The fifth and penultimate round of the 2024 season was held on the weekend of 24th/25th August at the challenging circuit at Halifax . There was an improved turnout with nearly 40 drivers booked in. Although the forecast was for a rain interrupted weekend, the drivers were greeted by bright sunshine on Saturday morning and apart from the occasional light shower the day was dry with good grip.
Sunday morning was dull but dry and there was a 45 minute open practice for drivers unable to attend on the Saturday. This was followed by the usual driver’s briefing . The drivers were also asked to think of what they wanted next season , being encouraged to put in their proposals for consideration at the the AGM.
It was dry for all the four rounds of heats with most drivers gradually improving their times.
At the end of qualifying the positions were as follows:
200mm Touring
TQ - Alex Thurston
2nd - Ollie King
3rd - Matt Dunning
220mm GT
TQ - Matthew Cook
2nd - Bailey Rice Draycott
3rd - Richard Kozakiewicz
Wide Touring
TQ - Jonathan Withington
2nd - Neal Wallace
3rd - Devendra Mahatme
GT8 Electric
TQ - Mark Green
2nd - Steve White
3rd - Nigel Fox
Finals
B Final GT8 Electric
Bob Harley took the first two legs with a close battle between Keith Middleton and newcomer Lee Ward for the remaining podium places. Keith just nicked it with Lee claiming his first podium finish.
1st - Bob Harley
2nd - Keith Middleton
3rd - Lee Ward
C Final 1/10
Top qualifier Dev Mahatme had a trouble free run and led from start to finish . Some drivers dropped out with mechanical issues. Frank Noel came in 4 laps down but less than a lap in front of Brent who achieved his first podium finish .
1st - Devendra Mahatme (Capricorn)
2nd - Frank Noel (X-Ray)
3rd - Brent Jeffrey (Capricorn)
B Final 1/10
This started with a very grey sky with all drivers on dry tyres. Jon led off and had a decent lead. The rain then started with all cars struggling. Neal Wallace was the first to make a move coming in to change to damp tyres. Shortly after Phil Edwards and John Russell followed suit. Jon W continued on dry tyres with his pitman Nick looking skywards hoping for the rain to stop which it didn’t. Despite being nearly 5 laps down Neal’s decision proved a masterstroke with him gradually overhauling Jon with several minutes to go. Phil also charged up through the field on his damps also overtaking Jon. Also closing in was John Russell after his tyre change but not enough to snatch third place. A great final to watch due the changing weather and tactics.
1st - Neal Wallace (Serpent)
2nd - Phil Edwards (Serpent)
3rd - Jonathan Withington (X-Ray )
A final GT8 Electric
TQ Mark Green dominated , with both Steve and Nigel in a close tussle . Mark took the first two legs and sat out the third. This ended up as a race off for second with Steve just coming out in front.
1st - Mark Green (Serpent)
2nd - Steve White (Serpent)
3rd - Nigel Fox
A Final 1/10
TQ Alex Thurston led from start to finish and in doing so sealed the 200mm championship with one round to go. Matt Cook was chasing in a comfortable second. Bailey for the most part was in third with Matt Dunning challenging as well. Unfortunately Bailey ran out of fuel twice, with Matt suffering engine issues dropping both down the field.. Matt Cook’s engine blew near the end but he had enough lead to keep second. The resulting battle for third was very close with Mark coming in third just 3 seconds ahead of Richard with Richard Boult just a second further back !
1st - Alex Thurston (Mugen)
2nd - Matthew Cook (Mugen)
3rd - Mark Boothman (Shepherd)
Good entry numbers and the weather staying mainly dry resulted in a great weekends racing all round with some close and very competitive finals .
Thanks to the Halifax club, especially Bev in race control, and Muriel in the cafe, for running the meeting smoothly and keeping everyone fed and watered . The final round takes place at the Cotswolds circuit on the weekend of the 14th & 15th September.