Whiteline 22B.com Sprint Series – Cadwell Park 2016 Report

The sixth and final round of the Whiteline 22B Sprint Series saw a new name at the top of the time sheets: Dave Coe, who won class S3 and in doing so, set the fastest time of the day. George Rigby claimed the honours in Class S2, with A lan Tait doing likewise for the third event in succession in Class S1.

Tait’s string of victories enabled him to secure the 2016 title for the category for fast-road specification cars, whereas in Classes S2 for track specification cars and S3 for cars with unlimited modifications, both this year’s winners – Joe Cross and Olly Clark – had wrapped up their respective titles on the previous round and therefore, had opted not to compete this weekend

Although not taking part, Clark however, was in attendance. The RCM team had brought Gobstopper II to the track and in between the competitive sessions, he demonstrated just what this beast of a machine was capable of as the Class S3 title-holder carried out a series of exhibition runs.

The 2016 Whiteline 22B Sprint Series finale took place on Saturday 29th October at what is regarded as – due to its elevations and character – the most enjoyable circuit to drive in the UK: Cadwell Park. Aiming to provide competitors with the longest course possible, series organisers erected the start timing beam just to the left of the paddock entrance road at the top of a section known as ‘The Mountain’ and located the flying finish after Mansfield thereby allowing drivers time to slow down before returning to the paddock..

Following the compulsory sighting run and the morning’s three practice runs, the competitive action got underway as soon as possible and, with the weather dry, bright and cool, conditions were almost perfect for a day of high-speed motorsport. However, as it transpired, some drivers found the ambience a little too encouraging and a series of delays were caused by a variety of competitor excursions, which meant that a maximum of four competitive runs was to be the order of the day.

Fastest on the two opening runs was Tim Bedford in his WRX Impreza, whose fastest-out-of-the-blocks strategy posted a target on his back. Consequently, driving his STI Subaru, Coe responded to the challenge and on the third run set what was to become the fastest time of the day. He was closely shadowed by John Stevenson in his Type R Impreza, who set a time just 0.37 secs slower and consequently claimed second place.

Such were their efforts on the third run, the overall and Class S3 positions remained unchanged following run four and therefore, the category podium comprised Coe, Stevenson and Bedford – in that order.

In contrast, the battle for S2 honours was a less intense affair, with Rigby enjoying a relatively unchallenged day in his Spec C Impreza. Second place went to Chris Hetherington in an STI, with third going to Clive Fulcher who, for the final, was driving his Impreza wagon.

Driving his STI, Malcolm McDonald was first to lead the S1 Class but, even after missing out on the first competitive run, it didn’t take long for Tait to get up to speed and assume his regular position at the front of the fast-road category field. He was followed home by Adrian Bristow in a Type RA Impreza, who set the second-fastest S1 time on the final run of the day.
At the end of the event organisers were delighted to learn that the competitors had hailed the day a great success. Plans for 2017 are now being discussed and an announcement is expected in the next few weeks.

The 2016 Whiteline 22B.com Sprint Series is sponsored by: Whiteline Performance Suspension, AS Performance, Chevron Motorsport and Area 52 Autosport.

Increasing the series’ profile this year is the addition of live commentary and video filming at every round that will be broadcast throughout the season on social media.