Category: Photos

Rockingham Race report 2016

June 21st, 2016 by alisonpepler.

Rockingham 11th and 12th June 2016

(Rounds 3 + 4 of the 4two cup)

After a few DNF”s at the last event, all cars were fixed and ready to go, same cars as last time were entered plus another 450 belonging to Mark Bloomfield of “Fudgesmart” in the no.69 car. There were fewer Honda’s entered, who share the circuit with us, only 8 so we had the bigger grid.

There were 4 cars out for testing on the Friday, James Palmer in his no.3 JC Motorhomes sponsored car, Greg Owens in his no.9 Midland Karting car, who shared a half day with James, Martyn Clatworthy in his no.11 Ski St Martin car who did a full day alongside Simon Coverdale in the Smarts4youRacing no.2 car sponsored by Roydon Packaging.

All cars were running beautifully until the last session when Simon Coverdale encountered a problem with his car which lost a cylinder but the donor car of Simon Horrobin saved the day and was brought to the track the following morning in time for qualifying.

Change of cars meant James Palmer was now in the no.3 Specialized Motorsport car and Simon coverdale was in the no.2 JC Motorhomes car.

Entrants:

02 – Simon Coverdale – Smart 451 – Class 1 – Roydon Packaging/Smarts4you Racing

03 – James Palmer – Smart 451 – Class 1 – JC Motorhomes/Specialised Group

07 – David Nash – Smart 451 – Class 1 – Smart 7 Racing

08 – Alistair Woodhead – Smart 450 – Class 2 – Smarts4you Racing

09 – Greg Owens – Smart 451 – Class 1 – Midland Karting/Smarts4you Racing

11 – Martyn Clatworthy – Smart 451 – Class 1 – Ski St Martin

26 – Alan Palmer – Smart 451 – Class 1 – ARC Building group/Smarts4you Racing

69 – Mark Bloomfield – Smart 450 – Class 2 – FudgeSmart

Qualifying

Weather was humid and dry after an almighty storm last night, thankfully that rain stayed away. Martyn Clatworthy started well and held onto the fastest lap for a few laps, Alan Palmer then took the fastest lap until the penultimate lap when Greg Owens put in a time of over half a second faster to take his 1st ever pole position. Mark Bloomfield in the 450 qualified below Alistair Woodhead suffering with a water pump problem which subsequently turned out just to be a loose pipe.

Pole: Greg Owens – Class 1

2nd Alan Palmer – Class 1

3rd: Martyn Clatworthy – Class 1

Pole: Alistair Woodhead – Class 2

2nd: Mark Bloomfield – Class 2

Race 1.

One of the closest races we have had in a long time which was great for drivers and spectators alike.

Alan Palmer got off to a great start going straight into the lead closely followed by Greg Owens who was determined to get a podium this weekend. David Nash also got off to a great start jumping from 5th into 3rd place however Martyn Clatworthy had an unfortunate slow start which seen him drop a couple of places, this did not deter Clatworthy who battled on to fight his way back. Greg Owens and Alan Palmer were almost touching handles for the first few laps determined not to give in to each other, Martyn Clatworthy and James Palmer took advantage of their concentrating on each other and overtook them on each side, Clatworthy managed to hold the lead at this point but James Palmer lost out his 2nd position to Alan and Greg who swiftly took back their positions ahead of James. Alan unfortunately slid into the tyre wall at Deene corner but managed to get back out again to finish the race in 5th. This allowed David Nash to get past and also overtake James Palmer to take 3rd place podium. Mark Bloomfield had a great race considering 5 minutes before making his way to the assembly area, his car was up in the air in bits.

1st: Martyn Clatworthy – Class 1

2nd: Greg Owens – Class 1

3rd: David Nash – Class 1

1st: Mark Bloomfield – Class 2

2nd: Alistair Woodhead – Class 2

Fastest lap: Martyn Clatworthy 1.57.666

Race 2.

