Cockshoot Cup at Croft

Twenty four drivers signed on at Croft for rounds two and three of the Cockshoot Cup Championship for 2014 on May 11th.

Driving rain ceased just before the qualification session began, but the track was still very wet with standing water at some of the circuit’s corners. All the drivers used their wet weather tyres. Pole position was set early in the session by Paul Clackett in his four cylinder powered MG ZS. Simon Lowery completed the front row driving the six cylinder MG ZS. On the second row were Silverstone victor Jason Simm and fastest Class B runner Ian Winstanley in his ZR 160. Quickest Class A runner was Andy Wolf in fourteenth spot, two places ahead of Ian Wright. All the cars finished the session safely.

The track had dried out for the start of round two, but rain was in the air and the track got damper with each lap through the twenty minute race. Simon Lowery got the best start and took the lead from Paul Clackett and Jason Simm. Simm closed on the two drivers in front, passed them, and went on to win the race. Paul and Simon made up the rest of the podium, the three being the top scorers in Class C. Meanwhile, Dave Morrison was on a charge, passing Ian Winstanley and for a short time holding third in the race. He settled for fourth and a Class B win from Ian. Third in Class on the road, but ineligible for points, was John Hewitt subbing for Mike Peters, so the points for third were won by Nick Ashman having his first race in a ZR 160. Andy Wolf took the lead in Class A, but all eyes were on Jeremy Toes who was charging through the field from the back row of the grid. At two thirds distance he caught Andy, but went too fast into Clervaux Corner and ended in the gravel trap. Andy also spun, but continued in the lead. Ian Wright suffered a delaying incident early in the race but got back to finish second in Class from Steve McKie who took third. Unfortunately, Steve’s gearbox failed at the end of the race so he would be unable to start round three.

Twenty two cars were able to start round three. Howard Hunt’s MG ZS was too badly damaged to race, but a massive effort resulted in Helen Waddington’s MG ZR160 being repaired and able to take the start. This time the track was almost completely dry with the lap times being at least five seconds quicker. Simon Lowery again got the best start and took the lead from Paul Clackett and Jason Simm, but the fastest man on the circuit was David Morrison in the red Midget. Simon slipped back behind Paul and Jason and then Jason took the lead from Paul. It was clear that David wanted to win the race this time, he passed Paul and then drew alongside the leader Jason at the hairpin. David nipped through into the lead with Jason going on to the very wet grass. By the time that he had regained the track, Paul was through to take second place and win Class C. David Coulthard drove the MGF Cup Car into fourth place after a good dice with Ashley Woodward in the MG ZS. Ian Winstanley drove another good race to take second in Class B. Third in Class B eventually went to Pete Bramble in his MG ZR 160 after Ian Whitt retired to the pits with a windscreen covered in mud and John Hewitt lost his Midget’s gears. This time, Jeremy Toes safely fought his way through the field to win Class A from Ian Wright and Andy Wolf who gained another podium finish. Adam Key, in the only Class F car present, drove two superb races to finish seventh twice.

The Championship leader is now Jason Simm, who also leads Class C. Class B is headed by Ian Winstanley and Andy Wolf and Ian Wright are joint Class A leaders. Rounds four and five of the Championship are on the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit at MG90 on June 21st and 22nd.

Photo taken by Graham Prosser