tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49836701420863605452024-02-19T04:48:19.022+00:00OverdriveBest of British Club and National Motorsports.Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.comBlogger490125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-62458388375258788602016-02-26T13:00:00.003+00:002016-02-26T13:00:50.018+00:00New Look : Coming soonPlease excuse the mess whilst we work on our new, improved, website which will be packed with lots of new content featuring British Motorsport, New Car and Motorcycle reviews and engineering.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, please check out our social media channels<br /><br />Facebook : www.facebook.com/OverdriveMotorsportUK/<br />
Twitter : www.twitter.com/overdrive_uk<br />
Youtube : www.youtube.com/overdrivemotorsportOverdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-58502761031732301242015-02-13T17:05:00.001+00:002015-02-13T17:07:00.384+00:00Land Rover Defender Challenge by Bowler 2014 : The Best Bits <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h7am0d-9QR4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
The Land Rover Defender Challenge by Bowler Motorsport has completed it's inaugural season which saw Edd Cobley take home the honour of being the first champion ahead of Race 2 Recovery's Ben Gott and Damien Taft. Here are some of our highlights in a handy little montage. Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-12681632737468125682015-02-13T16:47:00.000+00:002015-02-13T16:59:24.385+00:00Gearbox : Morgan +8 Speedster Road Test <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OFIHEOt5vdk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
Chris Lucas, with a little help from Matthew Harris, takes the newest
and one of the rarest parts of the Morgan Motor Company range out for a
trial in it's home town of Malvern in Worcestershire. Morgan have been
making cars here for 100 years, and to celebrate, they've created the
Plus 8 Speedster, a £70,000 open topped British sportscar with a BMW V8
heart<br />
<br />
Introducing Gearbox - Team Overdrive's take on the world of
Road cars. We'll be bringing more road tests of all sorts of cars to
this youtube channel in the very near future, so do subscribe to find
out the latest.Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-11625525237198018142014-03-13T17:24:00.000+00:002014-03-13T17:24:12.530+00:00Caterham Seven 160 Road Test and Interview<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BA3ZCC1s8_A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>)Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-4468153600388569872014-02-03T12:00:00.000+00:002014-02-03T12:00:00.523+00:00British Superkart Association InterviewAnother couple of videos from Autosport International 2014, this time Rosemary meets the British Superkart Association to find out more about this incredibly fast form of motor racing...<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1XBHjZnRshA" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
Then we meet Ben Davis and Peter Bennett who have moved on from racing SuperKarts to take on the Clio Cup<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1EIFui7kbJc" width="640"></iframe>Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-19935080475210620632014-02-02T18:51:00.001+00:002014-02-02T18:51:17.337+00:00Wales Rally GB Boss Andrew Coe talks to OverdriveWales Rally GB, the British round of the World Rally Championship moved from South to North Wales last year. Chief Executive Andrew Coe talks to Rosemary John about the event's plans for 2014, and beyond.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tbOx45QtniE" width="640"></iframe>Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-48115659737631264592014-01-19T00:15:00.000+00:002014-01-19T00:15:29.236+00:00PopBangColour at Autosport International<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3-DhIX8rs_k?list=PL_gkN7QypCFfTU-TtUnM_k3SnnQY1PHcS" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
Ian Cook of PopBangColour fame, shows off his latest masterpieces to Rosie - including 2 very special cars. Ian's famous for painting pictures of cars using radio controlled cars. His latest innovation is to paint pictures of cars, using radio controlled cars, <i>onto</i> cars.Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-85059056720709849752014-01-16T23:13:00.000+00:002014-01-19T00:16:07.904+00:00Land Rover Defender Challenge at Autosport International<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o2Mks0OjimI" width="640"></iframe>
<br>If you think Land Rover Defender, you probably don't think rally car! Off Road racing experts Bowler Motorsport see it differently and have taken Solihull's finest and given it it's very own Rally Challenge. With a raft of technical innovations including an anti-flop gearstick, the Defender is sure to pack a punch on the rally stage. Rosemary John meets up with Jon Chester from Bowler to find out more.Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-87374606231270516402014-01-14T23:32:00.000+00:002014-01-15T11:30:07.144+00:00Lotus launch Elise S Cup R at Autosport International 2014<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fSTTBMhUWts" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Overdrive Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05899844922634598028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-8734283832775774802013-12-17T16:13:00.000+00:002013-12-17T16:45:48.004+00:00Overdrive : Re-Launching in January 2014<span style="font-family: arial;">It's been a bit quiet around here lately - too quiet. That could be a line from a film. <br /><br />Things have not been idle in Overdrive towers however. We've been hard at work with a documentary on the amazing and inspiring <a href="http://www.kartforce.org/">Kartforce</a> and throwing all our efforts into next year. We've already started to refresh our social media outputs with <a href="http://www.twitter.com/overdrive_uk">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/overdrivemotorsport">Facebook </a>and now <a href="http://www.google.com/+overdriveukmotorsport">Google+</a> pages, and our videos are coming out on our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/overdrivemotorsport">Youtube channel</a><br /><br /><b>Coming in January 2014 </b><ul><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1462936_10203051220820759_486442393_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_147082="null" dua="true" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1462936_10203051220820759_486442393_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris with the Caterham 7 160</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Coverage from the Autosport International Show - this year with more action from the Live Action Arena and Autosolo
<li>Gearbox - Our look at Road Cars starting with the road car highlights from Autosport and a road test in the new Caterham 7 160 (which our presenter Chris loved!)
<li>Our first event - We're going Ice Karting! Watch this space for how to get involved in a very different karting experience
<li>A fresh new look - Still red and black, but the website will be getting a brand new look in January</li>
</li>
</li>
</li>
</ul>
Further ahead, we've got more news with our bi-weekly news bulletins which will be kicking off with the racing season in March and presented by Holly Rust. They'll include news and results from club and national motorsports, looking beyond the circuits and onto the rally stages, Autotests and all manner of clubman motorsports. There will also be more from Gearbox and we're working on 2014's features.<br /><br />Until January then, we'll leave you with some highlights of the 2013 Autosport International Show.<br></span><iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0M9BTKXtI4U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-45621551908113366062013-07-03T17:11:00.001+01:002013-07-03T17:11:59.572+01:00The Top 10 : June 2013 (playlist)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL_gkN7QypCFdEdWYN5weoLHEZhsRNEOMF" width="425"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-72578191737852443752013-06-11T12:01:00.000+01:002013-06-11T12:01:00.737+01:00BTCC 2013 : The season hots up at Oulton Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDtC9KMFOygz1DTEPP6NZ7aOlC6oK7w3EB4onbg60P74yGjtk44e_xNAKx5reYZe4GtBQrwr2SqNQ2wzBBpCIFYarZPg97pp55TTl8dMj-QYA4Zqn0z5N0bxnH4bO-YH_UoKZE2ZVEyVz/s1600/PlatoFire4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDtC9KMFOygz1DTEPP6NZ7aOlC6oK7w3EB4onbg60P74yGjtk44e_xNAKx5reYZe4GtBQrwr2SqNQ2wzBBpCIFYarZPg97pp55TTl8dMj-QYA4Zqn0z5N0bxnH4bO-YH_UoKZE2ZVEyVz/s640/PlatoFire4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Plato's car catches fire in race three</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZENXwtbomY3boRIljXYSl4cIwlx9jXhkQ5JGRtjg01E6mTaIs04MEg_bsKPKi9tOYY8HiFLNwN9F7zniFSKSgomCAx3bF-Hil5UFbxsXYT97BjUzaHdg_H_Dzr8NQk6XTOZfQXEp_vQ1v/s1600/Start.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZENXwtbomY3boRIljXYSl4cIwlx9jXhkQ5JGRtjg01E6mTaIs04MEg_bsKPKi9tOYY8HiFLNwN9F7zniFSKSgomCAx3bF-Hil5UFbxsXYT97BjUzaHdg_H_Dzr8NQk6XTOZfQXEp_vQ1v/s400/Start.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A packed grid took to the Oulton Park circuit in perfect conditions</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZENXwtbomY3boRIljXYSl4cIwlx9jXhkQ5JGRtjg01E6mTaIs04MEg_bsKPKi9tOYY8HiFLNwN9F7zniFSKSgomCAx3bF-Hil5UFbxsXYT97BjUzaHdg_H_Dzr8NQk6XTOZfQXEp_vQ1v/s1600/Start.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">MG KX Momentum racer Jason Plato scored a flawless double BTCC victory at Oulton Park today (9 June) before a dramatic fire put him out of the final contest, handing his Honda Yuasa Racing rival Matt Neal the championship lead.<br /><br />Two-time champion Plato is no stranger to winning at the Cheshire venue, having taken seven victories at the circuit prior to this weekend, and he duly added to his impressive tally.<br /><br />He was in dominant form throughout the event – claiming pole position before securing two lights-to-flag wins in commanding fashion. But for the agony of race three, the Oxfordshire driver was still pleased with his weekend’s work, “I’ve been on fire – literally,” he said in reference to both his fine form and later misfortune!<br /><br />Plato’s young team-mate Sam Tordoff starred in race one by claiming second – the best result in his short BTCC career so far and the first ever one-two for MG KX Momentum Racing.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reigning champion Gordon Shedden took third in the opener before going one better in race two in his Honda Civic, whilst 2009 champion Colin Turkington claimed third in his eBay Motors BMW 125i M Sport.<br /><br />The chaotic final encounter was won by Andrew Jordan in his Pirtek Racing Honda Civic after his team-mate Jeff Smith spun away the lead with just three laps remaining. Turkington scored another podium, rounding out an extremely encouraging weekend for the eBay Motors driver.<br /><br />The impressive Adam Morgan took his first ever Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship podium in the final race, which was just reward for the Ciceley Racing driver and continues his fantastic form so far in 2013.<br /><br />Matt Neal finished just 0.078s off the rostrum after hounding down Morgan in the closing stages but his race results of sixth and two fourth places were enough for him to leave Oulton Park with the championship lead. Such is the competitiveness of the 2013 BTCC season that Neal, Jordan and Plato are separated by just seven points at the top of the standings.<br /><br />Other notable results belonged to the Rob Austin Racing-run Audis of Rob Austin and Will Bratt – the duo finished fifth and sixth respectively in race three.<br /> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrjW5NJ-qfx5k_jMgYylSra7h6OJPnVFDS0bI4H-g5E6bQGD2UKTIaWu9OYs_n5TyB80ezndLRzWO12muGmPZxH5JbPOEjvQXb_-IKgqfqZ6ijA5ik4ISRCE13VKNLC-JnX6zKeM1LGNk/s1600/JST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrjW5NJ-qfx5k_jMgYylSra7h6OJPnVFDS0bI4H-g5E6bQGD2UKTIaWu9OYs_n5TyB80ezndLRzWO12muGmPZxH5JbPOEjvQXb_-IKgqfqZ6ijA5ik4ISRCE13VKNLC-JnX6zKeM1LGNk/s400/JST.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lea Wood and Liam Griffin shared Jack Sears Trophy honours</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lea Wood looked set to claim a first ever treble in the Jack Sears Trophy but after taking two wins he was forced into retirement in the final contest, which handed Liam Griffin’s Ford Focus his fourth win of the season. Wood heads the S2000 order with five victories.<br /><br />Further to Neal’s lead in the overall Drivers’ standings, Honda lead the Manufacturers’ Championship and Honda Yuasa Racing also top the Teams’ Championship. Andrew Jordan and his Pirtek Racing squad hold the advantage in the Independents’ Drivers’ and Teams’ standings respectively.<br /><br />Rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship take place at Croft on the 22/23 June.<br /><br /><strong>Jason Plato</strong> said: “I’ve been on fire – literally! It has been a fantastic weekend. What happened in the final race was just one of those things. The most important thing for me is that we’ve got the performance and we’ve sent a shockwave down the pit lane. There’s a long way to go but we’ve put on a pretty dominant display here, which bodes well for Croft and beyond.”