The rain held off and it was off to the assembly area for the 2nd race, slight problem with Alan Palmer’s car possibly due to the bump in the tyre wall in Race 1 caused it to play up b4 heading to the assembly area but a quick play on the computer got it up and running., this has since turned out to be a simple blown fuse in the brake light switch. Martyn Clatworthy unfortunately got a nudge during a scuffle with a few cars at one point giving him a puncture causing him to retire.Greg Owens was leading for a while and on track for his first 1st place position, however he missed a gear allowing Alan to get past him, Owens then went on to have a spin at Tarzan which again lost him a place, this time to David Nash, Owens tried fantastically to make up the places, which he almost did but a great finish by Nash saw him holding off Owens to take 2nd place. Alistair Woodhead and Mark Bloomfield but it was Bloomfield a.k.a. fudge who went on to take the win in Class 2.

1st: Alan Palmer- Class 1

2nd: David Nash – Class 1

3rd: Greg Owens – Class 1

1st: Mark Bloomfield – Class 2

2nd: Alistair Woodhead – Class 2

Fastest lap: Alan Palmer 1.57.936

Great weekend as always, thanks to everyone for coming along, drivers and family, thanks to all our sponsors including JCMotorhomes, 1st Containers, pure d-zign, ARC building group, Midland Karting and Roydon Packaging. Thanks also to all you guys who help in the set up and the dismantle of the awning, your help is massively appreciated, looking forward to the next race at Snetterton on the 16th/17th July. See you all soon

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Silverstone May 2016 Race report

May 16th, 2016 by alisonpepler.

 

Silverstone National 8th May 2016

(Rounds 1 + 2 of the 4two cup)

A late start for the 2016 season this year after several modifications were carried out to lower the suspension on all the cars and rewrap some of the cars with new sponsor logo’s,  no.26 car of Alan Palmer now sponsored by Arc Building group, no. 9 car of Greg Owens sponsored by Midland Karting and the number 2 car of Simon Coverdale sponsored by his company Roydon Packaging. Alistair Woodhead who was in the no.2 Smarts4you Racing 451 car (class 1) last year has now bought his own 450 (class 2) car n0.8.

Testing got under way on the Friday in the glorious sunshine, with all cars performing well, a few problems were encountered along the way with the new engine of series owner James Palmer not performing as it should and a problem with the big end on Alan Palmers car. James unfortunately had to abandon his session in the JC Motorhomes car and continue with a donor car kindly donated by Simon Horrobin of Specialized Motorsport and as there was no racing on Saturday, work was carried out to rectify the problem to Alan Palmers car.

Entrants:

02 – Simon Coverdale – Smart 451 – Class 1 – Roydon Packaging/Smarts4you Racing

03 – James Palmer – Smart 451 – Class 1 – JC Motorhomes/Specialised Group

07 – David Nash – Smart 451 – Class 1 – Smart 7 Racing

08 – Alistair Woodhead – Smart 450 – Class 2 – Smarts4you Racing

09 – Greg Owens – Smart 451 – Class 1 – Midland Karting/Smarts4you Racing

11 – Martyn Clatworthy – Smart 451 – Class 1 – Ski St Martin

26 – Alan Palmer – Smart 451 – Class 1 – ARC Building group/Smarts4you Racing

Unfortunately there were no Class 3 roadsters out this weekend and the other 2 Smart 450’s from last year also couldn’t be with us but are hoping to be out for our next race.

Qualifying:

Kicking off mid morning, the drivers arrived nice and early keen to make a good start, the air temperature was reaching 20 degrees which was proving tough for David Nash in the no.7 car who had a problem with his car overheating, after completing only a few laps, David decided to bring the car in for some remedial work prior to the 1st race, however he still managed to qualify 2nd, closely followed by novice Simon Coverdale, only 5000 ths of a second behind him. Last years series winner Martyn Clatworthy took the lead and went on to take pole position being over a second a lap faster than the others. Alan Palmer, who qualified 4th in the end, started well and was initially on target for 2nd position, however it was not to be. Owens who in hindsight said perhaps he should have tested on Friday to get the optimum set up of the car and its new modifications finished 6th, James Palmer in a different car from what he was used to finished 5th and finally Alistair in the Class 2 car finished 7th.

Pole: Martyn Clatworthy

2nd: David Nash

3rd: Simon Coverdale

 

Race 1:

The cars lined up on the grid to await the start of the 1st race, the all clear was given and the green flag formation lap got underway with the temperature ever rising.

