CNC Heads Sports/Saloon Car Championship – OULTON PARK FINAL - PREVIEW

It’s that time of year again, the final meeting, the final rounds, jokers still to be played, double header, double points and champion to be crowned.

Jamie Cryer starts this weekend with a 12 point lead, but one of the closest rivals to his title hopes is his own class rival Paul Rotheroe. Their respective Ginetta G20 and Citroen Xsara will be battling out for overall and class E honours, where they will be challenged by Steven Parker, due back out in his BMW Compact, Ian Bruce’s Honda Civic Type R, Connor Modro entered back in his Ford Focus, Peter Koukoulas’ Toyota MR2 and seasonal debutant Alex Harris in his VW Golf GTi.

Currently joint second overall is Paul Dobson with his Locost Mazda. He is yet to play his joker, but has the added rivalry of Jon Woolfitt’s Spire against him in a strong class B, also level on points at present. Add into the Class B mix Luke Armiger’s Vauxhall Tigra , and Dobson’s path is far from easy.

Others vying for success in the best supported class are Robert Wakelin, still sorting his Peugeot 205, similarly David Green having moved up from Class F this year with a 2 litre Honda Civic. Richard Hall came back to the Championship with a Caterham after a long time away, as has Mark Primett who has returned with the Banks Europa he raced many years ago. Chris Maries and Grandson Jake Johnson are out against each other in their respective Honda Civic Type R and Fiesta, while the class is completed by the Lotus Elan of long-time Championship supporter Patrick Smyth.

Class A could well provide the overall winner again, with Paul Rose, Steve Harris and David Clark in their Sakers. But Paul Woolfitt is due to be back with his Lotus Exige. Rose is currently sixth in the Championship, with Harris eighth, both having their jokers to play. Guy Carter is back in his Tuscan after sharing with brother Bruce at Knockhill too. Kingsley Ingram’s Ford Mustang , debuted at Donington is due out again, along with Andy Bicknell’s Ginetta G50 and returnee Andrew Smith’s VW Beetle.

There is almost a complete absence of class C competitors, only Gary Warburton is attending in his Mini, while we have six starters in Class D, led by Championship sponsor Ric Wood’s Nissan Skyline. Class leader Riccy Walker has his Mini R56 JCW, Allan Davies is back with his BMW M3 as are David Jones, Bob Claxton and Clive Dix, with their respective Ford Focus, VW Golf GTi and Mazda RX7.

Class F has the Allen’s out together for the first time this year (I think?). Helen has the Fiesta Zetec and Brian is back in the Ford Puma. Graeme Smith leads the class and is fifth in the Championship, but his Mazda MX5 broke at Knockhill, so hopefully he has passed it fit again. Don Hughes’ VW Golf completes the class and the provisional 36 car grid.

Qualifying is at 9.25 for 20 minutes with race one at 12.00 and race two 14.45, both for 20 minutes plus a lap.

Published by Peter Scherer for BARC North West, October 19th 2021