MUCH MORE make it 1-2-3 at BRCA NationalRace report by Elliott Harper Round 3 of the British National Championship was held on 12/13th July 2008 at the West London track in Hillingdon. With some 120 drivers taking part covering Prostock (10.5T) and 5 cell Modified making this a very competitive event.   

The West London track is challenging and difficult to keep a clean run and the D on entry to the straight has spoiled many a good time. 

Chris Grainger had won the previous 2 Nationals and was looking to secure the championship for the 5^th year in a row.  Mathematically, there were only 3 drivers left that could mount a challenge to Chris.  Ben Cosgrove lying in 2^nd place in the Championship, Olly Jefferies 3rd and Elliott Harper in 4^th place.  

The weather forecast was variable with the threat of rain constant.  On the Saturday the rain clouds skirted the track and it wasn’t until the last few qualifiers that the skies opened up and drenched the track.  With “Round by Round“ qualifying this adjusted the point’s positions significantly by the close of the days racing.  Sunday stayed mostly bright but getting more over cast as the day went by.

West London doesn’t provide high traction levels and so high speed changes in direction can be difficult.  With 4 sets of tyres allowed for the 5 qualifiers and 3 finals, tyre strategy was a major deciding factor.  Only a few drivers managed to achieve good results in all 5 qualifiers to retain 2 new sets of tyres for the final.  The rain in the last few qualifiers did help the decision making on the Saturday. 

Qualifying 

There was 3 Rounds of timed practice giving everyone an equal opportunity to tune the car into the track conditions.  This was followed by 3 Qualifying heats on the Saturday. The 3^rd qualifier suffered from the a heavy down pour that affected the top few heats of modified. This changed the overnight leader board. Sunday morning saw 2 further sets of qualifying before the 3 legged Finals. 

Qualifying position 

A Finals

The track remained dry for all finals.  Much More drivers had 1-2-3 positions on the grid.A good start from the grid for Ben, Elliott and Andy saw them set off ahead of the pack whilst behind them cars got involved in a mix up. Everyone was on new tyres so it was well balanced and it wasn’t until the 2^nd A final that the advantage on tyres was noted.  The result on the day went down to the 3^rd finals and Elliott Harper took his first National win. 

Ben Cosgrove is now sitting top of the championship table.  The final event is at Halifax on the 16^th/17^th August will be a close with only 5 points separating the top 4 drivers.  One thing is for sure now; Much More drivers will take the top 4 places in the 2008 National Championships - guaranteed! 

Full results can be found on the BRCA website at:  http://www.centralbooking.org  

FINAL POSITIONS 

Top 3


2nd A Final Rostrum and Olly makes a challenge on Elliott