Lights out after the 5 second board saw the battle commence, Alan Palmer took the lead and managed to hold on for a couple of laps before Martyn overtook him on the inside at Brooklands. Nash was in 3rd position until an unfortunate spin sent him back to 6th before again unfortunately retiring early due to a sticky thermostat causing his car to overheat. James managed to hold off Simon Coverdale to take 3rd place on the podium. Alistair Woodhead had a great time in his new car, just unfortunate there was no other 450’s out there to battle with and Owens who was on track for 3rd had a spin on lap 4 causing him to drop back and in the end finish 5th.

1st: Martyn Clatworthy

2nd: Alan Palmer

3rd: James Palmer

Fastest lap: Martyn Clatworthy 1.19.126

 

Race 2.

With all cars refuelled and adjustments made the drivers were called slightly earlier than scheduled, the slight reduction in temperature was much appreciated by all.

The grid was made up as per the race 1 finishing positions, Martyn on pole alongside Alan, row 2 was James and Simon, row 3 Greg and Alistair with Nashy bringing up the rear.

A good start was had by all, Martyn came off the track after a few laps, the problem being a front end mechanical failure, he therefore had to retire, poor Nash had the same overheating problem as the previous race and qualifying so also retired, with last years top 2 finishing drivers out of the way, the battle was on. Both Palmers, Alan and James (no relation) were battling it out for 1st, Alan Palmer had the lead, was overtaken by James but Alan managed to take the lead again to go on to take his first ever 1st place with James Palmer in 2nd and novice Simon Coverdale taking his first ever podium finish in 3rd.

1st Alan Palmer

2nd: James Palmer

3rd: Simon Coverdale

Fastest lap: Martyn Clatworthy 1.19.286

Summary:

Even though it doesn’t always go to plan for some, we always mange to have an enjoyable weekend, looking forward to seeing more drivers on the grid for Rockingham and with all car problems rectified, should make for another fantastic weekends racing on the 11th and 12th June.

As always huge thanks to our ever loyal sponsors JCMotorhomes, 1st Containers and pure d-zign as well as our new sponsors ARC building group, Midland Karting and Roydon packaging.

Thanks also to all the drivers, family and friends who come along too.

See you at Rockingham :-

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Brands Hatch Race Report

May 6th, 2014 by alisonpepler.

Brands Hatch Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April 2014 Race report

With the4twocup joining the 750 Motor Clubs Stock Hatch race, Saturday morning was going to prove a challenge. Qualifying at 10.30am on a damp, cold, slippery track was always going to be difficult, even so, off we went only to see a few of the Stock Hatch cars and Mark Bloomfield (better known as Fudge) spinning down Paddock Hill, everyone was tip toeing around the slippery circuit trying to find some grip. 3 laps in and Simon Horrobin had a spectacular fire with 10 foot flames coming from the back of the car and dropping oil onto an already slippery surface, the pack soon settled down and managed to get in some quick laps.

Qualifying results

  1. Jake Jackson in the number 19 Smarts4youRacing/Pure D-Zign car
  2. James Palmer in the number 44 JC Motorhomes car
  3. Martyn Clatworthy in the number 11 Ski St Martin car
  4. Paul Bates in the number 2 Smarts4youRacing car
  5. Alan Palmer in the number 10 Trader Containers car
  6. Mark Bloomfield in the number 69 Fudge Smart car
  7. Simon Horrobin in the number 14 Specialized car
  8. Ian Weir in the number 96 Fudge Smart car

Race 1

By 2pm the track was dry and the sun was out. The start of the race was fast and furious with the cars spinning down paddock hill and the lead smarts getting right in amongst the pack of Stock Hatch cars. Paul Bates and James Palmer were 2 abreast all the way down Clearways with Jake Jackson hot on their heels. Coming into paddock hill, Jake dived down the inside and exited in the lead, Bates past James Palmer exiting Graham Hill and putting a gap between them going up to Clearways.  Martyn Clatworthy soon caught up with James Palmer and the battles for 1st, 2nd and 3rd commenced. Paul chased down Jake for the remainder of the race, closing the gap but could not catch the super-fast Jake through the traffic. James was ahead of Martyn for the majority of the race but the very determined Martyn was more aggressive through the slower Saxo’s and managed to catch James and with a slick manoeuvre he overtook James and pushed on for 3rd place. Alan Palmer in only his 3rd Smart car race held on for 5th with Fudge settling for 6th and Ian Weir in his 1st ever race in 7th.

