FPAUDI: Croft: Circit preview

FORMULA PALMER AUDI SHOWDOWN SET FOR CROFT

The ambitious Darlington and District Motor Club bring the curtain down on a summer of car racing when they play host to the final meeting of the season at Croft Circuit near Darlington this weekend (September 22/23rd).

And with a total of 17 action packed races over the weekend for single seaters, sports and saloon cars, a number of championships are set to be decided around the North's only permanent international motorsport venue.

The impressive Formula Palmer Audi Championship makes a rare visit to Croft for the final three races of the series and will feature some stars of tomorrow. Included amongst the entry list is 17 year old Alex Brundle whose father is ex F1 star and now television commentator, Martin Brundle. The title however, will be decided between series leader Tim Bridgman from Stansted and Sheffield's Stefan Wilson, brother of Indy Car ace Justin. Bridgman holds a healthy advantage over the 18 year old Yorkshireman but having won at Donington Park last time out, Wilson will be looking for a repeat performance if he's to remain in with a chance of the crown.

Local hopes lie with Whitby 's Derrick Collin, now in his fourth season in the series and whose experience is such that he has more FPA races under his belt than any other driver in the field. And with drivers from Italy , Russia and Cyprus in action, it will be a truly international flavour to the season's finale.

The other single seater offering at Croft will be the Monoposto cars who will have a race for all four classes each day. Catering for 1200cc, 1600cc, 1800cc and 2000cc versions, local drivers include Chris Lewis from Bedale, Newcastle 's Neil Gregory and Mick Kinghorn and Harrogate driver Richard Snuggs all in the 2000cc class.

The popular bike-engined Legends will also be in action as will drivers in the competitive Northern Saloon and Sports Car Championship which will see the season long battle resolved in the remaining classes.

Predominantly contested by local drivers, Class B is headed by Ingleby Barwick driver David Botterill in his Porsche and Darlington's David Cox is looking to improve his score in Class C in his 2000cc Peugeot 205. Fellow townsman Paul Moss heads Class E in his Citroen and in Class H, Richmond driver Brian Morris will be hoping to consolidate his title in his Datsun 240Z.

-credit: croft