The Schumacher Winter Series 5 Race Report 11th Dec 22

So here we go the final race report of the year. Only two weeks had passed from the previous meeting meaning a quick turn around for all the drivers. Some new names on the list and some old faces too ready to do battle.

As usual I would like to extend the thanks to those who came and supported the club on the Saturday evening to get the track setup and prepared for Sunday morning.

A strong entry of 47 drivers attended the race meeting all of them taking place in the 17.5 class. The mardave support class was once again well attend and had some great action on the track

An early start and the pits filled up with plenty of drivers hoping for a good day of racing. A different day with the UK experiencing below freezing temperatures, would this affect the racing and the grip.

So to the track

We spoke briefly about the cold temperatures before, and they seemed to take effect on the tape. Many occasions members of the club stepping in to help. Many uses of tape used but the same outcome so a big thank you for sticking with us.

In the 17.5 class it was the regular runners and riders at the front. Alex Brocklebank would once again jump out the blocks, his Schumacher mi8 on top form once again. Making it a top two was Daniel Burks his car again looking dialled into the low grip. Callum Chapman fresh off his podium last meeting. Adam Mackman more use to the lmp racing, would make a strong start with his Schmacher into 4th, with returning racer Ricky lee expecting more grip then had. Returning champion Paul Sleight in 6th, ahead of wayne Ash and a much welcomed return for Joe Cocking.

Round two was again a little mixed, Alex would take to the top but only just from Ricky lee who had now found the pace we expect, Callum Chapman backed up his q1 with another p3, Adam Mackman building his pace in 4th, and another Schumacher of Joe Cocking in the top 5. Dan Burks would slip back to 6th, and Dan Leonard building his pace in 7th. Paul Sleight would slip back with Wayne Ash just behind.

Round 3 would be very much of the same, Ricky Lee would go to the top, with Alex second and Ricky now having the faster time opening the door for a top spot. Chris Lovely would finally get a run together to go 3rd, from Dan Burks and Callum Chapman almost securing the a final positions. Dan Leonard would move his Awesomatix to the point from Adam Mackman and Wayne Ash

Round four and it wasn’t the best of heats for many, but those having two bankers. Alex Brocklebank would do what he needed and make it three tqs giving him pole. 2nd was Dan Leonard and his Awesoamtix, using speed and also the mistakes off others. Adam Mackman would put it 3rd, and Callum 4th, Ricky lee had off track excursions but would get 5th, 6th was rickys borther kyle having a mega run. Gareth Jaine back from his off road adventures in 7th. Andrew twigger would have his best run to 8th, and Chris Lovely will rue what might have been in 9th. Ian Barnard would have his best run to 10th.

Once again id like to shout out to the juniors who have again stepped up and given us some amazing racing. Chase Mackman would end the leading junior driver, like his dad he does lmp and his driving was very impressive. Lewis Chapman was the next junior again driving well, Lucy Dabb wasn’t far off Lewis, Oliver Jaine was next up making a return to racing and then Oliver Pepper would round out the juniors. Each one drove well and are a credit to the parents and guardians.

Four quick fire rounds of qualifying went by with the best two scores giving the drivers their final overall places. Half points for qualifying and for finals. Onto the finals

17.5 H final

The H final would have some of our young guns in it, these guys have been improving every time their cars hit the track. It means a lot to the club to see them improve, grow, and not feel too out of their depth.

The final was a tone to tone win for club stalwart Alan Smith, next up would be junior racer Lucy Dabb. Not her best day, but more good days are to come for sure. Lucy was 6 seconds ahead of Craig Cumberworth, again not his best day but he will come back ready. Mr castaline Pete Collins would see the flag, and Oliver Jaine would round out the final.

17.5 g final

Paul rees would have his best final of the day to jump up from 3rd on the grid. It was a close race as Luke Pepper wasn’t far behind him, and Josh Carlton not far off Luke aswell. Ian Craig wouldn’t have the day he hopped but only be a handful of seconds back. Lewis Chapman had a great day and would finish up as the second junior. Breaking out of the junior group and moving up the ladder is tough work but he nailed it.