Race 1 results

  1. Jake Jackson
  2. Paul Bates
  3. Martyn Clatworthy
  4. James Palmer
  5. Alan Palmer
  6. Mark Bloomfield
  7. Ian Weir

Non Starter: Simon Horribin

Fastest Lap was done by Paul Bates 1.03.03

Race 2

Straight from lights out the race action started, Paul Bates got a great start and by Paddock Hill had taken the lead and was well into the mix of the Stock Hatch cars, Jake Jackson was next with Martyn Clatworthy and James Palmer hot on their heels. On lap 2 James Palmer dived down the inside into Graham Hill and took the lead, Jake and Martyn were rubbing door handles around Clearways and the race was on. Lap 4 saw the turn of Jake Jackson taking the lead with a brave dive down the inside of all 3 Smart cars in to Paddock Hill. Martyn got caught with the slower Saxo’s and dropped back. Jake Jackson extended his lead from Paul Bates and James Palmer who diced for second place all the way to the chequered flag with Paul managing to catch James coming out of Surtees on the last lap, Martyn managed to hold of Alan Palmer to take 4th place.

Race 2 results

  1. Jake Jackson
  2. 2. Paul Bates
  3. James Palmer
  4. Martyn Clatworthy
  5. Alan Palmer
  6. Mark Bloomfield
  7. Ian Weir

Fastest lap was done by Jake Jackson 1.02.76

Quotes

Jake Jackson (driver) said it was so nice to see the Smarts getting in a level playing field and fantastic to take both wins

Tim Dickson (supporter) said “I have been attending The4twocup for a couple of years and I have one word which sums it up…Awesome! The Smarts4youRacing team are great, the cars are great and there is such a great atmosphere around the Smart Village”

Smarts4you Racing would like to thank as always our wonderful sponsors JC Motorhomes and Trader Containers, as well as all the drivers, family, friends and the Smart Racing Club supporters.

Next race is on Bank Holiday Monday 26th May at Snetterton where we will be welcoming Richard Goulds making his debut in a Smart Roadster, let’s hope the roadster of smartRoadsters.com can make it so we can have the 2 of them battling it for their class lead. See you all soon

Rockingham Race Report

April 12th, 2013 by alisonpepler.

Belgians Rule at Rockingham.

The first UK race for season 3 of the 4two cup took place last weekend at Rockingham. It seemed to be the first weekend of the year that offered sunshine and a slightly warm track.

It is the first time the smart cars have raced on the modified oval at Rockingham as well as the first time we had raced with a shared grid on our new package with the BRSCC.

Races one and two were shared with the Arrowpak Euro saloons and Sportscars. This seemed a daunting task and we knew would make for some interesting racing as up the front of the grid was full race spec Saker’s and the extremely fast Nigel moore in his Ginetta G50. With a rolling start all cars got away cleanly and a good battle ensued for the first two laps with all the 4two cup cars swapping places. Soon the pack settled and Theo Berg in his Belgian spec car took the lead closely followed by David De Coster and Ashley Craig in his UK spec car. By lap 4 the leading Sakers were soon on us with flashing lights, they were coming through… Silvano Caira had some great spins whilst chasing down James Palmer in the JC motorhomes sponsored car, but soon settled in to the groove and made up for lost time moving himself in to fourth by the end of the race.

Final Positions.

    1. Theo Berg
    2. David De Coster
    3. Ashley Craig
    4. Silvano Caira
    5. David Nash
    6. Paul Bates
    7. James Plamer
    8. Rob baker
    9. Damien Verleyen
    10. Chris Gill

 

Race 2
Again a great start by everyone, the cars carried a lot of speed around turn one and now was time to see how many smart cars can go around Deene. With the five lead cars jostling for position all the way from Yentwood and down the Steel straight. Ashley Craig was pushed to the inside and jumped the kerb at Gracelands knocking off his oil filter and laying oil on the track down to Tarzan. The following cars were left with the challenge of a slippery surface. The race then settled down with Theo Berg taking the chequered flag for the second time.

