Qualifying

“An early start for qualifying at 08:30 at a wet Oulton Park. 28 cars on the grid and a respectable 17^thÌýon the grid for race one, which considering the classes of the cars on the grid was a great achievement. Lots of others complained of little to no grip on the circuit but I never found it an issue during the session and had total confidence in the car.â€�

Race One

“With a pack of higher-class cars behind me, keeping my place in the middle of the pack was always going to be challenge and although off the start a couple of places were lost, as the race evolved and progressed, places were taken back and good clean racing was had by all on circuit. The car was faultless and the brakes remain a key part in being able to brake later than others, giving me an advantage heading into heavy braking zones on the international circuit. Maximum points and a class win were secured and leading to a good place on the grid for race two and its typically unpredictable April weather.�

Race Two

“Tyre choice was key for race two, with torrential rain followed by warm spells of sunshine and the choice of tyres was left until the last second in the hope of gaining an advantage in the race. I opted for an intermediate tyre and it paid off; turn one was tricky at the start and caution was applied through the next couple of laps with cars on the wet choice of tyres making the most of the conditions whilst they could.

“However, a dry line appeared fairly quickly with just a few wet and damp sections remaining, especially in the braking zones at Cascades and Lodge.

“Pace-wise – considering the tyre choice and conditions – was good again, with a further advantage in key braking zones and happy to report a further class win and a maximum points haul for the weekend.

“The conditions were tough and challenging and yet again, 91´«Ã½ Racing came through the test giving me confidence throughout.â€�

“With the success of 2025 behind us, winning the MSVR Trackday Championship overall, we set our sights on a different goal for 2026: the Roadsports Championship hosted by 750MC would be where we plan to do battle. With a very similar format, but slightly higher power categories and faster pit stops, it sets a very different challenge.Ìý

“Over the winter, the car has received a slight power hike with a bigger turbo and supporting mods, along with some other minor upgrades. Rear brakes have been upgraded to factory Mk5 Golf R32 vented EBC plain discs, and Ultimax2 pads with slightly larger diameter; not necessarily for more brake force, but a more consistent temperature window, as the rears are worked quite hard with the OEM ABS system. This, matched with the now tried-and-tested EBC Apollo 6 pot 355x32mm front big brake kit, and our ‘go-to’ RP-X compound pads.”

“Round 1 was held at the Croft circuit near Darlington, with the weather looking to be mixed to say the least. Qualifying started in wet conditions. We readied the car with a known good wet setup and Kev rolled out to see where we were pace wise.

“Having no previous running against the new field of competitors (26 in our Class B!), it was a complete unknown at this stage. As Kev pulled in after his stint, we were sat in P2 initially – a great start! Henry jumped in for the final few laps with the track conditions improving quickly, but unfortunately a combination of traffic, an odd red flag due to a circuit electrical glitch, and various other racing driver excuses!, we ended the session in P5.

“Still a very respectable start to the campaign. It’s always been a bit of a disadvantage having 2 drivers in a sprint enduro format, as you lose half the session changing drivers and getting back up to speed, whilst single driver entrants keep lapping. Especially in changeable conditions.

Ìý“The new brake setup was proving a vast improvement in terms of feel and temperature consistency, so we were very happy with the confidence that was giving us in the bumpy braking zones.”

“The race was full of excitement, the weather constantly changing throughout. The rolling start went without issue and first five cars including us started to pull away from the remaining pack. With contact up ahead from a bold move into the Complex saw us take advantage and up to P3, using our normal measured approach. A lap later the leader went off going into the Complex too! P2.

“A few laps went by before the previous leading car of Packer was back on our rear bumper, he went through on the inside into the Complex, allowing all 3 leading cars to bunch up nicely heading down into Tower corner the following lap, where Packer re-took the lead. I ceased the opportunity to follow him through with a late brake manoeuvre both going past the leading Mk7 Golf back into P2.”

“On the way into the pits, a lapped Porsche Boxster held us up for half a lap, unfortunately meaning Kev came out the pits now in P4. Soon after Kev’s pit exit, there was a safety car due to a crashed Vauxhall Corsa, meaning it would be a 3-lap sprint to the end. The 3^rdÌýplaced BMW Z4 seemed a long way ahead on the penultimate lap, with the added hassle of a lapped VW Scirocco in-between Kev and his target. A very committed move past the backmarker through the left hander of the Esses, subsequently forcing the BMW to out brake himself into Sunny-in. Kev lined up the move into the harpin after getting right up under the bumper through the Complex. taking the P3 spot!

