Words by: Andy Lloyd – Head of Media
Images by: Bernice Bradley – Student Motorsport Competition Photography Lead
The 2026 Student Motorsport Competition, part of the BRSCC Nankang Tyre CityCar Cup Championship heads to Norfolk this weekend for its first visit of the season to the formidable Snetterton 200 circuit. Following a highly competitive start to the season at Brands Hatch in April, the paddock arrives at Snetterton ready to contest two rounds at a circuit that has seen exciting SMo on-track action ever since the Competition first competed here in 2022.
The format of the weekend remains consistent with the opening event; qualifying followed by three races, with each entry competing in two. This format, first tested at Silverstone in 2025, allows a large field to compete safely on demanding circuits and offers the opportunity for new faces to make their podium debuts.
The Challenge: The Snetterton 200
At 2.00 miles, the Snetterton 200 is very different when compared to the tight, undulating Indy loop at Brands Hatch. Known for its long straights – Bentley and Senna – and technical corners, the circuit demands both top end speed and the ability to carefully judge your braking.
Historically, Snetterton has been a happy hunting ground for certain SMo veterans. Team Northbrook Racing’s (TNR) Richard Jepp stands out as the most decorated driver, boasting an incredible record of six Competition class victories and 12 additional podiums around the Norfolk circuit. Jepp’s intimate knowledge of Snetterton makes the TNR entry a clear benchmark for the field this weekend.
However, the reigning title holders, Boston College Racing (BCR), also possess a strong Norfolk pedigree. During their 2025 title-winning run, BCR dominated the Snetterton events. While 2025 double-winner Stuart Bliss is taking a sabbatical this year, his teammate Andrew Dyer – now partnering with Alex Foden – knows exactly what it takes to stand on the podium here.
Team Changes
Although the vast majority of the grid remains identical to that which competed at Brands Hatch, there is a change to the City College Norwich entry. Ollie Anslow has stepped back from Leon Wilde’s squad and the team will field a single entry with Sean Feehan behind the wheel of the #157 Citroën C1. City College Norwich is currently in the process of confirming a new, second driver for the remainder of the season, details of which will be announced in due course.
Expanding the Lens: Media Team Growth
Off the track, the Student Motorsport Competition Media Team continues to expand its professional capabilities. This weekend the team will be bolstered by two significant additions.
Aimeè-Grace Stevens, Media Producer of the Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) team, joins the central media team and expands on her involvement at Brands Hatch. Aimeè-Grace brings direct insight for her role in the management of the NSCG team that made its successful debut at Brands Hatch in April.
India Knowlson makes her debut with the Media Team at Snetterton. Bringing a Masters in Media and Communication from the University of Lincoln, India adds an academic rigour and elite sporting experience to the paddock. A mentor for Click Diversity, India’s portfolio includes photographing the English Alpine Championship in Italy. Her expertise will be vital in capturing the high-speed narrative of the SMo field.
To further elevate the Competition’s professional profile, this weekend marks the debut of post-race press conferences after every contest. These sessions, which will be videoed and may be live-streamed, provide a dedicated platform for teams and drivers to communicate their stories directly to a wider media audience and enhance their commercial visibility.
The weekend’s racing will also be live streamed on the BRSCC YouTube Channel (link below) giving SMo Competition teams the chance to shine in front of global audience. Click here for the BRSCC YouTube Channel.
What to Watch for This Sunday:
Drafting Battles: Using the draft from the car in front is vital to compete successfully in the SMo Competition. The long Bentley Straight will be the site of intense slipstreaming and you can expect to see CityCars running nose-to-tail as they fight for position before the heavy braking zone into Brundle.
Pitlane Development’s Redemption: After a “weekend of two halves” at Brands Hatch, Reuben Lowe and the Ollie Walsh-led team will be looking to banish the mechanical gremlins that hampered their second race in Kent.
The Points Chase: With Richard Jepp and TNR’s historical dominance, BCR’s race-proven efficiency and the podium surprises we witnessed at Brands Hatch, the battle for the top five places in class will be fierce. With dropped scores coming into play, the points table could look very different after the weekend.
Snetterton 200 Schedule:
Saturday, May 9th: Qualifying at 11:15
Sunday, May 10th: Race One at 09:55 for Groups A & B, Race Two at 14:55 for Groups B & C, Race Three at 17:25 for Groups C & A.
