For 2022 we are back in the Mazda MX-5 SuperCup, running alongside Alex in his Miller Motorsport awning. We’ll have support from Fraser and Richard from BLiNK, plus be welcoming Terry as our new mechanic.
It’s a great calendar with two visits to Silverstone and Snetterton plus trips to Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park and Donington Park. We are also happy to have Cambridge FD, Bexhill Property Maintenance and JLex Networks all return as partners.
2022 BRSCC Mazda MX-5 SuperCup.
Round 1, Silverstone International Circuit.
Heading to round 1, we had only a couple of preseason track days behind us, so Silverstone was the first time we’d see how competitive we were. The Friday test went well and I was in the front group. Qualifying was tricky though as I managed to get caught up in some traffic when my tyres were at their best and I would line up 9th for race one.
All of the races were great fun as the Silverstone International circuit is prefect for close quarters slipstream Mazda racing. I worked my way up to third in race one and ran there for several laps before finishing fifth. I found myself running nicely in the front group in race two as well, but accidentally touched a car in front at the chicane and they went round. This lost us both places and I also received a penalty, which cost me in the results and meant I would start 10th in race three. It was another fun race though, where I got to the front pack near the end of the race, but didn’t have the pace to work my way through it, ending up seventh.
Overall round one was not a bad start, but I had been hoping for more pace. Work to do!
2022 BRSCC Mazda MX-5 SuperCup.
Round 2, Snetterton.
Next, we went to Snetterton. We tried a different approach with set up and for whatever reason I couldn’t get it to work. Qualifying was terrible and we could only manage 16th. So before race one we quickly changed the car back!
It did feel better in the races, but somehow not completely right. The racing was regulation Mazda action all the way, and I finished up 11th.
I started race two from 14th and this was a much better race. I was able to work my way through the pack and was running fourth for a few laps. The battling was fierce and I ended up sixth, but was pretty pleased.
This gave me pole for race three. I knew I wasn’t going to have the pace (and I was right) but I just tried to do my best and did lead for a couple of laps. I dropped to third but was sticking with everyone in the train and going well. About half way through the race I was overtaken with a late move that hung me out to dry and I lost six positions in one go. Running at the back of the front pack I was disappointed not to be able to make headway, finishing seventh.
Afterwards we discovered issues with both the brake bias valve and the dampers, which would not have helped my speed. Getting these sorted by the next round is critical and I look forward to having another go at scoring my first podium of the season.