“A podium first time out! Couldn’t be happier with that, especially with the quality of the machinery we were up against. The car was faultless through all the different conditions. Ultimate confidence on the middle pedal making the difference for us once again.ÌýÌý

“Next round – Brands Hatch GPÌýon May 3^rd! Bring it on…â€�

Photo credits: Jonathan Elsey

“What a weekend of contrasts at Silverstone. From the frustration of a last-lap mechanical failure whilst running strongly in Race 1, to fighting through the entire field in treacherous wet conditions to take Race 2 victory — including the fastest lap of the race. A weekend that truly tested every aspect of our package, and one I am incredibly proud of.�

Qualifying – 6^th

“A solid start to the weekend, securing P6 overall and placing us firmly within contention for the race ahead. The lap gave us strong confidence in the car’s balance heading into Race 1.â€�

Race 1 – DNF

“Race 1 was a genuine disappointment, though not without significant positives. From sixth on the grid, we quickly moved to the front and led the race for over half the distance — demonstrating real pace and racecraft. A potential podium, and possibly P2, was very much within our grasp. Heartbreakingly, a mechanical failure on the final lap brought our race to a premature end. The pace shown throughout was hugely encouraging and the team’s work all weekend was commendable.â€�

Race 2Ìý– P1 Victory + Fastest Lap

“Race 2 will be one to remember. Starting from the back of the 420R grid on a fully saturated track, and running on tyres I had never used in wet conditions before, the challenge was clear. Rather than letting the uncertainty affect our approach, we stayed focused, built a strong rhythm from the opening laps, and began working our way methodically through the field. The wet conditions demanded complete concentration, and the car responded superbly. We overtook competitor after competitor, ultimately crossing the line in first place — with the fastest lap of the race to our name. A hard-fought, fully deserved victory.�

Looking Ahead

“This weekend has given us great momentum. The speed is clearly there, and so is the ability to perform under pressure in difficult conditions. We will review the Race 1 mechanical failure thoroughly to ensure it cannot be repeated, and we head to the next round with confidence and determination.

“A huge and heartfelt thank you to every one of our sponsors — your continued support is what makes weekends like this possible. We are proud to represent you on track and look forward to doing so again at Snetterton.�

“A day of mixed weather was no challenge for PB Racing with JMH’s Peter Erceg and Marcus Clutton, as they prevailed in a thrilling 100-minute battle at Donington Park over GT3 debutants Team BRIT.

“Qualifying on pole, it looked as though BRIT’s Jamie Falvey and Peter Fullick had put themselves in prime position for a brace of victories in their BMW M4 GT3. But pre-race rain threw a spanner in the works and changing strategies opened the door for experienced hands Erceg and Clutton to power ahead to Group GT3 and Overall glory.Ìý

“GTC was a thriller from the start, and it was JMH who walked away from the East Midlands with two wins for the team as Frank Morris and James Pickford powered to the Group win. SVG Motorsport took a double as Marc Elman and Cameron Pratt-Thompson snatched GTH, whilst a gamble to go on slicks before the competition gave Neil Wallace and Ian Astley the foundation to take GTA honours. Paul Bailey and David Brabham did a GTO double in their new Mercedes-AMG whip with SB Rce Engineering.�

91´«Ã½ Racing has a well-established relationship with the GT Cup, with many teams on the grid already sporting the firm’s motorsport braking components and a successful sponsorship between the two parties previously carried out across the 2020 season.

“The 2025 season has been a memorable one for Nicole Drought and the Motion Motorsport 91´«Ã½ Racing Honda Civic Type R, with a campaign full of highs, challenges, and some unforgettable performances that perfectly showcased the strength of both driver and team – and the reliability and performance of 91´«Ã½ Racing products under extreme competition.