<br /><br /><strong>Andrew Jordan</strong> said: “If you’d asked me how my day was going after race two I’d have been a lot less happy than I am now. To pull that result off has made my weekend – you can never be sure what’s going to happen in race three and it was only once I got up into fourth that I thought I could actually win it. It’s a shame that we couldn’t get a one-two for the team – there were no team orders, Jeff (Smith) just lost the rear going into the chicane and didn’t quite manage to save it. Consistency is key for me this year and while I didn’t get great results in the first two races, we scored big in the last one while Shedden and Plato didn’t finish, so that makes it an even better result.”<br /><br /><strong>Colin Turkington </strong>said: “That’s the first podium (race two) that we’ve had on raw pace. We didn’t have any luck or a reverse grid to be there so we’re definitely moving forward, but we have to keep our feet on the ground. We’ve still got more performance to find in the car and it’s not there yet. I didn’t expect two podiums, especially with the speed of the Hondas and the MGs, so to take those results when they're in the kind of form they are is absolutely fantastic.”<br /><br /><strong>Adam Morgan</strong> said: “It’s absolutely amazing to get that result, not just for myself but for my team, my family and all the sponsors that support me. The race was pretty hectic – I didn’t get a second to catch my breath, but I just kept pushing and to get my first BTCC podium at my home circuit – it’s brilliant. The car felt really really good, and now I've got one, I'll be pushing harder than ever to get up there again.”<br /><br /><strong>Penalties:</strong><br />Liam Griffin received a one second time penalty in race one for gaining an unfair advantage<br /><br />Andrew Jordan received three penalty points and a £500 fine for an incident relating to driving standards in race three<br /><br />Jeff Smith received three penalty points and a £500 fine for an incident relating to driving standards in race three</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Photos courtesy of btcc.net</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></strong></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Oulton Park Circuit, Little Budworth, Cheshire CW6 9BW, UK53.178469 -2.616805999999996953.1594355 -2.657146499999997 53.1975025 -2.5764654999999967tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-45415981937455875522013-06-11T12:00:00.005+01:002013-06-11T12:00:01.385+01:00Disappointment for Wright on Dukeries Rally<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H5viANoY_0vykz1QCuhJPiytaBwX5JvFmaRUs3DgIfGF7g0YP5Fb_gfwJvCBJUh6t91_LFvkc7Z96hrbOtNnpxIKs3x-XMcH-Vwvk2EeZFdlRYbqTKQzWwpTyIYejcPTOR93VVE0XNwT/s1600/dw13_dukeres01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H5viANoY_0vykz1QCuhJPiytaBwX5JvFmaRUs3DgIfGF7g0YP5Fb_gfwJvCBJUh6t91_LFvkc7Z96hrbOtNnpxIKs3x-XMcH-Vwvk2EeZFdlRYbqTKQzWwpTyIYejcPTOR93VVE0XNwT/s640/dw13_dukeres01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Wright pushing hard on the Dukeries Rally. Photo courtesy of Songasport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bentham’s David Wright was robbed of the chance to push for a victory on last weekend’s Dukeries rally when a driveshaft snapped dropping him down the leaderboard.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;">Wright got off to a great start in his </span><span style="color: #333333;">Kumho Tyres, Proflex, Drenth, York Brewery, Millers Oils, Owen Developments and Grove Hill Garage-</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;">supported Mitsubishi </span><span style="color: #333333;">Evo 9</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span lang="EN"> and, after setting the fastest time in stage 5 he was up to second overall, just 11 seconds off the leader. With another five stages still to go Wright was confident of making up the time to take the win but disaster struck on the start line of stage 8 when the driveshaft broke.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">With no service halt after stage 8 Wright was forced to do two stages with the damaged shaft which dropped him to 13</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: small;"> on the leaderboard. The problem was fixed for the last stage and Wright made it to 12</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: small;"> place and 4</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: small;"> in class.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The first few stages went really well,” said Wright. “I was very happy to be beating all but one of the World Rally class cars, the Dukeries stages have a lot of long straights which are a major disadvantage for our car.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I think we had a great chance of winning the event but the snapped shaft put paid to that. It was a very disappointing way to end what could’ve been a fantastic rally for us.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wright’s next event will be the Nicky Grist Stages in July although he will also be appearing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of the International Rally Drivers Club display.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-51835028257957522122013-06-11T12:00:00.004+01:002013-06-11T12:00:12.357+01:004X4s set off to support Help for Heros
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgwXEqv3IVw_ifbya4XhhImCvhmZCFed-_3kTbfmmmn2tOhy2ZbbQWwUIvQYOZeIoiO0hh9WsJwDFjENPX9zAgmU_QTEch04tSz_gm7AdK_Fx44U6nWRahkKBzfRN2ATcLC6RPOVBLA8H/s1600/P1000584+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgwXEqv3IVw_ifbya4XhhImCvhmZCFed-_3kTbfmmmn2tOhy2ZbbQWwUIvQYOZeIoiO0hh9WsJwDFjENPX9zAgmU_QTEch04tSz_gm7AdK_Fx44U6nWRahkKBzfRN2ATcLC6RPOVBLA8H/s640/P1000584+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">At 10.30am on
Saturday 15</span><sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
June 2013 a spectacle of 4x4 vehicles crewed by 100 adults (and 7
children) will gather at Littlecote House Hotel, Hungerford in
Berkshire ready to start out on the 2013 Help for Heroes 4x4 European
Rally; a 12 day, 2,000+ mile adventure following the path of the
1944/5 Allied Invasion through Europe. </span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
inaugural rally in of 2010 had a goal of raising £20,000 for the
charity; it went on to raise £121,000. The rally has since become an
annual fixture in the calendar and has grown to become the largest
independent event raising funds for H4H the rally – raising in
excess of £600,000 for Help for Heroes. This, its fourth year, has
already raised £110,000.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This
non-speed touring assembly consists of over 40 vehicles and is crewed
by serving and ex-military personnel, as well as civilians and
families with children. Many of the serving/ex-service participants
have served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan. The adventure will be part
military history tour (including museums and cemeteries) and part
off-road driving, and is open to road-legal 4x4 vehicles. As well
as the driving, the teams have to complete daily tasks which include
navigation, driving skills, observation, quizzes and competitions. </span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfyqIg0lyLaUvJJ6kFSHOiLDTB4-pIRIEbk7YEmvDH3mK1x6BVf_W0sXfQkt3BzMjLByyUlTya9dkxAe1THIIAuNki8IVTQDiW6w-Jb1QUxDgbsrp4QK8lBDyr69IxVHLb2kczswZ1mOW/s1600/P1010163+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfyqIg0lyLaUvJJ6kFSHOiLDTB4-pIRIEbk7YEmvDH3mK1x6BVf_W0sXfQkt3BzMjLByyUlTya9dkxAe1THIIAuNki8IVTQDiW6w-Jb1QUxDgbsrp4QK8lBDyr69IxVHLb2kczswZ1mOW/s400/P1010163+(Medium).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The organisers rely on the support of supporters such as Land Rover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tim
Price-Bowen, one of the organisers said “The hospitality and
assistance we receive across Europe is second to none and everyone
involved is so helpful. Some we meet still even remember D-Day
itself! The Rally also has a wonderful sense of camaraderie, fun and
adventure; and all for such a fantastic cause. Of course, we must
also acknowledge the involvement of our event partners such as Jaguar
Land Rover, the AA, o2, and others who provide invaluable support
each year and who are key to our success.”</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
route uses the byways of Salisbury Plain the Rally, and stops at
military bases including before embarking on the Brittany Ferries
sailing from Portsmouth to France. In addition to visiting WWII
historical areas in Normandy, the H4H 4x4 Rally route will take in
the WWI battlefields of the Somme and Ypres. It will then visit
Arnhem in Holland and ‘Operation Market Garden’ before heading
south to Bastogne in Belgium where the Germans made a final push –
the famous ‘Battle of the Bulge’. The journey continues to the
Alsace region of France - with its Maginot Line fortifications. The
route then journeys into Germany and Dachau Concentration Camp
Memorial; with its horrors of war. The event concludes 12 days after
leaving the UK – the final part being a visit to Hitler's
"impenetrable" Eagle's Nest high in the Bavarian Alps at
Berchtesgaden.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Every
car is fitted with a ‘satellite’ tracker kindly provided by
Skytag-GPS. You can follow the rally in real time at;
</span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.h4hrally.co.uk/livetracking/">http://www.h4hrally.co.uk/livetracking/</a></span></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">For
more information about the Help </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>for</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
Heroes 4x4 European Rally visit </span><a href="http://www.h4hrally.co.uk/"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>www.h4hrally.co.uk</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
or follow them at </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/h4hrally"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>www.twitter.com/h4hrally</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
(@h4hrally) and </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/h4hrally"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>www.facebook.com/h4hrally</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
or contact Keith Bowen tel: 07766 712851 email: </span><a href="mailto:info@h4hrally.co.uk"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>info@h4hrally.co.uk</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">To
donate please visit </span><a href="http://www.bmycharity.com/H4H4X4Rally2013"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>http://www.bmycharity.com/H4H4X4Rally2013</u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-53092996688288311942013-06-11T12:00:00.003+01:002013-06-11T12:00:03.671+01:00BTCC 2013 : Oulton Park Teams reactions<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Airwaves Racing battles back at Oulton Park</span></b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0UpK2cWRchRBuYbUzR2dserFivXzvDglVQRn-Ll3YKoJt6mRS7Lhb6Qo1GdOenRB_YQU9w8t964qh8srQxs7uv1BgNwdtW4Yp4lC6IH3adiKqNRYlq6SgIWa6mUCNgeDi0euMRhOAtus/s1600/Smith+positive+with+direction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0UpK2cWRchRBuYbUzR2dserFivXzvDglVQRn-Ll3YKoJt6mRS7Lhb6Qo1GdOenRB_YQU9w8t964qh8srQxs7uv1BgNwdtW4Yp4lC6IH3adiKqNRYlq6SgIWa6mUCNgeDi0euMRhOAtus/s640/Smith+positive+with+direction.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aron Smith in action at Oulton Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another challenging weekend for Airwaves Racing ended with a glimpse of promise this weekend (June 8/9) during round 4 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cheshire’s picturesque Oulton Park circuit provided the backdrop to a drama filled race weekend that saw the Airwaves Racing squad suffer yet another run of torrid bad luck; securing two top ten finishes; despite showing promising pace in the Mountune-powered Ford Focus ST next generation touring cars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">An uneventful qualifying session on a blistering track on Saturday afternoon left the Airwaves Racing drivers with much work to do during Sunday’s three races. Mat Jackson and Aron Smith ended the session in P11 and P17 respectively; as Smith’s #8 Focus struggled with an intermittent engine fault that hindered the Irishman’s progress throughout the session.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday’s opening race started well, with both Jackson and Smith making good ground through the pack in the opening laps. The good news proved to be short lived however as the Smith’s engine fault kicked in during lap 4, relegating the Irishman through the ranks - eventually forcing the #8 Focus into the pits for an early retirement. The #7 Focus ST’s improved pace and set up paid dividends for Airwaves Racing team-mate Mat Jackson, with the 32 year old managing to pick his way through the field to cross the line in 7<sup>th</sup> position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A momentous effort in the Airwaves Racing garage to pull a rabbit out of the hat during the midday break, saw the Motorbase crew successfully changed Smith’s engine against the clock in an impressive 1 hour 15 minutes; allowing the Irishman to join the back of the grid for the start of race 2. The team’s hard work was rewarded with a sterling drive from Smith – making up an impressive 11 places to come home in P14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jackson looked to be on for a strong top 5 finish during the opening laps, when disaster struck once again following a coming together with Tordoff’s MG – causing damage to his #7 Focus which could only manage a crawl to the finish to end race 2 in P20.