The sprint to the 2012 World Championship semi-finals

[drumbstick]

The sprint to the 2012 World Championship semi-finals

Overview

This is turning in to a classic year for UKDirt F2s, with record grids for the rFactor flavour of F2, and new winners almost weekly the class of 2012 is proving to be one of the most competitive ever. Looking at the World qualifying charts certainly highlights this with only 50 points covering Dave 488 in 15^th and Mav 641 who currently sits 33^rd.

64 Drivers have so far taken part in the World Qualifying series, with total of 58 scoring points over the first 13 rounds. The no points but keeps coming back for more award has to go to Longden with 4 appearances without yet getting on the board.

At the front it looks like pole has been secured for both semi finals, but with only 8 points separating Tom and Danskin who will be in semi-final 1 and who will be in semi-final 2 is yet to be decided. This could make a real difference, as semi-final 1 currently looks the harder of the two races.

At the other end of the table JK currently holds that all important 48^th position 3 points behind Stumpy but only 1 in front of Sprat who took the last whites and yellows round in impressive fashion. With 120 points still on offer if Sprat has two impressive rounds he could jump from out of the semi-finals to 11^th in the points and there are still 33 drivers who could claim a place in the front 3 rows of the grid.

The Venues

Mildenhall

With a new version of this track being released only a few weeks ago, and the F2 circus yet to visit at all in 2012 this really is and unknown for everyone. The new version of the circuit has been generally well received and is certainly easier to drive than the 2011 flavour, however it only has one racing line and passing will be difficult even with the use of the bumper. One drivers comment recently that it's not much bigger than a roundabout shows just how compact it is, and 16 laps round here will go by in a flash making it extremely difficult for the star and superstars to make it to the front.

Drumbstick 41 won last time out on shale at Belle Vue, however it is generally accepted it is not his strongest surface. Jase 756 lost out on the last lap of that race, and will be hoping to go one better here. DanSkin is also known to favour tarmac over the loose shale so can TomD make a decisive move here to win the World Qualifying Points battle?

Barford

Home of the 2012 Championship of the World, it's a track that you either love or you hate. The shortest track of the season and unlike mildenhall it is also very narrow, with sticky walls so if you get put wide you are likely to lose a lot of time to your rivals. Barford has a way of making you feel claustrophobic, and to win here you need to not only have a quick car and huge amounts of race craft but also a very large slice of luck.

This was the semi final venue in 2011, with this year's pole sitters Danskin and Tom taking the wins. Green 115 won the meeting final at that meeting securing Tom the Pole position he eventually went on to win the 2011 title from. Green has been in fantastic form in his real F2 recently taking a heat and GN win at the European championship meeting against a high class field. That speed has transferred to his online exploits, however his hard hitting style has upset a number of driver this season, and an ongoing feud with Leek 39 has been a feature of recent weeks.

If the lower graded drivers work together at Barford then like Mildenhall it will be very hard for the star drivers to get to the front and it wouldn't surprise me to see a couple of whites or yellows advancing up the semi-final grids at the end of this one.

The Drivers

Below is a rundown of top 48 drivers, and the lowest scores they can drop.

TomD:

Score: 295

Lowest 2 scores: 19 & 25.

Tom looks to have secured a pole position place but in which race is yet to be decided. One of the two most consistent drivers in 2012, the current world champion has shown the roof when possible and has recently claimed the European crown.

DanSkin:

Score: 287

Lowest 2 scores: 21 & 21

Danskin made huge leap forward at the last qualifying round, winning the final and closing the gap on Tom to 8 points. Looking at the scores that could be dropped this battle is going to go all the way down to the wire.

Drumbstick:

Score: 233

Lowest 2 scores: 17 & 15

Drumstick is locked in a battle with James 560 for position 3 in the qualifying point's race. Oddly these two drivers share the highest single qualifying score of 38 points dropping just 2 points over 2 heats and a final. Lower average scores mean they have fallen away from the top two but should still make front row appearances.

