As expected the Scottish Championship racing event at Knockhill today provided plenty of entertainment on track for motor sport enthusiasts. With only one round remaining after today, all the top competitors were looking to maintain their respective championship chances by (A), securing race wins and (B), finishing all the races in one piece.
Unfortunately for some championship leaders, point B seemed to be a bit of a stumbling block. Stewart Whyte’s 699 bhp Escort Cosworth gave up the ghost in race one, allowing 2011 defending Champion Garry Watson to overhaul his points lead. Ross Marshall failed to finish race two and Alistair Dow was overhauled at the top of the Formula Ford table by Ross McEwen after his opening race. Despite that, the true test of a champion is how you bounce back from adversity.
Marshall, after some good work by his mechanical team took to the circuit for the Legends final and although he managed to fight his way through to 2nd place, spun out demoting him to the back of the field. Not to be deterred, he regained his composure to work his way back through the field only for the car to spin out again towards the end of the race. Full marks for his endeavour and if it wasn’t for some rotten luck, would have been battling for the race win. A race win that was eventually taken by guest competitor and Knockhill commentator, Duncan Vincent; his first race win since 2004.
“Man it feels good to be back on the top step of the podium. I could see them dropping off one by one and thought we could be on for the win,” said Vincent.
In the Formula Ford series Alistair Dow responded to his woes in race one in perfect fashion, securing race two from a 5th place grid position. Dow had to fight hard for the win and a brave move on Gronkowski at Seat Curves secured him the win and the Championship lead heading into the last two races of the season from Ross McEwen.
Other news around the SMRC paddock included a brace of wins for both Scott Robertson (ST) and Peter Cruickshank (XR2). In the Classic Sports and Saloons Championship, the status quo remained as both Andy Smith and Robert Marshall secured another full house of race wins. The pair remain locked at the top of the Classic table on the same points total and it’s anyone’s guess how this pair will be separated come October.
As the Championship heads to its conclusion next month a couple of racers will be in celebratory mood. David Sleigh has wrapped up his second successive Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cup Championship by taking his 10th win of the season at Knockhill today. Whilst, Coleraine racer Ivor Mairs has secured yet another Classic Formula Ford Championship win.
SMRC Racing returns to Knockhill on Sunday 7th October for the final round. Tickets are available online now with pre-booking discounts available. A whole host of images from today’s event can be found here.
Thanks again to everyone for coming to Knockhill today, racers, marshals, officials and fans. Hope to see you all again next time around for what should be a thrilling climax to the 2012 Scottish Championship season.