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfih1mChqtvMhoHUVhn3WK5KyADNCQbFkgJTi11nejwWtQpUVyNlpKwYpizOMhcBdCK7w_V6TacP-M1YnwtqCR82H3GHPu9hPQkLpyrWgZ7AZNpCWazYl9ceZb0LBrWKCYrA01BnMqgbF/s1600/Jackson+happy+with+progress+this+weekend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfih1mChqtvMhoHUVhn3WK5KyADNCQbFkgJTi11nejwWtQpUVyNlpKwYpizOMhcBdCK7w_V6TacP-M1YnwtqCR82H3GHPu9hPQkLpyrWgZ7AZNpCWazYl9ceZb0LBrWKCYrA01BnMqgbF/s400/Jackson+happy+with+progress+this+weekend.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mat Jackson leads his teammates at Oulton Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With a new set up and last minute coolant repairs to Smith’s Focus forcing a pit lane start; both Airwaves Racing NGTC’s started the final race of the day from the back of the pack. Once more, both Airwaves Racing drivers showed their remarkable race craft as they picked their way through the packed grid, battling to the mid field within the first eight laps – with Smith collecting an, albeit short-lived, fastest lap time on the second lap. As has been the story too frequently thus far this season, luck played a cruel trick on the Airwaves squad once more, with Jackson’s charge through the field thwarted by a similar issue to the damage experienced in race 2 – forcing an unscheduled pit visit and return to the back of the pack. Despite a gallant effort from Jackson, it proved too little too late and the #7 Focus could only muster a P19 finish for the last race of the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Smith’s final race of the day proved to be more positive, with the Airwaves Racing driver producing a stunning drive from the back of the grid to secure the team’s second top ten finish of the weekend and some much needed championship points.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2DEGfkocF9Y_vain7msEJ0i7EUO_em4kcaOppxaBrZ1vQbzLlMzYl9oJwTCNBSJ3wdcujPeFni3DYgz2JUYNGqpFUI57fm95otIbz7bJ8zjPm3iDthvnlR3CjQEFxS34RordQuHtEz-J/s1600/Another+class+win+for+Griffin+in+Jack+Sears+Trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2DEGfkocF9Y_vain7msEJ0i7EUO_em4kcaOppxaBrZ1vQbzLlMzYl9oJwTCNBSJ3wdcujPeFni3DYgz2JUYNGqpFUI57fm95otIbz7bJ8zjPm3iDthvnlR3CjQEFxS34RordQuHtEz-J/s400/Another+class+win+for+Griffin+in+Jack+Sears+Trophy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam Griffin on his way to a Jack Sears Trophy win.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Addison Lee Motorbase team-mate Liam Griffin had a more successful weekend to further boost his Jack Sears Trophy campaign; collecting another two class wins in his S2000 Focus ST during Sunday’s opening and closing races. A judicial reversal of the opening race results leaves Griffin just one race win off the top spot now, with everything still to play for at the next round.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite suffering another frustrating weekend, the Airwaves Racing squad have made promising steps forward with the pace and set up on the NGTC Focus ST’s and now have a two week break to put the lessons learned this weekend into practice before the racing gets underway when The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship returns for round 5 at North Yorkshire’s Croft circuit on June 22/23.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Motorbase Performance Team Manager Oly Collins said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“As bad weekends go, that has got to be right up there. We just haven’t had a break - despite being confident we had made good progress leading up to and during this weekend. Fundamentally a poor qualifying result hurt us amongst a very competitive top twelve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Both drivers were dealt some really bad luck today but we have to pick ourselves up and work hard to make Croft our turning point.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Airwaves Racing driver Mat Jackson said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“We’ve really made progress with the car this weekend. I think we would have had three top five finishes this weekend, but performance wise we had a few issues that cost us that, which is a real shame but we’re still learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“There’s a light at the end of the tunnel now and we’re moving in the right direction – we’re challenging the Honda’s and faster than the Toyota’s and I feel comfortable with the direction that we’re heading in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Airwaves Racing driver Aron Smith said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“It’s been a little bit of a troubling weekend; and it’s unfortunate because we’ve done so much testing and developed the car so much from where we were – but we just never got to show our hand to be fair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“We had engine issues in qualifying on Saturday which affected us in race 1 and forced the retirement. I’ve never seen a team work so hard to change an engine between races; because it’s one of those things that you don’t even make it out at all and even though we had to start at the back, we still made it to the grid, which was impressive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Now we have a much clearer direction going into the next round which is really positive. Hopefully Croft will be a turning point for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Addison Lee Motorbase driver Liam Griffin said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“All in all I’m pretty happy with the weekend. Race 1 was a bit disappointing with the result being reversed, but the ying and yang came through with us getting another win in race 3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Overall the weekend was a fair result; Lea Wood had the pace- but to come away with one of the trophies from the weekend is a good result for us and a good sign for the championship.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Double podium for eBay Motors at Oulton Park<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Bvl-GU9nZcCgclSfGh7HVuUhXAosUd9M24K5XT3iqUvt2MAdQqUo-B3qUPIhg1lsXPY9x0JgFQ6g7qeNTOvZv7NS0a1N6lt8BmLvFn8tIZZ7iVI1IDxTlmhsszmIWS0HKO7DGN6gQ_Pp/s1600/eBayMotors_OultonPark_1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Bvl-GU9nZcCgclSfGh7HVuUhXAosUd9M24K5XT3iqUvt2MAdQqUo-B3qUPIhg1lsXPY9x0JgFQ6g7qeNTOvZv7NS0a1N6lt8BmLvFn8tIZZ7iVI1IDxTlmhsszmIWS0HKO7DGN6gQ_Pp/s640/eBayMotors_OultonPark_1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eBay Motors enjoyed success at Oulton Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The eBay Motors team secured a return to the podium with Colin Turkington enjoying a second and third place finish as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season resumed at Oulton Park after a five-week spring break.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMayID9bTvT6u-RRHLWD_oNmZPXfdGxJQYwgK2ZRCTKgc-63YVOl87PnSTkYe2M7JAKXfxASrOb_0ask_WyYLBx3e5VtEXFxYiHm2Djupt_VHTNRLDIuCuPxvxpXCgkJs8aKvESqwHhc0/s1600/eBayMotors_OultonPark_HubLive-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMayID9bTvT6u-RRHLWD_oNmZPXfdGxJQYwgK2ZRCTKgc-63YVOl87PnSTkYe2M7JAKXfxASrOb_0ask_WyYLBx3e5VtEXFxYiHm2Djupt_VHTNRLDIuCuPxvxpXCgkJs8aKvESqwHhc0/s320/eBayMotors_OultonPark_HubLive-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a successful launch of the Hub Live project</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alongside the strong outing on-track, eBay Motors also enjoyed a successful weekend away from the circuit following the debut of the eBay Motors Hub Live – a new interactive zone allowing race fans to get closer to both the team and the sport with a special four-person simulator, Q&A sessions with the drivers, trophy photo opportunity, download terminal for the eBay Motors app and the chance to collect a free eBay Motors Team cap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul O'Neil, local lad and winner of Oulton Park in 2002, hosted the drivers in Hub Live and entertained the crowds, with the drivers answering his questions and being on the receiving end of his fun jokes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having worked to make improvements to its NGTC-spec BMW 125i M-Sports in a series of tests during the break, the team was able to add to its collection of silverware, with 2009 title winner Colin Turkington bringing home a brace of top three finishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Colin led the eBay Motors challenge in qualifying to put his car seventh on the grid, with team-mates Rob Collard and Nick Foster with more work to do on race day from 16th and 22nd respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nDoY9wKUqg8" width="640"></iframe><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A solid run in the opening race saw Colin take the flag in fifth place, with Rob also lapping strongly to cross the line in tenth, despite a scare when Tom Onslow-Cole’s VW got out of shape ahead of him at Druids mid-race. Nick however was the undoubted star as, having elected to run the Soft compound Dunlop tyre in the opening race, he stormed through the field to take twelfth – making up no fewer than ten places in the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Race two saw Colin make a strong start to run in the top three before an opportunistic move from Honda’s Gordon Shedden demoted him to fourth just before a Safety Car period that bunched up the field. Pushing hard on the restart, Colin was able to get ahead of Sam Tordoff’s MG to take his second podium finish of the campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although the reverse grid draw for race three left him eighth on the grid, Colin was able to secure further podium glory in race three with a strong drive through to second place while there were more points for both Nick and Rob as they took the chequered flag in eighth and eleventh following a hectic race in the midfield.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MQGbuBNYfpoWsaOnDPr7Bqpwz_wz7rlQ0nWdOtCJxyc361rprRdroB2aEJXHRJCa5ASW6f8R1IdcyY8gh63IwE5-EMgX0WJFsdFaoRwMGL__naFG5LnvdVnJSFPp2grDYJBIUQSecrWJ/s1600/eBayMotors_OultonPark_Turkington-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MQGbuBNYfpoWsaOnDPr7Bqpwz_wz7rlQ0nWdOtCJxyc361rprRdroB2aEJXHRJCa5ASW6f8R1IdcyY8gh63IwE5-EMgX0WJFsdFaoRwMGL__naFG5LnvdVnJSFPp2grDYJBIUQSecrWJ/s400/eBayMotors_OultonPark_Turkington-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin Turkington with the spoils of the weekend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following the weekend, Colin sits sixth in the championship standings with Rob and Nick in 16th and 17th, while eBay Motors hold fourth in the HiQ Teams Championship having picked up its biggest points score to date from the trip to Cheshire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The eBay Motors Hub Live will be back in the paddock at a number of events later in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Colin Turkington, eBay Motors Team driver, (5th/3rd/2nd) said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“It’s been a really positive weekend and the car was a massive improvement compared to Thruxton. I didn’t expect to get two podium finishes after qualifying, as I thought we’d be around the top six, so it’s a good way to finish. This is a circuit where the rear-wheel drive cars do go well and the higher temperatures helped us as well. We still have time to find in qualifying as we showed with the gap to the pole sitter, so even though we are moving in the right direction, there is still a lot of work for us to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rob Collard, eBay Motors Team driver, (10th/NC/11th) said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“It’s been a really frustrating weekend for me. We can see the potential that there is in the car and we’ve made improvements again, but I just wasn’t able to get the best out of it in terms of results. This is a difficult circuit when you are in traffic to try and make up places and it didn’t go my way. This is a weekend I’m just going to put behind me and focus on Croft, which is a circuit where the rear-wheel drive cars have gone well in the past.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nick Foster, eBay Motors Team driver, (12th/15th/8th) said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I had a great run in race one to make up ten places and the car felt strong. If I’m being honest, I didn’t expect to make up so many places on a circuit where overtaking is tough. Race two I got mugged off the line and after the incident with Rob and some contact from behind, I managed to score despite the damage to the car. It was good again in race three and it was an action-packed way to end the weekend. I’ve scored some good results but we know we are still lacking the pace over a single lap and even though the team is doing a great job, there is more to find.”</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: ToyotaText;"><u><b>Toyota Man Morgan Claims Podium Finish At
Oulton
</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: ToyotaText; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3uIFJ7PYufF4K8zi_wquHZSJKx73Vcy0WF9WYHBF-thwcXSkc4CQPLcy7izgq-Yj7mzRq17EJza3pP_C9NlrSl5mHbIWa4CNoTyzkG5LFalX0ajhdCQ6KnOs1EwmjZeBQwMX2agPqSTO/s1600/698809_100613toy_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3uIFJ7PYufF4K8zi_wquHZSJKx73Vcy0WF9WYHBF-thwcXSkc4CQPLcy7izgq-Yj7mzRq17EJza3pP_C9NlrSl5mHbIWa4CNoTyzkG5LFalX0ajhdCQ6KnOs1EwmjZeBQwMX2agPqSTO/s640/698809_100613toy_a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam Morgan sprays the champagne after finishing third at Oulton Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: ToyotaText; font-size: 11pt;">Toyota Avensis racer Adam Morgan is celebrating his maiden BTCC podium finish after a gutsy drive to