“From the opening round at Snetterton, Nicole made her intentions clear. A commanding performance saw her take pole position, fastest lap, and race victory, securing maximum points and placing the 91´«Ã½ Racing Civic firmly at the top of the championship standings. It was the perfect start to the year and a powerful demonstration of the performance advantage offered by 91´«Ã½ Racing components, trusted by Motion Motorsport across every race weekend.

“Round Two at Silverstone continued that momentum. Nicole once again took pole position before engaging in a thrilling battle with Matt Swaffer’s BMW. Showing both speed and composure, she came out on top to claim her second win of the season, again setting fastest lap in the process. It was another textbook display of precision driving and confidence in her 91´«Ã½ Racing-equipped Civic, further extending her championship lead heading into the summer break.”

“As the season unfolded, Nicole continued to impress. At Donington Park, she once again showed her pace by leading much of qualifying and mastering some of the worst weather conditions seen all year. Despite an unfortunate off caused by standing water, her earlier speed underlined both her talent and the car’s potential.

“Oulton Park brought more drama and determination. After early brake issues in qualifying, the team fitted New EBC SR-11 sintered pads, transforming the car’s balance and performance. Nicole immediately fought her way up the field, showcasing both her racecraft and the consistency of 91´«Ã½ under pressure. Coming home first on the road, taking the checker flag, Although a pitstop timing issue dropped her down the order post-race, the pace was undeniable — and a reminder of just how competitive the Civic package had become.”

“At Cadwell Park, Nicole once again delivered, securing another podium finish after a thrilling drive through the field. Despite battling dehydration and challenging conditions, she pushed hard to close a six-second deficit, taking valuable points and keeping her championship hopes alive.

“Croft Circuit brought further frustration with a mechanical issue ending a dominant run, but not before Nicole had once again claimed pole position, fastest lap, and led convincingly before her retirement. It was another weekend that proved the combination of 91´«Ã½ Racing technology and Motion Motorsport engineering could go wheel-to-wheel with the very best.

“Although Nicole will be unable to contest the Brands Hatch finale, her seat will be filled by last season’s teammate, Justin Roberts, who will return to the 91´«Ã½ Racing Civic for the final round. The team and partners are proud of what Nicole has achieved throughout 2025 – her commitment, pace, and professionalism have been first class, and she’s represented 91´«Ã½ Racing and all her personal sponsors with passion and determination at every event.â€�

Qualifying

“Oh dear, a complete non-starter – I headed to the holding area for noise testing and to await release on to the circuit. All seemed find until the circuit opened, when the car started holding its revs at 5000rpm. Back to the pit garage and a sticky throttle position sensor was found to be the culprit, along with an alternator that decided not all parts were required and started to break apart, how is your luck! So, parts were changed but qualifying was missed meaning I had to start from the back of grid for race one, I guess that’s racing.�

Race One

“The best start of my life, as the lights when out, I was off, and took three cars before reaching the congested Paddock Hill Bend before taking a fourthÌýcar before Druid. Within two laps, I had moved up eight places and was on the charge. As the racing intensified, 3^rdÌýplace was in my sight, but a safety car put pay to a space on the class podium with the race being finished under safety car conditions, following a collision between two cars at Surtees. However, I had made up 12 places throughout the race, giving my support and sponsors some exciting racing to watch as I cut through the field, finishing 4^thÌýin class.â€�

Race Two

“Is it wet or is it dry?! With seconds to go, I made the decision to run on intermediate tyres. Thinking fortune favours the brave seeing as most others were on full wets, It looked a good choice until we placed on the grid when the heavens opened! Paddock Hill was very interesting on the first lap with plenty of ‘moments’ from others and myself, however considering the tyre choice, the race was on for a podium spot with Aaron Tucker from HT Racing in his 1800 Pinto-Powered Sierra (who is also my engine tuner) and after a few laps of chasing him down, the conditions held and I was able to get by before fending him off for the last couple of laps to take 3^rdÌýon the class podium. Given how the weekend started with qualifying and then the changeable weather what started out as a disaster turned into a great weekend’s racing. As for the brakes, superb throughout in both the wet and dry, keep up the good work all at EBC.â€�

Oulton Park International – Round 4

“Weather looked warm for the weekend – a nice change from the monsoon conditions of Donington where we scored the car’s maiden victory! We readied the car for qualifying. With very little changed from the last round apart from basic setup changes to adapt to the dry conditions, the EBC RP-X front pads combined with the Apollo 6 pot brake kit barely showing any signs of wear from the last round up front. The Ultimax 2 pads in the rear also showing signs of fantastic durability after 2 rounds in the rear. Again, we didn’t test prior to round so we had to make sure everything was on point prior so we could hit the ground running in Qualifying.

