Motorsport: Remnant joins grid for world title

Kerry Remnant is making another trip to the UK to compete in the BriSCA F1 stock car world championship after also competing in 2003 and 2004. Photo / Andrew Warner

Tauranga super stock driver Kerry Remnant has grabbed a last-minute opportunity to drive in a world championship.

The BriSCA (British Stock Car Association) Formula 1 world championship takes place in Kings Lynn, England, on September 18 and 19.

Two Kiwi drivers have already been confirmed to line up on the grid. Bryce Steiner was invited as winner of the World Individual Super Stock Championship (commonly known as the 240s) in Rotorua in January and Kyle Fraser took the second place available.

But when an American driver recently dropped out, championship organiser Guy Parker contacted Rotorua Stock Car club secretary Sonja Hickey who sounded Remnant out.

"I had no hesitation - it was an opportunity. I don't worry too much about the money - if it was about the money we wouldn't do anything," said Remnant.

It won't be a new experience as Remnant, who has contracted out of Baypark Family Speedway for the past two seasons, competed in the British event in 2003 and 2004.

"In 2003, I finished ninth in the world final, the following year there was a big pile-up and I burned my clutch out trying to get out of it."

The ninth-place finish in 2003 had given him something to aim at.

"I am going there to win, but knowing it's unlikely - but I'd like to better my previous result."

There will be 33 other drivers also trying to win.

The grid for the final has taken shape over a series of lead-up meetings. On pole is current British national points leader Rob Speak, alongside Steve Smith jnr. On the second row is regular New Zealand visitor Frankie Wainman jnr.

The third, sixth, ninth, 12th, 15th and 17th rows are reserved for overseas drivers, with time trials taking place the night before to determine who will take which spots.

Remnant said generally the European cars have more "grunt", running big-block Chevy motors, but the New Zealand-style cars have better suspension and brakes.

There are also different styles of racing - and an expectation the Kiwi drivers will "put the bumper in".

"It's very much frowned upon, unless you are on the same lap as the other driver, and it means you can't work as a team - people say you [Kiwi drivers] should work as a team, but you can't really."

From what he has seen, he doesn't believe there have been many changes in the rules of BriSCA racing since 2004, but he will lack time in the seat.

"In some ways I will just be hanging on."

He expects to have his own car ready for the first time super stocks are on the programme at Baypark Family Speedway on November 21.