Jonathan F
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- Joined
- Nov 29, 2010
- Messages
- 58
Donington Park: October 20th/21st (Rounds 13 and 14 of BARCâs VTEC Challenge)
The hallowed tarmac of Donington Park in Leicestershire played host to the season finale of the 2012 VTEC Challenge.
Running on the âNationalâ circuit, the VTEC racers would have to battle their nerves as they drop down through the âCraner Curvesâ and burry the throttle along the circuits two long straights.
With a great turnout for the final two rounds of VTEC action, the racing would be wide open for any number of drivers to take to the podium over the two day event.
Entrants:
01 â Rich Hockley â P16 â Civic (EK4)
03 â Tim Blowers â Production â (DC5)
04 â Mark Bennett â Production â (S2000)
11 â Adam Roberts â P16 â (CRX)
17 â James Hamnett â Tuner â (EK4)
24 â Simon Cribley - Super Tuner - Integra (DC2)
26 - Rob Williams â Production - Civic Type R (EP3)
31 - Phil Wright/Andy Smith â Production - Accord Type R (ATR)
39 â Rob Burkinshaw â Production â (DC5)
64 - Richard Chilton â Production - Integra (DC2)
70 - Michael Clark â Super Tuner - Civic (EG6)
73 - Stuart King â Production â Integra (DC2)
85 - Stewart Hutchinson â Tuner - Integra (DC2)
88 â Chris Boon â Production - Civic Type R (EP3)
Qualifying:
New out for the final rounds was âCivic Cupâ entrant Rich Hockley, who having won the series in 2011 and placed consistently high in 2012, would be out to see what his nimble Civic could do up against the best that the VTC has to offer.
Also taking part was Chris Boon with his EP3 Civic. Normally Chris runs in the âEuro Saloonâ championship where he has already taken class honours and at the time of writing was sat in 7th place overall from 57 entries.
Following a nail biting couple of races at Silverstone behind the wheel of his dadâs CRX, Adam Roberts was again at the helm for the final showdown, and if his previous performanceâs are anything to go by, he would be one to watch.
It was also a welcome return to the VTC for Tim Blowers and his DC5 Integra, who after missing the last couple of rounds was keen to get back on track.
With everyone ready to kick off the dayâs events, the carâs and drivers made off for the assembly area, ahead of the qualifying session.
With the circuit dry, and the sun shining the conditions were near perfect from the off, although a couple of drivers were still caught out when pushing a bit too hard on cold tyres.
Sounding less than 100%, Mike Clark needed to take a quick detour into the pits in order to address a mis-fire, but was soon back on the circuit chasing down the leaders.
The usual pilot of the #24 Integra (Rich Voaden) had for Donington passed the reigns to fellow âPerformance Autoworksâ director Simon Cribley, who was showing that he too was a capable driver by hustling the H22 engined Integra from the off.
As the session counted down, strategies began to come into play as drivers began to drop back to allow themselves some clear track in order to set their fastest lap time.
With only a couple of laps left to run, everyone began to post their fastest times in the quest for pole position.
It was Rob Burkinshaw and his DC5 who led the grid home, posting very respectable 1.20.686, nearly a second ahead of Cribley.
Having already qualified for his Euro Saloon race, it was Chris Boon who came in 3rd, posting a lap time some 9 seconds quicker than his Euro Saloonâs qualifying time!
A difference attributed to the combination of slicks and the early morning damp conditions versus the AO48âs and a dry track.
The S2000 of Mark Bennett began to suffer with gear selection, which ultimately put paid to his attack on qualifying, but hopefully wouldnât curb his chances during the races.
Thankfully all other issues were related to the combination of cold tyres, over exuberance and the desire to inspect the Donington scenery!
Pole: Rob Burkinshaw
2nd: Simon Cribley
3rd: Chris Boon
Race 1:
Following a problem with the carâs electrics, it was a dash to Northampton and back in order to get a new electrical cut off switch for the âR-Motionâ Civic. Once in place and with everything checked, Mike was good to go.
The grid joined the circuit by way of the âMelbourne Loopâ with the pole man Burkinshaw leading the way. Once assemble in grid position, the drivers set off on their green flag lap. Unfortunately an Alfa and a Porsche from the previous two races had promptly deposited oil around approximately half of the circuit, and the resulting cement dust sat squarely on the racing line.