“The car instantly felt good, with a nice balance. This was the first proper use of the 6 pots in the dry. With some big braking zones at Oulton, it was clear good stopping capability would be essential as well as consistent feel for optimum performance. Managing to put the car right in the mix at the front was going to be critical to ensure we could capitalise. With 3^rd place secured we did exactly that.”

“A quick bleed of the brakes to ensure fresh fluid was in the system, Henry lined up for the race start. With an aim of consolidating a podium finish, he set about the race start. Managing to defend some early attacks round the first corner he settled into the rhythm of the first lap. A committed move from fellow EBC-backed stablemate, Nicole Drought, into cascades saw us momentarily drop down to 4^th place. The first 4 cars pulling away from the pack it was clear this was going to be a race of 2 halves! With a safety car intervention, the cars streamed into the pits bumper to bumper. A mis-judged stop by the Civic of Nicole would leave them unfortunately out of contention from that point onwards. Leaving the top 3 cars battling for the top step after Kev had taken over from the pit stop. With an impressive move on the Mk6 Golf of Jack and George Wright into Lodge Corner on the brakes early in his stint Kev set about chasing the super consistent Matt Swaffer in his 130i BMW. His pace was to be rewarded with the victory having defended a late charge from Kev finishing a mere 2 seconds behind. 2^ndÌýplace! A great result. Making it 3 podiums finishes in row from the newly acquired Golf.

“The back-to-back podiums feeling very rewarding after all the hard work and early development with the car. – There’s still so much more to come too! Safe to say we’re very much in the right ballpark in the braking department though. The ability to drive hard all race long with such consistent pedal feel, and wear characteristics that are extremely impressive given their use and weight of the car. Next round Cadwell Park!�

Cadwell Park – Round 5

“Cadwell Park: not a firm favourite of Henry’s. However, Kev seems to enjoy it! You can guess who will be starting the race here for us… Despite not having a bad record here and generally going well, it’s not been a place I’ve ever really gelled with. This all changed a little bit when we rolled the car out for qualifying. Again, with no testing prior, we bolted a set of new tyres (the first new set since we started testing in April) and set about trying to get ourselves in contention with the host of front running cars that had tested the previous day. The car felt absolutely superb, With Henry and Kev both managing to lap within 2 tenths, albeit making time in totally different ways and sections of the track having looked at the data! The session finished with us 4^thÌýoverall. Knowing that there was plenty left on the plate performance wise. The car’s brake balance with multitude of different corners and elevations was confidence inspiring to say the least.

“Kev started the race with it being one of his preferred tracks, and immediately got off to a good start making short work of 3^rd place round the outside into turn 1. Immediately setting his sights on the BMW of Matt Swaffers who appeared to be struggling to get up to speed straight away. A challenge that lasted another 4 corners before Kev committed an excellent move down the inside into the downhill left hander at Mansfield, finishing the move into the entry of the mountain section. Up to second place on lap 1.”

“This set the tone for the whole first half of the race. With Kev and the Mk6 Golf of Jack and George Wright pulling clear of the rest of the pack. With the pit stops completed, Henry jumped in hoping to consolidate to great work Kev had started. After a couple of laps of adjustment to how the car was handling, and the gap to 1^stÌýstable, Henry set about narrowing the gap to the Golf. Keeping an eye on the hard charging Civic of Nicole behind. With 1 lap to go, Henry was right on the bumper of the Golf having stabilised the gap to 3^rd. A back marker decided to place himself right in the wrong place into turn one defusing any chance of lining up a pass at the end of the Park Straight frustratingly! With the narrowness and twistiness of the Cadwell Park Circuit, another passing opportunity wasn’t to present itself. Crossing the line a mere 0.2 seconds off the winning Golf. Ìý