Final Positions.

    1. Theo Berg
    2. David De Coster
    3. Silvano Caira
    4. David Nash
    5. Rob Baker
    6. Damien Verleyen
    7. Paul Bates
    8. James Palmer
    9. Chris Gill
    10. Ashley Graig (DNF)

 

Race 3.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon the smarts then joined the back of the grid of the Alfashop Alfa Romeo championship for race 3. With a standing start and a 25 minute race, again there was the lead cars fighting for the lead which again soon settled down up the front with Theo Berg, David De Coster and Silvano Caira. The battle for fourth was hotting up nicely with David Nash, Damien Verleyen, Paul Bates and James Palmer. Four laps in Damien lost control going in to Brook Chicane and went airborne over the kerbs taking out the tyre barrier and closely missing the following cars of Paul Bates and James Palmer. The battle for fourth carried on until lap 9 when David Nash pulled to the left with a tyre problem.

Final Positions.

1       Theo Berg
2      David De Coster
3      Silvano Caira
4      Paul Bates
5      David Nash
6      James Palmer
7      Chris Gill
8      Damien Verleyen (DNF)
9      Rob Baker (DNF)

 Next race: 4th – 5th May Mettet, Belgium.

 

 

the 4two cup V the smart cup, Spa Belgium

October 21st, 2011 by alisonpepler.

Last weekend we took 7 of the 4two cup cars out to Spa to race with the Belgium and French cars. What can I say… A great weekend was had by all. The sun was shinning all weekend, the racing was great and the entertainment was spot on. Here is a race report from Sarah Moore and a great comment from Ben Constanduros.

Well it might of been a last minute deal, but what a weekend it was! Changing positions every corner on every lap.
Qualifying was hard because I had never been round the track before, except from maybe a couple of times on the playstation, but its not the same! But i still managed to qualify 3rd, 2nd and 1st out of 21 cars which I was very happy with to say that a lot of the drivers had been round there before.
The first race was a close battle for 2nd as Silvano got away from the start and I ended up battling with David Di Costa, Ben and my little brother. But I managed to pull a gap in second whilst the other three drivers were battling for 3rd. But there was too much of a gap for me to catch up to Silvano, so i settled for 2nd.
The second race was a battle for the first corner as my brother started next to me in first position, but I managed to mess up the start by changing up a gear slightly to early, which meant I dropped back to about 8th. So I took a chance going into the first corner and went flying up the inside, locking all brakes up and just missing Silvano by inches! But that put me back in the battle for 3rd with my brother, Silvano and Ben. But with my brother lacking a bit of straight line speed I managed to pass him and pull away into second with Silvano not much further in front. Unfortunately I didn’t quite have the pace to catch him up. So yet again I had to settle for 2nd!
In the third race I was more determined than ever to win as I was starting on Pole and had the inside line into the first corner. I tried my hardest to try and hold everyone back before the first corner so I could pull a bit of a gap, but Silvano managed to stay on my back and we battled all the way to the end of the race, changing positions at just about every corner on every lap. With Silvano having just that little bit more top end speed I knew that he would be able to pass me down the straights , the only way I could get him was into corners as I knew I had better brakes. Unfortunately Silvano managed to get past me going up Eau Rouge and pulled a bit of a gap, it was on this lap he managed to set his fastest laps and he had pulled enough of a gap to keep his position. I was happy that I was able to keep up with him as he was the fastest driver round the track.

All in all I think it was probably one of the most enjoyable weekends I have had. Definitely the closest racing i’ve had in a long time. If only James had listened to my advice then maybe we could of had a couple more of us Brits up the front. Hopefully I will be out again for Brands hatch and show Silvano how its done.

A big thanks to James and Paul and my Mum and Dad for getting me out, it was a great weekend.

Sarah Moore Tockwith Motorsports

‘To Race at Spa has always been a dream since it was the first F1 i remember visiting. In never thought I would fulfil the ambition in a Smart car but what a great week. The atmosphere with the benelux teams was great both on track and off, and I think I am even a little addicted to the little things!

