Alfa Fan
29th March 2012, 19:30
There's some interesting line-ups this year with a couple of reputation on the line.
Honda Neal v Shedden
New car to both drivers, no differences in experience, hopefully Honda will allow them to race equally. I still feel Shedden is the quickest driver of the two, and hope he'll be able to put a solid run together this year. Last season Shedden suffered more than his share of bad luck (mech failure at Brands, turbo exclusion at Donny) and arguably should have been champion.
This year I'm going for Shedden to come out on top, and not only that, be series champion as well.
Motorbase Jackson v Smith
So Jackson back in the Ford, no changes from last year, tipped by many to be a strong contender for outright honours this year. Griffin last year was no comparison, but this year I expect Aron Smith to get a lot closer. I can't help feel they are in danger of being blown away by the full NGTCs in the 2nd half of the year.
WSR Collard v Onslow-Cole (v Foster?)
Really interesting one IMO, I rate Collard and Onslow-Cole about equal, both solid drivers, but neither really top drivers. I find it really hard to predict which way this will go, but I've got a feeling it might just be Collard who comes out on top due to his long experience in the 320SI. It will be interesting to see how close Foster can get to Rob and Tom given his form last season - I wouldn't be too surprised to see him not too far adrift.
Toyota Wrathall v Morgan
Frank clearly impressed last year, but with no real competitor to draw comparisons with it was hard to judge just how good he was. Adam Morgan should be a lot stiffer competition this season, and it'll be interesting to see how they compare. It will also be interesting to see how they shape up compared to the Austin Audi this season, which appeared to be on their pace by the end of the season, if not marginally faster.
ES Newsham v James (v Wood/Binz)
I expect Dave to blow Chris James out of the water, by several seconds a lap if I'm honest. The more interesting comparison will be against Lea Wood, but I think that Dave will have the upper hand over the season.
Other comparisons are rather obvious, such as:
Plato v Neate. If Neate outscores Plato across the season with Jason having competed at all the events then I will do a naked lap round the Brands GP circuit. I am that confident on this one!
Jordan v Smith. Not quite as confident here, but I still expect Jordan will have a significant edge over Smith, and probably outscore him at least 2-1.
Honda Neal v Shedden
New car to both drivers, no differences in experience, hopefully Honda will allow them to race equally. I still feel Shedden is the quickest driver of the two, and hope he'll be able to put a solid run together this year. Last season Shedden suffered more than his share of bad luck (mech failure at Brands, turbo exclusion at Donny) and arguably should have been champion.
This year I'm going for Shedden to come out on top, and not only that, be series champion as well.
Motorbase Jackson v Smith
So Jackson back in the Ford, no changes from last year, tipped by many to be a strong contender for outright honours this year. Griffin last year was no comparison, but this year I expect Aron Smith to get a lot closer. I can't help feel they are in danger of being blown away by the full NGTCs in the 2nd half of the year.
WSR Collard v Onslow-Cole (v Foster?)
Really interesting one IMO, I rate Collard and Onslow-Cole about equal, both solid drivers, but neither really top drivers. I find it really hard to predict which way this will go, but I've got a feeling it might just be Collard who comes out on top due to his long experience in the 320SI. It will be interesting to see how close Foster can get to Rob and Tom given his form last season - I wouldn't be too surprised to see him not too far adrift.
Toyota Wrathall v Morgan
Frank clearly impressed last year, but with no real competitor to draw comparisons with it was hard to judge just how good he was. Adam Morgan should be a lot stiffer competition this season, and it'll be interesting to see how they compare. It will also be interesting to see how they shape up compared to the Austin Audi this season, which appeared to be on their pace by the end of the season, if not marginally faster.
ES Newsham v James (v Wood/Binz)
I expect Dave to blow Chris James out of the water, by several seconds a lap if I'm honest. The more interesting comparison will be against Lea Wood, but I think that Dave will have the upper hand over the season.
Other comparisons are rather obvious, such as:
Plato v Neate. If Neate outscores Plato across the season with Jason having competed at all the events then I will do a naked lap round the Brands GP circuit. I am that confident on this one!
Jordan v Smith. Not quite as confident here, but I still expect Jordan will have a significant edge over Smith, and probably outscore him at least 2-1.