With the cars back on the grid, everyone waited the race to start. The red lights went on, the engine revâs rose and with the lights out the race got underway.
From the off, everyone headed on the charge down to âRedgateâ with 4th placed Adam Roberts making an early break for the lead. With Simon missing a gear change, Roberts slipped by on the inside to take 2nd. Burkinshaw moved to the outside to get a fast line through the right hander whilst Roberts pulled out to take a tighter inside line.
However, heading fast into the first corner got the better of the tyres adhesion, and Adam fought to retain control of the CRX as the rear came round to meet the front.
In an unrelated incident, pole sitter Burkinshaw also headed for the gravel on the outside of âRedgateâ as the DC5 lost grip on the cold tyres.
Taking action to avoid the stricken CRX, under braking and with the back end unloaded, Stewart in the DC2 ended up facing the wrong way and in the path of the closing pack.
The resulting melee saw cars going left and right of the stricken Integra, however unfortunately the Civic of Mike Clark wasnât so fortunate and connected hard with the carâs rear quarter. Unable to continue, Hutchinson was forced to retire.
Taking advantage of the situation, it was new entry Chris Boon who took the lead, with Cribley in 2nd and a recovered Roberts in 3rd.
Moving up a few places, Rich Chilton moved to 4th and after rejoining the circuit Rob Burkinshaw was placed 5th.
With the excitement of the first corner over, everyone settled down to the matter in hand and having a great race.
Running Phil Wrights Accord Type R, Andy Smith found himself in last place with it all to do. As the race unfolded, the director of âVTEC Directâ began to reel in those ahead, with passes made on Tim Blowers, Rob Williams and Mark Bennett who was again suffering with gear box issues.
After dropping down the order, Clark mounted an attack to claw his way back up the field in his decidedly second hand looking and sounding Civic. Picking off the slower cars on the circuit, Clark crossed the finishing line in 5th place.
Battling for the 6th place spot, Stu King, Rich Chilton and James Hammett were covered by a couple of seconds, with all three racing hard and clean to the flag.
Rob Williams came back from a spin mid race to chase down Tim Blowers on the last lap.
At the front of the grid, Chris Boon continued to hold the lead from the more powerful Integra of Cribley, with Boon defending hard for over half race distance.
Coming into the chicane on lap 8, Cribley got the run down the inside of Boon and committed himself to holding the line which put the Integra ahead of the Civic and into the lead, a position held for the remaining 4 laps. Without Boon defending his line, Cribley was able to stretch the H22 and opened up a 5 second gap at the time of the chequered flag.
The CRX of Roberts and the DC5 of Burkinshaw battled throughout the rest of the race, swapping places on a number of occasions. At close of play it was the late model Honda that triumphed by just over a half of a second.
1st: - Simon Cribley â H22 DC2 - Super Tuner
2nd: - Chris Boon â EP3 - Production
3rd: - Rob Burkinshaw â DC5 â Production
Class wins were awarded to:
(P16) â Adam Roberts
(P) â Chris Boon
(ST) â Simon Cribley
(T) â James Hammett
Fastest lap â Rob Burkinshaw â 1.20.459 on lap 4 of 11
Race 2:
With horrendous fog cover hampering the dayâs events; it was doubtful whether the race would actually run. So much so several of the drivers loaded up for their journey home.
With the circuit finally open just after lunchtime, a very much condensed programme of events unfolded. All races were shortened to 13 minutes and although almost 2 hours late, the final VTEC race of 2012 got underway.
Due to the damage incurred in race 1 and an incurable mis-fire, Mike Clark had decided to sit this one out. Phil Wright had also decided to leave his car loaded due to his long journey home.
Hutchinson lined up at the back of the grid following a late night to fit a new steering rack following the accident in race 1. With the rest of the car checked over, it was declared fit to race.
Following the green flag line, all drivers lined up in readiness for the race to get underway.
With the first corner of the first race still fresh in everyoneâs mind the pack raced down to âRedgateâ. It was Cribley leading from the off, with Burkinshaw coming down the inside looking to take 2nd of Boon before arriving at the corner, however Boon was able to hold his position.
Not wanting to make the same mistake twice, Roberts in the CRX came through in 4th with Stu King in 5th, positions they would hold all throughout the race. All the more remarkable considering the CRX again developed a mis-fire as it had previously at Mallory.
Hutchinson in the quicker âTunerâ class Integra began to pick off those ahead with a drive from last to 6th, narrowly missing out on 5th place from King.
