UK: Mark Stiles Tq and win at 1/12 BRCA Rd4
Stiles TQ’s and Wins Modified at BRCA 1/12th Scale Nationals Round 4
Round 4 of the BRCA 1/12th Scale Nationals took place in Plymouth last weekend and the event saw an outstanding result for the Serpent team.
In the stock class on Saturday, Chris Kerswell and Mark Stiles qualified in 5th and 6th respectively with their S120LT’s, but Chris had an excellent run in the final to finish in 2nd place behind Andy Griffiths. Mark didn’t fare quite so well and remained in 6th place.
In modified on Sunday, Mark made some alterations to the setup of his Serpent car for the morning practice session. These improved his car somewhat and he spent the first 2 qualifying runs further refining the handling. His efforts were rewarded in the last 2 qualifiers where he set the fastest time, thus giving him the overall TQ ahead of Associated factory driver Olly Jefferies and multiple British Champion Andy Griffiths. Chris qualified 5th once again but was hoping for another strong run in the final. Mark Payne qualified on pole for the B final after a solid run with his S120LT.
Mark led away the A final field closely followed by Olly, and these two immediately pulled a large gap to the chasing pack. In the early stages Olly was applying pressure at the front, but a mistake coming onto the straight sent his car flying off the track 1 minute into the race. This allowed Mark to relax and settle into a comfortable rhythm and he wasn’t challenged for the remaining 7 minutes. At the end he had a lead of more than 6 seconds and lapped every other car in the final except former World Champion David Spashett who finished in 2nd place. Chris struggled to find a rhythm in the mid-pack and was disappointed to finish in 8th place.
The win keeps Mark in contention for both championships with 2 events remaining, but he will need good results at both whilst relying on others to falter in order to secure overall victory.
Mark Stiles
Team Serpent UK
