STCC PRE SEASON REVIEW by John Painter

2008 Season Preview
STCC 2008 - by John Painter

Back again in it’s 6th year the STCC is geared up to be one of the best yet. With some of the top drivers on the circuit confirmed and some of the best tracks in the UK the racing will be highly competitive, but pretty relaxed as is the nature of the STCC.

The STCC has always been at the front of development and this year it proves again to be the race series moving with the current technology. Li-Po and Brushless is allowed in all classes. Drivers will be able to run 12t brushed or 6.5t brushless in Modified (TC1), 19t brushed or 10.5t brushless in Super Stock (TC2) and 27t brushed or 13.5t brushless in Stock (TC3). It will be good to see ‘who does what’ over the series as there are still a few drivers undecided about which way to go.

Again this year the STCC will use the latest version of their own custom badged "STCC" tyre. This appeared last year and seemed to have slightly better grip characteristics along with the renowned wear rate that drivers have come to love. The tyre is great in all weather giving the driver one less thing to worry about so they can concentrate on driving and having fun.

This year we loose a track but adopt a new one for the series. Barham sadly closed its doors leaving a gap in the Kent area for the series. Brooklands took this up and as such round 3 will see the drivers out on the largest track in the calendar. The track should see some real high speed driving, pushing the drivers and cars to the limit.

Let’s look at the runners -

In TC1 the main players have to be Mark Fuller (Southend) who has taken a few STCC’s championships now and returns to defend his title. David Reece (Team Spacker) has been showing some excellent form over the winter and tallied with his 3rd place last year he will be one to watch. Ricky Copsey (Southend) has had an off year but his driving skill is renowned and he can never be counted out. Ashley Wiffen (WLRC) is another driver who has the ability to take wins this year. Last year he was Mark’s real challenger and I’m sure this year he will be there challenging again.

TC2 will be the group to watch. Stuart Rand (Maritme) returns this year to defend his title, running this time a Corally rather than his Xray as he did last year. Stuart comes into this championship having just won the Carpet Wars 5 series so he will be on a high which may give him an edge. Richard King (Southend) will be up there challenging for the title. He showed some amazing form at the Carpet Wars World Cup recently and if he carries this through will be a main contender for the title. Dave Saul (HRCC) will be around the thin end of the group. He is always fast and consistent and certainly not one to be discounted. Andy James (Southend) has proved himself over the winter. Always quick he has just had some bad luck at times which has not seen him higher up the podium. Joining the TC2 are John Painter (Southend), Steven Moore (Team Spacker), Wayne Palmer (Maritime), Paul Pinkney (MKRCTC) and Mark Buonaiuto (Southend) all with good ability in the class and at times able to really mix it at the top end. Watch this space.

TC3 has a strong line up. Paul Sanders (Coastal) didn’t have the best year in ’07. Working on a development car he often was out of the top 10 but by no means should be forgotten. He has what it takes, and with a car under him he will be up the top end. Dave Ringsell (HRCC) has had a good winter season. 2nd at the BRCA Veteran race in 19t and with some good appearances in 27t he will be one to watch. Jordan Fryer (Southend) really came on in ’07. His driving and skill improved in leaps and bounds so this might be his year to shine. He will get lots of help from the Southend team im sure. Oli Megget (Southend) joins TC3 this year. Oli is a fast runner, and drives well but as yet his outdoor form is unproven. He may be a wild card that could show in the top 10. Trevor Bailey (Coastal) has moved from his Tamiya to a Team Magic car for this year and getting some success with it too. Again a wild card that could prove good. And finally Phil Ravenshear (Team Spacker) could be a contender for a top 3 place this year. On form all ’07 he will be up there at the front battling away im sure.

All the classes are filling up or are full already. TC2 looks to be the most popular this year so it will be the hardest contended. I’m sure by the end of round 3 we should see who will be the bookies favourites to take the title in each section.

Personally I’m looking forward to another year of the STCC. For me it has and always will be the best outdoor series going. Relaxed, friendly and yet competitive it allows drivers of all calibre’s to mingle and have some fun – what our sport is all about.

See you on the 30th March at Southend for round 1

Jo90 (John Painter)

Article taken from central booking

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