14-race series set to be cracker (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

14-race series set to be cracker

1:04pm Friday 8th March 2013 in Sport

Larry Carter

DARLINGTON and District Motor Club’s hugely popular Northern Saloon and Sports Car Championship is set for another cracking season as the club has announced a 14- race series at four of the region’s top race tracks.

The format caters for just about every type of sports or saloon car with eight different classes depending upon age, engine size and modification.

The championship in 2012 had over 90 registered drivers which was acknowledged as an exceptional number for a regionallybased championship.

Racing mainly at Croft, the championship also visits Knockhill, Cadwell Park and the Oulton Park F3/GT meeting over the Easter weekend.

Regulations and details of thedifferent classes available in the series are available at the club’s website www.darlington-motor-club.org.uk and all classes are reviewed atthe end of eachseasonand where necessary restructured.

Further information from the series co-ordinatorLesley Starkey on 07950 248105 or via email nsscc@darlingtonmotor-club.org.uk.

Entries for the opening round at Oulton Park later this month so far include former champions Paul Moss, from Darlington (Citroen Saxo), and York’s Mike Cutt in his BMW M3. Consett driver Alan McPherson drives his 1300cc MK Indy whereas the Bishop Auckland duo of Simon Gibson and Peter Dixon will contest Class C in their respectiveHondaCivics.

Stanhope’s Steven Craggs will race his Ford Fiesta while Wingate driver Neville Anderson wheels out his mighty3.2litreVauxhallVectra.

Darlington & District Motor Club meet the second Friday of each month from 8pm at The Copper Beech, Neasham Road, Darlington. Just offthe A66 and about seven miles from Croft Circuit, where enthusiasts can talk to like minded club members who mayable toassist withadvice and help in all aspects of motorsport.

MARK SLOPER’S MCE British Superbike third instalment I, Superbiker: Day of Reckoninghas beengiven a March release date and local fans cansee the eagerly awaited film for one night onlyonMonday,March25at Showcase Cinemas, at Teesside Park.

Narrated by broadcast legend Murray Walker, the feature-length film follows six riders through the dramatic 2012 British Superbike season, which is the closest and spectacular two wheel action anywhere in the world and with a truly star-studded international line up, only one can lift the crown.

The film features some of the most dramatic on-track action and goes behind the scenes to follow the unfolding drama through the eyes of the riders, teams and their closest supporters as the tension builds for the season climax.

Reigning champion Tommy Hill is desperate to defend his crown against the ex Moto GP star Shakey Byrne and Australian bad boy Josh Brookesdoesn’t intend to return home emptyhanded. Mix in the incredible young talent of rising Britishstars AlexLowesand Tommy Bridewell as well as Ulster sensation Michael Laverty, the racing becomes electric.