Formula Renault BARC Championship organisers are delighted at the number of early registrations for the thriving series, with 11 drivers confirming their place on the 2006 grid before the end of January.
The low-cost single-seater series, which uses identical cars to the Formula Renault UK with Michelin Championship, is preparing for its second year under Renault’s guidance. The early registrations are recognition for its position as an ideal stepping-stone for young racers starting out on a career or those wishing to compete in competitive racing on an affordable budget.
One driver who is already committed to the series and likely to be a leading contender is David Scott (Heathfield, E Sussex), who has recently purchased the 2005 championship-winning FR2000 of Nick Wilcox. Scott, 22, finished second in the ‘Club’ class, for pre-2000 cars, last season and this year will move up into the FR2000 class.
Competition for the FR2000 title is expected to come from Formula Ford graduate Richard Singleton (Conway, Wales) and Louis Hamilton-Smith (Norton, Worcs), who won three races in Formula Jedi last season. Newcomers Dominic Malvern (Ilford, Essex) and Welshman Hywel Lloyd (Corwen, Denbyshire) have also booked their places on the grid as have popular French duo Denis Autier (London) and Pierre Renom (London).
In ‘Club’ Class, Bill Allen (Hungerford, Berks) has registered his return to the series after finishing seventh in the championship in 2005. He is joined by Mark Terry (Chatham, Kent), who scored a fifth and a fourth place in the 2005 Formula Renault BARC Winter Championship, and newcomer Peter Brown (Pilning, Bristol).
The 2005 ‘Club’ Class Champion, Ian Pearson (Didcot, Oxon), has registered but is yet to decide whether to defend his title or move up to contest the FR2000 Class championship.
Championship Manager Simon North said: “It’s fantastic news to have more than 10 drivers already committed to the championship. We aim to provide affordable, exciting racing in a friendly atmosphere and the early confirmation of these registrations shows this is a series that racers want to be a part of.”
The 12-round Formula Renault BARC Championship gets underway with the first round at Silverstone on April 22nd and its final round at Brands Hatch on September 23rd/24th will see the series supporting the TOCA Tour for the first time.
For all the latest Formula Renault UK Championship with Michelin news visit the official Renault Sport UK website www.renaultsport.co.uk built by Racecar.
