DUNLOP RADICAL UK CUP

The 'World's Fastest Man', Andy Green, will join a packed grid this weekend, at the mid-point of another hotly-contested UK Cup season.

Green will join the Radical UK Works Team in an SR3 RS, using the races on the Indy layout to develop his reactions and driving skills in a controlled environment, in preparation to drive BLOODHOUND SSC in 2013, and set a new World Land Speed Record in excess of 1,000mph. Green’s driving was last tested in earnest during his record-breaking 763mph run in 1997, at the controls of Thrust SSC, a record which still stands, but it will be a very different prospect racing a 570kg SR3 RS, in comparison to Thrust SSC’s 10.5 tonne kerb weight.

“The benefit of using the SR3 RS in a race environment is to hone my physical and psychological responses ahead of the record attempt, as a high-performance yet forgiving race car it is ideal for the purpose,” said Andy during testing for the races. “Recognising the rapidly changing grip and stability of a race car in race conditions is important, learning to interpret and react to them quickly and safely. The SR3 RS is the ideal car to practice in; I know few other straight-line drivers that also drive on-track, but those who do recognise the benefits.”

As a guest driver, Green won’t be eligible for points, but in the SR3 RS he’ll be sharing with motoring journalist Chris Harris, the pair will be racing in the highly-competitive Supersports Class as car #1000 to mark this special occasion. Established Radical racer Gary Kane currently leads the Supersport category by 26 points, courtesy of strong showings at the season’s opening rounds at Snetterton and Spa, but recent series entrants Chris Headlam and Jamie Stanley are catching up as their pace continues to improve.

The Supersports Class welcome two new teams at Brands Hatch. The Radical UK Works Team sees racing newcomer Max Hilliard and former Ginetta racer Neil Houston join the team, whilst privateers Peter White and Cliff Butler are another welcome addition the grid.

In the Masters Class for SR8s, 2010 UK Cup and Masters series winners Terrence Woodward/Ross Kaiser are well on their way to another title, currently leading the UK Cup overall on 82 points, albeit only four points ahead of rivals Tony Wells/James Littlejohn in the Marks Electrical Racing squad. Wells has his eye very much on the championship, but he’s got stiff competition in the form of privateer Zac Chapman as well, the Corfe Castle youngster on 70 points and still well in contention. 

PERFORMANCE DIRECT RADICAL CLUBMAN’S CUP

Brands Hatch marks the mid-point of the 2012 Performance Direct Radical Clubman's Cup, with the title standings delicately poised between the classes.

Former FPA racer Matt Bell lead the standings to the last round at Silverstone, but after failing to finish both races, Essex racer Bradley Smith took his maiden car race win, followed by another later in the day. As a result, he ties with Bell in the Supersport Class standings for SR3s and SR3 RSs on 90 points apiece.

They’re no longer leading the series however; Prosport Class stalwart Mark Abbott heads the field with 113 points, having shrewdly played his ‘Joker’ for double points at Donington, scoring 53 points as a result. In Abbott’s 2011 car is Brian Murphy, currently runner-up in the class on 87 points, but increasing in speed all the time, and showing great race craft in the battle for the class lead at Silverstone.

A busy 23-car grid is anticipated for this ever-popular Brands Indy event, with Supersports runners forming the bulk of the entries. Amongst these will be Cliff Butler, returning to Radical racing from other series, but with previous experience in Radical’s former Biduro series. Butler will share his car with Peter White, another Clubman’s Cup newcomer, and the pair will also contest the weekend’s UK Cup rounds, so they’ll be busy on Saturday!

After missing the Silverstone round, look out for Martin Brooks in his black PR6. Whilst Brooks hasn’t always had luck on his side during the selected rounds he’s contested in 2012 and 2011, his pace and race craft means he’ll be in the hunt for a race win, whilst RAW Motorsport’s Gary Kane and Ben Dimmack (following his Driver of the Day award at Silverstone for two thrilling, hard-fought races) could also be a threat to the established frontrunners.