Snetterton – 5/6 October 2024 Race Report, Images and Results

Posted on: October 11th 2024 • Posted in: Race Results

Season Finale – Rounds 11 and 12 – Snetterton

SRCC Race Report Snetterton 300 5-6th October.

Report by Alan Jones

Following the hectic pace of the single day double header at Donington in September the Sports 2000 Championship came to its conclusion in October at the Norfolk venue of Snetterton.
Like the Donington races the Sports 2000 races would take place on the longer configuration of Snetterton on the 300 circuit. The twisty infield section that provides excellent viewing for spectators and amateur photographers alike, is in contrast to the fast straights and challenging corners of the 200 circuit that had been in existence for a number of years. With design input from Jonathan Palmer introducing the complexity of corners that offer multiple overtaking opportunities it is a test to drivers that can produce some great racing.
The rain that had blighted the week prior to the weekend cleared to give a short interval of Indian Summer for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It would be a chilly start for those taking part in the Saturday open test session that started the day.
The entry for Snetterton was smaller than hoped. Work commitments, car problems and other factors reducing the entry to 20 cars. Although the quality still remained the same.
We welcomed back Paul Trayhurn who has had a season to forget with his Gunn. All having gone well in his testing at Snetterton on Thursday he was looking forward to his racing weekend. Marc Naoro was on mechanic’s duties for the weekend with Jon Harmer in the driving seat for both races in his Tiga looking forward to having a race with Nik Johnson.
Mark Hobbs appeared to have his car ready to go with a new engine. However following the Friday test he had to call for help with some new gear ratios for his box. The ratios were too low for the long Snetterton straights and he was in danger off damaging his new engine. Luckily the Johnsons had some suitable ratios spare and were able to assist.
For the University of Wales Team it was yet another challenging day when the brakes on the Tim Tudor/Patrick Sherrington car seized in testing. Those boys never have a chance to get bored. They must be able to strip and rebuild that car in their sleep.
Clive Hayes had a very special customer racing for him at the Finals weekend. Mackenzie Walker. Mackenzie comes from a famous racing dynasty that dates back to his grandfather Ian Walker. Ian had his race team in the 1960s often referred to as the Lotus B Team, providing drives for future World Champions, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark. With his greatest claim to fame was possibly in brokering the deal that brough John Player sponsorship to MotorSport.
For Sports 2000 Historians, Mackenzie’s father Sean, is of more significance being Championship runner up in 1984 and Champion in 1985 with his best known adversary being Ian Flux. Sean later moved into Formula 3, International Sports Car Racing and British Touring Cars in the RS500 Cosworth era.
Mackenzie comes from Ginetta racing where he has scored 22 podiums, 1 win and 4 fastest laps. Having had a years break it was good to see the Walker name connected with Sports 2000 again to perhaps become another challenger for podium positions over the weekend.
Ben Cater was hoping to convert his raw pace into a podium finish along with Richard Johnson who went really well at Donington in the Lola T88/90.
The morning test session would remove another name from the entry when Paul Trayhurn retired with a split brake pipe which could not be repaired. We hope Paul will be back for a much better season in 2025 to keep some of the young guns in check

