, the reigning BMW Champion, has not been as dominant at Knockhill this year as he had been last year, where he sold his car with one round remaining after claiming the 2013 title with races to spare. This year though, Wallyford’s Steven Dailly has already edged out Kirkcaldy in several races this year and that battle looks likely to resume this weekend.
Another driver heading back to Knockhill after ‘away’ day success is Jonstone teenager, Ciaran Haggerty. The Formula Ford 1600 racer also enjoyed success at the Cheshire circuit after claiming pole position, fastest lap and a new lap record on his way to race victory. Haggerty’s season sparked to life at the last round at Knockhill, following a visit from one of his keen supporters, four-time IndyCar Champion, Dario Franchitti. Dario’s presence inspired the 17 year old to his best performances of the season in which he set a number of lap records on his way to two third place finishes. His momentum looks likely to continue into this weekend’s races, however, Haggerty will face some stiff competition from Jordan Gronkowski (Banff) and Graham Carroll (Musselburgh). Gronkowski currently leads the Championship standings with a six point advantage over Carroll, with Haggerty a further 15 points behind. Indeed, this trio have produced some stunning racing this year and everyone hopes for more of the same this Sunday.
Elsewhere, Kenny Thirlwall (Haddington) will be hopeful of maintaining his lead in the Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cup standings, ahead of Joe Tanner (Dunfermline) and Oliver Mortimer (Edinburgh). In the Scottish Legends Championship, it’s still all to play for with upwards of 8 racers all vying for wins. In the Peoples Ford Fiesta Championships, Wayne Macaulay (Forfar, ST) and Steven Gray (Aberdeen, XR2) have comfortable leads heading into this weekend’s double header; whilst, Andrew Morrison (Stirling) and Fiona Kindness (Aberdeen) lead in the overall Scottish Saloon and Sports Car Championship. The overall Classic Sport and Saloons Championship sees Raymond Boyd (Stirling) at the top of the file following four outright class wins already this season.
The 16 race programme will commence at 10.40am on Sunday 15th June. The event, will also see two newcomers enter the fold, with Danny Leigh (Banchory) and Brogan Kinsella (Tuffif) making their BMW Compact Cup debuts.
See the full entry list:
http://motorsport-events.knockhill.com/Documents/2014/SMRC_June_Entry.pdf
See the weekend timetable:
http://motorsport-events.knockhill.com/Documents/2014/SMRC_June_Timetable.pdf
Tickets for the event are priced as follows:
Advanced online: Adults £10, Conc. £6, Family £20 and Kids under 12 go FREE.
On the day: Adult £12, Conc. £8, Family £32 and Kids under 12 go FREE.
Advanced booking discounts apply to all pre-booked tickets via Knockhill.com or by telephone (01383 723337).