The SR1 Cup returns to Cadwell after a two-year absence, with championship leader James Pinkerton and chief rival Ryan Harper-Ellam evenly matched on three wins each out of the six races so far this term.
However, leading Rookie Class driver Hunt has been the biggest challenger to the top two so far this season, and reckons the introduction of a wildcard circuit like Cadwell can throw a spanner into the works for the pecking order.
“Cadwell will be a new track to pretty much all of us, and it’s a real racer’s circuit, where the driver makes the biggest difference instead of setup and car knowledge,” says Hunt.
“I think Cadwell will suit the fearless drivers the best – the guys who like to put the car on the ragged edge. In that respect drivers like James and Ryan have the experience to be able to do that, but I’m building it too and each round the time gap to them is getting smaller. By the end of the season I reckon we’ll be having at least a three-way fight for race wins.
“Cadwell looks a tricky circuit, and will be a challenge for all of us. I’m loving being in a competitive team environment [with Scorpio Motorsport] as it’s pushing me on to try harder and get better with each outing. My ambition is to go as far as I can in this sport, and you only do that by working hard and trying to beat the best drivers.”
Just 26 points separate Pinkerton and Harper-Ellam with Hunt just 51 further back in third spot. A race win yields 40 points, so it’s still all to play for this year.
Chris Short is only a handful of points behind Hunt in the battle for third overall, and the fight for the Rookie class honours.
Gavin McAlpine isn’t a great deal behind but will skip this round. That gives a great chance to Mark Williams and David Tagg, who will both be on the attack over the final few rounds trying to establish themselves inside the top five.
Tagg also leads the Fangio Trophy class – for drivers aged 45 and over. His biggest title rival, Peter Devlin, isn’t due to make the trip to Cadwell, so Tagg has a golden opportunity to extend his current, slender advantage. It’s also a chance for Julian Lay to make inroads against the top two.
The SR1 Cup action kicks off at Cadwell Park on Saturday 21st July with qualifying at 11.10, ahead of two 20-minute races at 14.20 and 18.00 (all timings remain provisional. Live timing is available via www.tsl-timing.com