NAIL BITING END TO CASTLE COMBE’S CHAMPIONSHIPS

6th October 2017

The Castle Combe circuit’s three championships reach a nail biting conclusion on Saturday October 14 when outright champions will be decided after a season’s thrilling competition.

Thankfully the circuit’s Formula Ford 1600 championship title will be decided on track now that the protests affecting the then top two contenders have been thrown out.

This leaves a fascinating trio of rivals potentially able to claim the crown. Prior to the last meeting, Roger Orgee from Langford seemed out of the running, but after Wellingborough’s Michael Moyers and Bridgwater’s Josh Fisher clashed at Quarry for the second meeting in a row, the 2015 and 2016 champion is now a serious prospect for a 3^rd title.

There are multiple points scenarios at play for this final round, but should the unthinkable happen and Fisher and Moyers eliminate each other, Orgee only needs a 5^th place to take a hat trick of titles.

Orgee’s ‘KMR’ team mate, Moyers, has the most difficult task. To take his first ‘Combe’ crown, he needs Fisher to finish outside of the top 20 and for him to win. Fisher on the other hand just needs to stay within range of the other two, protected by his 15 points lead over Orgee and 21 over Moyers.

The classes are also undecided, with plenty to play for there too. The Class A situation is similar to the outright, except Moyers and Orgee are tied on 45 points in second, with Fisher 12 ahead, equal to a win in hand.

Class B is led by Moulton’s Richard Morris in the Swift SC92 after two wins at the last double header meeting, but Tewkesbury’s Paul Barnes and Shaun Macklin are still within range in their similar cars.

The C class is all about Wayne Poole Racing’s Wales based team mates Andrew Higginbottom from Llantwit Major and Steve Bracegirdle from Llanvair Discoed, only 3 points apart.

Many of the drivers in the championship race will also enjoy the traditional season ending Wessex Vehicle Services ‘Carnival Gold Cup’, especially with the prospect of generous prize money, champagne and trophies for various other achievements such as pole position and best driver over 50. The likes of Michael Eastwell from Awbridge, Rob Hall from Bromyard, Luke Cooper from Yatton Keynell and Coventry’s Nathan Ward will all be looking to end the 50^th anniversary year of Formula Ford with a win. Joining them for a ‘one-off’ race is reigning B class champion, David Vivian from Bradford on Avon.

If the FF1600 battle looks tight, that for the ‘Castle Combe GT’ championship is as close as it gets. Tied on 31 points are class D racer Ilsa Cox from Hove in her SEAT Leon Cupra and Class A’s Bradley John from Cowbridge in his Mitsubishi Evo. Cox has a marginal advantage as she has 3 fastest laps to her credit against the one for John, so if both win their respective classes, the lady is the champ’. That would be her 2^nd title, after taking the saloons crown 20 years ago. The only other person able to take the title this year is Tony Bennett from Salisbury who took an outright win last time in his Caterham. He needs the others to have uncharacteristically poor races to have a chance of success though.

Adding to the excitement of the GTs is a host of ‘supercars’ in class C. Only Castle Combe could field two Lamborghini Gallardos in a home grown championship, one brought by Salisbury’s Nigel Mustill, a champion in ’89 and ’90 and the other by novice driver (!) Jordan Billinton from Ingatestone. Add to this a V8 Vantage Aston from regular Castle Combe saloon pilot Kevin Bird from Ditcheat and BMW M6 from Walsall’s Bal Sidhu and you have a mouth-watering combination.

No doubt the MG Midget clone of Chris Southcott from Curridge, Hants’, will surprise all of the afore-mentioned though.

Although Calne’s Simon Thornton-Norris has a perfect score of wins and fastest laps in his class this year in the ‘Castle Combe Saloon Car’ championship he could still be beaten to the title by Mike Good from Brixham. For that to happen, ST-N must fail to score, with Good beating his arch rival, Alex Kite from Dursley, winning his class and taking the point for fastest lap in the process.

Thornton-Norris could also be ‘reduced’ to joint outright champion, if Southampton’s Gary Prebble wins class A in his SEAT Leon Cupra. In that instance, with Good failing to claim maximum points, ST-N and Prebble would be absolutely equal on points, wins and fastest laps, creating the first ever joint champions. But all the local man has to do to take his second consecutive title is persuade his amazing Colt Ralliart to score just one point. Given his all-conquering ability this year, this looks easily achievable, but this is motorsport….

