Jonathan F
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- Nov 29, 2010
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Croft: July 21st/22nd (Rounds 7 and 8 of BARC’s VTEC Challenge)
Croft Circuit once again played host to a weekend of racing for the popular “VTEC Challenge”, as the BARC’s race series visited on the 21st and 22nd of July, for rounds 7 & 8 of the 2012 series.
Set in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, this superb 2.1 mile circuit has evolved over 50 years into a top-flight venue which attracts such prestigious events as the British Touring Car Championship, British GT Championship, and the British Formula 3 Championship.
The fast sweeping curves of the “Jim Clark Esses” and “Barcroft” reward the efforts of the brave, as drivers hang on as their cars are pushed to the limits of adhesion. Combined with high speed straights, chicanes and the hairpin leading onto the start/finish straight, and you have all the ingredients for a breath taking lap.
Entrants:
01 - Andy Smith – Production - Honda Accord Type R (ATR)
03 – Tim Blowers – Production - Honda Integra (DC5)
04 - Mark Bennett – Production - Honda S2000
11 - Dave Roberts - Production 1600 - Honda CRX
17 - James Hammett – Tuner - Civic EK
24 - Richard Voaden - Super Tuner - Honda Integra (DC2)
26 - Rob Williams – Production - Honda Civic Type R (EP3)
31 - Phil Wright – Production - Honda Accord Type R (ATR)
39 – Rob Burkinshaw - Production - Honda Integra (DC5)
64 - Richard Chilton – Production - Honda Integra (DC2)
67 – Peter Dixon – Tuner – Honda Civic (EF)
70 - Michael Clark - Production 1600 - Honda Civic (EG6)
85 - Stewart Hutchinson – Tuner - Honda Integra (DC2)
98 - Mark Chese – Production - Honda Civic Type R (EP3)
Qualifying:
With another healthy turn out, all cars lined up in the assembly area in readiness to head out on track.
Once the remains of the formula Renaults had been carried back to the paddock, the circuit was declared ready, and the VTEC’s fired into life.
Looking for a change in fortunes, Stew and his DC2 hit the track first, closely followed by this season’s prolific winner Rich Voaden.
During the “HOT” track day on the Friday, Rich Voaden had again been plagued with driveshaft issues, and ended his session early to replace the offending article. With his supply of drive shafts running low, he would be hoping for trouble free qualifying and races.
Following his drive in Tim Blower’s DC5 Integra at Silverstone, “VTEC Direct’s” Andy Smith returned to Croft with his regular steed, the ATR. Following its demise at Oulton, Andy and the team have been working tirelessly to install and map a new engine in readiness for the event. With all the hard work undertaken, Andy would be looking to put his Accord towards the front of the grid and challenge the likes of Voaden, and Hutchinson for the race win.
Speaking of Tim’s DC5, it was a last minute dash to get his car to the circuit following issues with the car’s fuel filter. Thanks to Will at RDT, everything was completed and Tim made his way up to the circuit on Friday.
New entrant Rob Burkinshaw in his immaculately turned out DC5 would be hitting the track in his first competitive event, and would find himself up against some tough opposition in class. The driver from Sheffield showed great pace throughout the session, using his knowledge of the circuit to great effect. Perhaps Mr Voaden would have a fight on his hands?
It was a welcome return to both Peter Dixon, running his insanely rapid Civic in the “Invitational” class, and James Hammett with his “Tuner” class EK4.
With everyone on circuit, each driver pushed in order to get the best possible qualifying position.
Croft regular, Dixon, was soon showing his vast experience of the circuit, setting fast times as the session unfolded.
Mark Chese and his EP3 suffered the loss of 3rd gear 5 laps in, but still went quick enough to secure 6th on the grid.
Also to suffer gremlins were Rich Chilton, in his UK spec DC2 who came close to losing a wheel, Stew Hutchinson whose rear brakes were locking up, and Rob Williams who’s EP3 was struggling with severe under steer.
With everyone safely back in the paddock, it was time to review the positions for race one.
Rookie racer Rob Burkinshaw had put his DC5 on pole, nearly half a second ahead of Peter in his Civic.