third place for Ciceley Racing in the final race of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship’s
Oulton Park raceday. The result was not only a personal best for the 24-year-old from Lancashire on
his home circuit, but also the best BTCC finish so far this season for a Toyota driver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: ToyotaText; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Morgan’s success came at the end of another remarkably consistent day for the Toyota independent -
he finished ninth and seventh in the earlier races to maintain his run of form. He’s one of only four
drivers to have scored in every race and has claimed a top-10 result 11 times from 12 starts.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">“It’s fantastic to get a podium finish, especially at a circuit that has been a bit of a bogey one for us in
the past,” said Morgan, who holds seventh place in the drivers championship and is second in the
Independents Trophy standings. “I have to give massive thanks to the guys in the Ciceley Racing team
and to all our sponsors for their support, as I wouldn’t be here without them.”
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Adam’s podium charge saw him battle past Adam Welch’s Proton for third in the early laps to latch on
to the tail of the lead battle, being disputed by Jeff Smith’s Honda and Rob Austin’s Audi. Smith ousted
Austin from the lead at mid-distance and Morgan followed him through for second before being
returned to third by Andrew Jordan’s Honda. Jordan went on to win from BMW driver Colin
Turkington, with Morgan holding off a determined challenge from multiple champion Matt Neal
(Honda) by just 0.078s at the line.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Added Adam: “It is fantastic for me to be able to race side-by-side with people like Colin Turkington
and Matt Neal - and it was a great feeling to hold off Matt at the end when my tyres were shot. We’d
gone with an aggressive set-up and I knew we had to push early on to get ahead.”
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRR78Kqq0hnLnVo7WrsnUQlvzSINkB4AMwu6PwKtgVMlhjkSqTu0jvwQnL6U5vDmcxTpPtHpbGiSyZ0VZHdS2ZQ6lmtKKL80hyphenhyphenarX3nOJnlpSMdIqNhrCKjUGruLuTO_z-iwvWBZb6zld/s1600/698814_100613toy_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRR78Kqq0hnLnVo7WrsnUQlvzSINkB4AMwu6PwKtgVMlhjkSqTu0jvwQnL6U5vDmcxTpPtHpbGiSyZ0VZHdS2ZQ6lmtKKL80hyphenhyphenarX3nOJnlpSMdIqNhrCKjUGruLuTO_z-iwvWBZb6zld/s400/698814_100613toy_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave Newsham (17) leads Adam Morgan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">There was a strong showing today also from the Speedworks Motorsport team and in particular Dave
Newsham, who scored his and the team’s best results of the season - fourth in qualifying and eighth
and sixth respectively in races one and two. Unfortunately a thump from another car led to a spin in
the finale after he showed strong early pace. “We have really turned a corner with the Toyota,” said
Newsham. “It’s better to drive and we showed we had a good qualifying car. Today, we struggled in
race one but made changes and now we have a good race car as well, so I feel very positive for the
future.” His team-mate, Ollie Jackson, scored his first point since the season-opener at Brands Hatch
with 15th place in race three.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">After a good qualifying performance, Dynojet Racing Toyota driver Frank Wrathall endured another
day of misfortune. He started the first race from sixth on the grid but a knock from another car in the
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">first-lap melee knocked his Avensis about sufficiently to demand a pit stop for investigation; Frank
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">rejoined a lap down and finished 23rd.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">In race two Wrathall drove brilliantly to claim back 11 places and secure 12th position, which he used
as a springboard to race to ninth in the finale. “The Toyota felt really good and was strong, but we were
up against it because of where we started,” said Frank. “We set the fourth-fastest lap in the final race,
which showed what we were capable of. We were really on the back foot as a result of the first race - it
is so difficult around here to make up places from the back of the field.”
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Toyota’s quartet of independent racers will be back in action in a fortnight (23 June) at the Croft
circuit in North Yorkshire.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ToyotaText'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: ToyotaText;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 100%;">Honda
Yuasa Racing Battles on at Oulton Park</span></u></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjow6gxrI3LX3mXXYshmlJSXDcsincaK4tdj3faqNznKx7yRIGFxUVxr3KECnAC6DDsqU_jydqdeKLY5ddstxd9R-vrHafDKKobgLVDFrfhCWzG0EaxOYTID7WvF7jOyw_H9q3UGxDINo-/s1600/699002_1006132honr_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjow6gxrI3LX3mXXYshmlJSXDcsincaK4tdj3faqNznKx7yRIGFxUVxr3KECnAC6DDsqU_jydqdeKLY5ddstxd9R-vrHafDKKobgLVDFrfhCWzG0EaxOYTID7WvF7jOyw_H9q3UGxDINo-/s640/699002_1006132honr_d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mat Neal in action at Oulton Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 100%;">Honda Yuasa Racing
maintained its lead in all the major Dunlop MSA British Touring Car
Championship standings despite a trying event at Oulton Park last
weekend.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV8uTiwaKOYQ3z4C6bfmiCGez_AjrQ9gA-hlDGN3N2nHjc4C88tyorAbw-nozo8HTG5txVssQMegKQIKOpnkGOxJU7fkQ8ao1taeU505oXeHBgBgs254odBwiOXFWlbtTAtXpCRVuVSBE/s1600/699010_1006132honr_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV8uTiwaKOYQ3z4C6bfmiCGez_AjrQ9gA-hlDGN3N2nHjc4C88tyorAbw-nozo8HTG5txVssQMegKQIKOpnkGOxJU7fkQ8ao1taeU505oXeHBgBgs254odBwiOXFWlbtTAtXpCRVuVSBE/s400/699010_1006132honr_e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shedden celebrates 3rd in race one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.49cm; margin-top: 0.49cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en">The
Honda Civics of Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden again handled well
around the Cheshire track, but success ballast from previous rounds
and low turbo boost levels thanks to the championship’s engine
equalisation system made life tricky.<br /><br />Shedden qualified third
after having his best time disallowed for exceeding track limits,
while Neal – running with the maximum 45kg of ballast – was
eighth quickest.<br /><br />Reigning champion Shedden tracked the leading
MGs relentlessly in race one to finish third and then went one better
second time out to grab the runner-up spot.<br /><br />He was in the
jostling lead pack in the reversed-grid encounter, which he started
on the BTCC’s soft tyre, before contact with a rival punctured a
tyre and sent him to the pits.<br /><br />“Splitting the MGs was good
in race two,” said Shedden, who remained fourth in the drivers’
standings. “The car has been fantastic all weekend and we maximised
what we had. <br /><br />“The Civic was great on the soft tyre again,
but it was a crazy reversed-grid race and it didn’t go my
way.”<br /><br />Neal battled his way to sixth in race one and, with no
ballast for race two, improved to fourth in the second event.<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en">After
a battling drive in the finale, which included a dramatic fight with
former champion Colin Turkington, Neal came home fourth to hold a
four-point lead over Pirtek Racing Honda driver Andrew Jordan in the
title race.<br /><br />“The weight and the boost made it hard,” said
the triple champion. “You’ve got to drag the weight up in four
places here. <br /><br />“When we had the weight out for race two we
made a set-up change that didn’t quite work and we didn’t reap
the benefits. <br /><br />“We changed it again for race three and the
car came alive. It was awesome. I wanted the race to go on. It felt
like the soft tyre was lasting better than the hard!”<br /><br />As
well as holding first and fourth in the drivers’ championship,
Honda Yuasa Racing also maintained its lead in the teams’
championship. To complete the set, Honda leads the manufacturers’
standings and Jordan and Pirtek Racing head the independents’
championships.<br /></span></span></span>
</div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; text-align: center; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Plato
on fire at Oulton Park – literally</u></b></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; text-align: center; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vLtOgHN4HtRvyvV_Y_kVF4YESHxat6CqkZgix1MyBpl0S7YORUo4-j2jfLobHEQy2MAuJ-x1CA6oG5oyVoY5YiL30V37Sc0WMqKt6WSB_Tt9LOUdyGgiQHd2rp7Za44B47xofiddrfeS/s1600/699124_71874kx1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vLtOgHN4HtRvyvV_Y_kVF4YESHxat6CqkZgix1MyBpl0S7YORUo4-j2jfLobHEQy2MAuJ-x1CA6oG5oyVoY5YiL30V37Sc0WMqKt6WSB_Tt9LOUdyGgiQHd2rp7Za44B47xofiddrfeS/s640/699124_71874kx1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MG Drivers Plato and Tordorff on the podium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jason
Plato thrust himself right into the heart of the fight for this
season’s 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship by taking
his MG KX Momentum car to two stylish wins at Oulton Park in Cheshire
on Sunday.</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
former champion was the highest points scorer across the weekend’s
three races, but was ruled out of the final event when damage caused
his car to erupt in flames.</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Plato’s
team-mate, Sam Tordoff, underlined the team’s competitive showing
in Cheshire by landing the best result of his career to date when he
followed his sister car over the line in the opening race. </span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US">Plato
said he was delighted to have turned the car’s potential into a big
points pay day with his 77</span><sup><span lang="en-US">th</span></sup><span lang="en-US"> and
78</span><sup><span lang="en-US">th</span></sup><span lang="en-US"> career
victories in Britain’s leading motor racing championship.</span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“That
was one heck of a weekend,” he said afterwards. “We had a
fantastic car underneath us but that is only part of the job. You
still have to land the results and we did. The team has worked hard
to get the best out of this car, and I am now confident that we will
be able to go anywhere and be fast. It is a joy to drive.”</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
his fiery exit from the third race of the weekend, Plato said during
the lap prior to retirement slight contact in the pack during the
early jostling might have contributed. “There was a concertina
effect at the hairpin on lap two, and everyone tapped into the back
of each other,” he explained. “I nudged into the car in front,
and that may have a link to the failure but there is no apparent
damage we can see on any external components. It is a shame, but
we’re still able to walk away form here with a smile.”</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tordoff
was all smiles after the opening race of the weekend. The Leeds ace,
a member of the KX Akademy, banked a career best second place finish
behind Plato after a brave opening lap. He ran side-by-side with a
rival through the first two corners before securing the spot.</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US">He
failed to finished the second event after a brush with another car –
incredibly, Tordoff’s first non-points finish of the season –
before staging one of the drives of the weekend to go from 21</span><sup><span lang="en-US">st</span></sup><span lang="en-US"> to
seventh in race three.</span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I
was delighted with the podium in the opening race and, as Jason says,
it underlines the progress we have made in the car throughout the
year,” explained Tordoff. “I was still able to push at the end of
the first race if I had needed too, but fortunately, I didn’t have
to. I went with the softer option tyres in race two, which went off
towards the end and I dropped back before the contact.</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Race
three was really good fun, and that shows what we are capable of –
I think if I had have started in the top ten, I could have won that
race,” he added.</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tordoff
consolidated fifth place in the standings, while Plato has moved to
within seven points of the title summit as the title fight reaches
its halfway point at Croft in North Yorkshire in two weeks’ time.</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">MG
KX Momentum team principal Ian Harrison said he thought that the team
had exploited its chances with the wins at Oulton Park.</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“When
you have won two out of three races, you can’t complain,” he
explained. “But what I am delighted about is that we have two cars
up there capable of battling for wins, which we haven’t had before.