Whilst the class C drivers have taken enough points off each other this year to deny any of them the overall title, the class battle is one which will go to the end. Sturminster Newton’s Geoff Ryall finds himself just one point ahead of Will Di Claudio from Corsham, both in very similar 106 Peugeots. Ryall’s forte has been outright speed, five fastest laps helping his scoring, whilst Di Claudio’s six wins have also been blunted by a non-score in July with a gearbox issue.

Class B driver Mark Wyatt from Bristol may have had a relatively modest year in the saloons championship with his Astra, but in the new for ’17 ‘Hot Hatch Challenge’ series, he is the man to beat.

With no points to worry about there will be no tactical driving in this race, leaving the likes of Gary Prebble and Chris Southcott in their Peugeot 205 GTis and Craig Tomkinson in the 2 litre Nova to do all they can to defeat Wyatt.

All of the afore-mentioned get an extra chance to exercise their machines with an open ‘Sports v Saloons’ 20 minute race. Bridgwater’s Richard Higgins gets an outing in the family’s Ginetta G55, whilst former saloon car driver Rob Ballard from Melksham debuts his new Scirocco.

It’s not all about home grown circuit entertainment though. The visiting ‘Petro-Canada Lubricants Porsche Club’ championship sees a variety of cars taking part in the double header, but it’s the two Marks, Messrs Sumpter and McAleer who are likely to be sharing the majority of the big points in their 996s.

Also rounding off its year with a double header is the Monoposto championship’s Tideman Trophy, featuring a variety of single seaters.

Saturday’s action starts at 8.30 am with qualifying, racing getting under way from 12.00 noon.

Head here https://castlecombecircuit.co.uk/race-days/grand-finals-race-day/14/10/2017 to make your advance booking. Admission is £15 for Adults and £10 for OAPs, whilst accompanied children under 16 are admitted free. ‘Paddock Transfer’ is free if the tickets are purchased in advance.

For further information, visit the Castle Combe Racing Club online at www.ccracingclub.co.uk, www.facebook.com/CastleCombeCircuit, or @CastleCombeUK

