Already a multiple champion in Mini and Citroen tin-tops, Stoney knows what it takes to win titles and, on the evidence of the season so far, he’s well on course to add the overall SR1 winner’s trophy to his collection. However, nothing in Radical racing is ever predictable.
With the grid swelling to 18 cars for the double-header around Snetterton’s 300 circuit, the races are set to be the closest of the year, with action up and down the grid.
Stoney (Quattro Motorsport) may have gotten off to a strong start this year, getting his head around the intricacies of the 182bhp SR1 prototype, but recent rounds have been much harder work for the man from York. In fact he was beaten for the first time this year last time out at Brands Hatch, proving he’s not invincible just yet.
Leading the chase in the points is Will Hunt (Scorpio Motorsport), who has enjoyed great consistency so far this season with four podium finishes to his name. This is his second season in the SR1s and he’s keen to finally grab a breakthrough win.
The fight for this year’s Fangio Trophy – for drivers aged 40 and over – is a cracker – with the top two mixing it nicely in the overall order. Julian Lay (RAW Motorsport) took his maiden SR1 victory last time out in Kent to finally end Stoney’s unbroken run and snatch the lead of the Fangio points. He will undoubtedly be looking for more here this weekend.
Chris Short (Works) started his second Radical season as arguably Stoney’s biggest rival, but a difficult last round means he now sits fourth in the points and second in the Fangio standings. However, his progression has been swift and impressive, so Short can easily be back amongst it this weekend, and back on Lay’s tail for the class lead.
Others to watch include the ever-improving Ross Elliott (Avidity Motorsport), who came close to a win last time out had it not been for a dose of bad luck. Dean Warriner (Track Focused) took his first podium of the year at Brands and is on a mission for more at Snetterton and beyond.
“Brands was a really good weekend for me, and one that’s really boosted my confidence,” says Warriner. “It’s been a bit of an up-and-down season so far. We started the year at Oulton Park down on power and have slowly improved the car from then. Right now the car is right in the sweet spot and my aim is to be fighting for podium finishes for the rest of the year.
“Snetterton should be a great track. It’s got a bit of everything, and is a real power circuit, which should offer plenty of slipstreaming opportunities. I reckon it can be a really good weekend for myself and the Track Focused team.”
Matt Jones (Privateer) similarly already has a rostrum finish to his name and could well be one to watch. The rapid Mackenzie Walker (Matthew Bentley Racing) joins the field for the first time this year, having shown great pace on a one-off outing last season.
The Rookie Cup chase is heating up nicely, too. Mark Tranter (Privateer) had the opening rounds all his own way ahead of Simon Bailey (Track Focused), but the emergence of racing newcomer Sam Ashworth has spiced things up following his double class win of his car-racing debut at Brands Hatch.
Qualifying for the Radical SR1 Cup at Snetterton is scheduled for 09:30 on Saturday, with the first race due to get underway at 13:15. Race two is due to begin at 16:20. Live timing will be available all weekend via tsl-timing.com.