BRCA R1 – Kidderminster – 2wd Qualifying Round 1

Early morning mist greeted the drivers as they started to arrive through the gates of the Kidderminster Model Club shortly after dawn. The town was basking in early morning sunshine, so the mist was not expected to last for long. The forecast for the weekend is very good with settled and mild weather predicted – however some people’s selection of short trousers for the Saturday morning start may have been a little premature. A little more accurate of a prediction was the level of organisation at the club for the event – we were met by ushers in hi-viz jackets at the gate who directed us to our parking area – the track and facilities very worthy of such a prestigious event. Starting at 8am, all drivers were allowed two three minute practice sessions before qualifying proceeded.

Climate Change

By the time 2wd qualifying round 1 kicked off the climate had significantly changed. Warm sunshine had burnt off the early mist and the shorts and t-shirts were starting to make an appearance – still too early guys! The freshly painted track markings now appearing to dazzle in the sunlight as the dampness burnt off. 12 heats will run today, with heat 1 mainly being made up of younger children and novice racers venturing into their first National Season.

2022 BRCA 1/10th Offroad National Championships

Round 1 – Kidderminster – 16th April 2022

2wd Qualifying Round 1

All eyes were initially on heat 9 as it contained some serious pace. Schumacher team lead driver, Michal Orlowski jetting in all the way from Warsaw in Poland. Michal started the heat in an aggressive manner which we know will bite you on the technical circuit – leading to a roll at the end of the straight on lap two. This incident seems to have pressed his reset button and Orlowski became smoother and smoother as the heat progressed. He had no further incidents and by the final minute he was putting in fast laps. Not a fast overall time, but definitely a marker of potential in the further rounds to come later today.

In heat 10, Paul Crompton put in a smooth run ahead of ahead of Ben Pugh and Ben Smith. The pace starting to sharpen now as we progress into the top 30 seeds. Crompton going 14/315.32 and top of the table at this point. Heat 11 was slightly quicker again with Tommy Hall putting in an very fast and smooth run to demote Crompton off the top spot with Danny McGee in chase now sitting 3rd. Tommy’s car flawlessly soaking up the tracks undulations. The best has been saved for last in Heat 12. Neil Cragg putting in a smooth and unflustered exhibition of speed to just pip Tommy Hall to TQ in Round 1. The Associated factory driver showed no signs of having to shake the dust off after all the pandemic related lay-ups.

Something for you….

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2wd Qualifying Round 1 Top 10

Neil Cragg on his way to 2wd Qualifying Round 1 TQ….

We will be back shortly with round 2.