Track Days / Test Days / MotorsportDays.LIVE

	Date	Circuit / Layout	Event Type	Cost
June 2023
+	Wednesday 07 June 2023	Thruxton Full	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£179
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Thruxton One of the longest and the fastest circuits in the UK at 2.356 miles, Thruxton is another old airbase which has been used for motorsport since 1950. Racing at Thruxton is limited, and track days are even rarer due to strict noise restrictions so the visit of British Touring Cars and the British Superbike Championship are the main points of the season at Thruxton. The surface at Thruxton is a tough one and is known for causing severe tyre wear. Graining occurs but it does give surprisingly Read more
+	Tuesday 13 June 2023	Donington Park National	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£249
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife series Donington Park (with one N!) was the first permanent park circuit in England, opening in 1931. During the Second World War, the track was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and it took until 1971 before the track was purchased by local man Tom Wheatcroft and turned back into the track it is today. Below is an expert guide to Donington Park by Paul Wilson, Caterham R300 Champion, Read more
+	Wednesday 14 June 2023	Croft Full	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£249
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Croft Matt Neal – www.mattneal.co.uk One of my favourite circuits on the BTCC calendar. It’s our only trip to the North East side of the country and when we get there the circuit is a real challenge with the local fans always giving terrific warm support. Croft is very clean and picturesque, neatly cut lawns and a neat compact pit lane with all amenities close by. As a driver it requires a high level of commitment, so racing and finding an optimum balanced setup is key to a fast Read more
+	Wednesday 14 June 2023	Oulton Park International	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£319
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Oulton Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.uk Oulton Park is the longest circuit in the UK, excluding Silverstone. It also has the steepest banked corner in the UK in the form of Shell Oils at 11 degrees. The circuit’s natural undulations and blind crests make this one of the most challenging circuits in Europe, both feared and revered by drivers on both two and four wheels. There is very little run off anywhere, so take your time – it is unlikely you will master the circuit on your first Read more
+	Friday 16 June 2023	Goodwood Circuit	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£699
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Goodwood Circuit Alan Whibley – Old Farts Member Probably my favourite circuit of all. Set in the lovely Sussex countryside and beautifully maintained. There’s well manicured grass all round and there lies problem number one – almost no run off anywhere. Put a boot on the grass and there is a tyre wall with solid earth banks waiting for you. The pleasant surroundings can give a give a feeling of relaxation, but it is deceptive and can catch out the unwary. There is plenty of cover in the pits to Read more
July 2023
+	Thursday 06 July 2023	Brands Hatch Indy	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£159
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Brands Hatch Paul Rivett – www.paulrivett.com Brands Hatch was once a dirt track motorcycle circuit on farmland, but is now one of the most thrilling circuits in the UK with races from grass track to DTM. Below is an expert guide to Brands Hatch by Paul Rivett, three-times Clio Cup Championship winner. The circuit begins on the Brabham Straight, an off-camber, slightly curved stretch. The ideal line is to hug the pit wall until the start/finish line and then move to the left of the circuit to Read more
+	Monday 10 July 2023	Brands Hatch Grand Prix	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£649
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Photography Brands Hatch Paul Rivett – www.paulrivett.com Brands Hatch was once a dirt track motorcycle circuit on farmland, but is now one of the most thrilling circuits in the UK with races from grass track to DTM. Below is an expert guide to Brands Hatch by Paul Rivett, three-times Clio Cup Championship winner. The circuit begins on the Brabham Straight, an off-camber, slightly curved stretch. The ideal line is to hug the pit wall until the start/finish line and then move to the left of the circuit to Read more
+	Wednesday 12 July 2023	Donington Park National	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£159
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife series Donington Park (with one N!) was the first permanent park circuit in England, opening in 1931. During the Second World War, the track was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and it took until 1971 before the track was purchased by local man Tom Wheatcroft and turned back into the track it is today. Below is an expert guide to Donington Park by Paul Wilson, Caterham R300 Champion, Read more
+	Thursday 13 July 2023	Snetterton 300	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£109
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Snetterton Ben Clucas – www.benclucas.co.uk Snetterton has three configurations, split up into the 100, 200 and 300. By far the most used circuit for almost all track days, test days and races is the 300, three-mile configuration, completed in 2011. It isn’t the easiest of the main UK circuits to get to, situated in Norfolk, with parts of the A11 still single carriageway if you are coming from the Midlands or South, although this road is currently under construction and may all be dual Read more
+	Monday 17 July 2023	Anglesey Coastal	Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.	£184
	Duration Full day Country United Kingdom Skill level - Requirements Closed Wheel Only Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments Anglesey David Walley – Porsche 997 GT3 www.davidwalley.com The newly tarmacked Anglesey circuit has some breathtaking views (even while driving). As you drift around Peel corner, the view of the Irish Sea is spectacular. The TV series 5th Gear used the circuit for “shoot outs”, which shows how demanding this circuit can be with Tiff Needell thrashing factory cars around. Needless to say, in Wales it’s normally wet, but there’s a surprising amount of grip. However, for a dry lap the Read more

Date

Circuit / Layout

Event Type

Cost

June 2023

Wednesday
07 June 2023

Thruxton
Full

Track Day A track day is an event that allows you to take your CAR or BIKE (with a valid MOT) on any listed circuit with your valid road license. Briefing must be attended before taking to the track. Some days are sessioned based on time of day, the car/bikes power or the driver/rider experience, an open pit lane means the circuit is open at all time to all attendees until the track limit is reached. Overtaking is usually by consent of the leading car/bike. No timing or GPS is allowed on track days. Passengers are allowed.

