Hamilton-Smith Takes Win at Combe as Jedis Destroy Lap Records

18 April 2005

After qualifying on pole and leading from the lights, Louis Hamilton-Smith took a thoroughly deserved win in round two of the Formula Jedi Challenge, supported by MSportUK.com, at Castle Combe. This followed the Ben Sherman-sponsored car finishing in third in the opening round at Brands, suffering mechanical gremlins.

Having qualified well within the existing lap record, Hamilton-Smith was pipped in the fastest lap department by Frazer Corbyn who lapped the Wiltshire circuit in 1'05.88 - an average speed of 101.54mph, and a clear two seconds under the previous lap record. At close to Formula 3 pace, this is an astounding performance from a 1-litre car, run on a tight budget.

In her first outing in class B, last year's class A champion Jodie Hemming, scrapped repeatedly with old adversay Adam Saward, eventually coming out on top to take third place, behind David Hodgson in second. Following the race, Jodie was awarded the BRSCC's "Driver of the Meeting", selected from the 150+ competitors at all levels.

In Class A, Joss Thompson led home Scott Temple for the second time this year, ahead of the big Class A battle between Kat Impey and Tim Cameron. Kat found her way ahead, and led for much of the race, but old-hand Cameron retook the final podium position on the last lap at his home circuit. Kat was happy to settle for forth, thrilled with the battle in one of her hardest fought races to date.

Fastest man of the day, Frazer was unfortunate to not make the finish after an engine failure with five minutes left to run. John Lord also suffered technical problems - the fire extinguisher in his beautifully prepared blue and orange car accidentally letting go and covering it in foam.

Start line marshall Chris Davis, who had travelled to Coombe from Leicestershire to assist in the organisation, was asked to present the prizes by grateful Jedi competitors and took a round of applause back to her colleagues as a measure of thanks.

See 2005 series calendar for the Formula Jedi Challenge supported by MSportUK.com