Sam had some rough times this weekend but hey, this is the BTCC. It
isn’t easy. Jason’s narrowed the gap to the points leaders and we
are in a strong frame of mind.”</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; text-align: center; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Standings</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; text-align: center; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">British
Touring Car Championship</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; text-align: center; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Afer
12/30 rounds</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; text-align: center; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1
Matt Neal (Honda Civic) 173</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2
Andrew Jordan (Honda Civic) 169</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3
Jason Plato (MG KX Momentum MG6) 166</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4
Gordon Shedden (Honda Civic) 142</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5
Sam Tordoff (MG KX Momentum MG6)
129</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-18981798734668590022013-06-11T12:00:00.002+01:002013-06-11T12:00:00.694+01:00Clio Cup 2013 : Oulton Park Round up<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">LIGHTS-TO-FLAG WIN FOR RIVETT EXTENDS POINTS LEAD AT OULTON</span></strong></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG5tbgXHYLrxMK7x4udyGeQ3YDkyUl-eU8RXh3tA-eaYsI7JYXhyphenhyphenmRN7pbV6Gc5l-l2LefWg5wvrL6WO4W9jxZuNC7FAsHV3j_NA8Z2C4SYX_j0Iv6Z_Lf4kAE8jO7Foby81t-XVnvxc6/s1600/Image_Two_-_Rd7_Start,_Oulton_Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG5tbgXHYLrxMK7x4udyGeQ3YDkyUl-eU8RXh3tA-eaYsI7JYXhyphenhyphenmRN7pbV6Gc5l-l2LefWg5wvrL6WO4W9jxZuNC7FAsHV3j_NA8Z2C4SYX_j0Iv6Z_Lf4kAE8jO7Foby81t-XVnvxc6/s640/Image_Two_-_Rd7_Start,_Oulton_Park.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Clio Cup pack blasts off the startline at Oulton Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Paul Rivett (Banstead) soaked up immense race-long pressure from Stefan Hodgetts (Redditch) during the seventh round of the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup at Oulton Park this afternoon, Saturday, 8th June, to seal his third victory of the year with a faultless lights-to-flag drive.<br />
<br />
Making his pole position grid slot count, the Names.co.uk/Stancombe Vehicle Engineering racer produced a fantastic start to lead but – with the exception of a brief Safety Car period – never had a moment to rest.<br />
<br />
Hodgetts’ KX Racing with Scuderia Vittoria car was an ever present threat, never more than half a second behind the three-time champion, and to confirm his pace Hodgetts took the two bonus points for fastest lap, thanks to a time of 1m36.705 seconds (82.86mph) on lap 12.<br />
<br />
Josh Cook (Bristol), who didn’t enjoy the best of starts from the front row, slipped to third on lap one but was thereafter able to run very similar lap times to both Rivett and Hodgetts. For the bulk of the 15-lap encounter, the JHR Developments driver was in the wheeltracks of the two leaders but just wasn’t quite able to mount a challenge. Even so, third gave him his first Graduate Cup win of 2013.<br />
<br />
With Team Pyro’s Josh Files (Norwich) finishing in seventh position, having started the first race of the weekend in eighth place, Rivett was able to increase his lead in the championship to 19 points, having been only three points clear prior to round seven.<br />
<br />
“Of all the people to have behind you in the Clio field, Stef [Hodgetts] is probably the hardest and he didn’t make that easy by any means at all”, commented Rivett, “I had to defend from him into the last corner of the last lap, otherwise I knew he’d really be trying to stick it up the inside.<br />
<br />
“It’s a great win, lights-to-flag, and I got a cracking start. Hopefully we can do more of the same tomorrow and control it from the front. It’s going to be tough to do it again but if I can get another start like that, it’s half the battle.”<br />
<br />
While Rivett led clearly through Old Hall at the start, Cook’s sluggish getaway dropped him into the clutches of both Hodgetts – up from fifth on the grid after a superb start – and his team-mate Ant Whorton-Eales (Lichfield) who ran side-by-side through the first right-hander.<br />
<br />
Hodgetts emerged in second place while Cook clung on around the outside at Cascades to edge ahead of Whorton-Eales for third. From that point forward, nothing changed among the podium places with the top three incredibly evenly matched.<br />
<br />
“It was relatively boring after the first lap to be honest”, said Hodgetts, “Paul [Rivett] is a quality driver, he’s not going to make a mistake and you can’t pass that easily around here. Second is OK but I’m going to have a right go tomorrow for the win.”<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpYBfMMbWittFykwfh4TIhkqYMtb8OvIu6t-CiE7fsnupAtD3bP-hRd3FCCV6NjrzRfsKZHznGy-znXCUdiK5Xmtd4rCccQDzosLffevfAPW_DIi-TY5-nQ-DuE5mlICpicwLTI10RHOV/s1600/Image_Two_-_Hodgetts__leading_Rd8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpYBfMMbWittFykwfh4TIhkqYMtb8OvIu6t-CiE7fsnupAtD3bP-hRd3FCCV6NjrzRfsKZHznGy-znXCUdiK5Xmtd4rCccQDzosLffevfAPW_DIi-TY5-nQ-DuE5mlICpicwLTI10RHOV/s400/Image_Two_-_Hodgetts__leading_Rd8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Clios negotate one of Oulton's fast bends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Reflecting on his second podium of the year, and first Graduate Cup success, Cook said: “I made a very poor start, probably the worst one I’ve ever done. I managed to hold it around the outside of Ant [Whorton-Eales] at Cascades, which was a bit sketchy, but I managed to get the place. I didn’t quite have the pace to stick with the top two, so we’ll make a couple of changes for tomorrow.”<br />
<br />
Whorton-Eales’ involvement came to an abrupt end on lap two at the chicane when he tagged the tyre stack, leading to a three lap Safety Car period. When the racing resumed, the lead trio were able to edge back away from the rest of the pack which was headed by Pyro’s Alex Morgan (Reading).<br />
<br />
Although Morgan slipped two seconds shy of the podium places by the end, he was able to pull over three seconds clear of JHR’s Masters Cup class winner Lee Pattison (Liversedge) who was heavily pressured by Westbourne Motorsport’s James Colburn (Worthing) during the closing stages.<br />
<br />
Files, who was passed for seventh brilliantly by Jake Giddings (Wisbech) on lap eight at Old Hall, managed to return the favour to the Finesse Motorsport driver on the final tour with Mike Bushell (Tunbridge Wells), on his first weekend driving with KX Racing colours, taking ninth.<br />
<br />
The battle over the final place in the top 10 was hugely entertaining throughout, half a dozen drivers all within a chance of taking the position. In the end, Clio Cup rookie Ash Hand (Nuneaton) sealed the spot for Pyro by just 0.2 seconds ahead of Jordan Stilp (Potterspury), Devon Modell (Maidstone), James Nutbrown and Simon Belcher (Swindon).<br />
<br />
Rob Smith (Telford) was also in the thick of the titanic battle at the tail end of the top 10 but sustained a right-front puncture after hitting debris left behind from Whorton-Eales’ incident at the chicane, dropping him to 15th place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">HODGETTS VICTORIOUS IN ROUND EIGHT AT BAKING-HOT OULTON</span></strong></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMo2rfICex6x7zy7Lq4OzKEa-UtjnhWN8lbLzb5PJO2Vc0XKr6qV4eJO71h3RIpj4pwduVp9iYKXU8GeKZdHSVi1XRpsK_sIEbaxEMdf2VP_084Swb2vjw62Sy3GtjWq71BgLYo9N-2DG/s1600/Image_One_-_Rd7_Podium,_Oulton_Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMo2rfICex6x7zy7Lq4OzKEa-UtjnhWN8lbLzb5PJO2Vc0XKr6qV4eJO71h3RIpj4pwduVp9iYKXU8GeKZdHSVi1XRpsK_sIEbaxEMdf2VP_084Swb2vjw62Sy3GtjWq71BgLYo9N-2DG/s640/Image_One_-_Rd7_Podium,_Oulton_Park.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drivers celebrate their success after Round Eight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Renault UK Clio Cup front-runner Stefan Hodgetts (Redditch) claimed a richly deserved second victory of the 2013 season at Oulton Park Island Circuit this afternoon, Sunday, 9th June, during round eight of the championship – the halfway point of the campaign.<br />
<br />
In front of the live ITV4 cameras, and tens of thousands of spectators enjoying glorious sunshine, the KX Racing with Scuderia Vittoria driver took the lead at the exit of the first corner after a blistering start from fourth on the grid and delivered an inch-perfect performance despite huge pressure.<br />
<br />
“It’s fantastic”, said Hodgetts, who earned the ‘BuyOils.co.uk Driver of the Event’ accolade, “We started P4 and, if you say about it Motocross-style, we got the hole-shot at the start. When you’re in the lead in these cars you can kind of control the race but, in order to do that, you need a fantastic car. We’ve been really fast all weekend, it’s just desserts we got the win.<br />
<br />
“Turning up at these race meetings with all the crowds, there’s no better feeling than to race in front of that many people – it’s a massive privilege. To be on this package and in this championship is pretty cool to be honest!”<br />
<br />
Pole-sitter, and championship leader, Paul Rivett (Banstead) had problems with a slipping clutch at the beginning which compromised his getaway. Although managing to see off the quick-starting Alex Morgan (Reading) initially at the exit of Old Hall, the Team Pyro driver hit back on lap two into the hairpin and held on to an excellent second place from that point forward.<br />
<br />
While Morgan’s runner-up spot, his fourth podium of the year, moved him into second place in the championship ahead of team-mate Josh Files (Norwich), Rivett’s third position was enough to see him marginally increase his advantage at the top of the standings to 22 points.<br />
