DARLINGTON AND DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB take centre stage this weekend as competitors on two, three and four wheels converge on Croft Circuit for the Battle of Britain race meeting, writes Larry Carter.

The Battle of Britain weekend holds a unique place on the calendar as it is the only motorsport event in the North that sees cars, bikes and sidecars race at the same meeting.

A packed 11-race schedule on Saturday will feature two races for the Focus Cup, the various classes in the 30-strong Mini Challenge and a grid of more than 20 cars in the Northern Saloon and Sports Car Championship.

The Scottish Motor Club Classics completes the car schedule, with the bike action coming courtesy of two races each for the 600/650s and the powerful 1000cc class.

On three wheels, the FSRA F2 Sidecars take centre stage with two championship races over the weekend. Catterick Garrison-based Greg Lambert, Durham racer Lee Crawford and Leeds’ Conrad Harrison are three of the leading names on a packed grid of 23 starters.

Sunday’s 12-race programme is similar, and culminates in a trio of feature Battle of Britain Trophy races for both cars and bikes.

This is the first time that DDMC has been responsible for organising the motorcycle of the meeting, having recently become a registered club with the ACU. They have received welcome support from the North East Motorcycle Racing Club and the Scarborough 1946 Club.

Saturday’s action gets underway at 9.30am, with Sunday’s schedule beginning at midday. Adult admission is £12 on both days in advance, or £15 on the day, with accompanied children aged 15 and under admitted free on both days. A weekend ticket costs £20 in advance or £27 on the gate. There is also free car parking and paddock access.