Barford – Barnard Castle Storage sponsored Round 2 of the Pro Grand UK Championship and Round 1 for the Minicups UK (4th May)

With some of the drivers with work commitments numbers were a little low for the trip to Barford but boy it didn’t disappoint. Most of the drivers headed up on the Saturday and made a weekend of it with the remaining drivers turning up Sunday morning. Although a little chilly, the sun was shining for most of the day with just a few quick showers to contend with but nothing warranting the Wets being used.

Heat 1 of the Minicups saw some great racing and great control from the youngsters. With all cars heading out on slick tyres, as they were forming the grid, a quick rain shower made the first couple of laps very tricky conditions which all drivers handled superbly. 2024 Champion Ethan Bath got off to winning ways with last years challenger no 46 Nic Farmer in close second. Special mentions to our youngest driver No 24 Arthur Bath and our newest driver No 17 George Swann for finishing 3rd and 4th respectively and managing to keep the cars pointing in one direction in tricky conditions.

Heat 2 was a lot drier for the drivers and they managed to showcase their skills in much better conditions. With an unfortunate coming together between No 46 and 17 Nic ended up spinning and facing the wrong direction. Once he got going again, he managed to chase down the next driver and still manage to finish 3rd despite his misfortune. Well done to Arthur for his second place whilst following his brother over the line with a Bath 1-2, with No 17 George picking up 4th for the second time.

Final was more like heat 1 with some close racing between 25 and 46 for the top two positions and then 24 and 17 battling it out for 3rd and 4th with all cars crossing the line respectively in those positions. Some very close clean racing between all drivers throughout the day and all 4 drivers being rewarded with a trophy each on the final with thanks to Barford Raceway and Barnard Castle Storage for making that happen.

Now onto the big cars and for their three races:-

Heat 1 saw No 06 Harry Winyard take pole position and was favourite to take the win and he did not let us down. Young Harry drove a faultless race and won his first race of 2025 with a flag to flag performance taking the win comfortably over the chasing second place No 25 Robin Bath. 3rd and 4thwas closely contested with No 16 Kevin Gabriel edging out No 21 Steve Lees across the line, with No 50 Rob Cordell taking 5th and 08 Ant Rogers bringing up the rear.

Heat 2 saw some more good battles with the grid being reversed from Heat 1 result and the faster cars starting off the back making it harder for them to get through. First couple of laps saw some good close racing and the drivers showing respect to each other as always. As No 21 took an early lead on lap 1 with No 25 in close pursuit the rest of the field battled for 3rd place. The first two were nose to tale for most of the race with 21 just holding off the challenge with 25 finishing in close second. The rest of the field put on a good show with No 16 pipping the 06 machine and heat 1 winner to 3rd place with numbers 08 and 50 making up the final two spots.

With the Points being totted up from Heats 1 and 2 the Final grid was decided and with 06 and 21 on the same points, Harry started from inside back row due to his win in heat 1 with Robin taking the final spot on the grid with him being top point scorer so far with two seconds in the first two heats. The grid made for a fantastic race and again very close fast racing was enjoyed by the Barford crowd. First couple of laps were congested with bumper to bumper action but not one bit pf paint was exchanged which is credit to the drivers on the tight track. Steve 21 managed to make a break for it with a move round the outside of 25 and 08 which saw him lead the rest of the race and taking the win. No 25 made it a hatrick of second places for the day with 06 taking the final spot on the podium for the final race of the day. Numbers 16, 08 and 50 finishing 4th, 5th and 6th.

All the drivers love the visit to Barford as them and other club members are made to feel very welcome each year. With the tight track it never fails to deliver with some exciting racing. Thanks to all at Barford for the great venue.