“Another fantastic result in the bank. With the championship starting to take place, this leaves us leading Class B and 2^ndÌýoverall. With 2 rounds to go, it’s going to be important to maintain the momentum! It’s all to play for! Next round Croft Circuit!â€�

Qualifying

“2^ndÌýin class and a personal best time.â€�

Race 1

“A very congested start to race one as we headed down the main straight to the first corner, however I was able to make up some overall places and get ahead of some of the higher-powered cars. Class leader Steve Primett however was able to pull a gap that I was never able to claw back, however all was not lost with a solid 2^ndÌýin class round a circuit I have historically struggled at. As the race settled, I found myself having to defend my overall position from some of the higher class cars and enjoyed some real battles which was to be a theme of the afternoon for me.â€�

Race 2

“I have never been under so much pressure to defend! From the start, I was under pressure from the 2023 Champion, Kevan Hadfield, and so we battled for 2^ndÌýin class on every straight and in every corner and even exchanged paint at one point as the battle intensified, however having to let a chase for 1^stÌýin class go due to the battle Kevan and I am pleased to have grab the 2^ndÌýin class but only a couple of tenths of a second!â€�

“I’m very pleased to say I held the EBC flag high at the weekend, with most of my competitors asking ‘how the hell do I brake so late?!’

“We conducted a test day with the car and my long-term coach, Ben Clucas (also from Northampton) last week and found myself with a massive mountain to climb, being some 5.5 seconds off the lap time!

“By the end of a gruelling day, we got within 0.5 seconds of a decent lap time but I remained optimistic whether I could transfer that to race weekend. Well, the great news was, after subjecting myself to a couple of months of a strict fitness campaign and getting my car set up as best we could, it paid dividends with a hard-fought weekend.

“With just the Saturday at Oulton, Qualifying and 3 races in the Caterham 420R demanded all the fitness and endurance you could lay your hands on and fortunately, I felt good as did the car. Qualifying didn’t deliver any great results and my strategy didn’t work either, placing me down the grid in 9th for race one.â€�

Race 1

“A great start off the line saw me up into 7th by turn one, but a car off at the same turn lap one initiated a re-start and a grid re-shuffle which didn’t play out good for me. Turn one again and I made up 3 places and on the back of the leading pack. The tyres coming up to temperature by lap 3 and the EBC brakes doing their magical stuff and me feeling good, I managed to start pushing through the pack and closing up to the leaders.

“A couple of the leading pack cars making some mistakes saw me take the advantage and pushing right to the chequered flag rewarded me with a 6th overall and a class podium, seeing me 3rd in class.�

Race 2

“Only and hour and a half after the first race saw us lining up again for our second race of the day. A few tweaks to the setup and a new set of EBC RP-X front pads and we were ready. Another great start off the line saw me right on the back of the front pack again in 6th. A great battle ensued and the car and I were feeling awesome.

“By mid-race, we had made up another place into 5th and now starting to hunt down the leaders and whilst obtaining the fastest lap of the race. By the late second half of the race, a number of collisions occurred, ending the last few laps under the safety car. I was happy though, feeling great in myself and the car’s performance and together we were closing down fast on the leaders end only 0.3 seconds behind P5 though giving me a P2 in class and on the podium once again.�

Race 3

“Directly after lunch, we lined up once again for our final race of the day. Now in P5 off the line, I could smell a win, or at least a top-3 overall finish. Again, I was feeling good and we did nothing with the car other than a subtle tyre pressure change.

“The red lights out and we fired off the line and putting us in 4th place by turn one. Staying in 4th and eyeing up the pack in front of me for the best and most suitable passing places, I started my move on the pack. A mistake by the leader saw the pack bunch up and also that of P5 and P6 cars who were now biting at my heels.

“With a hot pace still afoot, a number of ‘brave’ moves by the car behind me resulted in me having to protect my lines and disturbing my efforts for an attack on the cars in front of me, so some late braking moves into some of the main points on the track saw me back on the rear of P4 and the car behind me fading into the distance.

“With everything feeling good, I started to plan my move on the race leaders in front of me until one of these cars spun out in front of us at island Bend at well over 120mph and come back on track backwards directly in front of me and the car in front of me enabling the front leading pack to escape away and the car behind me to take the advantage and put me back to P5 though coming over the line with another podium finish with 3rd in class.â€