2nd to 4th place was covered by less than 1 second, so it would be all to play for on the run down to the first corner.
Pole: Rob Burkinshaw
2nd: Peter Dixon
3rd: Rich Voaden
Race 1:
With tight noise restrictions at the circuit, the racing got underway just after lunchtime.
On pole, Rob would have to lead the pack in a straight out drag race to Clervaux and on through Hawthorn.
Following the customary green flag lap, everyone sat on the grid waiting for the lights to change and start the race.
Without 3rd gear, Mark Chese opted to start from the back row in order not to get in the way of the other drivers.
With the lights out it was a charge to Clervaux, and into Hawthorn and beyond. Rob and his DC5 showed the pace which had gained him pole, and led the pack onto lap 1. Dixon, Voaden and Hutchinson closed up as the first corner approached, but it was the white DC5 that emerged victorious, and lead the chasing pack into lap 1.
Cement dust kicked up (from an oil spill in the previous race) had an impact on visibility for the drivers following the leaders. This group was led by Andy Smith who had rocketed from 8th to 5th.
Pushing hard into Clervaux on lap 3, Stewart was unfortunate enough to drop a rear wheel onto a section of the circuit that still had oil on the surface. This sent the DC2 into a big slide which ended up in with the Integra burying itself in the gravel trap on the outside of the corner. Thankfully undamaged, both car and driver were quickly removed from the circuit.
After several laps leading the pack, Rob began to lose pace, which allowed the chasing duo of Dixon and Voaden to capitalise. With no obvious explanation for the sudden loss of power, Rob erred on the side of caution, and pulled into the assembly area at the end of the pit straight. Further inspection by Rob and his crew found that a fuel pipe had broken inside the tank, meaning fuel wasn’t reaching the engine. It’s cause was unknown, but it was possibly as a result of two wheeling the DC5 through Clervaux!
With Hutchinson and Burkinshaw out, Dixon and Voaden opened up a considerable lead over the rest of the pack. With Smith now in 3rd, he too started to pull away from the group of Roberts, Clark, Williams and Hammett who proceeded to have a monumental battle for 4th.
Chasing the featherweight Civic, Voaden chose his moment of attack wisely, and with a fast run out of “Barcroft”, slipped inside at “Sunny In” to take the lead. Straight away, Dixon fought back, but the Integra pulled away as the pair hit the start/finish straight. Not one to give up, Dixon continued to hound Voaden all the way to the chequered flag, but was unable to reclaim his lead no matter how hard he tried.
Smith held off the challenges of the fast closing Clark to take 3rd by less than a quarter of a second as the pair crossed the line almost level pegging.
1st: - Richard Voaden - H22 DC2 - Super Tuner
2nd: - Peter Dixon - Civic - Invitation
3rd: - Andy Smith - ATR – Production
Class wins were awarded to Peter Dixon (Invitation) Andy Smith (P) Michael Clark (P16) Rich Voaden (ST) James Hammett (T)
Fastest lap – Rich Voaden 1.36.753 on lap 10 of 10
Race 2:
With lights out, it was Voaden who led the charge down to Clervaux, however upon entering Hawthorns, the Integra ran wide, leaving a Civic sized gap. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, Dixon tucked in tight and passed on the inside and powered on through the chicane to take the lead.
The battle behind was already unfolding at a pace, as the two Teg’s of Burkinshaw and Hutchinson (who had started on the back row) were already beginning to slice their way through the pack.
Smith and the Accord held position as Dave Roberts in the CRX squeezed out Clark in the R-Motion Civic, with Hammett and Williams close behind.
Already having made up several places, the Integra of Hutchinson took avoiding action to miss James and Rob Williams, which dropped him to the back of the grid again, leaving him with it all to do. With the pressure lifted, Burkinshaw continued his charge.
By lap 6 he had worked his way up to 3rd place, however by now the lead pair had pulled out a near 30 second lead which even the rapid DC5 couldn’t close up.
Recovering, Hutchinson fought his way back up to 4th place, showing race winning pace given the right conditions.
In an almost carbon copy of the pass in race 1, Voaden again made his move at “Sunny In” to re-take the lead.
