Motorsport News

from Straight Six May 2022

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Fun is Go Go Go

The Club has started its 2022 track action in style. There’s been trips to Wales for the first trackday of the year at Anglesey and for the race championship to Croft in Yorkshire. A warm welcome from each Club region made the days even more enjoyable for all who attended.

The now annual Anglesey trackday attracted some regulars, some new drivers and the North Wales region, who wanted to enjoy the Welsh trip that never fails to deliver in terms of weather, track time and space. We have already pencilled in next year’s date, so we look forward to seeing more new people sample the Club’s Trackday Register hospitality. Drivers of the day were Nick Thomas and Simon Maskell as voted for by the circuit marshals.

The BMW Car Club Racing (BMWCCR) started the season at Croft Circuit, which is always worthy of the trip. Drivers and supporters, together with North East Region members, enjoying the challenging circuit and a great day out with friends and family. As we had a live feed on Facebook, many members and enthusiasts were able to watch it online and share the experience.

The #bmwfamily all came together to help each other to get through testing and then share some of the problems at scrutineering. Mike Cutt helped install a fire extinguisher so that Colin Whitmore could get on track. The North East and Eastern region members put on a much anticipated display, which was a great addition to the paddock and a boost for the drivers. Qualifying also brought some

Andrew Pywell - Youngest Driver to start a race

drama. Mike Cutt had a sticking brake and Paul Cook had clutch issues. With Stuart Pywell pulling off early, this resulted in three quick cars starting from the back of the grid, which was going to be interesting given their potential pace.

With last year’s champion not present, due to his car not being ready, and the class champions moving classes, we were guaranteed new winners and that proved the case with Graham Crowhurst claiming a pole-position-to-chequeredflag victory in his new M1 car for the first time. Mike Cutt and Paul Cook claimed second and third, with Mark Culmer fourth and Colin fifth in M1 Class. In Class 6 it was Lee Piercey taking the win after his winter changes. He piped Jim Benson and Steve Schwiekhardt, with Adam Read claiming fourth. There was an overdue win for Gareth Thomas in BMWcup class. He was chased home by Sam Walton and debutant Leigh Spencer. There was close racing throughout the grid with drivers having their own battles on this magnificent track, which also witnessed some of our longest standing lap records tumble in M1 and Class 6.

As this was also the Russ Cockburn Memorial meeting, it was appropriate to finish the day with the best races of the weekend. The top three cars diced until the chequered flag, with Mike taking an emotional win from Graham and Paul. In Class 6, Lee took the win followed home this time by a rejuvenated Stuart Pywell and Jim Benson in a solid third.

The youngest driver Andrew received his award from the most experienced Colin

Our first Father and Son winners; the Pywells

In the BMWcup, Garth made it a double win and this time Leigh squeezed out Sam Walton, who took the fastest lap. Results that bode well for all three of them this year.

Some of the great stories that will be remembered for years to come include our youngest ever driver Andrew Pywell, aged 17, being presented with his trophy by our most experienced entrant Colin Whitmore with 58 years separating them. Plus they are our first ever father and son entry. So much emotion on another historic day for the Club.

The Club welcomed three new drivers, Andrew Pywell, Leigh Spencer and Chris Blakey, who have now got the bug and we look forward to seeing them throughout the season. Plus a new driver to the championship, Adam Jordan-Reed.

What was also great to witness were the individual tussles and how many drivers have improved over the off season. In particular Paul Laramy, Tom Singleton, Saranga Sothisrihari, Andy Wynne and Sergei Mineev. Who are now challenging some of the regulars Mark Culmer, Clive Watson, Adrian Williams and Bill Reddrop, who all made a solid showing at this first meeting too. we must thank Graham Hinton for the great club display. The other regions now have something to aim at as we travel the country. This is a true club event not just about those on track.

Oulton Park on 14th May is our next venue, with a full house expected in Cheshire. Time to prep your car or pull up a seat.

The remaining club trackdays this year are at Cadwell Park on 30th June, Croft 12th September and Oulton Park on 11th November.