BARC Formula Renault Championship
Round 6
Silverstone - 28 June 1997

With a damp track to start and more heavy rain falling after only a couple of laps, qualifying was all about getting into the groove quickly. Charles Hall in the Tattus took pole with his second lap, the next 5 places on the grid being covered by just sixth tenths of a second!

From 5th on the grid of 29 cars, Stuart passed Marc Cramer, Matt Bettley and Peter Clarke to hold second place for much of the race but Peter fought back to demote Stuart to third at the flag. Charles Hall had bolted on a brand new set of wets for the race and was never headed, although both Peter and Stuart were closing the gap in the closing stages as the track dried. Matt Bettley chased hard in the early stages but fell back to finish in fourth place, seven seconds behind Stuart.

Matt Baldacci was the only driver to have the courage of his convictions and start on slicks, most believing (wrongly) that the track would not dry fast enough! It must have done because Matt took his customary place at the head of the 1700 division field and sixth overall.

Peter Clarke still heads the 2000 Division but Charles Hall's win moves him into second place ahead of Matt Betley and Stuart. Matt Baldacci's class win increases his strangle hold on the 1700 division, 41 points clear of Joe Chedid who eases Ian Temple out of second place.

Next race is at Snetterton on the 19th of July - see you there!

Results

Pos	Driver	Car	Division
1.	Charles Hall	Tatuus RC96	2000
2.	Peter Clarke	Van Diemen RF96	2000
3.	Stuart Wood	Van Diemen RF96	2000
4.	Matt Bettley	Van Diemen RF96	2000
5.	Nick Dudfield	Stryx RT96	2000
6.	Matt Baldacci	Van Diemen RF93	1700