The BRCA 1/10th IC 200mm Touring Championship round 2 went to Brookland Raceway in Kent, This fast flowing track with its long back straight and fast technical in field was going to be a challenge.

Saturday
With the overnight rain a wet track meant everyone was in the pits chatting, cutting new bodyshells, truing foam tyres and the first driver to brave the conditions was David Gerard, taking it very slow around the circuit with all the puddles. A few more tried their luck but the rain came down harder and everyone retired to their hotels and caravans.

Sunday
Because of the rain yesterday the committee agreed that there could be a 10 minute practice for all competitors in their designated heats. At drivers briefing our Vice Chairman reminded everyone about the rules again this year with a strong reminder that refuelling in the pit lane would incur a penalty, Shane race director explained that the tyre bollards had been put in the pit lane to reduce the entry speed of the cars, so take care.

Qualifying
With the track still damp from the cold night, care was needed for the first round. No lap records were going to be made but by the second round the track had some dry parts so most divers went for a harder foam tyre. With light wind and the sun shining it felt like summer here at Brookland Raceway and by the fourth round the track was dry, time to put the power down, not a drop of rain to been seen…. Ssshh

With qualifying over and the threat of rain imminent a lot were asking if it was going to be a repeat of Brookland last year when the A final prompted a deluge!

This A final was one of the cleanest I have seen in a while, with good starts for everyone. Darren Johnson took the lead from start to finish, while Johnathan Dobney took a tumble and retired on lap 15. The only other retirement was Mark Gilliland on lap 43 with engine problems, from what I saw it kept cutting out. Robin Hammett lost his second place on lap 56 to Gareth Bell but Robin fought hard and got it back on lap 62. Kyle Branson was in third place for a while but on lap 108 Gareth Bell squeezed past and just held on to third place Robin Hammett in second and Darren Johnson in first. And yes no rain. Phew!

Many thanks from the BRCA 1/10TH IC Section to Brookland Raceway and Shane Jackson, Andy Mollett, John and Muriel Russell and Stuart Craig who all worked hard to keep the meeting going.