James Blyth ~ Mini Challenge 2007

Mallory Park

This weekend sees James head to the Leicestershire circuit of Mallory Park for the Mini Challenge Spring Cup which takes place on the 15th April.

Of course we will bring you all the news from the event but if you are looking attend here are our top tips for Mallory Park viewing.

Mallory Park is a little gem of a circuit and as their strapline says "The Little Circuit With A Big View"

As you can see on the map (click to enlarge) the circuit encapsulates a small ornamental lake and the paddock complex. Set in a natural amphitheatre, and with everything in walking distance it offers the spectators ample opportunities to watch the action. From some vantage points you can see over three quarters of a lap!

A great spot to start your spectating is on the grass bank opposite the start finish line which also gives you a stunning view across the lake and you can see the cars race down the back straight, Stebbes.

As a spectator you can also take you car in and park up at Gerards to watch the action - great option if the weather turns on us!

This weekend the cars will not use Edwinas - this chicane is only used for motorcycle events.

You can now drive your own car as far round as the Esses park and view area which gives a great panorama of the whole circuit but no visit is complete without getting on foot and walking around the Shaw's Hairpin, Bus Stop Chicane and Devil's Elbow - here the action really hots up! Spectators view the action from high banks so you get the opportunity to really look down on the cars and being so close to the circuit you will get a real sense of the speed and closeness they achieve.

For those attending tickets prices are Adults £12 and Children FREE, with practice starting at 09:30 and the first race scheduled for 12:05. Parking and paddock transfers are also FREE. The paddock is accessed by spectators over the bridge on the main straight.

After the racing be sure to take time to look at the amazing lifesize statues of motor racing greats located at the circuit entrance.

Mallory Park is situated in the village of Kirkby Mallory, just off the A47, between Leicester and Hinckley. Look for the brown tourism road signs, including those which bring you direct from junction 21 of the M1.

James+Blyth, Mini+Challenge, Mini+Challenge+Spring+Cup, Mallory+Park

BBC Norfolk

We are very grateful of the support of BBC Norfolk who will be following's James' season this year on their website and also on BBC Radio Norfolk.

To start you can read James' profile and season preview on the BBC Norfolk Website.

North by North West!

Last Thursday night James made the arduous journey to the north west ahead of a testing day at Oulton Park on Friday.

The test went very well indeed. The test day was held on the Oulton Park International Circuit so it was a wonderful opportunity to really stretch the Mini's legs. It was a good opportunity for James to familiarise himself with the circuit though when the MINI Challenge returns for their race in May it will be held on the Oulton Park Island Circuit.

Once again the car was reliable and James put in consistently fast laps, coming away with more valuable track time under his belt. Not long now till Race One!

Mini, Mini+Cooper+S, James+Blyth, Oulton+Park, Mini+Challenge, Motorsport, motor+racing

Press Release - Introducing James Blyth

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 26th February 2007
Words: 280
For further information please contact:
Rebecca Hobbs
Email: [email protected]

BLYTH SET FOR A MINI ADVENTURE

Norwich’s James Blyth set to compete in the 2007 Mini Challenge

Norwich teenager, James Blyth is set to take to the race track in 2007 as he contends the Mini Challenge Championship. Racing an Advent Motorsport prepared Mini S Class Cooper, this will be the 19 year old’s debut season in track racing after eight successful years in karting.

As the current Senior TKM Extreme lap record holder at Buckmore Park, James is used to high speed racing but is looking forward to the new challenge the saloon championship brings having already had a successful test session at Snetterton circuit.

“The test went very well” reported James. “The car’s handling and response is excellent. I had a very consistent test session and the times were well within the reach of last year’s pole position time for the race held at Snetterton, which given the poorer weather conditions and the fact I was running old tyres, was very encouraging.”

James, has high hopes for the series ahead.

“Naturally I want to win!” says an ambitious James, “But it is a long season which requires consistency and dedication, so I am very thankful to be racing with a team such as Advent Motorsport who are proven winners in the Mini Challenge having taken the S Class Championship last year. I hope to be bringing some silverware home to Norfolk!”

James’ season can be followed on his website www.jamesblyth.com with the first race taking place at his ‘home circuit’, Snetterton on 28-29th April. Until then James has more testing lined up and is warmly inviting any local companies who would like to sponsor his Championship campaign to contact him on [email protected] for further details.

Notes to Editors:

James Blyth
Age: 19
Lives: Norwich, Norfolk
Website: www.jamesblyth.com

2007 Season: Competing in the Mini Challenge S Class in an Advent Motorsport prepared Mini S Cooper

Previous to 2007 – 8 years of karting. Senior TKM Extreme Lap record Holder – Buckmore Park

Outside of motorsport his hobbies include playing guitar, tennis, rugby, golf, football and partying! His ambition though is to become a professional racing driver.

Digital images are available on request from Rebecca Hobbs.

Technorati Tags: James Blyth, Mini Challenge, Motorsport, Motor Racing, Minis, Norwich, Norfolk

Welcome To James Blyth Online!

Welcome to James Blyth online - we'll be keeping you updated with all James' on and off track adventures as he competes in the 2007 MINI Challenge

We'll be bringing you race previews and reviews, a cockpit view from James and photos of all the action as well as letting you know when you can catch the series live at the track or on television.

James' Profile:

At 19 years of age, James already has an enviable track record in karting with eight years of successful competition racing under his belt including numerous wins at Junior and Senior level.

2007 sees the Norfolk youngster move into track racing, bringing with him a wealth of experience and determination as he takes on the Mini Challenge ‘S’ Championship.

MINI Challenge 2007 Calender

As the current record holder of the Senior TKM Lap Record at Buckmore Park, James certainly comes to the track with natural speed and has further demonstrated his dedication to the sport having completed his ARDS test and successfully tested for Advent Motorsport, the team with whom he will run in 2007.

James+Blyth, Mini, motorsport, motor+racing, Mini+Challenge