Ben Constanduros


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The 4two cup rounds 7 & 8

October 9th, 2011 by alisonpepler.

The 4two cup was lucky enough to be one of the support races for the well attended Britcar 24hr race at Silverstone. With this in mind, we invited the smartcup cars over from Belgium. They would run as a second class using their own regulations. This added 6 extra cars to the grid.

Friday morning see an early start for the drivers as we were first on the track at 9am for qualifying. All cars completed their laps with 2 cars stopping at the smart pit garage (24hr car)
for quick driver changes. David Moore did not have it all his own way as Silvano Ciara set the quickest lap on lap 3. Sarah Franklin then had a blow out at Farm curve, the very fast left hander after the new pits. This sent her into a spin at over 100mph followed by bouncing over the kerbs and onto the grass where the car dug in and rolled over several times. But to the surprise of the marshals she open the door and walked away, a bit battered and bruised.

Classification.
Silvano Ciara
David Moore
Tom Mills
Pat Blakeney
Sarah Franklin
Max Cornelius
Ben Constanduros
David Nash
David De Coster
Andrew O’Dell
Sarah Moore
Jake Jackson
Damien Verleyen
Valerie Somers
Laurent Montiel

Round 7 took place later that day, David Moore got off to a great start with Silvano getting bogged down and ending up back in the middle of the pack. The race went on with some great battles all the way down the field. Silvano started to fight his way back up the field, only to end up coming together with Ben  on lap 2 and both ending up in a spin on the exit of Copse.
This dropped Silvano back to 9th position. David Moore’s smoothness in the car showed yet again as he took his 6th win on the trot.

Race classification.
David Moore
Pat Blakeney
Tom Mills
Sarah Moore
Jake Jackson
David De Coster
Max Cornelius
Ben Constanduros
Silvano Ciara
David Nash
Damien Verleyen
Andrew O’Dell
Laurent Montiel
Fiducaire Etienne
Valerie Somers.

Later that evening all the drivers and teams had a great BBQ, a beer or two and discussed the days racing, well where we could as they could not speak much English and we can not speak any French. But even so a great night.

Again Saturday morning was an early start as we were 2nd race of the day and mixed in with the Caterham Academy cars, giving a grid of 44 cars. After much discussion with Drew at the BRSCC we decided that the Caterhams would go off first with us 30seconds later. Off the little cars went with Silvano determined to make up for his 9th place start. David Moore shot out from the front being chased by Ben and Tom. Again there were battles all the way around the circuit. David Nash was battling hard with one of the Belgium cars, but took some avoiding action and ending up reversing in to the barrier at Maggotts and becketts ending his race. Silvano then set out to chase down David Moore, overtaking  Ben, Jake, Max and Sarah before having a battle royal with Pat Blakeney. Exiting Luffield Silvano managed to get a tow off of Pat’s car and went past him on the straight. By the time the David took the Chequered flag Silvano was only a few seconds away closely followed by Pat and the rest of the field.

After the race Ben Constanduros said “Firstly a massive thanks to you and your team for providing an excellent car and series to enjoy the GP circuit on. I truely have never had so much fun in a Race car and hope I can help you promote the championship to be well supported in 2012.”

Pat Blakeney “What great cars, I never expected them to be quite like that, I would love to race in the series again”

Race Classification.
David Moore
Silvano Ciara
Pat Blakeney
Max Cornelius
Tom Mills
Ben Constanduros
Sarah Moore
Jake Jackson
Dvid de Coster
Damien Verleyen
Andrew O’Dell
Laurent Montiel
Fiducaire Etienne
Valerie Somers.

The 4two cup are off the Spa next weekend to race with the Belgium cars again on their own turf. We will keep you informed of all the results.

Many thanks to all who supported, helped attended the race weekend.

Paul Bates

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The 4two cup rounds 5&6 (Snetterton 300)

August 15th, 2011 by alisonpepler.

After a very busy 4 weeks for smarts4youracing and the 4two cup it was off to Snetterton for the next 2 rounds in the series. Fortunately all the cars had been prepared and checked by the boys at the garage whilst we were away in Italy at smart times 11, so it was a quick rush back check the 3 cars we had taken with us to Italy, reload the vans and get to Snetterton to set up.

