The opening round of the 2023 season was held on the 15th & 16th April at the technical Cotswold circuit.
Saturday was dry with sunshine appearing later in the afternoon. Many drivers were trying out new engines and new cars so a hectic day intermixed with greeting old friends.
Sunday saw the new format with open practice from 9.00am to 9.45am allowing some running especially for those unable to attend on the Saturday. The drivers briefing followed this and then four rounds of qualifying. Several drivers had switched classes so it would be interesting to see how they fared.
1/8th GTE was a tussle between Glyn Beal and Craig Nutting. Rob Scott dominated 1/8 GT8 Nitro and Alex Thurston the 200mm Touring. Adam Southgate and Matthew Cook were the stand out performers in the 220mm Sports GT class.
The final qualifying positions were as follows :
GT8 Electric
TQ Glyn Beal
2nd Craig Nutting
3rd Adrian Dew
1/10 IC 220mm GT
TQ Adam Southgate
2nd Matthew Cook
3rd Bailey Rice Draycot
GT8 Nitro
TQ Rob Scott
2nd Paul Dewsnap
3rd Martin Thurston
1/10 200mm Touring
TQ Alex Thurston
2nd Ollie Williams
3rd Ady Garlick
Finals:
B Final 220 GT
Bob Harley drove consistently withstanding a charge by local driver Jerome. Jim Beesley completed the podium.
1st Bob Harley (X-Ray)
2nd Jerome Evans
3rd Jim Beesley (Serpent)
A Final GT8 Electric
Craig Nutting surprised TQ Glyn Beal by taking the first two legs. Glyn took second with Adrian in third.
1st) Craig Nutting(Capricorn)
2nd) Glyn Beal (Capricorn)
3rd) Adrian Dew
A Final GT8 Nitro
Rob Scott looked to dominate but various issues led to a tense finale with Paul ending up on the same lap in second. Debutant Martin Thurston took a creditable third.
1st) Rob Scott (Capricorn)
2nd) Paul Dewsnap (Raptor)
3rd) Martin Thurston (Capricorn)
A Final 200mm Touring
TQ Alex Thurston cruised this one. Ollie Williams was a comfortable second until a gear stripped allowing Dev into second. Ollie rejoined and regained a deserved second. Ady, Ian and Mark were all quick on their home circuit but various mechanicals ended their chances.
1st) Alex Thurston (Capricorn)
2nd) Ollie Williams (Capricorn)
3rd) Devendra Mahatme (Capricorn)
A Final 220 GT
TQ Adam Southgate stormed away with Matt and Ian close behind. Adam lost a glow plug ending his race allowing Matt and Ian through. Mark Boothman looked set for the podium until his rear belt stripped allowing a consistent Daniel Childers into third on the final lap !
1st) Matthew Cook (Serpent)
2nd) Ian McLarney
3rd) Daniel Chilvers (X-Ray)
An enjoyable weekend’s racing for all. Many thanks to Muriel Russell for running the meeting so efficiently. The next National is at Colchester in June. In the interim drivers can enter the British Open, combined with the 1/8 drivers on the 29th & 30th April. (Non scoring for points for the 1/10 and GT8 section).