Already pulling out a commanding lead over the rest of the field, Cribley, Boon and Burkinshaw were nose to tail, with Boon slipping past under braking to take the lead at âMcLeansâ.
Williams in the EP3 made good progress through the grid, passing 3 on the opening lap, before overhauling Chilton on lap 3 and moving up to 6th before the DC2 of Hutchinson took the position and dropped him to 7th by the end of the race.
Over the line for the start of lap 3 and Burkinshaw positioned himself on the inside to take 2nd place from Cribley as the pair entered âRedgateâ.
Still extending their lead over the rest of the grid the top 3 the two Integraâs found their legs and both passed Boon on lap 5, with Burkinshaw holding the lead from Cribley.
In an unfortunate repeat performance from Oulton Park earlier in the season, the front suspension on James Hammettâs Civic worked loose, resulting in an early retirement.
In addition, it was a failed cambelt that saw the retirement of Rich Hockley in his P16 Civic on lap 4.
With Mark Bennett and Tim Blowers battling for the final two positions, it was the S2000 leading the pair all the way.
In a last ditch attempt by Cribley to take the lead, both drivers headed into the chicane for one last time. With both looking to out brake each other, the chicane caught both out, but it was Burkinshaw who came out on top to cross the line in first place.
1st: - Rob Burkinshaw â DC5 - Production
2nd: - Simon Cribley - H22 DC2 - Super Tuner
3rd: - Chris Boon â EP3 - Production
Class wins were awarded to:
(P16) â Adam Roberts
(P) - Rob Burkinshaw
(ST) â Simon Cribley
(T) - Stewart Hutchinson
Fastest lap â Simon Cribley - 1.20.354 on lap 7 of 10
Summary:
Well another year of racing in the VTEC Challenge has come to an end. The racing again has been exceptional, with close fought battles throughout the ranks.
Grids have been on the increase, which is a trend we hope to see continue for 2013.
Thanks to everyone who has taken part throughout the year, as without you the races wouldnât happen.
Keep posted on the VTEC Challenge forum for exciting news about 2013 over the coming weeks.
Thanks go out to the series sponsors: Yokohama Tyres, HEL, VTEC Direct, Hendy Performance, Petronas Oils and R-Motion for their continuing support.
The hallowed tarmac of Donington Park in Leicestershire played host to the season finale of the 2012 VTEC Challenge.
Running on the âNationalâ circuit, the VTEC racers would have to battle their nerves as they drop down through the âCraner Curvesâ and burry the throttle along the circuits two long straights.
With a great turnout for the final two rounds of VTEC action, the racing would be wide open for any number of drivers to take to the podium over the two day event.
Entrants:
01 â Rich Hockley â P16 â Civic (EK4)
03 â Tim Blowers â Production â (DC5)
04 â Mark Bennett â Production â (S2000)
11 â Adam Roberts â P16 â (CRX)
17 â James Hamnett â Tuner â (EK4)
24 â Simon Cribley - Super Tuner - Integra (DC2)
26 - Rob Williams â Production - Civic Type R (EP3)
31 - Phil Wright/Andy Smith â Production - Accord Type R (ATR)
39 â Rob Burkinshaw â Production â (DC5)
64 - Richard Chilton â Production - Integra (DC2)
70 - Michael Clark â Super Tuner - Civic (EG6)
73 - Stuart King â Production â Integra (DC2)
85 - Stewart Hutchinson â Tuner - Integra (DC2)
88 â Chris Boon â Production - Civic Type R (EP3)
Qualifying:
New out for the final rounds was âCivic Cupâ entrant Rich Hockley, who having won the series in 2011 and placed consistently high in 2012, would be out to see what his nimble Civic could do up against the best that the VTC has to offer.
Also taking part was Chris Boon with his EP3 Civic. Normally Chris runs in the âEuro Saloonâ championship where he has already taken class honours and at the time of writing was sat in 7th place overall from 57 entries.
Following a nail biting couple of races at Silverstone behind the wheel of his dadâs CRX, Adam Roberts was again at the helm for the final showdown, and if his previous performanceâs are anything to go by, he would be one to watch.
It was also a welcome return to the VTC for Tim Blowers and his DC5 Integra, who after missing the last couple of rounds was keen to get back on track.
With everyone ready to kick off the dayâs events, the carâs and drivers made off for the assembly area, ahead of the qualifying session.