James 560:

Score: 215

Lowest 2 scores: 10 & 7

James has to be in the running for most improved driver in 2012. In 2011 he showed some base speed but this year he has allied that fewer big hits and more race craft and has been rewarded with good results. With lower scores that can be replaced than Drumbstick he could still nick position 3.

Green 115:

Score: 209

Lowest 2 scores: 11&9

As already mentioned above Green has had race winning pace a number of times this season, but big hits and the inevitable payback have sometimes relegated him down the order further than he should be. Theoretically could still take a front row start but it would mean both drivers in front of him having bad meetings and not improving on their worst scores.

Robin 87:

Score: 206

Lowest 2 scores: 13 & 14

Robin has returned after a year away in 2011, and although he has not found the dominant pace he had in 2010 he has still managed to capture the British championship already. Another driver who could potentially still get on the front row outside, but inside row 2 is not a bad place to be.

Mike 315:

Score: 181

Lowest 2 scores: 8 & NA

Probably the biggest threat to the current front row, Mike only has 9 scores against his name with everyone in front of him having 10. Mikes average is only beaten by the top 2 so two good rounds could certainly see Mike being the biggest mover at the front of the pack.

Kane:

Score: 166

Lowest 2 scores: 7 & 6

One of the youngest drivers in F2, Kane has shown in 2012 that he has much calmer and mature head on his shoulder than some of his older rivals. To far back to go forward, and with only Leek looking like he might pass him a start in the front 3 rows is just reward for the improving driver.

Leek:

Score: 165

Lowest 2 scores: 10 & 9

Again probably only in a real battle with Kane but probably would prefer to stay 9^th and have an inside start. The ongoing battle on track with green could be most interesting over the next couple of weeks, will they both make it to a semi-final without being banned?

Nezza:

Score: 145

Lowest 2 scores: 7 & 7

A good start to 2012 promoted Nezza back to the Superstar grade he held for most of 2010. This probably hampered his World Qualifying campaign and is probably the reason Leek and Kane have moved away. Probably safe in 10^th, and I think Nezza will be quietly happy with that.

Southy:

Score: 127

Lowest 2 scores: NA & NA

Could possibly catch Nezza, and probably safe from behind. Southy has struggled a bit on tarmac this year but seems to finally be getting to grips with it. Southys biggest contribution this season so far has been in the admin team where he has become a valuable member.

Jakie JNR:

Score: 118

Lowest 2 scores: 6&6

Started the year with a bang from the lower grades, and after an upgrade to red he has stayed there so far. A hard hitting driver, who like Green has ruffled a few feathers this season but make no mistake he can be quick on his day.

Stoxjack:

Score: 111

Lowest 2 scores: 7 & 6

A good consistent driver, Jack is someone who anybody knows they can go wheel to wheel with and is liked throughout the league. Safe in the top 15 Jack will no doubt be looking to improve towards the top 10 if possible.

Si 31:

Score: 103

Lowest 2 scores: 0 & 0

Having had to put his real F2 up for sale(It is still available at the time of writing)Si now only gets his F2 fix online, and I doubt its coincidence that his results have started to improve. Losing the final right at the end of the last meeting at NIR could do Si a favour as he heads in to the last two rounds still at the yellow grade.

Dave 488:

Score: 90

Lowest 2 scores: 4 & 1

Dave has not had the greatest season so far in 2012, although proved at the British championship meeting he has the pace to compete when he avoids the carnage. Stuck in the tightest bunch of driver a good meeting could see him go forward, although if others around him do well he could drop.

Lew495:

Score: 87

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

Some good results from yellow early in the season mean Lew sits inside the top 20 having only 6 scores against his name. Since his upgrade to red he has struggled a little bit, but is quite capable of moving forward a couple of places.

FreeW67:

Score: 84

Lowest 2 scores: 0 & 1

The only American racer to have scored points in 2012, FreeW impressed from white early on but struggled with the rough and tumble of mid pack racing after an upgrade to blue. Now back to yellow he is improving and could soon be looking to go up the grades as he settles in.

