Giddins Steals Masters Lead, Snashall Turns Up Heat – WEST LONDON FINALE AWAITS

Round 4 of the KOC25 championship rolled into Essex last weekend, where the Colchester Model Car Club's blue-and-white kerbs were ready and waiting for the South’s leading RC racers. Forecasted rain showers stayed away providing racers with near-perfect conditions.

Eastbourne arrived at Colchester holding the slimmest of leads, knowing one bad race could swing the title race wide open. But thanks to a no show from the Aldershot team and standout drives from Stuart Rand and Chloe Snashall, coupled with a vital B-final victory from Graham Cahalane, they took a critical step towards securing an unprecedented fifth consecutive Teams Championship. It would be boring if it wasn’t so impressive.

Teams Championship – Eastbourne HANDED the Advantage

Early indicators hinted that the home team, Colchester, might upset Eastbourne’s plans. But with Dave Ringsell and Damian Giddins flying in Masters, young Kenny Hyde impressing with mature racing in a high quality 17.5 Stock C-final, and Eastbourne’s Ben Moorey literally throwing it in the bin in the A-Final, it looked like West London would be the ones to beat the champions elect. Unfortunately for West London, the elder Hyde (Andy) suffered a costly error-strewn Race 1 in Masters behind his team mates, posting nine points—enough to gift-wrap victory for Eastbourne. West London's total of 24 points fell agonisingly short of Eastbourne’s impressive 19-point tally.

Adur Model Car Club showed some promise, anchored by Kevin Sturt’s B-final Masters win, grabbing third on 27 points, narrowly edging out the home squad Colchester, who tallied 29. Aldershot, sadly absent, effectively surrendered any lingering hopes of a Teams title challenge.

Frontie – Rand Dominates; Harrison & Trinder Trade Places

The Frontie category provided its usual tight racing, but Stuart Rand stood out (and wide) all day. Rand delivered an immaculate qualifying session and converted his TQ into two calm and collected final victories, placing himself firmly in the championship driver's seat. Behind him, Richard Harrison and Mark Trinder continued their season-long battle, swapping second and third places in each final, leaving them locked together on 581 points—both needing a big West London finish to dethrone Rand.

Special mention goes to Craig Woods, who took top honours in the Frontie B-final, after two nail-biting second-place finishes delivered overall victory.

17.5 Stock Touring – Fletcher's Homecoming

Billy Fletcher's return from National duty was a dream outing for Colchester club. Fletcher, clearly inspired by home advantage, seized TQ and confidently converted pole into two dominant wins. Adam Southgate chased bravely but settled for a commendable second place overall, while Eastbourne’s Jack Collins completed the podium in third. Championship leader Ricky Copsey took the rain from Essex to Austria, and saw his points lead significantly shrink, with Ben Cane and Ben Moorey now breathing down his neck as the series heads to its finale. But it’s Eastbourne’s Jack Collins who could be the one to watch in the final round. 

Talent Cup – Ice-Cool Chloe Levels the Score

With Team Associated/CML sponsorship ramping up the stakes, the Talent Cup featured tension-filled finals yet again. It really is a brilliant class, always producing great races. Chloe Snashall stayed icy-cool while chaos erupted around her, avoiding the paint swapping to claim two impressive final wins. Her performance pulled her level in the standings with rival Harry Johnson, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown at West London.

Masters – Giddins now favourite as Ringsell gifts win

In Masters, another thrilling battle unfolded between Damian Giddins and Dave Ringsell. Ringsell qualified fastest and should have secured the double, only to lose it at the last corner of Race 1, handing victory to Giddins with the tiniest of errors. The punishment didn’t fit the crime - and while Ringsell bounced back to take the second final, the result must have stung a bit, in the context of an exciting championship battle. Giddins now leads the Masters Championship by a single point heading to West London. Meanwhile, Peter Neville displayed incredible perseverance, scoring sixth and fifth in his finals, enough to claim third overall—a remarkable testament to a never-give-up attitude getting a deserved result. 

Rookies – Harrison Wraps Up the Title

Luke Buonaiuto showcased his potential, taking TQ and overall victory in Rookies. However, the major headline belonged to Finley Harrison, whose second-place finish at Colchester clinched the Rookies Cup championship with a round still remaining. A hugely popular win for a hugely popular young driver.

West London Finale Awaits

Young Kenny Hyde’s impressive drives to second and first in the Stock C-finals signalled clear promise and added valuable points for West London. Graham Cahalane's faultless Frontie B-final double was critical for Eastbourne’s team victory, reinforcing the importance of lower-final battles, and the stage is now perfectly set for a thrilling finale at West London RC on 7 September.

While Eastbourne look almost certain to claim their fifth straight team title, three championships (Frontie, Talent Cup, and Masters) remain tantalisingly undecided.

We can’t wait to see how this brilliant season finishes. See you trackside on September 7th