17.5 F final

Kevin dabb would leave his best racing until the final jumping up positions and taking a commanding win. Robin Lake was another big jumper from 4th to 2nd. Chase Mackman would drop back in the finals, but showed some good racing to fight back. His 3rd place in this final would see him with he top spot in the junior category. He was only a few seconds ahead of Trevor Welbourn having a good day, who in turn was 3 seconds ahead of Chris Holgeth whos racing is making strides.

17.5 e final

The e final would be a close affair with Newark racer Jamie Wicks coming out on top. Not the day Jamie would of hoped for but his final pace would give him good optimism for the next meeting. Rick Howells was just behind Jamie jumping up places in the final. Mick Roper was the big mover from 5th to 3rd, fastest lap in the process and not far off the leading pair, Michael Burk was cut adrift but still on the same lap. Ross Smythe sadly wouldn’t see the flag.

17.5 d final

Matthew Cook would be an unlikely entrant in the d final. Not the day he would of hoped for with his Mugen. He put the wrongs to right, to bring home the win in the final. Just a bad day at the office. Nathan Dearn would have a strong race to 2nd, only a few seconds ahead of Vulcan rc teammate scott west. Lee ward and Peter Covell were close behind and these four drivers covered by 5/6 seconds. Andy reid was ten seconds back after a few issues in the final, but would drive well non the less.

17.5 c final

The c final would be a messy affair. Peter Craig would be the driver to come out on top, Andrew Twigger a name we wouldn’t expect on this final, would come home 2nd a day to forget no doubt. Martin Reid would rock the plastic pig around for one last swansong before some new wheels come along, and he would max its potential to come home 3rd. Ian Barnard would have a solid day and drive to 4th, Andy babb would be 5 seconds or so behind Ian and Richard Cobb wouldn’t see the flag and round out the field.

17.5 b final

The b final was full of faces you could of could see in the a final. Names we have seen in the a final all summer, and a the begging of the series. It was a tone to tone victory for Chris Lovely, not the day he would of hoped, but making the most of it and brining home the win. Last years champion Paul Sleight would have a great drive to jump up 2nd, as some great racing would happen between Schumacher her team mates Wayne Ash and Joe Cocking. Joe would get the better of this one, as Wayne would slip back behind kyle lee who would have a great recovery drive. Wayne was up next with a car now looking hooked up, Gareth Jaine would round out this final after his period away due to off road.

17.5 a final

Six entrants, six fast racers, and 4 bloody white cars. Alex Brocklebak would lead the race away, all looked to hold station for the first lap, until Ricky gained momentum on the straight and dived to the inside. As Alex pulled across to take his line and defend the move a light touch would send ricky to the barrier, he wouldn’t need a Marshall but it would prove costly. Callum Chapman, Dan Burks and Adam mackman would all fight amongst themselves. An incident between the two Dans would see Dan Burks exit the race when all looked so promising. With all the incidents occurring it was Alex Brocklebank doing what he does best, building a gap and keeping the pace. He would take the victory and well deserved. This victory giving him what looks to be the championship. Dan Leonard would be the victor from some of the on track scuffles , to bring home 2nd place. He didn’t think it was likely at the start. Callum Chapman and Adam Mackman would be close throughout the race. Ricky Lee pumped in the laps as a podium looked likely, catching corners would see him drop back and take him out of podium contention. It was the last lap when Adam would finally make the mistake for Callum to secure the final spot on the podium, Adam would hold station to 4th, Ricky 5th and Dan Burks bringing home the final spot.

The run what you brung class, was full of fun. As a support class it was what you needed. Cool, cheap and cost effective, the cool lights on the front of the cars. This final was strung out as all forms of mardave would take to the track. Michael Burks looked to have the most driveable car, and it showed. Andrew Babb would fight team greenfield, and come away victorious. Dave got laughing rights from Harvey on this occasion, well there is always next year Harvey!!! Stu Harrison not having the same car he did last meeting would round out the final, but would win laughs and banter for the day.

I hope this class will take off, and it will be taken as fun and not who has the best gear. Lets keep our eyes peeled on this one

The club would like to thank everyone who supported the club on Saturday evening and then stopped to help put away on race day. Without you these events aren’t possible

Booking will open at 6pm on Monday for round 5 of the championship which takes places on January 15th

Also we would like to thank the sponsors of this series, Schumacher racing, optipower, Silly goat graphics, RCraceprep, battcav, Moodyfools, TTP, Skimrc airbrushing, Vulcan rc, racepace bearings, positive perception