MORE than 90 cars have been confirmed as starters for the second Sandown Sprint time trial event, which is raring to go in less than a fortnight.

Race car entries for the event — over the weekend of March 25-26 — are up on last year's inaugural Sandown Sprint on Culver Parade, say organisers, the Isle of Wight Car Club.

Last year’s fastest driver overall, Will Nicholls, will be there to defend his crown, while his
closest rival, Damien Bradley, will also be returning to the Isle of Wight.

Bradley set the fastest overall time, while Nicholls was the most consistent over both days.

The paddock will again be based at Yaverland, with spectators encouraged to enjoy the cars at close quarters and meet the drivers.

”It was the most fantastic weekend last year. A real family atmosphere you would not normally see at a traditional race circuit," said Nicholls.

"There’s definitely something very special about closing public roads and racing — and so close to the town centre.

"Sandown is starting to make a real name for itself in motor sport.”

The Isle of Wight Car Club has been running motor sport events on the Island since the 1950s.

Due to the scale of the Sandown Sprint, the club is supported by mainland officials and marshals from Motorsport UK and other southern motor clubs.

The club's chairman, Malcolm Smith, added: “The Sprint has quickly become our
club’s most prestigious and popular event of the year.

"We’ve been delighted with the number of cars and drivers who have entered — and especially the additional Island drivers now taking part.

"There’s been a significant increase in our membership following the success of last year and we hope to see many more join us this year.”