Round two of the Whiteline 22B.com Sprint Series took place at Snetterton on Sunday 1st May and again, featured an extensive mix of Subaru Imprezas across its three classes: S1 for fast road cars, S2 for track specification cars and S3 for cars that are allowed unlimited levels of modification. And even though it’s where the least amount of technical restrictions apply, it was the latter category that provided the closest competition, with just 0.62-seconds separating the top-three drivers.
Setting the fastest time of the day and claiming S3 honours was Rob Wakelin in his WRC-shelled Type R, while in Classes S2 and S1 it was Joe Cross in a Type RA and Adrian Bradley in a WRX that secured the top spots respectively.In keeping with this Spring’s unpredictable weather, Sunday in Norfolk was thankfully an occasion of stark contrast to that of round one in southwest Wales at Pembrey four weeks previously, where it had rained for most of the day. Consequently, the dry asphalt of Snetterton’s 100 circuit provided perfect conditions for driving flat-out against the clock.
The three practice runs that preceded the day’s eight competitive runs were enough to get things nicely warmed up and, when the competition started, it was Olly Clark in his Type R who led the charge - both overall and in Class S3. And, whilst Cross assumed his eventual position at the head of the S2 field, it was Alan Tait in his STI version that took an early lead in S1.
The following three runs saw Clark extend his advantage in S3. He went on to record a 42.36 on run number four, only to suffer technical problems on the next and consequently, was unable to start the remaining three. This left the door open for Wakelin who posted his best time on run six with an impressive 42.22. Tim Bedford was also gathering pace as the day went on and his 42.84 on the eighth and final run very nearly toppled Wakelin and Clark from their slightly more elevated positions on the podium.
In Class S2 the competition was just as fierce, when initially Cross headed the category after the first two runs, before Clive Fulcher went 0.15-seconds quicker on run three in his Type R Impreza. Cross then took a further 0.58-seconds off the time on run five and although both tried to go even quicker, it wasn’t to be and consequently Cross’ time of 43.84-seconds stood fast. Nial Bradley was third in the category driving the Impreza WRX he shared with his brother Adrian. For Class S1, things started just as competitively as the other two categories, with Tait setting a marker on the first run.
Adrian Bradley, however, gathered things together for run three and set what was to be his quickest time of the day with a 47.09. Although Tait came within 0.3-seconds on run five, Bradley held on to take the win, whilst Malcolm McDonald’s consistent performance in his Spec C Impreza secured him third place in the category.Following the event, MLRSS organisers went on record to thank the Snetterton staff, marshals, recovery crews and medical teams, for their valuable support and for helping ensure the event ran so smoothly.
Competitors now take a six-week sabbatical before the third round of this year’s Pace Ward MLR Sprint Series that takes place on 11th June at Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire.
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.
The 2016 Whiteline 22B.com Sprint Series is sponsored by: Whiteline Performance Suspension, AS Performance, Chevron Motorsport and Area 52 Autosport.
Round 2 Class WinnersClass Class sponsor Driver Car TimeS1 AS Performance Adrian Bradley Impreza WRX 46.98S2 Chevron Motorsport Joe Cross Impreza Type R 46.50S3 Area 52 Autosport Rob Wakelin Impreza Type R 43.36 (FTD)
