Pre-Season interview with our two Sports 2000 Champions from 2017
Posted on: April 3rd 2018 • Posted in: General NewsWelcome to our Pre-Season interview with our two Sports 2000 Champions from 2017. Mike Fry – Sports 2000 Pinto Champion and Tom Stoten – Sports 2000 Duratec Champion.
Mike Fry
How have your pre-season preparations been going?
Very good, mind you the party after the Sports2000 Championship awards, the Festive Season and a ‘special milestone’ birthday have meant my personal dietician, Nadine, has had me on a strict diet over last 2 months so the occasional visit to the Kebab Van and Boddington’s have been a special treat! The high altitude training has been challenging …… I now opt to use the stairs rather than elevator to reach my seat at Old Trafford.
What upgrades do you have for 2018 season?
Mainly tidied up bodywork!
I did explore a new Pinto engine deal with Honda but they were a bit amateurish for my liking. There is new aero-pack as well which I’ll be introducing later in the season; I’m waiting for the new ‘hair’ dryer for the Alpaca’s wool to arrive so I can complete the barn modifications – wind tunnel. Oh also, thanks again to the Alpaca’s, I’m also going to be trying a new secret formula ‘green’ fuel additive – great for putting on your roses if anyone is interested in a bag or three.
Which circuit are you most looking forward to visiting & why?
I really enjoyed Le Mans – Bugatti circuit two years ago. I didn’t expect to; having been to LeMans 24hour a few times I thought the Bugatti loop would be ‘Mickey Mouse’ but it wasn’t. I also like Donington, and missed racing there last year. With Jonathan Palmer’s involvement now at Donington I imagine it’ll be smartened up a bit for 2018.
Which drivers do you think will be your main rivals for the 2018 championship?
I think Paul Streat will be right on the pace and one can never ignore Damien Griffiths or Colin Feyerband. There are several other good drivers who sadly only race occasionally who always make the racing challenging, like Mike Dodds and Chris Snowdon. There are some new drivers too so that should be interesting. I also hear a rumour that Clive Steeper might be racing instead of cruising!
What goals have you set yourself for the 2018 season?
I had my sights on the 2nd seat at Red Bull but Mike Turner wasn’t able to swing the deal, so instead I intend to enjoy my racing in Sports2000 as much, if not more than last year. So I’ll settle for Nadine baking some cakes for the Oulton Park round.
What advice do you for any new competitors entering the 2018 Pinto Sports 2000 Championship?
Bring cake, say nice things to Colin, race cleanly and enjoy your racing; we do.
• … and finally is there any truth in the rumour that a fellow champion, Fernando Alonso, has arranged tickets for you to attend this years Indy 500? Will you be going out on the oval to give any demo laps? Or are you going out there to evaluate the facility for 2019 the Sports2000 overseas race?
Well, Fernando owes me. As a karting mentor and 210 Villiers guru, I’ve shaped the careers of a few young drivers. I’ll be travelling light to Indy; Charlie’s not able to join me on the trip! I’m not sure I’ll be going onto the oval but if I change my mind Michael Andretti has offered me his helmet. (!) Colin has spoken to Bernie to get the ‘inside scope’ on negotiating with Tony George. Also Colin has sent me a Briefing Note on our aims and expectations so Sports2000 racing on the Indy F1 circuit for 2020 remains as a strategic option. ‘Rollo’ is working on a freight & travel proposal.
Tom Stoten
What did you learn from the Ginetta test (for winning the 2017 Duratec Championship) that you will bring into your 2018 campaign?
That it was great fun and I want to have a go again!
How have your pre-season preparations been going?
Hhhmm …. We’ll find out when I go testing!! From the simulation data, and chats as we’ve prepared the car I think the car will run well. The car has had a pretty big rebuild so hopefully it will be quick all year.
What upgrades do you have for 2018 season?
A big turbo and paddleshift :). More seriously nothing much – a couple of tweaks but no major changes. Oh and I’ve upped my work-out routine at the gym!
Which circuit are you most looking forward to visiting & why?
That’s a tough one as the calendar is brilliant this year but probably Brands GP. I’ve got a lot of memories there and the fast corners out the back are brilliant in the Gunn.
Which drivers do you think will be your main rivals for the 2018 championship?
I’m sure Michael Gibbins will be very quick and if Paul Trayhurn comes out for some races he’ll be right up there. I think Tim Tudor could be in the mix and it’ll be interesting to see how Josh Law goes in the MCR too.
What goals have you set yourself for the 2018 season?
Winning!
What advice do you have for any new competitors entering the 2018 Duratec Sports 2000 Championship?
Lots! I think the main one would just be to ask for help – the club is so friendly and there are so many people that have raced for a number of years that can provide help and advice. Also enjoy it! The cars are great to drive.
And on that note we wrap up our interviews with our two Champions from 2017 and wish them, as well as all other Sports 2000 competitors, a very enjoyable and successful season. For the spectators the racing will be great!
Clive Steeper
March 2018