The Parkinson Line.....at Brands Hatch

Brands Hatch. March 2012. The first rounds of the Monoposto championship and it could have been the middle of summer.

Due to class numbers it proved necessary to move the 1600s from the 1800/motorcycle grid into the two litre group. It’s some time since this has happened but it did allow me to watch two fabulous races on both Saturday and Sunday. Whilst my little scribble normally covers the premier class only there are certain items which warrant some mention.

On Saturday the two front runners were Jason Timms and Marc Fortune. I was at Paddock Hill Bend and the sight of the JKS with the Jedi almost touching charging into such a fast corner was stunning. Marc tried to go round the outside several times until he finally made the pass. I was looking forward to a repeat on Sunday but unfortunately Jason stalled on the grid and was too far behind to be in contention. Marc won again but a black Jedi kept him very honest for some time until the car expired. I’m not aware of who the driver was.

In the same Saturday race but separate from those mentioned above was the battle between Jeremy Timms and Ewen Sergison in 1800 Zetecs. Ewen was on pole but Jeremy pipped him into Paddock and the race was on. Jeremy got a bit of a lead but Ewen pulled him back. The two were together and unfortunately when lapping a slower car Jeremy got pushed off at Clearways and the race was almost over. On the Sunday race it was Jeremy on pole with Ewen behind. The two circulated very closely until Ewen got past on the entry into Mclaren. He maintained the gap to win. I think this battle will go on all season long with some circuits favouring the winged car whilst others will favour the non-winged car.

I’ve got to mention Geoff Fern. He had problems with wheel nuts coming undone in both races but still managed to finish. Make an appointment to see a psychiatrist Geoff. Finishing is not that important.

Nice to see Jim Timms with a second on Saturday and a win on Sunday in Mono Classics. You’re some boy Jim.

The Premier Class

Unfortunately there were only six 1600s entered, two of whom were having their first races, but hopefully there should be more at Donington. The two new guys were Adrian Heath driving a Formula Vauxhall Junior, decked out in the latest Team Fern colours, and Luke Rosewell in a Ray. If Geoff gets any more drivers he’ll have a football team.

Although it was Luke’s first race he has had a lot of experience in karts being a three times winner of the Formula 6 championship, winning the TKM festival in 2009,was fifth in the Super 1 British Championship and has won multiple club championships at Sandown Park. He is training to be a race engineer/mechanic.

Saturday qualifying and it was Matt Jordan who took pole from Nigel Davers who only managed four laps before car problems forced him out. Third was Luke followed by yours truly, Eddie Guest and Adrian who is known as Ady.

The Saturday race got underway and I managed to get past Luke and Matt to get after Nigel who had taken the lead. A good race in prospect. Unfortunately the Van Diemen only lasted three or four laps before problems struck again and Nigel was out. I think the car caught fire both in qualifying and the race. So it turned out to be a boring race for me as I just drove for the flag nice and steady with my eyes in the mirrors checking on Matt Jordan who finished second. Luke finished third but did well as he had multiple problems getting to the finish line. Eddie was fourth with Ady fifth but lapping some four seconds quicker than qualifying.

Sunday qualifying put Nigel on pole, still struggling with the car and only completing ten laps Second was Matt Jordan followed by me, Luke, Eddie and Ady.

Sunday’s race got under way and I managed to get past Matt on the approach to Druids and took up position behind Nigel. For three or four laps I held him then he started to pull away gradually. At this point I slowed down slightly as I knew I could not catch him, let alone pass him. There was always the chance that the car would stop again anyway so discretion was the better part of valour. In the event the car kept going and Nigel deservedly took the win from me who again had a relatively boring race keeping Matt a safe distance behind. Matt finished third from Eddie, Ady and Luke who started from the pit-lane and had a variety of problems.

I’ve always counted myself as an intelligent driver. My main object is to take the car home in one piece after finishing both races, where applicable, and amassing as many points as I can. Perhaps something like Alain Prost was renowned for. I mentioned this to Ewen who advised that I did drive like Prost. Helen Prost who runs a chip shop in Bawtry.

When Luke gets his car sorted out I think he’s going to be a very fast driver with his undoubted kart experience coming in to good stead.

Ady did everything right over the weekend completing both qualifying sessions and races to get time in the car of which he had little or none before arriving at Brands. He steadily improved his times and on the occasions that I passed him I felt safe.

Simon did well with the cups. I was dreading more glasses. I suppose this is due to the cash infusion from St Cross Electronics so many thanks.

David Parkinson

Robbie Watts, Lola F106/03

Jim Timms, Formula Ireland & Terry Clark in Reynard 903

Luke Rosewell, Ray86

Adrian Heath, Formula Vauxhall Junior

A chip shop in Bawtry.

Pics: Norwich Photo