Voaden and Dixon continued to pull out a commanding gap as those behind continued their own battle for race position.
Throughout the rest of the grid, drivers produced some of the most exciting racing to be witnessed this year.
Racing was door handle to door handle (sometimes even closer!) as everyone fought for their class and overall positions.
On lap 8 and coming into “Tower” chasing after Rob Williams, James found himself without any brakes, and ended up taking an unscheduled detour into the farmer’s field. Thankfully damage was limited to the front bumper and some bruised pride!
Out in front, Rich continued to press on, as the threat of Peter staging a late comeback was not out of the question.
1st: - Rich Voaden - H22 DC2 - Super Tuner
2nd: - Peter Dixon - Civic – Invitation
3rd: - Rob Burkinshaw - DC5 - Production
Class wins were awarded to Peter Dixon (Invitation) Rob Burkinshaw (P) Michael Clark (P16) Rich Voaden (ST) Stew Hutchinson (T)
Fastest lap – Peter Dixon 1.36.694 on lap 2 of 10
Summary:
Although both race wins went the way of Rich Voaden, the results were far from a dead cert!
Serious challenges by Rob Burkinshaw and Peter Dixon made the “Performance Autoworks” director work hard for the victor’s spoils, and showed that the action at the front of the pack was hotting up.
Rob Burkinshaw showed himself to be a force to be reckoned with when on song, climbing from the back row to a comfortable 3rd place in race 2. Likewise a success story for Stew Hutchinson to end the weekend on, with a drive from last to 5th, back to last following an incident early on in race 2, and back up to 4th in the space of 15 minutes. With the car and driver working in harmony, he is a growing threat and likely to take a podium place before the season comes to an end.
Those fortunate enough to witness either race will have been part of a great weekend of racing, with some of the closest on track action so far.
Such a diverse range of cars, classes and power all go to making the VTC one of the most exciting places to race.
Thanks again go out to the BARC, and sponsors Yokohama Tyres, HEL, VTEC Direct, Hendy Performance, Petronas Oils, R-Motion and Total Honda for their continuing support.
The VTEC Challenge heads east to Snetterton in Norfolk on the 26th/27th August for rounds 9 and 10.
Things are hotting up!
Croft Circuit once again played host to a weekend of racing for the popular “VTEC Challenge”, as the BARC’s race series visited on the 21st and 22nd of July, for rounds 7 & 8 of the 2012 series.
Set in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, this superb 2.1 mile circuit has evolved over 50 years into a top-flight venue which attracts such prestigious events as the British Touring Car Championship, British GT Championship, and the British Formula 3 Championship.
The fast sweeping curves of the “Jim Clark Esses” and “Barcroft” reward the efforts of the brave, as drivers hang on as their cars are pushed to the limits of adhesion. Combined with high speed straights, chicanes and the hairpin leading onto the start/finish straight, and you have all the ingredients for a breath taking lap.
Entrants:
01 - Andy Smith – Production - Honda Accord Type R (ATR)
03 – Tim Blowers – Production - Honda Integra (DC5)
04 - Mark Bennett – Production - Honda S2000
11 - Dave Roberts - Production 1600 - Honda CRX
17 - James Hammett – Tuner - Civic EK
24 - Richard Voaden - Super Tuner - Honda Integra (DC2)
26 - Rob Williams – Production - Honda Civic Type R (EP3)
31 - Phil Wright – Production - Honda Accord Type R (ATR)
39 – Rob Burkinshaw - Production - Honda Integra (DC5)
64 - Richard Chilton – Production - Honda Integra (DC2)
67 – Peter Dixon – Tuner – Honda Civic (EF)
70 - Michael Clark - Production 1600 - Honda Civic (EG6)
85 - Stewart Hutchinson – Tuner - Honda Integra (DC2)
98 - Mark Chese – Production - Honda Civic Type R (EP3)
Qualifying:
With another healthy turn out, all cars lined up in the assembly area in readiness to head out on track.
Once the remains of the formula Renaults had been carried back to the paddock, the circuit was declared ready, and the VTEC’s fired into life.
Looking for a change in fortunes, Stew and his DC2 hit the track first, closely followed by this season’s prolific winner Rich Voaden.