<br />
“I’d say the season is probably going better than I imagined initially”, said Morgan, “I knew we were quick in testing during the pre-season but you never know until you line-up with the other guys where you’ll be. To be at the halfway stage of the season and have had four podiums, one each weekend, and be second in the championship is fantastic – I couldn’t have asked for much more.”<br />
<br />
Hodgetts’ launch away from the second row was outstanding and although Morgan appeared to have the lead into Old Hall, the KX Racing driver was able to bravely move ahead around the outside while Rivett – recovering well from his difficult getaway – followed Hodgetts through on the outside line, taking second on the run down The Avenue and into Cascades.<br />
<br />
Into lap two, Hodgetts, Rivett and Morgan were nose-to-tail and into the hairpin Rivett thought about looking to the outside of the race leader. In doing so though, the Names.co.uk/Stancombe Vehicle Engineering driver left the door open for Morgan to edge up the inside.<br />
<br />
There was absolutely nothing to separate the top three throughout, Hodgetts smartly backing the others up lap after lap. On lap eight the Safety Car was deployed, following an excursion into the barriers at the top of Clay Hill for Ronnie Klos (Market Harborough), but after the re-start nothing changed at the front with Hodgetts, Morgan and Rivett covered by just 0.7 seconds at the finish.<br />
<br />
The end of the race actually came one lap early when Finlay Crocker (Bathgate) made contact with the barriers at the top of Deer Leap, bringing out the red flags, just moments after Pyro team-mates James Nutbrown and Ash Hand (Nuneaton) had tangled at Druids.<br />
<br />
Reflecting on his third place, Rivett said: “It was probably quite lucky I didn’t slip any further back at the start to be honest, once we got going in the race it was OK but at the start the clutch just didn’t bite and that really cost us.<br />
<br />
“When Alex [Morgan] got by at the hairpin it was my mistake, I shouldn’t have gone to the outside of Stef [Hodgetts] – I was desperate to get the lead back after the clutch slip though! Championship wise we’ve got another podium, more points and we’ve extended the lead even more. It goes without saying, a huge thank you to all my fantastic sponsors as usual.”<br />
<br />
Behind the lead trio, Finesse Motorsport’s Jake Giddings (Wisbech) produced a star performance with fourth – giving him his first Graduate Cup win of the season. After taking fourth place from JHR Developments’ Lee Pattison (Liversedge) on lap one, Giddings was a consistent threat to the podium placings but just wasn’t able to carve open an opportunity.<br />
<br />
Pattison finished fifth, taking his second Masters Cup victory of the weekend, ahead of team-mate Josh Cook and Westbourne Motorsport’s James Colburn (Worthing). KX Racing’s Ant Whorton-Eales (Lichfield) made amends for his non-finish on Saturday with eighth while Total Control Racing’s Rob Smith (Telford) was ninth, just seeing off Files – the latter taking the extra points for fastest lap.<br />
<br />
There are only two weeks to wait until the next outing for the Renault UK Clio Cup competitors with rounds nine and 10 of the 2013 campaign taking place at Croft in North Yorkshire on 22nd/23rd June.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Provisional 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup Driver Standings (after Rd8):</strong>1st Paul Rivett, 207pts; 2nd Alex Morgan, 185pts; 3rd Josh Files, 176pts<br />
<br />
<strong>Provisional 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup WP Racing Clio Cup Team Trophy Standings (after Rd8):</strong>1st Team Pyro, 359pts; 2nd Westbourne Motorsport, 272pts; 3rd Scuderia Vittoria, 267pts<br />
<br />
<strong>Provisional 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup ‘Graduate Cup’ Standings (after Rd8):</strong>1st Josh Files, 213pts; 2nd James Colburn, 203pts; 3rd Jake Giddings, 179pts<br />
<br />
<strong>Provisional 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup ‘Masters Cup’ Standings (after Rd8):</strong>1st Simon Belcher, 204pts; 2nd Graham Field, 191pts; 3rd Finlay Crocker, 139pts<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-87331745233395881972013-06-11T12:00:00.001+01:002013-06-11T12:00:05.539+01:00Renault and BARC agree new Contract<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9MnWHzSeb6b7x147j8tFIsnaMuTo8zXObZFzCJ4HlTekdHHtA7P6jfgq1lnfrwxnqvucdspYIK4k_8AmTjv_dMoHIU8fp2sKyrDklMsgz1eMG5r_7-BOI49wngAZCpMSwil4_NHTtJZs/s1600/Image_One_-_New_Clio_Cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9MnWHzSeb6b7x147j8tFIsnaMuTo8zXObZFzCJ4HlTekdHHtA7P6jfgq1lnfrwxnqvucdspYIK4k_8AmTjv_dMoHIU8fp2sKyrDklMsgz1eMG5r_7-BOI49wngAZCpMSwil4_NHTtJZs/s640/Image_One_-_New_Clio_Cup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Clio Cup car on Display at Oulton Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Renault UK and the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) are delighted to announce a new three-year contract with TOCA, seeing the Renault UK Clio Cup remain a cornerstone of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship motor racing package until at least the end of 2016. This agreement comes at the same time as Renault Sport Technologies has signed the BARC to be its UK promoter for the next three years.<br />
<br />
The confirmation of these freshly agreed deals today, Friday, 7th June, comes as the order books open for the brand new fourth generation Clio Cup race car which was officially presented to existing teams, drivers and invited media this afternoon at Oulton Park in Cheshire – where the seventh and eighth rounds of the current Renault UK Clio Cup campaign are being contested this weekend.<br />
<br />
“We’re absolutely delighted to confirm the Renault UK Clio Cup will remain part of the country’s biggest and best motorsport package for at least another three years”, said Jeremy Townsend, Renault UK Communications Director, “On behalf of Renault UK, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Gow [BTCC Series Director] and his team at TOCA for their continued support.<br />
<br />
“Renault UK has been an integral part of the BTCC package for 21 seasons, since its inception, and we’re now looking forward to the arrival of the new Clio Cup race car from 2014 which will also be our 40th anniversary year in British motorsport. We’re at the start of an exciting new era for the championship, securing its continued place on the BTCC package is key to future success.”<br />
<br />
Firmly established as the country’s foremost one-make saloon car championship and a prime feeder category for the BTCC, numerous Renault UK Clio Cup competitors have graduated into the national touring car series over the years including the likes of former Clio Cup Champions Tom Onslow-Cole and Dave Newsham, who are both racing in the BTCC this year.<br />
<br />
Reigning FIA World Touring Car Champion Rob Huff and fellow WTCC racer Alex MacDowall both climbed the ladder from the Renault UK Clio Cup into the BTCC, before going on to compete at the highest level in the world championship.<br />
<br />
“Renault has been an intrinsic part of the TOCA/BTCC events for over 20 years, and for very good reason”, said Alan Gow, Administrator and Series director of the BTCC, “The Clio Cup is a fantastically dynamic platform that budding BTCC drivers can launch their career from. It provides great racing for both the drivers and teams and of course, most importantly, our spectators and TV audiences.<br />
<br />
“I’m extremely proud of our very close and long-standing relationship with Renault, which is set to continue until at least the end of 2016, and really look forward to the great racing that undoubtedly the brilliant new turbo Clio Cup car will produce.”<br />
<br />
Ian Watson of the British Automobile Racing Club, which promotes the Renault UK Clio Cup, added: “Being part of the TOCA package is of paramount importance for a championship the stature of the Renault UK Clio Cup, we need to be racing in front of the biggest crowds and that’s what supporting the BTCC provides.<br />
<br />
“To have agreed a new three-year TOCA contract is fantastic for all involved, it gives us the perfect platform on which to build for next season when the new fourth generation Clio Cup race car makes its UK debut.”<br />
<br />
Teams currently competing in the Renault UK Clio Cup will be given priority to place orders for the new 1.6-litre, turbo-powered car for the next two weeks. Following the fifth race meeting of the 2013 season at Croft in North Yorkshire on 22nd/23rd June, the order process will be opened up to all.<br />
Priced 39,900 Euros plus VAT (£33,969)<br />
, the new Clio will come fitted as standard, for the first time, with a steering wheel mounted paddle-shift gear change system.<br />
<br />
The fourth generation car has already been incredibly well received on the continent where it is making its competitive debut this year in the Eurocup Clio series. British squad Team Pyro currently fields Josh Files and David Dickenson in the pan-European category, Files dovetailing his programme there with a title bid in the Renault UK Clio Cup in the existing third generation car.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-51718917917917169582013-02-08T12:00:00.011+00:002013-02-08T12:00:11.485+00:00VIDEO : Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff lead MG Charge in 2013 BTCC<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/deT3xFiojmM" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Britain’s
brightest young racing driver has joined the MG
KX Momentum Racing team
−
and has already achieved one of his lifelong ambitions.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sam
Tordoff, aged 23 has been racing since he was 10 years old and is
acclaimed as Britain’s brightest racing talent. Last year he was
officially recognised as the British Racing Drivers’ Club ‘Rising
Star.’
