BARC Formula Renault Championship
Round 3
Mallory Park 27 April 1997

Work commitments meant that we were unable to make the test day at Mallory so it was with some trepidation that Stuart went out to qualify at this popular Leicestershire circuit. At least the layout had not changed in the three year absence!

We needn't have worried too much, Stuart settling quickly into the rythmn of the track and getting down to a respectable 46.9. Matt Bettley set the pace with a 45.73, closely followed by Peter Clarke, whose Redgrave Racing car shed a driveshaft towards the end of the session, damaging the rear wishbone. Nick Dudfield made a welcome appearance in his Stryx, qualifying third on 46.56 with Charles Hall and Stuart snapping at his heels.

So, fifth on the grid - closed up to fourth when Peter Clarke's car could not be repaired for the race. Having managed a good start in both previous races, Stuart managed to slip back to seventh after this one! By the time he had worked his way up to fourth, there were only 6 of the 18 laps remaining and the third place man, Charles Hall, was some 9 seconds ahead engaged in a battle with Nick Dudfield. At the flag, Matt Bettley took the win in style, 7 seconds clear of Nick and Peter with Stuart in fourth.

Joe Chedid won the 1700 class after a race long battle with Matt Baldacci, these two 14 seconds clear of Ian Temple.

Next race is at Cadwell Park on the 11th of May - see you there!

Results

Pos	Driver	Car	Division
1.	Matt Bettley	Van Diemen RF96	2000
2.	Nick Dudfield	Stryx RT96	2000
3.	Charles Hall	Tatuus RC96	2000
4.	Stuart Wood	Van Diemen RF94	2000
5.	Joe Chedid	Swift SC94R	1700