The MG Cup races at Brands Hatch had a fresh look. Race-one pole was taken by none other than Lance Ellington, the Strictly Come Dancing singer and former 1990s’ Dunlop Rover Turbo Cup racer in a Daily Mirror-sponsored Tomcat 220 Turbo. This Brands event – back in a Tomcat – marked  his return to competition after a quarter century away.

Ellington also led race one early on, but it was another notable new entry that soon moved past to lead, in Steve McDermid in his brand-new ZR 190 that he had only just completed and had spent an intense last few months preparing. McDermid moved clear for a comfortable win.

“It’s a new car, just built, and it’s phenomenal,” McDermid said. “It came out [at the meeting] and just left the field for dust.

“I haven’t worked for the last two months after I decided to build a new car. There’s eight week’s work there; seven days a week the last six weeks. And I finished it at 9:30 on Friday night.”

Ellington was second home on the road but got a 10-second penalty for starting just ahead of his grid slot, despite his efforts to reverse into place. This let Ashley Woodward, whom Ellington pipped to the line, claim second place after all in his ZS 180. Woodward also got driver of the race.

Reigning class champion Ian Boulton, fourth home, won Class B in his MG ZR, helped by that Iain Dowler ran across the grass at Druids on lap one trying to get the lead from Ellington.

Race two looked very similar to race one as McDermid again moved up quickly from fourth place to lead. However this time Woodward, who’d led the first four laps, remained close to him. Then the race got turned on its head when the lead pair made contact at Druids when McDermid span, putting McDermid out.

Woodward continued in first but was hobbled by his resultant suspension damage and Ellington eventually passed Woodward’s understeering car to win. Ellington was awarded driver of the race as well.

Boulton inherited the Class B win as third home overall, when Dennis Robinson, who took the place on the road, got a 10-second track-limits penalty.

Ellington was delighted. “I just had the best weekend back,” he said, “and it’s everything I remember, especially the Tomcat, which is just a great car. [Car owner and Castle Combe champion] Gary Prebble’s set it up beautifully, and the racing was such fun out there. Absolutely chuffed.

“The MG Cup, what a great place to come back to. I’m excited to be out again with them at some other circuits this year, work permitting. Especially after this weekend, now I’ve got the bug back with the Tomcat I’m probably going to stick with that [rather than race elsewhere].”

Peter Burchill returned for the first race meeting following a stroke in Jan 22, he was pleased to bet out again and finished both races. “I achieved everything I wanted, to be back on grid was emotional. Thanks to my family and friends in supporting my return.”

The MG Cup is the only series to have all cars on the same Toyo tire, offering 3 classes of one make racing. With 35 drivers registered its the place to race.

Full report to follow

Well done Steve on getting car finished…..

The first races of the season sees Class B Modified made up of 1 x MG Montego 10 x MGZR 170 1x MGZS 180 Class C Race 1 x MGZR 190 4 x MGZS 180 1 x Tomcat Turbo. Invitation Class sees 1 x MGB Roadster 1 x MGZR 160.

With 6 new faces to the championship, it will be some good racing.

With the build up to the first race of the season entries are building nicely…. April 1st and 2nd the clock is ticking….

The MG Cup celebrating it 35th year and registrations for another action-packed season are open.  Double headers to reduce costs, live streaming, one make regulations across 3 classes, control Toyo tyre, shared drives, ½ price entries to under 21’s.  DM for more information….    The home of MG Rover motorsport….

Leon Wignall joins us for Brands Hatch in his freshly built MGZR160 which he is busy finishing, Brands Hatch is on the 1st & 2nd April and we cant wait.

The MG Cup celebrating it 35th year and registrations for another action-packed season are open.  Double headers to reduce costs, live streaming, one make regulations across 3 classes, control Toyo tyre, shared drives, ½ price entries to under 21’s.  DM for more information….    The home of MG Rover motorsport….

A regular guest of the championship, Peter Bramble joins the grid for Brands Hatch, keeping the more modern machinery busy.

Brands Hatch is on the 1st & 2nd April and we cant wait, we always see a few guests at the circuit as the invitation class allows this.

The MG Cup celebrating it 35th year and registrations for another action-packed season are open.  Double headers to reduce costs, live streaming, one make regulations across 3 classes, control Toyo tyre, shared drives, ½ price entries to under 21’s.  DM for more information….    The home of MG Rover motorsport….

For 2023 Season we are offer Polo Shirts and Paddock jackets (personalised) for sale. Registered drivers get a polo for free all part of giving something back. #buildingbrand

The MG Cup celebrating it 35th year and registrations for another action-packed season are open. Double headers to reduce costs, live streaming, one make regulations across 3 classes, control Toyo tyre, shared drives, ½ price entries to under 21’s. DM for more information…. The home of MG Rover motorsport….

Great to see the progression of 2 drivers both Marcus and Morgan campaigned 216 Gti in class A. We wish them great success in there racing career and the door is always open to do the odd round.