Our 2026 season kicked off in style just recently, and with the iconic Silverstone GP circuit playing host to the opening round, it was the perfect start to a brand new season.
With all classes sharing one grid, there was a mix of 420R, 310R and 270R cars on track for this first round. Following qualifying on Sunday morning, it was Wes Payne who stormed to the first 420R pole position of the year, with the returning David Yates claiming top spot in the 310R pack, and Alex Coombes securing pole for the 270R class.
As the first race began, and given the speed difference, the 420R grid were released first, with the 310R and 270R grids following some 10 seconds later.
Maintaining his advantage from pole position, it was Payne who remained in control for much of the 25-minute duration before steering his way to victory. After lining up in third place on the grid, and with a clear line of sight to the head of the pack, Diogo Costa managed to work his way to second place, eventually trailing Payne by 1.4 seconds by the fall of the chequered flag.
Former 310R champion, David Baldwin, returned to the 7 Racing paddock at Silverstone after some time away, however this time armed with a 420R. He wasted no time getting up to speed with his new challenger, immediately setting the fourth fastest time in qualifying, before navigating his way onto the podium in race one, with a third place finish.
Gary Smith, who also made his return to the paddock at Silverstone, claimed fourth place, whilst JJ Magalhaes and Mark Bennett rounded out the top six.
Onto the first 310R outing, and it was set to be as competitive as ever. After a season away, pole sitter Yates was back and ready to carry on where he left off. However, with the likes of Russ Olivant and Caroline Everett hot on his heels, we were in for an exciting race.
As the 310R field thundered into turn one, Yates looked to have the upper hand. However, chased profusely lap after lap by the likes of Everett, Olivant and Paul Sethi, he certainly had his hands full.
As the chequered flag came into view, it was Yates who managed to fend off his rivals to claim victory on his comeback, with Everett second by a mere 0.2 seconds. Sethi elevated himself to third place, finishing millimetres behind Everett, with Olivant in fourth place. Tom McEwing claimed fifth on his 310R debut, whilst Allan Curtis rounded out the top six.
After dominating at Silverstone last year, all eyes were on 270R pole sitter Alex Coombes, to see if it would be a repeat performance. As the race unfolded, it was Coombes who raced his way to a victorious result, ahead of David Tonge and Neville Sykes in the 270R class.
Onto race two, and it was set to be an interesting one. In wet conditions this time around all eyes were on the track, to see who would succeed in tricky conditions.
Once again, the 420R grid delivered thrilling action from start to finish. Caterham racing is anything but predictable, and when difficult track conditions and weather come into play, it just adds to the intrigue.
Seeming to favour the conditions this time around was 7 Racing newcomer, and Caterham stalwart, Carl Jones, who fought through the pack from 16th place on the grid to lead the way and eventually claim victory.
Behind, there was a reshuffle of the order from race one. JJ Magalhaes steered his way to second place, some 1.7 seconds adrift of Jones, with Gary Smith completing the podium. Another strong performance from Baldwin saw him navigate his way to a fourth place finish, with Costa and Barry Benham completing the top six.
Following a reverse of the race one top 10 finishing positions for race two, Yates lined up in 10th place in the second 310R outing, giving him some work to do this time around.
With Tim Steel starting on pole position, and Harry Eyre lining up alongside on the front row, all eyes were on the 310R grid, to see who would come out on top.
As the field gingerly navigated their way around the opening few laps in wet conditions, positions soon began to change, with Yates working his way through the pack. Before long it was a familiar sight at the head of the field, as Yates led Eyre and McEwing to the finish line.
Behind, Olivant just missed out on a podium finish in fourth place, with reigning 270R champion James Hall fifth on his 310R debut, and Scott Parker in sixth place.
Alex Coombes doubled his success with another 270R victory in race two, this time ahead of Neville Sykes and David Tonge.
Now all attentions turn to the next round of the UK championship, at Snetterton on 16th May. There is still time to secure your spot on the grid, if you are interested in joining us please head to our website: www.seven.racing or contact John Watts – tel: 01455 239900 email: [email protected].