With the circuit dry, and the sun shining the conditions were near perfect from the off, although a couple of drivers were still caught out when pushing a bit too hard on cold tyres.
Sounding less than 100%, Mike Clark needed to take a quick detour into the pits in order to address a mis-fire, but was soon back on the circuit chasing down the leaders.
The usual pilot of the #24 Integra (Rich Voaden) had for Donington passed the reigns to fellow âPerformance Autoworksâ director Simon Cribley, who was showing that he too was a capable driver by hustling the H22 engined Integra from the off.
As the session counted down, strategies began to come into play as drivers began to drop back to allow themselves some clear track in order to set their fastest lap time.
With only a couple of laps left to run, everyone began to post their fastest times in the quest for pole position.
It was Rob Burkinshaw and his DC5 who led the grid home, posting very respectable 1.20.686, nearly a second ahead of Cribley.
Having already qualified for his Euro Saloon race, it was Chris Boon who came in 3rd, posting a lap time some 9 seconds quicker than his Euro Saloonâs qualifying time!
A difference attributed to the combination of slicks and the early morning damp conditions versus the AO48âs and a dry track.
The S2000 of Mark Bennett began to suffer with gear selection, which ultimately put paid to his attack on qualifying, but hopefully wouldnât curb his chances during the races.
Thankfully all other issues were related to the combination of cold tyres, over exuberance and the desire to inspect the Donington scenery!
Pole: Rob Burkinshaw
2nd: Simon Cribley
3rd: Chris Boon
Race 1:
Following a problem with the carâs electrics, it was a dash to Northampton and back in order to get a new electrical cut off switch for the âR-Motionâ Civic. Once in place and with everything checked, Mike was good to go.
The grid joined the circuit by way of the âMelbourne Loopâ with the pole man Burkinshaw leading the way. Once assemble in grid position, the drivers set off on their green flag lap. Unfortunately an Alfa and a Porsche from the previous two races had promptly deposited oil around approximately half of the circuit, and the resulting cement dust sat squarely on the racing line.
With the cars back on the grid, everyone waited the race to start. The red lights went on, the engine revâs rose and with the lights out the race got underway.
From the off, everyone headed on the charge down to âRedgateâ with 4th placed Adam Roberts making an early break for the lead. With Simon missing a gear change, Roberts slipped by on the inside to take 2nd. Burkinshaw moved to the outside to get a fast line through the right hander whilst Roberts pulled out to take a tighter inside line.
However, heading fast into the first corner got the better of the tyres adhesion, and Adam fought to retain control of the CRX as the rear came round to meet the front.
In an unrelated incident, pole sitter Burkinshaw also headed for the gravel on the outside of âRedgateâ as the DC5 lost grip on the cold tyres.
Taking action to avoid the stricken CRX, under braking and with the back end unloaded, Stewart in the DC2 ended up facing the wrong way and in the path of the closing pack.
The resulting melee saw cars going left and right of the stricken Integra, however unfortunately the Civic of Mike Clark wasnât so fortunate and connected hard with the carâs rear quarter. Unable to continue, Hutchinson was forced to retire.
Taking advantage of the situation, it was new entry Chris Boon who took the lead, with Cribley in 2nd and a recovered Roberts in 3rd.
Moving up a few places, Rich Chilton moved to 4th and after rejoining the circuit Rob Burkinshaw was placed 5th.
With the excitement of the first corner over, everyone settled down to the matter in hand and having a great race.
Running Phil Wrights Accord Type R, Andy Smith found himself in last place with it all to do. As the race unfolded, the director of âVTEC Directâ began to reel in those ahead, with passes made on Tim Blowers, Rob Williams and Mark Bennett who was again suffering with gear box issues.
After dropping down the order, Clark mounted an attack to claw his way back up the field in his decidedly second hand looking and sounding Civic. Picking off the slower cars on the circuit, Clark crossed the finishing line in 5th place.
Battling for the 6th place spot, Stu King, Rich Chilton and James Hammett were covered by a couple of seconds, with all three racing hard and clean to the flag.
Rob Williams came back from a spin mid race to chase down Tim Blowers on the last lap.
At the front of the grid, Chris Boon continued to hold the lead from the more powerful Integra of Cribley, with Boon defending hard for over half race distance.