Qualifying

Following the Friday problems Tim Tudor was keen to be out in the University of Wales car to ensure it was in good condition to hand over to Patrick Sherrington.
In the opening laps it would be Josh Law, who set the opening pace from Mackenzie Walker, Ben Cater, Ash Law and Michael Gibbins.
As the session wore on Michael Gibbins moved into the top spot from Josh, James Barwell who would be driving the car this weekend and Mackenzie Waker.
Coming up to half distance Jon Harmer had the car snap right on him approaching Riches sending him into the tyre wall. John Owen following had nowhere to go all he could do was slow down and hope to miss the Tiga as Ben Cater and one other following scattered in avoidance as they saw why John had slowed. A red flag brought the session to a halt. Ben Cater returning to the paddock after he left the track in avoidance. Andrew Noble also taking the drive back to the paddock as well.
Following the Qualifying Jon Harmer explained he had caught one of the raised kerbs earlier in the lap. Suspecting possible damage, he decided to slow the car to bring it gently back to the pits. The deceleration appeared to be the trigger for his suspension to collapse and the car to snap violently ending his racing for the weekend. This left three cars in the Historic Class, Nik Johnson, Mike Fry and Mark Hobbs. All Mark had to do would be to stay on the track and he could be looking at his first podium with Sports 2000
Patrick Sherrington got behind the wheel of the University of Wales car for when the qualifying resumed for the last 10 minutes. There was a diagonal line of oil across the approach to Riches which was liberally dressed before the cars went back on track.
At the resumption of the qualifying Josh Law was keen to establish his place at the top of the order. Quickly bettering his time from the first half of qualifying. Michael Gibbins rarely for his dominant season could not match Josh and had to settle for second spot. Third quickest would be Mackenzie Walker with Patrick Sherrington 4th very happy with his run in the car. Richard Johnson again running the Lola as an Invitation car was 5th fastest with James Barwell 6th. Ben Cater would be 7th with Ash Law 8th, Colin Peach 9th and John Illey would complete the top 10. Mike Turner was very happy with his progress that had started at Donington in September qualifying only a couple of tenths of his best time for Snetterton he was looking forward to a good tussle with Roger Donnan for the Derek Bell Class.
It was a very anxious Colin Peach following qualifying. He needed to finish and finish in front of John Owen. If he could do that in Race One he would win the class. Such was the nature of weekend so far. Nothing appeared certain.

