MR2 CHALLENGE - BRANDS HATCH, SATURDAY 10th JUNE 2006

Another welcoming sizzling hot day, and the same day that England played Paraguay in the first round of the world cup. It was therefore no surprise that Karl and myself almost had Brands Hatch to ourselves.

The MR2 Challenge race was due to start at around 3pm, but a serious accident during the preceding race resulted in a rather long delay. Whilst waiting we received a phone call from Alan Scott. He had just arrived at the circuit and had possession of keys to a hospitality suite and invited us to join him. Apparently his firm has hired the suite for the whole year and use it for corporate entertainment. As it was not in use that day, Alan had permission to use the suite. By a stroke of luck, there was a TV in the suite so we were able to watch the soccer as well as the racing.

This year the MR2s had their own race, about 20 cars, all but two of them Mk1s. The hospitality suite was positioned just forward of the start/finish line and we had an excellent view of the whole circuit.

When the MR2 Challenge race eventually got under way, No 58, a white MK1 with red bumpers and headlight covers led the way from the start, tussling throughout the race with a MK2 tubby. These two were followed closely by the main pack of MR2’s but they were untouchable. Before we had realised, the race was completed so we left the hospitality suite and headed for the pits to take some photos of the cars in the paddock before returning to watch the remaining races.

Another exciting day, shame most of you missed it but the MR2s are back at Brands Hatch on Sunday 13th August, so don’t miss it this time!

MR2s make their way to the pits

Alan Scott in the hospitality suite

Getting ready to start the race

And they’re off!

The race winner