Jack France Begins BriSCA F1 Season
04 Apr 2022
The 2022 BriSCA F1 Stock Car season got underway in March however, pre-season preparations for NAPA UK’s Jack France have been ongoing well in advance.
During the winter months, the blue #216 machine underwent extensive development under the bonnet. With a new and improved engine, the team has made the change from a ‘big block’ to a ‘small block’ Chevrolet engine. The investment should pay dividends, allowing Jack to build on last year’s best-ever season, where most of it was spent in ‘Star Grade’ driver status. “The small block engines have certainly proved their worth, I was in the minority with my big block [engine] in the World Final last year, so we are using the same powerplant as the very best this year” commented Jack.
With a fully prepared car, the NAPA sponsored team headed to the season opener at Kings Lynn on the 19th March. Keen to see the performance improvements made over the winter, the race meeting was also an opportunity to review other teams debuting new or developed cars. Throughout the event, the #216 made good pace. Putting in a fine performance in his heat, Jack finished in a credible 12th position. With a place in the Grand Final still in sight, the blue machine pushed further in the Consolation race, finishing 7th to qualify.
Pleased with how the car was performing and headed into the Grand Final, Jack kept his cool amongst a strong field of competitors. The NAPA driver put in a great performance, ultimately finishing in a respectable 6th place. Speaking after the race Jack stated, “I’m really pleased with how the car has performed, I’m adjusting my driving style to suit the characteristics of the new engine and I can feel there is more performance to come”.
The following week saw the racing head to Jack’s home circuit of Odsal, Bradford. With the car’s settings now honed, the blue machine was instantly on the pace. Jack crossed the line in a brilliant 3rd position during the first heat, guaranteeing a spot in the Grand Final.
Although getting off to a great start, a small mistake while jostling for position caused damage to the transmission of the car, unfortunately, leading to a forced early retirement for Jack. Undeterred, the team carried out repairs ready for the Grand National. Held at the end of the meeting, the race proceeded well, with the #216 turning the day around to finish in a remarkable 4th position.
In what is shaping up to be a promising season, Jack now heads into the sharp end of the points championship, currently placed 7th in the country. Continue to follow the racing as the cars next head to Mildenhall on the 9th April, followed by Northampton on the 10th April.
With a race calendar running through to mid-November, a full season awaits stock car fans – and it doesn’t end there! NAPA’s investment into UK motorsport sees the UK’s leading automotive aftermarket supplier partner with motorsport specialists Motorbase Performance, forming the first-ever NAPA Racing UK team. Bringing NAPA know-how to the British Touring Car Championship, watch the team debut at Donington on the 23rd and 24th April 2022.
A thrilling season awaits NAPA UK motorsport enthusiasts, visit napaautoparts.eu/en/napa-racing for more information.
