The Motor Racing Spectator

For the first time in 2016 it was time for a visit to Leicestershire's "other" motor racing circuit, Mallory Park. Long gone are the days of a meeting every Sunday at Mallory (Cars or Bikes),indeed this was the first car meeting of the season. With only 6 car meetings scheduled this year, The Spectator felt the need to journey the 20 miles South down the A447 to Mallory.  The last few years have been tough for Mallory. Previous circuit operators, BARC, left the circuit ( celebrating it's 60th Birthday in 2016!) in somewhat of a mess both physically and legally. The physical scars are being tidied up gradually, but a tightening up of the noise limits imposed at the circuit by the local council have seen a drastic reduction in race meetings compared to the glory days of the past. The new operators, Real Motorsport, seem enthusiastic about the circuit's future but one wonders what does the future hold for the small 1.35 mile speed bowl around the lake. Ironica...

After a 3 week break The Spectator dusted off the Thermos and Ruck Sack and got his backside trackside again. Silverstone was the venue as the fantastic Blancpain GT series rolled into "The Home of British Motor Racing" After almost going to Brands Hatch the week before for the Sprint version of the Blancpain series, it was a no-brainer to head to Silverstone as a 52 car entry was declared for the 3 Hour Endurance Cup race on Sunday afternoon. While the World Endurance Championship does cater for GT machinery, it's fair to say that the Le Mans Prototypes steal the headlines somewhat so the Blancpain series gives an opportunity for entrants to battle on a more even playing field. I say even playing field but a Balance of Performance equation is used to keep a certain level of parity throughout the grid consisting of various examples of Audi R8, Bentley Continental, Jaguar G3, Lamborghini Huracan, Nissan GT-R, Ferrari 458/488, Mercedes-AMG, BMW F13 M6, Aston Martin Vanta...