Just three weeks since the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres delivered six outstanding races at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, the all-action category is preparing to head back to the Kent venue next week as part of the spectacular American Speedfest 8.

Taking place on Independence Day weekend, 3rd/4th July, the USA-themed festival is always one of the biggest events on the UK motorsport calendar and even with the ongoing restrictions caused by COVID-19 it will be a sensational occasion with the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series topping the bill.

Of course, the Legends Cars will – as always – provide the ultimate race action and ahead of rounds five and six of the season former champion Miles Rudman (Sutton Coldfield) leads the championship thanks to a stellar start to the campaign.

After racing to a brace of victories during the season curtain-raiser at Cadwell Park back in late April, Rudman chalked-up a consistent haul of points once again with multiple podiums at Brands last time out to remain at the top of the standings ahead of five-time title winner John Mickel (Horsham).

Mickel, who has the most wins so far this year with three, is just 95 points adrift of the 2019 champion though and with 200 points up for grabs for a race victory the championship picture can change dramatically, and very quickly too.

Third in the standings is the always competitive Will Gibson (Camberley), and after racing to two victories at Brands earlier this month he will be aiming to continue that same momentum on the return to his ‘home’ venue.

Sean Smith (Marlow) hasn’t shown any signs of rustiness despite sitting out the 2020 season, and after the opening two weekends he is an impressive fourth in the championship ahead of fellow Legends Cars returnee Marcus Pett (Boston).

Rounding out the top six is category mainstay Jack Parker (Wolverhampton) who has encountered more than his share of misfortune already in 2021. As a proven multiple race winner and consistent front-runner, he should never be discounted.

Reigning champion Daniel Clark (Darras Hall), Steve Whitelegg (Bury), Nick Bridgeman (Baldock) and Steve McGill (Bo’ness) complete the championship top 10 – Whitelegg and Bridgeman having both secured race wins at Cadwell. Scottish racer McGill will be making a round journey of some 900 miles once again as he heads south to Brands next week from his home near the Firth of Forth.

In the battle of the Rookies so far, former Pick-Up Truck Racing Champion Scott Bourne (Worthing) has been incredibly impressive – mixing it at the sharp end with the established front-runners and taking his first top three overall finish last time out.

Bourne is over 500 points clear of fellow Rookie Charlie Budd (Henley-on-Thames) in the outright championship table, but it gets much closer thereafter among the Rookies with only 20 points covering Budd, ex-motorcycle racer Tom Brown (Stevenage), Chris Dewey (Wisbech) and Chris Brockhurst (Westgate).

“We’re only two weekends into the 2021 season and we’ve already been spoilt with some absolutely incredible action, right throughout the field”, said Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres owner Phil Cooper, “We’re expecting another grid of more than 30 cars for rounds five and six, so it’s guaranteed the racing will again be outstanding – when is Legends racing not!

“It’ll be very interesting to see if the drivers who were so successful at Brands three weeks ago can continue that momentum, or if some others come through to seize the initiative. Whether it’s the overall championship, or the Rookie battle, there is plenty for the fans at American Speedfest next weekend to follow and thoroughly enjoy.”

Legends Cars get the track action at American Speedfest 8 underway at 09.00 on Saturday, 3rd July, with qualifying ahead of Heat One at 11.45, Heat Two at 15.00 and the round five Final at 18.05. On Sunday, 4th July, qualifying will take place at 10.20 with Heat One starting at 14.20, Heat Two at 16.05 and the round six Final at 18.05.

Provisional 2021 Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres Points:
1st Miles Rudman, 2080pts; 2nd John Mickel, 1985pts; 3rd Will Gibson, 1760pts; 4th Sean Smith, 1485pts; 5th Marcus Pett, 1320pts; 6th Jack Parker, 1280pts