A spectacular lights-to-flag victory for Matt Luff saw him clinch his maiden Milltek Civic Cup victory at Brands Hatch. The 19-year-old moves into second place in the championship as a result, as he beat points leader Alistair Camp to winner’s row. Meanwhile in the Production class it was Alfie Threlfall who saw the chequered flag in his Civic EP3.
Luff made a strong start in the #72 Civic EP3, maintaining the lead as he and Jamie Tonks set about extending their lead over the battle for third. A second lap squabble saw Dan Thackeray and Area Motorsport’s Alistair Camp argue over their position on a provisional podium, though both would eventually turn their attention to Tonks, who could not maintain the pace of the opening few laps.
It would not take Camp long to hold off Thackeray, pass Tonks and head after the young leader. An experienced Civic racer, Camp was eager to continue his perfect start to the season, closing the gap on Luff throughout. The ex-Ginetta racer was not fazed though, making the most of his Brands Hatch experience to control the gap at over three seconds, crossing the line almost unchallenged.
George Alp-Williams would finish fourth on the road, but a five second penalty for exceeding track limits consistently ensured that the teenager would eventually be classified seventh. This instead promoted the ever-popular David Buky to fourth, the #51 having diced with Thackeray and Morgan Bailey who crossed the line just behind him.
Ben Sharpe hit Ross Darlington with 10 minutes still to race, sending 26-year-old Darlington across the grass at McLaren’s. Sharpe was making outstanding progress, despite starting 26th and last, but the contact slowed his initial progress, crossing the line a respectable eighth on what had been an exceptional debut performance for the British Sim Racing-supported driver.
A top ten finish had been on the cards as Ryan Bensley and Martin Dalzell completed the leading ten instead. Dalzell’s finish ensures he starts on reverse grid pole for tomorrow’s second race.
In the Production Class it was Alfie Threlfall who stormed to victory, picking up the pieces after early race leader Peter Dell retired.
As the lights had gone out, Dell took the lead of the Production class ahead of polesitter Mervyn Beckett, the MJ Motorsport driver wasn’t about to take it lying down though hounding the back of the underdog for the opening laps as a queue starred to form behind the black #89.
Dell’s miraculous run would not last though and frustratingly retired on the fourth lap. From the incident, Threlfall would emerge in front, holding off Beckett for his own maiden Production Class win. Rounding out the Class podium would again be Mark Hughes.
Keep up to date with Milltek Civic Cup on our Social Media’s. The three races will be Live Streamed on our Facebook and YouTube channels. Opening race at 16:00 on Saturday 19th June 2021, with race two and three on Sunday.
Full Results can be found on TSL Timing.