Race 1

After the dramas of qualifying there would only be 18 cars lining up to take part in the first race. Which took place just after the lunch break on a bright and sunny afternoon. Although with all the frantic work taking place in the paddock it did look like the grid would be further depleted. The University boys had a last minute scramble on John Iley’s car although that was a quick fix. For James Barwell the tension was very high. The right rear upright had broken and they needed to replace the section.
It was a concerted effort to get the part replaced and the car back together again in time for the race. The rest of the field were being led out onto the grid for their formation lap as James drove down the paddock to take a place at the back of the grid. To line up in his proper grid position for the start.
Confusion on the start gantry did create problems at the start, with red lights going out followed by the five second board. Everyone avoided each other as indecision caused a few problems down the grid. Through the confusion at the end of lap 1 it would be Josh Law, leading Michael Gibbins with Mackenzie Walker following in 3rd place. The first of the non MCR runners Richard Johnson was 4th in the Invitation Lola T88/90 who had a fired up Patrick Sherrington close in his wheel tracks.
Patrick confirming afterwards that he felt the car was the best it had been all year. There was then a gap back to Ash Law who had Ben Cater for company. Colin Peach, along with John Iley had been caught at the start and he was pushing his Van Diemen on towards the opposition that had a gap on him. Roger Donnan and John Owen, Colin Peach’s championship rival, completing the top 10.
The Historic grid having had a separate flag start had a clean run away with Nik Johnson having a clear track in front of him followed by Mike Fry and Mark Hobbs.
James Barwell, retired to the pits at the end of lap 1. All of the teams hard work unfortunately had been in vain. The replacement part had a different mounting point which meant that the rear wheel was lifting off the tarmac. It was a great shame for what had been a great team effort particularly with James having been so competitive in qualifying.
On lap 3 there was contact between Colin Peach and Ben Cater as the pair caught Ash Law, with Ben spinning off to rejoin in 13th place behind Andrew Butler. Ben passing Andrew on the following lap to catch up with John Iley who was having a dice with Mike Turner. On the start of lap 5 the trio crossing the line side by side. Mike Turner being the meat in the sandwich as John passed on one side and Ben the other. This great race came to an end at Riches. When John and Ben came together John spinning off towards the tyre barrier and a safety car was brought into play.
Andrew Butler following had taken to the dirt to avoid the cars only to get to Wilsons, the hairpin leading into the 300 section, where he spun and was able to continue regaining the lost time as the field bunched under the safety car.
At the head of the field the leading trio had remained static throughout. Josh reminding everyone that he is a former champion with a healthy lead over Michael Gibbins the current champion and champion elect for 2024, from Mackenzie Walker. When the cars crossed the line it would be Patrick Sherington in 4th place from Richard Johnson in 5th place, Ash Law in 6th Colin Peach now 7th with Roger Donan 8th, John Owen 9th and Mike Turner 10th. Mike probably breathing a huge sigh of relief in that he had not been caught up in the Riches incident. Although prior to the incident he had enjoyed the dice with John Iley and Andrew Butler.
Prompt work by the recovery team at Snetterton who had gained experience of recovering the University cars when Tim Tudor’s brakes seized on Friday, had the cars back racing within 3 laps.
Patrick Sherington’s 4th place was in question and post race investigation resolved the question. At the restart Josh Law again led the field away with Mackenzie Walker following Michael Gibbins for a lap before the two champions raced off into the distance. Patrick Sherington was not going to let the newcomer get away and he shadowed Mackenzie all the way to the line. Richard Johnson had a lonely race in 5th place dropping back from Patrick with a comfortable cushion back to Ash Law who had Colin Peach following.
For Colin the remaining laps were a nightmare. The car had lost its initial pace and he became an easier target for all those following. The first to pass was Roger Donnan, followed by Ben Cater. Class rival John Owen was drawing closer with every lap. Although John now had Mike Turner following him closely along with a recovered Andrew Butler
The race order across the finish line would be. A win for Josh Law, something that had eluded him much of the year. Second place would be Michael Gibbins only the third time in the season he had not been on the top step. Third place Mackenzie Walker making a great debut in Sports 2000. 4th on the road Patrick Sherington, this would be amended to 8th place having been found to have overtaken under yellow flags at the start of the safety car period.
This promoted Richard Johnson to 4th place, Ash Law 5th, Roger Donnan 6th and winner of the Derek Bell class, 7th after a busy race Ben Cater, relieved to see the flag. 8th Patrick Sherrington, 9th Colin Peach taking the race class win for class DB along with the Championship class title too. 10th and second in class to Colin Peach was John Owen who later admitted having enjoyed the race. The set up proving ideal for the long straights and fast sweeping corners of Snetterton. Andrew Noble successfully completed his race in the Gunn TS7 in 13th place. After the disappointment at Donington he was now on his way. In 14th place was the race leader for the Historic Classes Nik Johnson, who I am sure missed the opportunity of having a race with Jon Harmer, 2nd would be Mike Fry and 3rd place at last after a troubled season Mark Hobbs gaining his first Sports 2000 podium.

