11/10/2024
2024 NANKANG TYRE BMW COMPACT CUP @ SILVERSTONE INTERNATIONAL - 12/13 OCTOBER 2024 - RACE MEETING PREVIEW
It’s hard to believe somewhat that the Nankang Tyre BMW Compact Cup hasn’t actually raced now for just over two months, but after Cadwell Park in August, the scheduled previous rounds at Donington Park last month were sadly abandoned and declared a non-contest due to adverse weather conditions leaving the track in an unsuitable state for racing. Therefore, with no change in the order, the paddock now moves on to its final rounds of 2024 on the Silverstone International circuit with the weather forecast looking, thankfully, much brighter and clearer.
That means much of what was said last time is relevant, as with an unchanged points table since Cadwell Park, Joe Doble still retains a 12 point lead at the top of the standings. The younger brother of 2022 champ turned BTCC Jack Sears Trophy winner Mikey, he will be hoping he can provisionally bring home another piece of championship silverware from the weekend. Six wins have helped him sit atop the points from the beginning of the year, and should he keep up that pace, he looks to be the favourite going into the Silverstone weekend. However, nothing is certain and there’s still a chance he could be overhauled by second placed Connor Grady.
Connor, by contrast, has been mighty impressive in his first Compact Cup season and quickly gotten up to speed in the championship from the outset. A podium in his first race at Oulton Park set the tone immediately and since then, he’s finished every race and never fallen out of the top five, showing remarkable consistency and firmly deserving of his championship contender status. If results go his way and he can outscore Doble by enough in either race, there’s a chance he could still steal it away.
Gordon Macmillan is unfortunately not due to race this weekend, meaning this third place will be under threat. The battle to take that spot looks as though it’ll be worth the watch, as Joe’s father Mike Doble is only a single point ahead of fifth placed Max Noble. The battle between them is firmly balanced on a knife-edge with no certainty which one will top the other.
Another fascinating battle that’s set to play out is the three way dance over sixth in the standings between Alex Read and Adam Wright. While both Read and Wright and have done well to make themselves regular top five and top ten contenders throughout the year, it’s been a difficult and testing season for outgoing champion Claydon. While he’s set to lose the #1 from his window, all he’ll be hoping for is a silver lining to what’s been a difficult campaign.
Richard Sutherland and Barney Lower round off the top ten going to Silverstone, another pair of drivers that have produced glimpses of pace at points throughout 2024 and will have desires to finish strong.
Watch all the action from this weekend's finale via the BRSCC YouTube channel LIVE!
Nankang Tyre UK | GAZ Shocks | Hybrid Tune | Safety Devices International Ltd | BRSCC
IMAGES - James Roberts Photography
