It was 24°C on average throughout the day for Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2023 Armed Forces Race Challenge Championship with the racing on track equally as hot as the paddock. It was returning Matty Taylor who qualified on pole for both races in his E36 Compact with Mark White and Alex Smith closely behind in 2nd and 3rd. Class C pole went to Ben Moore, D to defending champion Doug Inglis and the graduates pole went to Mark Mallaby.

Race 1 saw close racing throughout the field. Unfortunately pole sitter Matty Taylor was forced into retirement with a minor mechanical issue. Mark White took the opening race (and Class B) victory ahead of Blair Thomson and Alex Rivett. Ben Moore topped the Class C podium ahead of guest driver Louis Woodward and 2021 champion Jon Candler. Class D was defending champion Doug Inglis ahead of Trevor Hancock and Gareth Moss whilst the graduates victory went the way of Jack Ijewsky, beating Emma Ockendon.

There were some frantic repairs in the paddock after race one with teams giving both cars and drivers attention ahead of the last race of the day. Sean Graham, Matty Taylor, Keith Attwood and Luke Arpino were all unable to take the start. Paul Martin-Jones was a non-starter in race one but managed to repair a broken fuel pump wire to get out and complete race two. Si Frowen missed race one due to a clutch cable problem which was also rectified for race two.

Race 2 outright and Class B win once again went to Mark White with Alex Smith and Blair Thomson rounding out the podium. Class C went the way of Jon Candler with Louis Woodward and Paul Chapman despite starting from the back of the grid. Doug Inglis made it the double for Class D with Trevor Hancock and Gareth Moss again. Harry Townsend took the graduates win with Jack Ijewsky and Mark Mallaby rounding out the class podium.

On PI in Race 1 it was Doug Inglis taking the win with Richard Brown and Paul Waterhouse completing the podium. In Race 2 Blair Thomson emerged victorious over Jon Candler and Mark White.

Despite the numbers being lower than expected for this round, through our unique operating model and partner network we were able to deliver the best value for money sprint racing when compared to the other formulae as well as additional light hospitality. Maximum participation potential through being able to offer affordable racing and an inclusive atmosphere are the main goals for AFRC and to be able to maintain this even when numbers may unexpectedly drop, is only made possible by the support we receive from our partner network.

Armed Forces Race Challenge Championship 2023 Rounds 5 & 6 take place on 29th July at Snetterton, Norfolk on the 300 layout.