Powertec Radical Challenge – Round 1, Silverstone - 14 April 2007


Powertec Radical Challenge
The first race of the season for the Powertec Radical Challenge took place on Saturday 7th April at a very sunny Silverstone.

A grid of 15 cars lined up for qualifying but unfortunately Simon Tilling (Prosport) had to start at the back of the grid for both races, after an oil leak caused him to miss the session.

Jon Ali (SR3) and Tim Greaves (SR8) almost didn’t make qualifying either as noise testing prior to going out on track meant two very quick exhaust changes were made.

New-to-Radical racing this season, Mitch Millet (SR4) run by Xero Competition was there to clock up some racing miles before the start of the Biduro season.

Race 1
 All 16 cars lined up on the grid, with the SR8 of Derek Johnston on pole position. However ex-bike racer Derek didn’t realise that there was no green light after the red and stayed still on his pole whilst the rest of the field charged past. Undaunted Derek joined the throng and was soon charging through the myriad Radical’s to have a race-long battle with Tim Greaves (SR8) and Nick Dove (SR3).

Starting from the back of the grid, Simon Tilling (Prosport) had moved up several positions before the end of lap 1 and by mid-race distance was within sight of Paul Steele in his SR4. Phil Jenkins in his standard Prosport was already tailing Paul Steele and was not about to give up his place easily.

Novice driver, Mitch Millet found a new use for his SR4 and kept the crowds amused at Luffield as he practiced his ballet movements on 4 consecutive laps!

The race finished with Derek Johnston (SR8) taking the chequered flag closely followed by Tim Greaves (SR8) who coughed and spluttered across the line as his car struggled to complete the race without petrol but managed to take a Challenge lap record of 54.217 secs in the process, Nick Dove (SR3) and Simon Tilling (Prosport).

Race 2
 Johnston, now understanding that the green lights would not be shown headed off into Copse with Tim Greaves (fuel tank full!), Nick Dove and Phil Jenkins in hot pursuit. Simon Tilling made another excellent start and was past six cars in the first lap.

Phil Abbott, Jacob Greaves and Jon Ali had an almost race long ding-dong for positions finishing Greaves, Ali, Abbott at the line. Technical gremlins forced rookie driver Clifford Drury (SR3) to retire in the early stages of race two whilst Richard Stables (Clubsport), Nigel Cox (SR3) and Ian Charles had their own private battle at the back of the field.

Tim Greaves crossed the line first this time with Derek Johnston not far behind in 2nd place and Nick Dove taking his second 3rd place of the day. Simon Tilling again fought his way through the field to finish in 4th position.

Two very exciting races to start the season for the Powertec Radical Challenge. Sixteen cars of varying models, sixteen very different drivers – two excellent, exciting races, one lap record.

If you would like to be a part of the next Radical Challenge round please contact the Radical Office for registration forms.


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