‘New BMW Car Club series gets big grids’

After strong start earlier this month, category expects big gr ids

The new BMW Car Club Racing series expects a grid of over 30 cars for its next round at Silverstone, following a successful debut at Castle Combe on Easter monday.

The series had a strong start with a grid of 21 cars across five classes, ranging from M1s to a tightly-regulated Cup class for E46 325ti models.

Series coordinator Neil Mcdonald said that the aims of the series are to bring together BMW Club racers, ensure low costs and get new people involved in racing.

“What has attracted many of the drivers is racing for fun, without costing a fortune – the club’s trackdays have been a friendly and welcoming community for years and we want to extend this with BMWCCR,” he said.

Mcdonald believes the grid will be even larger for the next round at Silverstone on May 5.

“For Silverstone we already are looking at over 30 cars,” he added, “because all the ones who have had issues [ahead of Combe] have all faithfully promised [to attend].

“We even had one [driver] who went to another race meeting to buy a car because he was so upset his car wasn’t ready, so that’s the sort of enthusiasm we’re talking about.”

Organisers even hope to help set a world record for the most BMWS on a circuit at once at Brands Hatch in June.

Reigning Civic Cup champion Lee Deegan took part in the Castle Combe races, and claimed two class wins in the six-cylinder category.

“It’s getting bigger and bigger and hopefully for Silverstone we should be above 30,” he said. “A lot dropped out [for Combe] with car problems and some people not liking the weather, so hopefully Silverstone will be warmer and we’ll have a bit more competition and have some good races.”

Former single-seater racer Michael Vitulli, who took a win and second place at the Castle Combe meeting, agreed. “It’s fantastic for a new championship,” he said. “It’s really encouraging.”