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
joins Jason Plato, the most successful driver in BTCC history, to
contest the 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
will both be driving racing versions of the award-winning MG6 GT
prepared by Triple 888 Race Engineering, one of the most respected
constructors in touring car racing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
year Plato was third in the championship in what was supposed to be
the team’s ‘learning year’ as MG returned to the track.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tordoff,
who hails from Leeds, began racing karts as a boy and worked his way
up the motorsport ladder via the Renault Clio Cup and the Porsche
Carrera Cup with many wins and podiums under his belt. He also
competed in one round of BTCC racing in 2010 on the Brands Hatch Indy
circuit.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last
year Tordoff, who has a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and works as
a trainee accountant with the JCT600 motor group, won a place at the
KX Akademy for the 2013 season. The bursary programme was set up by
KX Energy Drink where Jason Plato is the scheme’s mentor.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPftCAVZJd87kQmLGF_wloyBZzyA-ZP74iotJCfLe_41HxVEJa3nMQzbve8Gsgu0WhSMfdlJ-IXJli1ZXNbM4HRK0Exb8ZyiOeK1uQir5vJRAkDp2guyCxX0l9mPMD6HPtvf2cB4KrQDca/s1600/645186_70406-a-mg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPftCAVZJd87kQmLGF_wloyBZzyA-ZP74iotJCfLe_41HxVEJa3nMQzbve8Gsgu0WhSMfdlJ-IXJli1ZXNbM4HRK0Exb8ZyiOeK1uQir5vJRAkDp2guyCxX0l9mPMD6HPtvf2cB4KrQDca/s400/645186_70406-a-mg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newcomer Sam Tordoff (Top) is looking forward to racing with Jason Plato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Jason, Ian and the rest of the
team and I’m determined to do well – even if it means beating
Jason!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jason
said: “Sam’s a great young talent and brings a lot to our team.
He’s a fast learner and it will be great to see him alongside me on
the podium – but I’m planning to be on the top step.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ian
Harrison has the task of managing the MG KX Momentum team. He added:
“We’ve got a great team for the 2013 season in Jason and Sam.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Jason’s
obviously got the experience, including a fabulous year with the MG6
GT last year, and Sam’s out to prove himself now he’s won a seat
in a top team. It’s going to be a great year of racing.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">MG’s
Sales & marketing Director, Guy Jones, said: “It was brilliant
for us to get MG back on the track last year and the cars were seen
by millions of fans. Motor sport is in the DNA of the MG brand and we
can’t wait for the 2013 BTCC to get under way.”</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Longbridge, Birmingham, West Midlands B31, UK52.393187999999988 -1.978141000000050652.393187999999988 -1.9781410000000506 52.393187999999988 -1.9781410000000506tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-24521758259063776912013-02-08T12:00:00.010+00:002013-02-08T12:00:08.616+00:00Twingo Trophy returns to British Rally Championship in 2013
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4CbYZ74ZeLo2DBVyE-WA-Plwcy8ENJTPK_s38RedKt-Oa-kJcfGABc5aCk_2JDzjYcvw7tbEnh_mXf5JFRaF7ycTm2DMQ2g4gjaXMvGinx0jZcyDQ7eGi1XujbSR3s-0zSQvsVhUA-1j/s1600/644850_300113rensp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4CbYZ74ZeLo2DBVyE-WA-Plwcy8ENJTPK_s38RedKt-Oa-kJcfGABc5aCk_2JDzjYcvw7tbEnh_mXf5JFRaF7ycTm2DMQ2g4gjaXMvGinx0jZcyDQ7eGi1XujbSR3s-0zSQvsVhUA-1j/s640/644850_300113rensp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast action from last year's Twingo Trophy - expect more of the same as part of the 2013 British Rally Championship</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Twingo Renaultsport Trophy UK will follow all seven rounds of the MSA
British Rally Championship in 2013, joining the UK’s premier rally
series for the second year running.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Twingo R1 Trophy provides the winner with a fantastic Renault Sport
Technologies-funded prize drive in a Twingo R2 Evo on the final round
of the French Rally Championship. The R1 crews also benefit from an
on event prize fund with parts vouchers of £500, £300 & £200
going to 1<sup>st</sup>,
2<sup>nd</sup>
& 3<sup>rd</sup>
respectively on each of the seven rounds.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There
are some updates to the Twingo R1 for 2013 too, with the facelifted
shape, new competition dampers and an ECU upgrade to increase torque
being homologated for the start of the new season, it makes an ideal
car in which to fight for the British Junior Rally Championship
title. Also new for 2013, right hand drive versions will be
permissible with donor cars being sourced in the UK, it should make
it even cheaper to build a car with second hand low cost examples
being readily available.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Competitors
using the Twingo R2 will be recognised with their own Renaultsport
awards relating to their overall position in the new RallyTwo
Championship. Running alongside the R1 cars with parts and technical
support on all BRC events, the eventual R2 winner will be presented
with his or her trophy at the prestigious British Rally Championship
Awards Ceremony.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
addition to being eligible for the new BRC RallyTwo Championship,
both versions of the rapid little Twingo will be vying for a yellow
jersey nomination and a place in the Pirelli Star Driver competition
to win a prize drive in the 2014 BRC.
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All
users of Renault rally cars will benefit from the presence of Monster
Sport Europe who will attend all of the rounds with a parts supply
vehicle, hospitality area and support.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Competitors
running Twingo and Clio should contact MSE direct to make them aware
of any parts requirements they have ahead of the new season.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
more information visit www.renaultsport.co.uk or
www.twingotrophy.co.uk</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-41533924605728659162013-02-08T12:00:00.009+00:002013-02-08T12:00:15.209+00:00Scudereia Vittoria return with Wakefield and Modell
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jRo7C3UxAfXRBuRVlSzlc7xkJJdAK0MX9SxhyykniBdimzSntvCjppiTWWBtHxuFwcNQ8i-FV_xBzGnTGadzF_gKL_KhbGwTmT9Cl7OrB5C1Jj86TMEjYeebdS6Eewt7MRLZavxO3VrJ/s1600/643982_290113rensp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jRo7C3UxAfXRBuRVlSzlc7xkJJdAK0MX9SxhyykniBdimzSntvCjppiTWWBtHxuFwcNQ8i-FV_xBzGnTGadzF_gKL_KhbGwTmT9Cl7OrB5C1Jj86TMEjYeebdS6Eewt7MRLZavxO3VrJ/s640/643982_290113rensp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scuderia Vittoria return to Clios in 2013 with a new line up of Josh Wakefield and Devon Modell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Former
British GT Championship racer Josh Wakefield (Colchester) and motor
racing returnee Devon Modell (London) will make their respective
debuts in the Renault UK Clio Cup this year after finalising deals
with front-running squad Scuderia Vittoria.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wakefield,
a multiple podium finisher in the GT4 Class of the 2011 British GT
Championship, makes the move back to front-wheel drive racing having
originally cut his teeth in the SaxMax series in 2009 where he was
the Rookie Champion.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Switching
to the Trofeo Abarth 500 category in 2010, ending the season fifth
overall with several podiums to his credit, the Essex driver then
embarked on a strong campaign in British GT where he was fourth
overall in GT4, teaming with Jake Rattenbury, taking one win and four
other podiums.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Josh
has had a couple of testing years in different formulas, but has been
able to show that he possesses great pace”, said Scuderia Vittoria
team principal Danny Buxton, the 2001 Renault UK Clio Cup Champion,
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring him back to front-wheel
drive cars and I’m confident that he will be able to perform
extremely well in 2013.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Modell,
who is a former Stars of Tomorrow [now Formula Kart Stars] Mini Max
Champion, makes a welcome return to active competition after several
years away from motorsport. The new Renault UK Clio Cup season will
be his first in cars, although he did previously test a Renault Clio
in 2011 with Scuderia Vittoria.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Originally
starting out in Super 1 National Cadet Championship karting in 2002,
the Kent-born racer progressed into Mini Max where he enjoyed a
superbly successful campaign in 2005 – winning the Stars of
Tomorrow title, finishing third in the Kartmasters Grand Prix and
runner-up in the Super 1 Mini Max category. Following graduation to
Rotax Max, Modell’s last appearance was four years ago.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking
on the Londoner’s arrival into the all-action Dunlop MSA British
Touring Car Championship feeder series, Scuderia Vittoria’s Buxton
added: “Devon is a really exciting talent that held a huge
reputation in karting by beating the likes of Max Chilton [2013
Marussia Formula 1 Team driver] and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs [2012 AUTO GP
Champion] along the way.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I
have been chasing Devon for the last two years, as he tested with us
at Snetterton previously and was immediately on the pace. He is a
very intelligent, calm and confident driver who possesses great pace,
and I am sure that he will surprise a lot of people in the TOCA
paddock in 2013.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scuderia
Vittoria, which fielded as many as five Renault Clios last season, is
expected to run an even larger squad this year with additional driver
announcements expected in due course. Following the official Media
Day at Silverstone in Northamptonshire on Thursday, 21st March, the
16-round season will get underway on 30th/31st March at Brands Hatch
Indy Circuit in Kent.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-1856157139255012582013-02-08T12:00:00.008+00:002013-02-08T12:00:09.820+00:00Fortec announces Driver line up for Protyre Formula Renault
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTM_L5LCjtG9b_vT8fThfcbpJaurYtkGKnphzTgB0dbBx63yEC4nBHK51e_yT3gaTvM15wLVqDhoFm5I46NKCkvfQBrYJgiO6fM4JrLf7OqsALPBCJ2HxmyJYCQZVsgI3F3_oHhzTIdQn/s1600/643842_280113rensp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTM_L5LCjtG9b_vT8fThfcbpJaurYtkGKnphzTgB0dbBx63yEC4nBHK51e_yT3gaTvM15wLVqDhoFm5I46NKCkvfQBrYJgiO6fM4JrLf7OqsALPBCJ2HxmyJYCQZVsgI3F3_oHhzTIdQn/s640/643842_280113rensp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortec are a front runner in Formula Renault and have great links to other series too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fortec
Motorsports is the first of the leading teams from the Protyre
Formula Renault Championship to reveal its full driver line-up for
the 2013 campaign after confirming a
capacity four-car entry.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Daventry outfit, which steered Seb Morris to last November’s Winter
Series title, will field a squad with a truly international flavour.
