Twin brothers from Battle, Christopher and Anthony Newton were the class of their field on Saturday, January 18, as Brands Hatch hosted Round 4 of the Motorsport New Circuit Rally Championship. Taking a commanding class win by more than three minutes to their nearest rival the twins were never headed from the outset. The special stage rally formed a series of eight tests around the iconic Brands Hatch race track complex.
The day dawned frosty, but this did little to hinder the Newton brothers as they flew through the first stage catching fellow competitors napping, setting the 5th fastest time overall, just three seconds off the lead. With 90 competitors entering in the rally, eyebrows were raised at the storming pace of the duo in their diminutive Vauxhall Nova with a mere 1400cc engine.
As the stages wore on, their speed was no less impressive, but as the conditions warmed, sticking with the front runners proved a challenge. Battling with national drivers in far more capable machinery, they continued to stay at the sharp end as the final stages moved into the darkness.
The pair has become renowned and much admired in the rally circles for giant-killing performances such as this. The recently built car is an updated version of their previous mount, but no less wieldy. By the close of play, the team who hail from near Battle, walked class A for the win and finished a staggering 13th overall of the 67 crews classified at the end of a tough day.
Andy Jenner of JenCo Electrical Ltd, which sponsors the brothers, expressed his delight at the result, “last year I was spectating at the event and saw these lads putting in crazy fast times, shortly before witnessing them up on two-wheels as they had a moment on the track! Their commitment was unquestionable and immediately I wanted to get involved with the team.” Anthony Newton added, “It has been fantastic to receive sponsorship from Andy Jenner, rallying is a fantastic sport, but it is expensive. To have the support he is giving us makes all the difference”.
The pair will next compete at the Corbeau Seats Tendring & Clacton Rally in Essex. The event takes place on closed roads and forms part of the British Rally Championship which is considered by many as the UK’s pinnacle in competitive stage rallying.
Source: The Newton brothers
Image Credits: Christopher Newton .