The Motor Racing Spectator

After a 260 mile round trip for my last meeting it was a mere 16 mile round trip for The Spectator on Sunday. The BRSCC were in charge for their "Finals" weekend. This was a 2 day meeting and the only categories I missed from the Saturday were the pair of HRDC historic saloon races. As I'd seen these at Mallory Park 3 weeks ago, there was no guilt on my part by just going on the Sunday! 14 races were scheduled so a packed day was in prospect. As October edges towards the dreaded weekend when British Summer Time becomes Greenwich Mean Time (THE worst weekend of the year......!) the mornings are ever darker and it was a particularly dark morning at Donington. Thankfully no fog to report as this meeting has been cursed by fog in years gone by. The first of 2 Mazda MX5 Supercup races kicked the days activities off and it was a blast from the Touring Car past as Paul O'Neill easily won. The second race later in the day saw a lengthy safety car period following 3 cars ...

The Spectator doesn't venture outside of the Midlands much for his spectating thrills these days so it was time to put that right and a visit to Castle Combe in Wiltshire was made for my latest meeting. Indeed it was way back in 2004 when I last made the trek to Combe. Situated near to Chippenham, the circuit is only allowed 12 racing days each season and this was "Grand Finals Race Day".  The circuit has always been a favourite for spectators with Bank Holiday meetings seeing crowds in their thousands turn out. There is a very local South-West feel to Combe...the Castle Combe Racing Club (CCRC) run core championships at the majority of meetings. Formula Ford 1600, Saloons, Sports Racing plus Sports & GT filled 6 of the days 10 races with visiting championships, Production BMW and Historic 1 litre Formula 3 completing the card with double-headers each on this particular day. The CCRC was formed several years ago due to the circuit management wanting to take m...