Race 2

It would be an earlier start for the Final race of the Sports 2000 calendar. Finishing just afternoon allowing time for presentations and some lunch time snacks, all being held in bright sunshine. A fitting end to a season that has tested both cars, drivers and loyal helpers. Prior to the cars making their way to the assembly area. The University team gathered around the two cars for an end of season picture.
Tim Tudor was full of praise for the students who had worked extremely hard to ensure both cars despite problems got to race. He could not remember a season so blighted by problems from accidents, component issues, and occasional driver error. Part of the team would be moving on their studies taking them away from the circuit. A new intake would be joining the team for 2025 and they have been set a very high standard to maintain by those departing.
The Barwell family team had also been working hard in the paddock, to resolve their rear suspension problems. They would be starting at the rear of Duratec grid for Race 2 alongside the repaired car of John Iley. With Ben Cater and Tim Tudor starting on Row 4 there was some exciting racing in prospect. At the front the focus of attention would be on the two season long protagonists Josh Law and Michael Gibbins. Could Michael take the Final win of the year or would it be a second victory of the weekend for Josh Law?
Absent from the grid would be Mike Turner. Mike suffering badly from a nasty bug he had picked up decided to call an end to his season after what had been a good result in Race 1.
In the Historic classes it was assumed another win in prospect for Nik Johnson. A great way to mark his return would be two wins to round off the season.
It was a clean start for the Final race of the day and everyone was out to make the most of the day. At the front Josh was out to prove that Snetterton was going to be his favourite circuit by leading from Michael Gibbins. Snetterton is a long lap and at the end Josh had managed to open up a gap to just over a second. At which point Michael launched a response not letting the MCR get too far away.
On the opening laps it would be Richard Johnson in 3rd place, from Mackenzie Walker followed by Ash Law, who had some fast cars from further down the grid rapidly making up places. Tim Tudor initially leading that charge but he had following him James Barwell from the back of the grid. With the car now set up properly he was looking for a good finish to end his season. James passing Tim at the end of lap 2. The order changing again on lap 4 when Tim retook 6th position.
Andrew Butler’s season sadly ending with a DNF on the first lap. The gearbox selector jamming forcing his retirement.
Mackenzie Walker passed Richard Johnson on lap 4 to move into the final podium position it was a great race as Colin Peach had Ben Cater in his sights in the battle for 8th place.
The front four positions had stabilised, although Ash Law was now only a second behind Richard Johnson towing along with him Tim Tudor and James Barwell. James was really pushing on having got behind Ash on lap 7 on the exit of Coram, he took the wide line on the left hoping to outbrake Ash on the entrance to Murray’s. Carrying too much speed James locked up taking to the grass accelerating his progress rather than slowing. He almost missed the front of Ash’s car but not quite. Both cars sustained damage. James retiring on the grass on the outside of Murray’s in a place deemed safe when a crestfallen James got out of the car. Ash retiring to the pits. Independent of the accident on the same lap Ben Cater pulled off retiring with mechanical problems.
The race was able to run to the end without the intervention of the Safety car. The gap between Josh and Michael at the front varying between 3.51 seconds and 4.24 seconds. Josh appeared to have the answer to every challenge from Michael. On lap 10 the lead extended to 5.41 seconds before Michael took to the escape road at the Esses on lap 11. With the aid of the Marshals he pushed the car off the circuit. An alternator failure ending his season. His quick thinking again saving the race from Safety Car intervention.
Speaking after the race Michael said he was very happy with his season. Losing only 4 races in total against great opposition from Josh, Tim Tudor, Tom Stoten and others. He thought it was a pretty good average.
The race ended with a win for Josh Law, second place to Mackenzie Walker, third place to Richard Johnson, followed by Tim Tudor, Colin Peach, Roger Donnan who was able to claim the Derek Bell Trophy Championship as well as a 5th place overall in the Duratec, John Iley, 7th in the race from John Owen 8th . One lap down following a pit stop Andrew Noble completed the Duratec runners.
After a lonely race John Owen admitted to having some fun trying out different breaking points and lines being highly delighted to have gained his first track limits warning for the season.
Nik Johnson ensured it was a family of podium finishers by taking the top step in the Historic classes from Mike Fry and Mark Hobbs. Mark concluding his season with a double podium finish. Nik not only winning but setting a new class lap record. Historic runners the gauntlet has been thrown down. We hope to see a number of you come to race next year.
In the absence of Nick Bates, Mike Fry hosted the Final presentations for the year with the assistance of Sean Walker. Roger Donnan collecting the Driver of the Day award for what had been two Championship winning performances.
During the weekend, Parc Fermes were held with tyre bar codes and camera cards being collected. All tyres were correct and all cards thankfully working. The new Technical Scrutineer Peter French got to have a proper look at the cars to plan for 2025
On the Saturday afternoon the provisional Calendar for 2025 was announced. Club members will be receiving the dates and notes from the meeting in due course.
This writer would like to extend his personal thanks to the drivers and team members who have taken the time to pass on information to me during the year to make this as full and detailed report as possible. Your contributions have been greatly appreciated.