TWO brothers who share a love for motorsport are set to move up in standard for the coming season after taking four wins last term.
The Woodard brothers had a very successful 2019 season racing their JCW Mini Cooper in the Classic Sports Car Club’s highly competitive Turbo Tin Tops series taking four wins, four second places, a fourth and just one failure to finish in the places.
Next season they will be competing in the high profile Britcar Trophy Championship next season which provides longer races and tougher opposition.
Half-way through this season American driver Shields Bergstrom joined the line-up and the brothers took turns in sharing the drives with him.
Bergstrom, who flies in for each race from his Wisconsin home, is keen to get more experience of racing in Europe.
“The Britcar Trophy races present an altogether tougher challenge,’ said younger Woodard brother Daniel.
“The races are 25 per cent longer in duration and there will be two races on the day. This means everything and everybody is pushed that much harder!”
Older brother Sean added: “The longer races mean the drivers will have to make sure their physical fitness is improved and like the drivers the mechanical components will be tested. The engine, gearbox and drive shafts in particular will feel the strain and if they’re not in tip top condition they will fail.
“The Britcar Trophy will pitch us against some very professional and experienced teams. We set ourselves very high standards as a team and I am confident we are good enough to succeed.
“The Britcar Championship is sponsored by Dunlop and we will be running on a tyre we have not used previously on this car. You need to get to know the tyres and their characteristics. This can only be achieved with testing mileage and a good tyre technician.”
Talking about his decision to fly over from America to join the team, Bergstrom added: “As a semi-professional racing driver I wanted to race in this country to gain more experience and improve my racing skills.
“Joining Woodard Racing was a bit of a gamble but my research indicated they were the team for me. I never imagined things would go so well. The driver coaching has been great and to get two wins in just five races is fantastic!
“Those flights back home to the US are so much better when I have a winner’s trophy in my baggage, believe me.”
In recognition of their success this year, the team’s car is to feature on the Britcar stand at the Autosport International show at the NEC this weekend.
