With our 2022 awards evening just around the corner, we thought it would be a good opportunity to share a little recap on last season.
It was another outstanding season for the 7 Race Series. Superb racing at some of the best circuits in the UK and Europe and fantastic company in the paddock and on circuit – what more could we want!
There were plenty of highlights to document, from showcasing the 7 Race Series in front of a 30,000 strong crowd at Brands Hatch, as part of the GT World Challenge Europe race weekend, to our return to Spa and everything in between and beyond.
Let’s start at Donington Park. Donington always provides fantastic racing, and it’s a circuit well suited to Caterhams, so it was always a great choice to kick start our season. It was a triumphant start to the season for Phil Jenkins and Paul Thacker in the 420R Class, taking one win apiece, whilst Gary Smith and Don Henshall shared the spoils from the 1600 grid. Little did we know, but this was a real sign of things to come for our soon-to-be-established championship contenders.
Next stop was the prestigious GT World Challenge Europe race weekend at Brands Hatch. Being the only Caterham championship to race on the prestigious Brands Hatch GP circuit, this is always a popular weekend, but add some 30,000 spectators and Valentino Rossi into the mix and you have one spectacular event.
This is where we really began to see the championship take form. Carrying on their strong pace from the season opener, Gary Smith and Phil Jenkins cemented themselves as serious title contenders, each taking a double victory in their respective classes. However, there was still plenty of action to come. The race for 7RS glory was most definitely on!
The third round steered us to Snetterton, where we enjoyed six (yes, six) super races, three for each class. Following yet more competitive action there was a change at the helm this time around. Gary Smith, having scored one out of three potential victories, was forced to share the 1600 limelight with David Yates. Meanwhile, it was Jonathan Mitchell who scored a double triumph in the 420R class, sharing success with long-time Caterham racer Anthony Barnes. With two rounds still to go, there was plenty to play for, and a lot at stake.
Next we headed to the legendary Spa Francorchamps, for the Spa Summer Classic and a non-championship event. We were also joined by our friends from the Portuguese 7RS, and with just shy of 60 cars on the grid, the stage was set for a terrific weekend.
It was Jay Mack who proved triumphant for the Brits in the 420R ranks in Belgium, whilst Don Henshall enjoyed double victory in the 1600 class.
Silverstone played host to the penultimate round, and whilst the action on track was as top notch as ever, the paddock action was just as good. A Saturday evening hog roast saw the masses gather, for a social get together and a bit of fun off circuit before the final day of racing.
With the season end was almost upon us and championships on the cusp of being decided, there was an air of excitement surrounding us. Anthony Barnes returned to the top step of the 420R podium, claiming his second victory of the season, whilst Phil Jenkins returned to his favoured position in race two. The title race had been fierce between this pair throughout the season, and we headed into the final round with just point separating them.
Gary Smith and Luke Roswell shared the 1600 spoils at Silverstone. However, after an impressive season, Smith was able to carry a 25-point advantage into the final round of the season.
And so, we reached the end of our UK race season (our winter sun events swiftly followed from September to November). The battle was on for 420R honours, but it was Jenkins who did enough to claim glory, sharing some of the limelight with race two winner Alex Koeberle. In the absence of 1600 champion elect, Gary Smith, it was Luke Roswell and Mark Roberts who shared success. Despite Smith’s absence, his effort throughout the season was enough to score him the 1600 champion title.
All in all, 2022 was another outstanding season, and we’re already looking forward to our first round of the 2023 season. However, before we can fully cement ourselves in 2023, we still have one more event, our 2022 Awards Evening. The event will take place on Saturday 25th February at The Riding House Bloomsbury. Tickets are still available to book, however the closing date is 11th February, so please book sooner rather than later. Tickets are available to purchase here: https://mcmm.co.uk/product-category/awards-dinner/
We look forward to seeing you all there, ready to celebrate and look ahead to a brand-new season.