£179

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Thruxton One of the longest and the fastest circuits in the UK at 2.356 miles, Thruxton is another old airbase which has been used for motorsport since 1950. Racing at Thruxton is limited, and track days are even rarer due to strict noise restrictions so the visit of British Touring Cars and the British Superbike Championship are the main points of the season at Thruxton. The surface at Thruxton is a tough one and is known for causing severe tyre wear. Graining occurs but it does give surprisingly Read more

Tuesday
13 June 2023

Donington Park
National

£249

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Donington Park Paul Wilson – www.paul-wilson.net Vantage GT3 for a Leonard AMR in the VLN Nordschleife series Donington Park (with one N!) was the first permanent park circuit in England, opening in 1931. During the Second World War, the track was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and it took until 1971 before the track was purchased by local man Tom Wheatcroft and turned back into the track it is today. Below is an expert guide to Donington Park by Paul Wilson, Caterham R300 Champion, Read more

Wednesday
14 June 2023

Croft
Full

£249

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Croft Matt Neal – www.mattneal.co.uk One of my favourite circuits on the BTCC calendar. It’s our only trip to the North East side of the country and when we get there the circuit is a real challenge with the local fans always giving terrific warm support. Croft is very clean and picturesque, neatly cut lawns and a neat compact pit lane with all amenities close by. As a driver it requires a high level of commitment, so racing and finding an optimum balanced setup is key to a fast Read more

Wednesday
14 June 2023

Oulton Park
International

£319

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Oulton Park Jamie Stanley – www.jamiestanley.co.uk Oulton Park is the longest circuit in the UK, excluding Silverstone. It also has the steepest banked corner in the UK in the form of Shell Oils at 11 degrees. The circuit’s natural undulations and blind crests make this one of the most challenging circuits in Europe, both feared and revered by drivers on both two and four wheels. There is very little run off anywhere, so take your time – it is unlikely you will master the circuit on your first Read more

Friday
16 June 2023

Goodwood Circuit

£699

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Goodwood Circuit Alan Whibley – Old Farts Member Probably my favourite circuit of all. Set in the lovely Sussex countryside and beautifully maintained. There’s well manicured grass all round and there lies problem number one – almost no run off anywhere. Put a boot on the grass and there is a tyre wall with solid earth banks waiting for you. The pleasant surroundings can give a give a feeling of relaxation, but it is deceptive and can catch out the unwary. There is plenty of cover in the pits to Read more

July 2023

Thursday
06 July 2023

Brands Hatch
Indy

£159

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Brands Hatch Paul Rivett – www.paulrivett.com Brands Hatch was once a dirt track motorcycle circuit on farmland, but is now one of the most thrilling circuits in the UK with races from grass track to DTM. Below is an expert guide to Brands Hatch by Paul Rivett, three-times Clio Cup Championship winner. The circuit begins on the Brabham Straight, an off-camber, slightly curved stretch. The ideal line is to hug the pit wall until the start/finish line and then move to the left of the circuit to Read more

Monday
10 July 2023

Brands Hatch
Grand Prix

£649

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Photography

Wednesday
12 July 2023

Donington Park
National

£159

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Thursday
13 July 2023

Snetterton
300

£109

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Snetterton Ben Clucas – www.benclucas.co.uk Snetterton has three configurations, split up into the 100, 200 and 300. By far the most used circuit for almost all track days, test days and races is the 300, three-mile configuration, completed in 2011. It isn’t the easiest of the main UK circuits to get to, situated in Norfolk, with parts of the A11 still single carriageway if you are coming from the Midlands or South, although this road is currently under construction and may all be dual Read more

Monday
17 July 2023

Anglesey
Coastal

£184

Duration Full day
Country United Kingdom
Skill level -
Requirements Closed Wheel Only

Notes: Free photography, free tuiton, free refreshments

Anglesey David Walley – Porsche 997 GT3 www.davidwalley.com The newly tarmacked Anglesey circuit has some breathtaking views (even while driving). As you drift around Peel corner, the view of the Irish Sea is spectacular. The TV series 5th Gear used the circuit for “shoot outs”, which shows how demanding this circuit can be with Tiff Needell thrashing factory cars around. Needless to say, in Wales it’s normally wet, but there’s a surprising amount of grip. However, for a dry lap the Read more

NAIL BITING END TO CASTLE COMBE’S CHAMPIONSHIPS

Upcoming Track Days

Latest News

MotorsportDays.com Relaunch Website

Enduro KA walk through

Circuit du Var Luc

NAIL BITING END TO CASTLE COMBE’S CHAMPIONSHIPS

Upcoming Track Days

Latest News

MotorsportDays.com Relaunch Website

Enduro KA walk through

Circuit du Var Luc

Are you track ready?