A bumper entry of 145 cars rolled into Knockhill for the latest round of the Scottish Motor Racing Championships on Sunday 3rd May. With expectations running high for another exhilarating day of racing, however, there was a nervous air around Knockhill as racers awoke to wet weather conditions on the Sunday morning – with little possibility of it improving throughout the day.
That said, once the action got underway the conditions certainly helped to make the racing a real spectacle for those brave enough to endure the conditions. Standing water, greasy track conditions and poor visibility were just a few of the challenges faced by drivers throughout the seven Championship classes.
There’s a common cliché that it always rains at Knockhill, and to a certain extend it is true. Yes, we might have a spot of rain now and then; but it’s a rare occurrence when the downpour is as incessant as it was on Sunday. However, as one SMRC competitor remarked before venturing on track, “It’s a great leveller.”
So with all bets off, the action got underway with the Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cup – the one class you can count on for action at any SMRC meeting. However, the opening bout was a somewhat dull affair, with Kenny Thirlwall (Haddington) taking a lights-to-flag win ahead of Joe Tanner (Dunfermline) and Oliver Mortimer (Edinburgh). Granted, it’s easy for us to sit and say it was dull; it was probably as nerve-jangling a race as most of the competitors had embarked on for a long time – it just wasn’t packed with the usual zest of a normal Mini race.
The second outing followed a similar pattern, with Thirlwall leading Tanner and Mortimer once again. However, with Tanner showing good pace and Thirlwall for once looking vulnerable in the wet, the scene was set for a superb conclusion. Tanner squeezed past to take the lead with a couple of laps remaining; only for Thirlwall to reel him back in and apply severe pressure all the way to the line. With Tanner eventually crossing the finish by the slimmest of margins, just 0.278 seconds ahead of the defending double Champion. Victory for Tanner and two 3rd place podiums for Mortimer ensure the Edinburgh driver heads to the next round at the summit of the Mini standings.
The new name on everyone’s lips in the Formula Ford 1600 series is that of Tore teenager Neil MacLennan, following a stunning debut last time out where he claimed two podiums. But after this weekend, Adam MacKay – who has quietly went about his business since he arrived in Formula Ford, including signing for the historic Ecurie Ecosse team earlier this year – will quite rightly take top billing at the next SMRC meeting. The Aberdonian teenager blitzed his way to a highly impressive race win on the day, which had IndyCar Legend Dario Franchitti describe as “flawless”. Jordan Gronkowski will be satisfied with his weekend’s work (2nd place) as he continues to get to grips with his new car. Whilst, MacLennan can be equally pleased with his performance, having navigated an extremely difficult race meeting – only his second in the car – to come away with his third podium of the season.
In the Scottish Legends Championship, Motherwell’s John Paterson maintained his winning form by taking two race wins – his 5th consecutive win of the season. Elsewhere, David Hunter (Alva) (2 x 2nd), David Newall (Mid Calder) and Steven McGill (Boness) (3rd) enjoyed podium success. Paterson comfortably heads the table heading to the next round of races.
Ian Donaldson (Dumbarton) racked up his 4th consecutive win of the season behind the wheel of his super-fast Evo. Donaldson posted a 57 second lap time – the quickest of the meeting – on route to his second win of the day; a race which also witnessed a monumental battle between Finlay Crocker (Bathgate) (2nd) and Matt Collins (Boness) (2 x 3rd). Paul Brydon (Pumpherston) powered his BMW M3 to the remaining 3rd placed on-the-road podium on the day. Olly Ross (Helensburgh) remains the man to catch in the MX5 Championship.
In the Fiesta ST Championship, George Orr (Linlithgow) got the better of defending Champion Wayne Macaulay (Forfar) (2 x 2nd) in both outings today; although the second race was completed under the safety car as the fog rolled in. Elsewhere, John Balfour (Brechin) and Kevin Whyte (Stirling) shared the other 2 podium slots; whilst Jim Deans (Stonehaven) took a brace of Fiesta XR2 Championship wins ahead of Steven Gray (Aberdeen).
In the Classic Sports and Saloons Championship, double race winner from round one, Harry Simpson (Edinburgh) was somewhat off the pace. Finishing both races in a disappointing 7th and 11th place respectively. That left the coast clear for new on-the-road race winners to step forward. First up was Stan Bernard (Glasgow) powering his Porsche 911 to slender win just 1.5secs ahead of Willy Toye (Falkirk) and Alasdair Coates (Peebles). In the second outing, Toye reversed Bernard’s advantage to take the win ahead of the Glasgow man by 2.6 secs, behind the wheel of his Triumph TR8 with Alasdair Coates again securing the final on-the-road podium.
The Scottish BMW Compact Cup continues to attract the biggest grids of the weekend, with 31 drivers entered into the programme for Sunday’s races – with an incredible 16 of them eligible for the Newcomers Cup. However, it was experienced BMW man Steven Dailly (Wallyford) who yet again claimed the win – crossing the line 5 seconds ahead of Gary Clark (Macduff) and Andrew Winchester (Insch) in the A & B Group race. Clark then went one better in the B & C race, taking the win ahead of Cliff Harper (Ellon) and Phil Dryburgh (Glenrothes) – with Dryburgh taking his first BMW podium of the season.
After reaching race ten of the programme, the weather once again took centre stage as rolling mist covered the circuit, making visibility and drivability almost impossible. Ultimately, after a 15 minute delay the meeting was abandoned in the interests of safety.
Knockhill Events Director, Stuart Gray said:
“That was a really difficult meeting for all concerned, and yet, still very entertaining. I must however, thank everyone for there patience, understanding and commitment; particularly the marshals. To be standing out in that weather, for that length of time and yet still be professional enough to ensure everyone’s safety is testament to their dedication.”
The next round of SMRC racing takes place on Sunday 21st June – Armed Forces Appreciation Day – which will feature Scottish Championship racing, Supercar displays and classic military displays. A special discount is open to all serving/veteran personnel and their families and it is hoped that the day will also act as a fundraiser for selected Armed Forces charities.
Hopefully you’ll have dried out by round three and we’ll see you all at Knockhill with deck chairs, picnic baskets and oodles of sun cream; for what should be another thrilling day of motorsport.
For all the latest reaction, standings and class info please check out the SMRC website.
For a whole host of images from Sunday’s meeting, see the Power-Images website.
