Bumper-to-bumper race action of the highest quality is heading to Snetterton 300 Circuit in Norfolk this coming weekend, 18th/19th September, as the Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres resumes for rounds 11 and 12 of the 2021 season.
After a fabulous and massively entertaining campaign thus far, in which 2019 champion Miles Rudman (Sutton Coldfield) has been in dominant form with 12 race victories, the title battle is reaching a crucial stage.
Since the previous event at Donington Park last month, where Rudman took five wins from six on a remarkable weekend, five-time former champion John Mickel (Horsham) has recovered 500 points onto his tally as the result of a successful appeal against a disqualification at Brands Hatch in June.
What was a lead of almost 1,000 points for Rudman over Will Gibson (Camberley) has now been reduced to 565 points, with Mickel now back up to second in the standings – 350 points clear of Gibson – after regaining his victory from Heat Two in round five. Gibson, who has four wins so far compared to Mickel’s six, will be determined to hit back in Norfolk.
Jack Parker (Wolverhampton) is next up in the title race in fourth position and also has a quartet of victories in 2021, including one success last time out at Donington. He is, as ever, a key player in the fight at the front of the championship.
The series top six is rounded out by Sean Smith (Marlow) and Steve Whitelegg (Bury), the latter having two victories to his credit already this year. Smith is still searching for his first win of the season, but he’s been racking up the points regardless. Other winners so far include Nick Bridgeman (Baldock), seventh in the championship, and Paul Simmons (Lingfield), who is 10th in the standings.
Reigning champion Daniel Clark (Darras Hall) is still seeking his first win and although eighth in the standings, he can never be discounted despite a tougher year than he would have liked. The top Rookie class racer, Andy Bird, is ninth in the overall championship and has been delivering some star performances in his maiden Legends Cars season.
Outside the top 10 there is plenty at stake with some key names aiming for big results – multiple Legends Cars race winner Marcus Pett (Boston), category mainstay Mike Schlup (Cuckfield) and racer of the only ‘van’ in Legends, the striking yellow Se-Van, Nathan Anthony (Horley).
Category Rookies like Charlie Budd (Henley-on-Thames) and ex-motorcycle racer Tom Brown (Stevenage) will be looking to make their presence felt too at the 2.97-mile track, both improving with every outing.
Providing an intriguing challenge, Snetterton’s 300 Circuit promotes incredible ‘bump drafting’ on its two long straights and the technical infield section can really shake-up the order – particularly at key overtaking points such as the two hairpins.
As at Donington in August, the coming weekend’s races will run as part of the support package to the British Truck Racing Championship. Terrific crowds are guaranteed as the motorcycle-engined pocket rockets of Legends Cars join again with the behemoths of the BTRA.
“Snetterton always delivers fantastic, and often unpredictable, racing so we’re very much looking forward to heading back there”, said Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres owner Phil Cooper, “There’s a wonderful battle unfolding for this year’s title and while Miles Rudman is in a strong position, there is still plenty of action left – beginning with next weekend’s six races.
“We’ve got a great mix of experienced race winners and front-runners, fast Rookies and very consistent championship mainstays who are looking to make the breakthrough. Legends Cars really is in brilliant health right now, the grid is packed with quality and the professionalism of the teams and drivers continually raises the bar. Get ready for some amazing action at Snetterton!”
Provisionally, round 11 qualifying will get underway at 09.00 on Saturday, 18th September, with Heat One starting at 11.00, Heat Two at 13.25 and the Final at 16.55. On Sunday, 19th September, qualifying begins at 09.00 with Heat One set to start at 11.25, Heat Two at 14.05 and the round 12 Final at 17.15. Live timing will be accessible HERE
Provisional 2021 Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres Points:
1st Miles Rudman, 5305pts; 2nd John Mickel, 4740pts; 3rd Will Gibson, 4390pts; 4th Jack Parker, 3935pts; 5th Sean Smith, 3865pts; 6th Steve Whitelegg, 3115pts