The Hitek Electronic Materials Alfa Romeo championship returns to the picturesque Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire for the season opener on the 2.127 mile circuit operated by the BARC. After a welcome resurfacing exercise a few years ago the owners are continuing to enhance the facility with a new café opening last month.

Heading the entry list is reigning champion James Ford, once again in the familiar 156 2.0 litre twin spark. James is joined by Silverstone GP winner Toby Broome who returns to the Twin Spark class in his Revs Italia supported 156 after an excellent V6 class drive last time out. Edward Robinson had a strong first season in the 156 showing improving times as the season progressed and is once again driving his 156 twin spark. Completing the class, we warmly welcome newcomer Steven Anderson to the paddock in the ex Luther Blissett, Jonathan Tortolani 156 that he has borrowed for the weekend. Steve is keen to get on to the track and is hoping to be able to compete in selective future rounds later this year.

In the Power Trophy class are the two Bianco Motorsports supported Giuliettas in the hands of former champion Paul Plant and last year’s class winner Stacey Dennis. They are joined by Richard Ford in the Hitek Electronic Materials supported GT that he acquired over the winter from Gabriele Iaccarino.

In the Modified class, Jamie Thwaites returns once again in the very rapid Giulietta TCR car, possibly a contender to get close to Barry McMahon’s lap record of 1:29.6 set a couple of years ago on the championship’s last visit to this circuit. After a problematic season last year, Scott Austin is hoping for better returns in his very quick Integrale engined 156 and is joined on the grid by Mark Skeggs who is campaigning a second season with the Alfas in his GTV and Andy Page in the classic 116 Giulietta. Andy managed a fine second in class in 2023 as a result of much hard work and endeavour to overcome a number of problems that arose during the campaign.

Thanks go to the 750 Motor Club and to all our sponsors this year: Hitek Electronic Materials Ltd, Yokohama tyres, Unit-11 and the Alfa Romeo Owners Club. Their support of the championship is much appreciated and valued.

Keith Ford