By Russ Saxon

Just two meetings left in the V8 calendar the first of which being the prestigious British Championship at Coventry stadium on Saturday the 1st of November (as support to the F1’s). Current title holder Kev Stuchbury (131) will be looking to successfully defend the trophy which he won with a commanding performance at Skegness last year and on this season’s form, who would bet against him?

Top of the challengers has to be Darren Cottrill (575) who has finished 2nd and 3rd on the rostrum over the past two years and will be looking to reach the top step and after winning two heats at the last Coventry meeting, appears to have the correct set-up. Other top drivers who have run Mr Stuchbury close throughout the season include Mark Allen (161) who came so close at the Nationals earlier this season. Mark is often accused of lacking the killer instinct but write his chances off at your peril. Bryan Andrew (355) is another driver who has been on the podium in both the Nationals and the European. However, a lack of shale form means Bryan is a bit of a dark horse for this event.

Speaking of dark horses, Jay Kellet (439) could very well spring a surprise. Plagued with engine problems at the start of the year, he managed to overcome them and a good points scoring run saw him attain and hold Superstar status.

Never discount either of the Matt Smith’s (81 or 210). The same can be said of Rob Scriven who seems to go very well on shale.
Of the lower graders, star performer late season has been Rob Barber (42). A string of heat wins and he took the Final at the last Coventry. If Rob scores well in the heats the only thing that could hold him back could be his nerves starting near the front. Jamie Marson (112) is also another quality low grader who could score well in the heats as could Pete Davenport (388) with his new engine. Paul Davies (129) always looks more at home on shale so could be in the points.

The format for this years British is quite different from the normal one in that the drivers will draw their grid positions for Heat 1 which will then be reversed for Heat 2 the results of which will then form the Championship grid with the highest points scorer at the front.

So there we are a quick look at the main contenders for the British Championship, Good luck to all the drivers .