A relatively new driver in competitive motorsport has landed his first national championship.
Steve Schweikhardt, from Spalding, rounded off a brilliant season with the 750 Motor Club by clinching the overall title in the final round at Donington Park.
Schweikhardt entered the BMW Car Club’s annual championship three years ago in a car he built himself and the 48-year-old’s previous best was third place in his class and eighth overall, last year.
“I’ve done well really from not winning a race last year to getting six wins this season,” said Schweikardt. “I’ve managed to get at least one podium in every round. It’s all a bit of a shock.”
Each round sees two 20-minute races after a qualifying session and Schweikhardt went to Donington one point behind reigning champion Graham Crowhurst in this year’s standings.
He had picked up twin wins at Silverstone, Brand Hatch and Snettisham, as well as one at Oulton Park and four second places.
At Donington, Crowhurst crashed in qualifying and Schweikhardt earned second and third places in the two races to take the title.
He got into racing after taking part in BMW Car Club track days with Gordon Hyam and he dedicated the championship to his friend, who passed away last year.
“Every time I’m racing I think of him,” said Schweikhardt. “He’s always in the back of my mind and he inspired me to carry on.”
Schweikhardt now looks set to take his car to be a part of the Autosport Show at the NEC in Birmingham later this year.
Then it’s about getting ready to try to retain his title.
“It’s been a great year and hopefully next year I’ll be competitive again,” he said. He thanked his sponsors, especially Peter Issett of Crowland Cranes, Peterborough Sheet Metal, RJ Developments and Andy Ibbertson.
- Breaking News
