Mark Cunningham has proved himself to be one of the most accomplished drivers in the Britcar Production Cup Championship, driving the family team’s SEAT Supercopa with dad Peter, and has taken one overall win this season. After a trying time with personal priorities during the summer, he seized a golden opportunity in mid-October, courtesy of long-time family friend and Formula Ford legend Frank Bradley.
Mark tells the story: “I got a call saying that if I could get to Jerez on the 11/12/13th October there will be a big blue 860bhp March 717 Can Am car waiting for me to race in the Can An Interseries. How could I say no to that?”
“The scary thing was that I only had a half-hour test then straight into a qualifying session. Anyhow, I managed to put it second on the grid, albeit of only six cars, but only seven-tenths behind Andy Newell, the series pace-setter, in his M8F McLaren, and I was very pleased with this.”
“In Race 1, I pushed Andy hard for a couple of laps until he made a mistake and allowed me to slip up the inside. He then came back at me but spun in the process leaving me with a very comfortable lead. It was all going great until a leaking brake caliper lost me my brakes, and I rolled around for the remainder of the race but managed third. Andy’s McLaren had broken a rocker, so he didn’t start Race 2, which was a shame as I was looking forward to racing him again, and this left me chasing the Lola T280 of Leo Voyazides. His lesser-powered car was hard to pass due to track being very slippery on the Sunday, but I managed to have a good run up to the last corner and popped it up the inside then pushed to the finish and a win.”
“I can’t explain how quick this car is; Takuma Sato drove it and said it was the fastest thing in a straight line he has ever driven, though in the race I only needed two gears – 4th & 5th – due to the massive 840ft/pound torque. Mind blowing!”
I have to say a massive thank you to Frank Bradley for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity, and to Richard Dodkins for trusting me with his priceless monster.
SW
