Close FF1600 fights set to continue in season’s second half
A three‑way – possibly even a four-way – fight for second, third and fourth in the Castle Combe Racing Club Formula Ford 1600 championship is set to intensify when racing resumes in August, with just 14 points covering Nathan Ward (P2), Sam Skellett (P3) and Alicia Hamlen (P4).
Ward, driving his 1992 Swift, has enjoyed a clean, consistent campaign. “It’s been a good season in terms of results. The car has been completely reliable and I’ve managed to keep my nose clean,” reflected the Jaguar Land Rover engineer.
“I’ve had a couple of enjoyable battles with Sam recently. I think I can hold on to second with dropped scores coming into play, but I’ll need a strong second half.
“It’s a great championship for FFord competitors – the Club is so supportive and Combe is always rewarding when you hook a lap together.”
Skellett, just 11 points behind in his Swift SC20, has been right in the mix. He is team-mate to points leader Luke Cooper.
The 18-year-old commented: “I’ve had a good start to the season and had some close scraps with Nathan and also Adam Higgins – it’s been great fun, tiny margins, proper Formula Ford racing.
“Luke has a lot more experience in FFords than me but I’m hopeful I can find more time in a few key areas and can be closer to him on pace during the season’s second half.”
Hamlen, from Chippenham, is aiming to defend fourth in her 2009 Ray, she prepares the car single handedly off-site and shares set-up with Ward on race days.
There have recently been some improvements with a personal best lap time for her around Combe in the most recent event and, earlier in the season, a nail-biting scrap with four-time Combe Champion Bob Higgins – they were separated by just 8/1000ths of a second at the flag.
“I’m doing the best I can – it’s a good car and I know there’s a bit more time potentially,” she said. “Nathan and Sam might be just out of reach on outright pace, but you can never say never.”
Furthermore, all three drivers need to be wary of Tom Nippers who achieved two race wins when he joined the grid last time out and who is planning to contest the remaining three fixtures on the calendar (CLICK HERE for separate article).