Buddy Club Civic Cup shakes down at Silverstone
The inaugural ‘shake-down’ rounds of the Buddy Club Civic Cup, (or BCCC as it is fast becoming known), proved to be a huge hit with both drivers and spectators alike as the sun shone down at the home of British motorsport, Silverstone.
Despite being a fledgling series, currently contained within the larger Nippon Challenge, constructors SPD Automotive had managed to prepare 6 pristine EK4 Honda Civics for customers in time for this first meeting.
The series is unique in its approach in attracting drivers, offering pre-built cars, as well as the usual control packages to allow people an easy and cost effective way to start racing. Turn-key packages start from only £7,400 for the standard, race-ready car thanks to Buddy Club UK pre ‘sponsoring’ the cost of many of their own tuning parts in exchange for competitors agreeing to completing two seasons and running the series graphics pack.
Race action was exciting from the get-go, with ex-Toyo Tires Class D champion Paul Cowland putting in a respectable effort from his first-ever drive in the series, but even this solid performance was eclipsed by series creator, Paul Hughes, in an incredible ‘exhibition’ drive in the series ‘T’ car. Starting in 40th place as reserve, ex Time Attack winner Hughes, stormed through almost the entire pack to battle with Cowland before passing him with a few laps to go. The pair finished 8th and 9th respectively in a packed field of Nippon cars. Taking 1st and 2nd in the BCCC and Nippon GT200 classes.
Race 2 saw race novice Richard Hockley suddenly find form in his newly-built car, showing the poise and pace to challenge both Hughes and Cowland in what turned out to be an epic three-way battle for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, that saw each car taking, losing and re-taking the lead about 4 or 5 times each lap – for ten laps! The sun-baked crowd certainly seemed to appreciate the BTCC-style entertainment with the cars dicing inches from each other until the chequered flag, with Hughes taking a worthy win, followed closely by Hockley and Cowland. The spread between all three cars was just under 4 seconds on the line and was good enough to place them 5th, 6th and 7th overall in the Nippon standings. Sadly, new driver, Andy Howell tussled with an MR2 near Maggots, clipping the barrier and putting him out of the race. Mike Hamlett and Dave Payling took 4th and 5th respectively in the BCCC class.
The first proper round of the BCCC will be at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on the 1st of May.. With the newer drivers bound to have picked up a little pace.. expect the action and racing to be even closer!
For more information on the series please visit the facebook page at facebook.com/buddyclub.civic.cup
