Over 30 drivers registered and more possible in coming weeks
Five-time former Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres Champion John Mickel (Horsham) and multiple category race winner Jack Parker (Wolverhampton) have both confirmed their participation in the hotly anticipated 2021 season, which begins just over five weeks from now.
Adding to an already phenomenal grid of talent, the very welcome return of two of the category’s most competitive drivers comes as part of the latest batch of 12 entries which have been received ahead of the start of the new campaign at Cadwell Park next month – taking the current total to 31.
Mickel, of course, needs no introduction whatsoever and will be looking to add his sixth Legends Cars crown. His most recent title victory, capping four consecutive years of dominance, was in 2019. Parker, meanwhile, is still chasing his maiden Legends Cars crown but he undoubtedly has the ability and was third in the standings in last year’s COVID-19 truncated season.
Robin Fountain (Boston), the 2000 Legends Cars Champion, will also be part of the 2021 grid and is another name to watch. After a lengthy 18 years away from action, Fountain returned to Legends in 2019 and immediately showed he’d lost none of his edge.
Multiple winner of the Masters Cup class title Paul Simmons (Lingfield), who is also an outright race victor, is back for more and is another driver who will begin the season as a very genuine threat for the overall crown.
Connor Hughes (Hullbridge), son of former title winner Paul Hughes, and Chris Dewey (Wisbech), who both debuted in Legends Cars last season, are confirmed to return as are the ever-improving Neil Shenton (Middlewich) and Jonty Norman (Wakefield).
The latest group of entries also includes two ‘Team Car’ registrations – Dave Ward (Braintree) and Mike Bourner (Bishop Middleham) will combine once again as will former Superkart aces Gareth Sheridan (Altrincham) and Chris Needham (Altrincham). The latter, of course, memorably claimed his maiden outright race win at Snetterton 300 Circuit last season in his debut campaign.
“We really are absolutely delighted to have passed 30 registered drivers for the new season, and with five weeks still to go until the opening rounds at Cadwell Park that number could yet increase further”, said Phil Cooper, Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres owner.
“While the likes of Jack Parker, John Mickel, Paul Simmons and Robin Fountain bring fantastic experience, relative Legends newcomers like Connor Hughes and Chris Dewey bring some fresh impetus once again this year. I genuinely think this year’s grid is going to be one of the absolute best we’ve ever enjoyed as we head into our 27th season of Legends Cars racing in the UK.”
Following the recent publication by the Government of its planned ‘roadmap’ out of the existing nationwide COVID-19 restrictions, the first two rounds – six races – of the 2021 Legends Cars season will take place two weeks later than intended over the weekend 24th/25th April.
Lincolnshire’s Cadwell Park will now host the championship curtain-raiser with Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent, which was originally set to be the venue for the first two rounds, hosting the second event of the year in early June where, it is hoped, spectators will be able to return trackside.
Revised 2021 Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres Calendar
24/25 April – Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire
5/6 June – Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, Kent*
3/4 July – Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, Kent**
7/8 August – Croft Circuit, North Yorkshire
21/22 August – Donington Park National Circuit, Leicestershire*
18/19 September – Snetterton 300 Circuit, Norfolk*
9/10 October – Pembrey Circuit, Wales*
6/7 November – Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, Kent*
*events supporting the British Truck Racing Championship
**American Speedfest 8