Gary131:

Score: 81

Lowest 2 scores: NA

Gary has shown flashes of real speed at times in 2012, and how he has managed to only score enough points to be at yellow nobody really knows. Another driver who seems to be improving week on week I am sure it wont be long before he joins his brothers in the blue, or red grades.

SkekTomP:

Score: 77

Lowest 2 scores: 1 & 1

A consistent lower grade driver, Tom is one of the drivers that the league could not survive without. Turns up most weeks, tries hard does not complain or cause trouble and seems to enjoy his racing.

Spike:

Score: 74

Lowest 2 scores: 2 & N/A

One of UKDirts longest serving drivers, there is not much Spike has not seen in his time here. Struggled in the last couple of seasons but a recent upgrade to blue may not help his chances of improving his position but currently sitting in the first 5 rows can be seen as a good result.

Ricky James:

Score: 73

Lowest 2 scores: 1 & 0

Love him or hate him, Ricky is certainly a character. A driver who turns up every week(when he is not banned) and must have a set-up in his received folder from every driver in the league. Going better in the past few weeks he may be able to break in to the top 20.

BristolStokie:

Score: 70

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

A late start to the season is the only reason Stokie is currently outside the top 20. A competent driver who seems to be improving, and has sat at red for a while this season. Look for him to make a push for the first 4 or 5 rows.

Gary 176:

Score: 68

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

A driver who has limited time due to his real life racing at Cowdenbeath. Seems to struggle from Red but whenever he is downgraded he goes and wins a final. Capable of moving forward if he has the time to race.

Craig 122:

Score: 67

Lowest 2 scores: 0 N/A

A driver who seems to slip in under the radar despite holding a blue grade since the end of the first grading period. In the tight mid pack it is almost impossible to predict what will happen but I think Craig will be happy to line up mid pack for his semi-final.

Azata 17:

Score: 65

Lowest 2 scores: 2 & 0

Another driver who started the season with a bang, but an early season upgrade slowed his season down and he seems to have struggled to get it back on track. Always vocal, Azata seems to finally be settling down in to his racing and a bit more racecraft could really see him progress.

Hoggy:

Score: 65

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

A hard driver to comment on. Hoggy started the season a bit late, had a really good run of results was upgraded and then stopped racing. I am sure if he is present at the final two rounds he could gain a couple of places but that is looking unlikely.

Skeet 318:

Score: 65

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

2 rounds competed in 65 points gained. No more needs to be said really, another of UKDirts oldest serving members and if he races then will no doubt move up the chart.

Leech:

Score: 61

Lowest 2 scores: 0 & 1

Everyone: Another driver who seems to struggle from red, but whenever he is downgraded goes and wins a final. Should probably be higher up the points chart and has a good chance to achieve that in the final couple of meetings.

StoxSigns 45:

Score: 60

Lowest 2 scores: 0 & NA

One of the youngest drivers to qualify for a semi-final, has undoubted enthusiasm and a move to a wheel would no doubt see him fortunes improve. Another driver who races most weeks and it is good to see he looks to have secured a semi-final place with a couple of rounds still to go.

Jakie 33:

Score: 57

Lowest 2 scores: 2 & 0

Jakie may not have the raw pace of JNR, but seems always score points at meetings even if it is only a handful. Being in the top 30 should be seen as a success, and if he continues to improve could be more of a threat in 2013

Jason_R:

Score: 50

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

2 meetings and an average of 25shows how much potential Jase has got. Another driver who would probably score even more points if he got his head down rather than always looking for the bumper battle. No doubt will be looking to improve his semi final grid position and is more than capable.

Samwit :

Score: 49

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

A good solid yellow grade driver, and another one who I am sure will be glad to have secured his place before the last couple of rounds. The small and tight confines of the final two rounds could see Samwit advancing his position if he stays out of trouble.