During the “HOT” track day on the Friday, Rich Voaden had again been plagued with driveshaft issues, and ended his session early to replace the offending article. With his supply of drive shafts running low, he would be hoping for trouble free qualifying and races.
Following his drive in Tim Blower’s DC5 Integra at Silverstone, “VTEC Direct’s” Andy Smith returned to Croft with his regular steed, the ATR. Following its demise at Oulton, Andy and the team have been working tirelessly to install and map a new engine in readiness for the event. With all the hard work undertaken, Andy would be looking to put his Accord towards the front of the grid and challenge the likes of Voaden, and Hutchinson for the race win.
Speaking of Tim’s DC5, it was a last minute dash to get his car to the circuit following issues with the car’s fuel filter. Thanks to Will at RDT, everything was completed and Tim made his way up to the circuit on Friday.
New entrant Rob Burkinshaw in his immaculately turned out DC5 would be hitting the track in his first competitive event, and would find himself up against some tough opposition in class. The driver from Sheffield showed great pace throughout the session, using his knowledge of the circuit to great effect. Perhaps Mr Voaden would have a fight on his hands?
It was a welcome return to both Peter Dixon, running his insanely rapid Civic in the “Invitational” class, and James Hammett with his “Tuner” class EK4.
With everyone on circuit, each driver pushed in order to get the best possible qualifying position.
Croft regular, Dixon, was soon showing his vast experience of the circuit, setting fast times as the session unfolded.
Mark Chese and his EP3 suffered the loss of 3rd gear 5 laps in, but still went quick enough to secure 6th on the grid.
Also to suffer gremlins were Rich Chilton, in his UK spec DC2 who came close to losing a wheel, Stew Hutchinson whose rear brakes were locking up, and Rob Williams who’s EP3 was struggling with severe under steer.
With everyone safely back in the paddock, it was time to review the positions for race one.
Rookie racer Rob Burkinshaw had put his DC5 on pole, nearly half a second ahead of Peter in his Civic.
2nd to 4th place was covered by less than 1 second, so it would be all to play for on the run down to the first corner.
Pole: Rob Burkinshaw
2nd: Peter Dixon
3rd: Rich Voaden
Race 1:
With tight noise restrictions at the circuit, the racing got underway just after lunchtime.
On pole, Rob would have to lead the pack in a straight out drag race to Clervaux and on through Hawthorn.
Following the customary green flag lap, everyone sat on the grid waiting for the lights to change and start the race.
Without 3rd gear, Mark Chese opted to start from the back row in order not to get in the way of the other drivers.
With the lights out it was a charge to Clervaux, and into Hawthorn and beyond. Rob and his DC5 showed the pace which had gained him pole, and led the pack onto lap 1. Dixon, Voaden and Hutchinson closed up as the first corner approached, but it was the white DC5 that emerged victorious, and lead the chasing pack into lap 1.
Cement dust kicked up (from an oil spill in the previous race) had an impact on visibility for the drivers following the leaders. This group was led by Andy Smith who had rocketed from 8th to 5th.
Pushing hard into Clervaux on lap 3, Stewart was unfortunate enough to drop a rear wheel onto a section of the circuit that still had oil on the surface. This sent the DC2 into a big slide which ended up in with the Integra burying itself in the gravel trap on the outside of the corner. Thankfully undamaged, both car and driver were quickly removed from the circuit.
After several laps leading the pack, Rob began to lose pace, which allowed the chasing duo of Dixon and Voaden to capitalise. With no obvious explanation for the sudden loss of power, Rob erred on the side of caution, and pulled into the assembly area at the end of the pit straight. Further inspection by Rob and his crew found that a fuel pipe had broken inside the tank, meaning fuel wasn’t reaching the engine. It’s cause was unknown, but it was possibly as a result of two wheeling the DC5 through Clervaux!
With Hutchinson and Burkinshaw out, Dixon and Voaden opened up a considerable lead over the rest of the pack. With Smith now in 3rd, he too started to pull away from the group of Roberts, Clark, Williams and Hammett who proceeded to have a monumental battle for 4th.