Saturday morning the weather was not looking too good and by the time the cars made there way to the assembly area the rain was falling hard. As none of us were familiar with the new circuit it was going to be entertaining and quite scary at the same time. Out we all went speeding towards Riches for the first time. Keith Robinson then made a quick dive down the inside of Sarah Franklin and drove off towards Montreal hairpin, only to start aquaplaning off on to the grass. For the next 3 or 4 laps cars seemed to be spinning everywhere, The new Coram was also a challenge for the little cars, trying to hang on to it whilst side ways and braking for Murrays. A new circuit in bad weather was proving difficult. But never the less, everyone seemed to settle down, learn the circuit and set some reasonable times. All the cars took the chequered flag intact, except for the odd bits of Mud.

Qualifying results.

  1. David Moore
  2. Tom Mills
  3. Howard Kayman
  4. Sarah Franklin
  5. Marc Kemp
  6. Keith Robinson
  7. Paul Bates
  8. Andrew O’Dell
  9. David Nash
  10. James Palmer


Race 1.
The sun came out for the rest of the day and dried up the track very quickly, so when we made our way on to the grid it was like learning the circuit all over again, different lines and braking points. Everyone started well and it was very tight going into Montreal, Palmer and Agostini.Sarah Franklin then pushed a little too hard and had a big spin going in to Palmer, Keith Robinson then followed her and came back on just in front of Andrew O’Dell. Sarah seemed to loose quite a lot of time and ended up at the back. Battles then went on all the way down the field and Sarah then managed to work her way back to 7th Place, Great Drive…

Final positions.

  1. David Moore
  2. Tom Mills
  3. Howard Kayman
  4. Keith Robinson
  5. Marc Kemp
  6. Andrew O’Dell
  7. Sarah Franklin
  8. Paul Bates
  9. David Nash
  10. James Palmer


Race 2:
It was now very sunny and warm, Most of the drivers had adjusted suspension set up and tyre pressures ready for the next race. We were all held in the assembly area for nearly an hour while the marshals tried to free a Fiesta that had berried itself in to the barriers and gravel under the bridge. Finally we were let out on the grid. Everyone seemed to get away well except Marc Kemp in number 12. He stayed stationery for quite a while. As I learned later, he loosened his belts to adjust his wing mirror on the 5 second board. Not a wise move… Marc then drove like a man possessed and I had quite a few laps trying to fend him off, Until he decided to dive don the inside coming into Brundle. I have never seen a smart car doing about 80mph completely side ways and trying to brake and turn the other way into Nelson… Great move Marc. The rest of the race was great with all the drivers getting quicker and quicker. I think David Moore decided to see how much dust he could through into the crowd by the new elevated viewing area, as every lap he went wider and wider, but they seemed to like it.

Final Positions.

  1. David Moore
  2. Tom Mills
  3. Keith Robinson
  4. Andrew O’Dell
  5. Sarah Franklin
  6. Howard Kayman
  7. Marc Kemp
  8. Paul Bates
  9. David Nash
  10. James palmer

There was a couple of great statements made the weekend.Keith Robinson reigning Britcar champion and last years 24hr winner said “ The last time I drove round here in the Ferrari I did a 2 hour stint and the 20 minutes in the smart has made me sweat more and has knackered me out”.

In the bar Saturday night a marshal said to me “ the smart cars really surprised me, I was expecting them to be slow and boring and they were far from it”A big thank you to all the members of The smart Racing Club for helping set up, delivering cars and washing cars. Also Marc Waller for the use of all his photography.

Roll on Silverstone and the the 24hr race with the smart forfour.
Paul Bates
Smarts4you racing

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smart times 11

August 10th, 2011 by alisonpepler.

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Castle Combe pictures

July 28th, 2011 by alisonpepler.

Well what can I say. The sun was shinning all weekend, the racing was superb with battles going on all the way down the field. Here are a selection of pictures showing what a great time was had by all. Roll on Snetterton…

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Final Le Mans pictures

June 17th, 2011 by alisonpepler.

Here are the final images from Le Mans. Also some great shots from the Historic paddock and the race.

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