Mav 641:

Score: 46

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

What can be said here that has not been said about Mav before, not only is he one of UKDIrts oldest drivers but probably hold a world record for comebacks. Seems to be finding his feet in recent weeks although struggled a bit with the big fields last time out at NIR.

Spike JNR:

Score: 33

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

From the stories his dad tells maybe JNR should be renamed Casanova, and this has no doubt curtailed the number of outings he has made in 2012. Still sitting comfortably in the top 48 and with arguably more speed than SNR could advance his position if he chooses to race.

Stocky 37:

Score: 30

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

A number of good early season showings from Stocky showed promise, but he has not appeared for a couple of months. Still a regular visitor to the F2 facebook page (www.facebook.com/ukdirt) could we see a return?

Sparky:

Score: 27

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

A very late, but quite impressive start to the season for Sparky. Could easily move forward in the last two rounds and should look to make the most of that yellow grade before the end of the month.

MartynR:

Score: 26

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

I am sure there is a pun in here somewhere, about the colour of Martyn's car and a breath of fresh air but I will leave you to make up your own. Another new driver for 2012 and another who will just be glad to be on the semi-final grid although I wouldn't want to be in the car infront on T1.

F Burhenne:

Score: 24

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

FB started the season quite well, but has been absent in recent weeks. Certainly has the ability to move up the grid if he wishes to do so.

Tinman:

Score: 24

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

Tinman has shown some fantastic speed in F1 this season, and although he has failed to turn this in to results the talent is no doubt there. Has quietly gone about his business and like a few of the drivers in front of him, no doubt can improve his grid slot if he chooses to do so.

Johno:

Score: 22

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

Former F1 head admin Johno has taken a bit of a step back from online racing in 2012, but his 1 F2 outing was one of his strongest for a while. Never spectacular but always consistent, he improved his position at the last round in 2011 and could well do the same at the same venue this time round.

Bullboy:

Score: 21

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

Bullboy showed some flashed of pace early in the season, but has not been able to race since as he breached the skinning rules. Has a chance to submit a skin this week but looks unlikely to do so and could drop out of the 48 as a consequence.

Tosh:

Score:

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

Tosh is another driver who has cut back his racing in the last year, and lost his European championship last time out after failing to get out of the last chance race. Still has undoubted speed when he decides to turn it on.

Pistol:

Score: 17

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

I must admit I was surprised to see Pistol has only competed at 6 World Qualifying rounds this season. He always seems to be around, and although he has struggled a bit at times, is improving each week. Should stay in the 48 easily and a semi-final will be a good reward.

Dougieford:

Score: 16

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

Dougie has only managed to race Sundays and Bank holidays this season so unless there is a change of circumstance he will not be able to improve on the 44^th position he currently sits in and may fall out of the 48.

Spiroo:

Score: 16

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

A regular racer in 2011, Spiroo is another driver who has cut back his appearances in 2012 just when it started to look like he was getting to grips with the car. Would be a surprise, but welcome attendee at either of the two remaining rounds.

Aub:

Score: 15

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

Internet issues have severely restricted Aubs meetings in 2012, just after he looked like he would return with a bang only loosing the F1 Scottish championship on the last lap. If he gets his issues sorted he could well move quite a way up the grid.

Stumpy:

Score: 12

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

Stumpy has recently returned to racing, after a long break. Taking his time to settle back in, but seems to have a bit more speed each week and should be climbing the grades soon. Barford especially should suit his smooth style so has a good chance to stay in the top 24.

JK:

Score: 11

Lowest 2 scores: N/A

JK is another driver who has recently returned, and at NIR showed some signs of regaining his speed. A driver not afraid to the bumper, and will be looking to hang on in the top 48.

Those looking in

Sprat, Grasser, and Blair sit just outside the top 48 and could all make an impression. Allan sits just behind them, but did he shoot himself in the foot by winning the Final at NIR and being upgraded to blue?

THERE IS STILL TIME FOR ANYONE TO QUALIFY GET BOOKED IN NOW TO TRY AND DO SO

Edited July 20, 2012 by drumbstick