Coming into the chicane on lap 8, Cribley got the run down the inside of Boon and committed himself to holding the line which put the Integra ahead of the Civic and into the lead, a position held for the remaining 4 laps. Without Boon defending his line, Cribley was able to stretch the H22 and opened up a 5 second gap at the time of the chequered flag.
The CRX of Roberts and the DC5 of Burkinshaw battled throughout the rest of the race, swapping places on a number of occasions. At close of play it was the late model Honda that triumphed by just over a half of a second.
1st: - Simon Cribley â H22 DC2 - Super Tuner
2nd: - Chris Boon â EP3 - Production
3rd: - Rob Burkinshaw â DC5 â Production
Class wins were awarded to:
(P16) â Adam Roberts
(P) â Chris Boon
(ST) â Simon Cribley
(T) â James Hammett
Fastest lap â Rob Burkinshaw â 1.20.459 on lap 4 of 11
Race 2:
With horrendous fog cover hampering the dayâs events; it was doubtful whether the race would actually run. So much so several of the drivers loaded up for their journey home.
With the circuit finally open just after lunchtime, a very much condensed programme of events unfolded. All races were shortened to 13 minutes and although almost 2 hours late, the final VTEC race of 2012 got underway.
Due to the damage incurred in race 1 and an incurable mis-fire, Mike Clark had decided to sit this one out. Phil Wright had also decided to leave his car loaded due to his long journey home.
Hutchinson lined up at the back of the grid following a late night to fit a new steering rack following the accident in race 1. With the rest of the car checked over, it was declared fit to race.
Following the green flag line, all drivers lined up in readiness for the race to get underway.
With the first corner of the first race still fresh in everyoneâs mind the pack raced down to âRedgateâ. It was Cribley leading from the off, with Burkinshaw coming down the inside looking to take 2nd of Boon before arriving at the corner, however Boon was able to hold his position.
Not wanting to make the same mistake twice, Roberts in the CRX came through in 4th with Stu King in 5th, positions they would hold all throughout the race. All the more remarkable considering the CRX again developed a mis-fire as it had previously at Mallory.
Hutchinson in the quicker âTunerâ class Integra began to pick off those ahead with a drive from last to 6th, narrowly missing out on 5th place from King.
Already pulling out a commanding lead over the rest of the field, Cribley, Boon and Burkinshaw were nose to tail, with Boon slipping past under braking to take the lead at âMcLeansâ.
Williams in the EP3 made good progress through the grid, passing 3 on the opening lap, before overhauling Chilton on lap 3 and moving up to 6th before the DC2 of Hutchinson took the position and dropped him to 7th by the end of the race.
Over the line for the start of lap 3 and Burkinshaw positioned himself on the inside to take 2nd place from Cribley as the pair entered âRedgateâ.
Still extending their lead over the rest of the grid the top 3 the two Integraâs found their legs and both passed Boon on lap 5, with Burkinshaw holding the lead from Cribley.
In an unfortunate repeat performance from Oulton Park earlier in the season, the front suspension on James Hammettâs Civic worked loose, resulting in an early retirement.
In addition, it was a failed cambelt that saw the retirement of Rich Hockley in his P16 Civic on lap 4.
With Mark Bennett and Tim Blowers battling for the final two positions, it was the S2000 leading the pair all the way.
In a last ditch attempt by Cribley to take the lead, both drivers headed into the chicane for one last time. With both looking to out brake each other, the chicane caught both out, but it was Burkinshaw who came out on top to cross the line in first place.
1st: - Rob Burkinshaw â DC5 - Production
2nd: - Simon Cribley - H22 DC2 - Super Tuner
3rd: - Chris Boon â EP3 - Production
Class wins were awarded to:
(P16) â Adam Roberts
(P) - Rob Burkinshaw
(ST) â Simon Cribley
(T) - Stewart Hutchinson
Fastest lap â Simon Cribley - 1.20.354 on lap 7 of 10
Summary:
Well another year of racing in the VTEC Challenge has come to an end. The racing again has been exceptional, with close fought battles throughout the ranks.
Grids have been on the increase, which is a trend we hope to see continue for 2013.
Thanks to everyone who has taken part throughout the year, as without you the races wouldnât happen.
Keep posted on the VTEC Challenge forum for exciting news about 2013 over the coming weeks.
Thanks go out to the series sponsors: Yokohama Tyres, HEL, VTEC Direct, Hendy Performance, Petronas Oils and R-Motion for their continuing support.
