The national BRCA championship series for eighth-scale radio controlled circuit racing cars was decided at the Mendip Model Motor Racing Circuit, Accommodation Road, Bleadon.

THE national BRCA championship series for eighth-scale radio controlled circuit racing cars was decided last weekend at the Mendip Model Motor Racing Circuit, Accommodation Road, Bleadon.

In the A main final, Mark Green took the win along with the British National Championship with his Serpent 966 after an exciting race where the lead changed multiple times throughout the 30 minute race with Mugen’s Kyle Branson, who eventually finished runner-up in the race and the championship. Motonica’s Daniel Bancroft rounded off the podium with third place.

Saturday’s free practice started with a wet morning, the weather forecasted dry for the rest of the weekend. The afternoon session proved hectic on track action as all competitors sought the perfect set-up for the evolving track conditions.

A crisp frosty autumn Sunday morning greeted the drivers as they prepared for their race heats the low and strong sunshine providing another hazard with visibility of their cars along the fast back straight from the driver’s rostrum.

Four rounds of qualifying heats during the morning ensued to grade drivers into four finals A to D, which would take place for the race and championship honours during the afternoon.

It was a day of mixed results for the locals. Ashley Gouviea qualified sixth for the A final and finished fifth. Rob Mckenna qualified eighth for the B final, but suffered a gearbox shaft bearing failure on the start line, effectively ending his race.

Angelo Bruschini battled from 10th on the line to finish a creditable fourth in the B final.

Mendip club members dominated the C final, but it was heartbreak for Dave Merrick who was chasing second in the National GP2 class. He had numerous car problems which relegated him to a seventh place finish, which dropped him to fourth in the final championship standings.

While it was commiserations for one local driver another celebrated. Newcomer to the sport Chris Snell, driving a Motonica, took the GP3 title in first season of racing. Everyone thanked Mendip Model racing Club for a well-organised and run meeting. Competitors now have a well-earned winter break before preparing for the nine round BRCA series which starts again in March 2013.

With prospect of rule changes for 2013, the circuit will be hosting a control tyre testing event for eighth and tenth scale nitro engine cars during the first week of November. The club then launches into a winter series for all scales of radio controlled circuit racing cars sponsored by Contact tyres.

Further details can be found through the clubs website www.MMMRC.org