Richard Hicklin wins BRCA 1/8th Rd3

The 3rd Round of the BRCA national series was held at the Wombwell circuit, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The weather forecast for the weekend was for clear blue sky and hot summer temperatures which made sure that the damp tires where never a consideration for once. During Saturday practice it was Mark Green again setting the pace from a close chasing pack of Andy North (Mugen), Neil Diver (Volex), Richard Hicklin, Tim Wood and Pete Hastings (Serpent). With time restrictions due to the local residents enforcement policy, it made practice less than usual and ensured a busy track throughout the day. It was however apparent that the track at the end of the straight was starting to break up over the bump and it was therefore decided by the committee to form a chicane to slow the cars down. This was to become a further challenge to the drivers with regards to learning how quick to go through it, further set up refinement to allow the car to quickly change direction and gear ratio changes due to the main straight becoming considerably smaller.

On Sunday, it was business as usual for Mark Green. Having reverted back to a standard front Setup, he again became the man to beat. In hot pursuit was a gaggle of 5 cars of which Richard Hicklin was quickest.

The final top 10 was as follows:
1. Mark Green – Serepnt/Novarossi
2. Richard Hicklin – Serpent/Mega
3. Tim Wood – Serpent/Mega
4. Neil Diver – Volex/Ninja
5. Andy North – Migen/Sirio
6. Pete Hastings – Serpent/IDM
7. Jason Frost – Mugen/Mega
8. Andy Hastings – Serpent/IDM
9. John Carr – Serpent/Mega
10. Chris Edwards – Serpent/JP

The main final started in grid order with no major problems, until Andy North made a trip across the grass at the 3rd hairpin and dropped back to 10th place from where he mounted a mini fight back. Mark Green was stretching his lead at the front by almost 0.5 seconds a lap and soon had a 1 lap lead over Richard Hicklin and Tim Wood. Neil Diver had 2nd gear stripping problems and came back into the race after a visit to the pit area. Pete Hastings was up into 3rd place and chasing down Richard until his engine stopped out on track and he was not to return. Andy North was now Catching Mugen team mate Jason Frost in 4th position but failed to make a fast and clean overtake manoeuvre until some 10 laps later. At this stage, the leaders where in the clear and a mid table finish would be the only result. At the 20 minute mark, Mark Green made another uncharacteristic mistake and broke the rear axle and so he was out for the third time this season. This then left Richard Hicklin clear to claim his first win of the season with Tim Wood in 2nd to increase his lead in the Championship.

The final positions was as follows:
1. Richard Hicklin – Serpent/Mega: 94 Laps
2. Tim Wood – Serpent/Mega: 93 Laps
3. Jason Frost – Mugen/Mega: 93 Laps
4. Andy North – Migen/Sirio: 92 Laps
5. John Carr – Serpent/Mega: 92 laps
6. Chris Edwards – Serpent/JP: 88 Laps
7. Neil Diver – Volex/Ninja: 71 Laps
8. Andy Hastings – Serpent/IDM: 69 Laps
9. Mark Green – Serepnt/Novarossi: 59 Laps
10. Pete Hastings – Serpent/IDM: 29 Laps

The next round is at the Mendip Circuit on the 21 June 2009. A big entry is always experienced at this track, so let’s hope the weather remains good.

Thanks to Andy North for the report.