Chasing the featherweight Civic, Voaden chose his moment of attack wisely, and with a fast run out of “Barcroft”, slipped inside at “Sunny In” to take the lead. Straight away, Dixon fought back, but the Integra pulled away as the pair hit the start/finish straight. Not one to give up, Dixon continued to hound Voaden all the way to the chequered flag, but was unable to reclaim his lead no matter how hard he tried.
Smith held off the challenges of the fast closing Clark to take 3rd by less than a quarter of a second as the pair crossed the line almost level pegging.
1st: - Richard Voaden - H22 DC2 - Super Tuner
2nd: - Peter Dixon - Civic - Invitation
3rd: - Andy Smith - ATR – Production
Class wins were awarded to Peter Dixon (Invitation) Andy Smith (P) Michael Clark (P16) Rich Voaden (ST) James Hammett (T)
Fastest lap – Rich Voaden 1.36.753 on lap 10 of 10
Race 2:
With lights out, it was Voaden who led the charge down to Clervaux, however upon entering Hawthorns, the Integra ran wide, leaving a Civic sized gap. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, Dixon tucked in tight and passed on the inside and powered on through the chicane to take the lead.
The battle behind was already unfolding at a pace, as the two Teg’s of Burkinshaw and Hutchinson (who had started on the back row) were already beginning to slice their way through the pack.
Smith and the Accord held position as Dave Roberts in the CRX squeezed out Clark in the R-Motion Civic, with Hammett and Williams close behind.
Already having made up several places, the Integra of Hutchinson took avoiding action to miss James and Rob Williams, which dropped him to the back of the grid again, leaving him with it all to do. With the pressure lifted, Burkinshaw continued his charge.
By lap 6 he had worked his way up to 3rd place, however by now the lead pair had pulled out a near 30 second lead which even the rapid DC5 couldn’t close up.
Recovering, Hutchinson fought his way back up to 4th place, showing race winning pace given the right conditions.
In an almost carbon copy of the pass in race 1, Voaden again made his move at “Sunny In” to re-take the lead.
Voaden and Dixon continued to pull out a commanding gap as those behind continued their own battle for race position.
Throughout the rest of the grid, drivers produced some of the most exciting racing to be witnessed this year.
Racing was door handle to door handle (sometimes even closer!) as everyone fought for their class and overall positions.
On lap 8 and coming into “Tower” chasing after Rob Williams, James found himself without any brakes, and ended up taking an unscheduled detour into the farmer’s field. Thankfully damage was limited to the front bumper and some bruised pride!
Out in front, Rich continued to press on, as the threat of Peter staging a late comeback was not out of the question.
1st: - Rich Voaden - H22 DC2 - Super Tuner
2nd: - Peter Dixon - Civic – Invitation
3rd: - Rob Burkinshaw - DC5 - Production
Class wins were awarded to Peter Dixon (Invitation) Rob Burkinshaw (P) Michael Clark (P16) Rich Voaden (ST) Stew Hutchinson (T)
Fastest lap – Peter Dixon 1.36.694 on lap 2 of 10
Summary:
Although both race wins went the way of Rich Voaden, the results were far from a dead cert!
Serious challenges by Rob Burkinshaw and Peter Dixon made the “Performance Autoworks” director work hard for the victor’s spoils, and showed that the action at the front of the pack was hotting up.
Rob Burkinshaw showed himself to be a force to be reckoned with when on song, climbing from the back row to a comfortable 3rd place in race 2. Likewise a success story for Stew Hutchinson to end the weekend on, with a drive from last to 5th, back to last following an incident early on in race 2, and back up to 4th in the space of 15 minutes. With the car and driver working in harmony, he is a growing threat and likely to take a podium place before the season comes to an end.
Those fortunate enough to witness either race will have been part of a great weekend of racing, with some of the closest on track action so far.
Such a diverse range of cars, classes and power all go to making the VTC one of the most exciting places to race.
Thanks again go out to the BARC, and sponsors Yokohama Tyres, HEL, VTEC Direct, Hendy Performance, Petronas Oils, R-Motion and Total Honda for their continuing support.
The VTEC Challenge heads east to Snetterton in Norfolk on the 26th/27th August for rounds 9 and 10.
Things are hotting up!
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