Spearheaded by British karting graduate Sam MacLeod (Cambridge) and
returning Chinese racer Hong Wei Cao (Stoke-on-Trent), the team will
also feature Malaysian newcomer Weiron Tan (London) and Hong
Kong-born racer Wei Fung Thong (Liverpool).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“We’re
really pleased to have all four deals done so early, I think it’s
going to be a very open season this year with so many of the
experienced guys having moved on”, said Fortec team manager Steve
Lynch, “It’ll be a learning year for Sam but he’s been very
quick in testing and we’re confident he and Martin [Cao] will be
fighting at the front for regular podiums.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Sam’s
already proving himself to be a very good driver and we’re looking
for Martin to continue where he left off in the Winter Series, he’s
committed to making a big push this year. We know it’ll be a whole
new challenge for Tan and Thong but we’re sure they’ll both make
strong progress, setting a strong base for next year and, hopefully,
a future move up the ladder with Fortec.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">MacLeod
competed in British and European KF2 Championship karting last year,
having debuted in continental-level action in 2011 where he was
fourth in the CIK-FIA European Championship. Prior to that, in 2010,
MacLeod was fifth overall in the KF3 class of the UK-based Formula
Kart Stars series.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cao,
also known as ‘Martin’, is the most experienced of Fortec’s
quartet. After making his British racing debut in Protyre Formula
Renault last year, the 19-year-old Keele University student went on
to achieve his maiden podium in the 2012 Winter Series – concluding
the four round championship fifth overall. He was also the 2008 Asian
Formula Renault Champion.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Malaysian
driver Tan, who is part of the AirAsia Caterham Driver Development
Programme, moves into Protyre Formula Renault from the JK Racing Asia
Series where he was seventh overall last year, taking two podiums
along the way. The 18-year-old, from Kuala Lumpur, also contested
selected JK Racing Asia Series rounds in 2011 alongside a campaign in
the Malaysian Super Series.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hong
Kong youngster Thong, who is also referred to as ‘Shaun’,
competed in Asian Formula Renault in 2012 where he was third overall
and took one race victory. The 17-year-old, who currently studies at
Liverpool University, also tried his hand at GT racing with outings
in the Malaysian Super Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and the
Trofeo Maserati World Series.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Commenting
on Fortec’s announcement, Protyre Formula Renault promoter Simon
North said: “Having a team the stature of Fortec as an integral
part of Protyre Formula Renault really is very important for the
championship as a whole, we’re obviously delighted with the
confirmation of four drivers and the international flavour underlines
the increasing reach of Protyre Formula Renault.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Fortec
is one of the biggest and most successful teams, both nationally and
internationally, and I’m sure everyone there will be determined to
add the main Protyre Formula Renault title to the Winter Series crown
won last year.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Protyre
Formula Renault features an expanded 16 race calendar for 2013,
beginning with two races at Donington Park in the East Midlands on
13th/14th April before embarking on a run of four ‘triple headers’
at Snetterton in Norfolk, Thruxton in Hampshire, Croft in North
Yorkshire and Rockingham in Northamptonshire.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
season finale, like the championship opener, will be a double-header
and will take place at Silverstone National Circuit over the weekend
28th/29th September alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car
Championship.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Along
with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally
supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium
and NGK Spark Plugs.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-65906277194715060932013-02-08T12:00:00.007+00:002013-02-08T12:00:04.783+00:00Rockingham lines up action packed Calendar for 2013
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3Fl_rqu4RuNNjgrzURQ42m2K3LdBxbOlAoOOeruht7uGHNR9nv899UKf0aL1F8k_PQ3STI0-vgpLDE67uepF3o58pOPNAOu5O2tksm7SEUBBlTozzTRQtWk9ffuqtIko-rdcW2GQwK8O/s1600/645681_040213rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3Fl_rqu4RuNNjgrzURQ42m2K3LdBxbOlAoOOeruht7uGHNR9nv899UKf0aL1F8k_PQ3STI0-vgpLDE67uepF3o58pOPNAOu5O2tksm7SEUBBlTozzTRQtWk9ffuqtIko-rdcW2GQwK8O/s640/645681_040213rock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BTCC is sure to be a fan favourite at Rockingham in 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">WITH
the new motorsport season just around the corner Rockingham has
announced its exciting racing line-up for 2013, which will again
feature action on both two and four wheels at the Northamptonshire
circuit.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship leads the action on four
wheels and will again be the headline race meeting when it returns in
the autumn. Rockingham hosts Round Eight of the UK’s premier
tin-top series over the weekend of September 14/15.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following
a successful return last season, the UK’s largest bike racing
series, Thundersport GB, is back over the weekend of July 27/28, to
offer the chance to watch an awesome array of motorcycle racing on
Rockingham’s 1.94-mile International Motorcycle Circuit.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">It’s
also a summer date for 750 Motor Club, which is one of the UK’s
leading motor racing organisers with championships to suit all
tastes. The club will hold its maiden race meeting at Rockingham over
the weekend of July 13/14.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Avon Tyres British GT Championship will
provide a touch of glamour over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 5/6,
when some of the world’s most prestigious supercars will provide
bumper-to-bumper racing at breathtaking speeds.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Rockingham
Chief Executive Charlotte Orton said: “We are looking forward to a
fantastic 2013 season at Rockingham. We have secured some great race
meetings this year from grass roots motorsport through to the UK’s
premier motor racing series.”</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The
British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) will raise the curtain on
the new season over the weekend of April 6/7, while British
Automobile Race Club (BARC) are pencilled in for two visits on May
10/11 and August 10/11.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">.
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rockingham
2013 Race Calendar</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">April
6/7 BRSCC Race Weekend
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">May
5/6 Avon Tyres British GT Championship</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">May
10/11 BARC Race Meeting
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">June
1 Britcar</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">July
13/14 750 Motor Club</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">July
27/28 Thundersport GB</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">August
10/11 BARC Race Meeting
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sept
7 BRSCC Race Weekend</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sept
14/15 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dec
7/8 Rockingham Stages Rally</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">To
reinforce Rockingham’s commitment to making motor racing accessible
and affordable to all fans, adult admission prices start from just
£10 per day, while children aged 16 and under get in for free.</span></div>
<div align="RIGHT" class="western" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t
forget if you buy a BTCC Sunday race day ticket before March 1, you
will receive free entry to Saturday’s qualifying day. Advance
tickets can be purchased either online at www.rockingham.co.uk or via
the ticket hotline on 01536 500500. </span>
</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">All
tickets include a grandstand seat with a unique panoramic view of the
entire circuit and access to the race paddock, allowing an exclusive
insight into the hard work which goes on behind the scenes to keep
the drivers and cars on track.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-left: 3.81cm; text-indent: -3.81cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
more information visit the race events page on the Rockingham
website.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Corby, Northamptonshire, UK52.4905789 -0.6837838999999803552.4905789 -0.68378389999998035 52.4905789 -0.68378389999998035tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-78011820788923034442013-02-08T12:00:00.006+00:002013-02-08T12:00:02.277+00:00Aston Martin Centenary Celebrations planned for Brands Hatch
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4D8o_OZXT_-4V2qs1ngV4vJdE1hsw9RGo1s1BsxjeJpmKPll_XLwZ04viOfVq_xPAdefIgf-79DRJxFIyIU5aVhY_dv56HnYXtUedoj5rhB0NXqqY-0JX4LI0I05YmUOEhoNOBR3vuDF/s1600/645764_70436ast_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4D8o_OZXT_-4V2qs1ngV4vJdE1hsw9RGo1s1BsxjeJpmKPll_XLwZ04viOfVq_xPAdefIgf-79DRJxFIyIU5aVhY_dv56HnYXtUedoj5rhB0NXqqY-0JX4LI0I05YmUOEhoNOBR3vuDF/s640/645764_70436ast_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge array of Aston Martin Racing Cars will be in action at Brands Hatch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
largest collection of Aston Martin racing cars ever to gather on a
single track will meet at Brands Hatch in July for a unique race
series to continue the British brand’s centenary celebrations.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">More
than a hundred of the marque’s racing cars, dating from 1922 to the
present day, will gather for the two-day race series in Kent on 6<sup>th</sup>
and 7<sup>th</sup>
July.
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2013
is the 100<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the incorporation of Aston Martin, and the event in
July will recognise the company’s achievements in sports car racing
during the last century.
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0cbGRxut-hSJqjfnSbOLjcI2qLkJwJm1e2pYS7LcvvzMUCneW9X-OcUa8Lj2nyPwKerW3OXhgIvDu3Fjs31IijZLiI67Zz7US7pA_yheXbZvx7d4DzgfUUD21Kbxsp5QR8phsoQ9Knr4/s1600/645760_70436ast_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0cbGRxut-hSJqjfnSbOLjcI2qLkJwJm1e2pYS7LcvvzMUCneW9X-OcUa8Lj2nyPwKerW3OXhgIvDu3Fjs31IijZLiI67Zz7US7pA_yheXbZvx7d4DzgfUUD21Kbxsp5QR8phsoQ9Knr4/s400/645760_70436ast_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astons from the past...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aston
Martin has recorded multiple wins at Le Mans, including outright
victory in 1959, as well as the World Sportscar Championship the same
year and most recently the Le Mans Series title in 2009.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
two-day event will see Aston Martin racing cars from nearly every
decade compete on the Brands Hatch Indy and Grand Prix circuits. Two
special centenary races are also planned, the first covering the
pre-war era to the mid 1960s, and the second open to all Astons from
the mid-sixties, including the latest Aston Martin GT1, GTE, GT3 and
GT4 cars in a single race on the Grand Prix circuit.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Additional
races will include pre-war Aston Martins, with Lagondas and Bentleys
also expected to take part. Meanwhile the AMOC Intermarque
Championship, ‘50s Sports Cars, Equipe GTS and HRDC Touring Greats
categories will also pit cars from throughout Aston Martin’s
history against contemporary rivals. The weekend will also feature
two rounds of the 2013 Aston Martin GT4 </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%;">Challenge of Great Britain.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Off
the track there will be examples of nearly every Aston Martin racing
car ever produced, plus some of its finest road machinery, while
everything from pre-war Ulsters through to Nimrods and the Aston
Martin AMR1 will take part in on-track demonstrations.
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
marque’s connection with James Bond will also be showcased in a
display to celebrate the history of 007’s Aston Martin cars from
the DB5’s first appearance in Goldfinger in 1964 to its most recent
appearance in Skyfall.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Meanwhile,
owners of Aston Martin and Lagonda cars will be invited to take part
in track parades and to display their cars around the historic venue.
A concours area, dealer stands and live music will also entertain
visitors, while a special celebration dinner will be held on the
Saturday night in the MotorSport Vision (MSV) Centre at Brands Hatch.
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">David
Richards, chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “Brands Hatch has
played an important part in Aston Martin’s racing history so is a
fitting venue for one of the key events in our year of centenary
celebrations.
</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFMbH0l7dLScTQMyqhiS84a0BrnxIK2jktE1LCjLhHY1uQ9BlqdXVVW13qTkrwGJTISI-FVUyJOHTy6QPPZUttt-zH9yPOHvqSGrfvPqWCWf95eGNEvapQV4qFh7drgBYYGAJRBZ9je1k/s1600/645768_70436ast_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFMbH0l7dLScTQMyqhiS84a0BrnxIK2jktE1LCjLhHY1uQ9BlqdXVVW13qTkrwGJTISI-FVUyJOHTy6QPPZUttt-zH9yPOHvqSGrfvPqWCWf95eGNEvapQV4qFh7drgBYYGAJRBZ9je1k/s400/645768_70436ast_3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and present will be in action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Legendary
drivers such as Graham Hill, Jack Sears and Innes Ireland all raced
at Brands Hatch in Aston Martin cars and the atmospheric Kent circuit
will provide a wonderful arena for our competition and road cars to
participate in what I’m sure will be a superb weekend.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jonathan
Palmer, chief executive of MSV added: “Aston Martin is an
incredible brand that is synonymous with quintessentially British
sports cars, famous for an enviable pedigree from James Bond 007,
royal patronage and Le Mans motor racing success.
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“With
a great range of ever-evolving road cars, Aston Martin makes products
that are more desirable than ever and we believe a record number of
its sports cars will be present at the Brands Hatch Centenary
Meeting.”</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-10602463235166643922013-02-08T12:00:00.005+00:002013-02-08T12:00:12.209+00:00Shelsley Walsh lines up 2013 Calendar
<br />
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzVbTT8fWF9RknQCgBfmy39Z1d2qSuQsFYThdHbNRrG9Wh9ycGIGuflAVcYGISIwia4jQWzSHxR6amnzrCPtosNztxejVE6Vz1nXezqBAYfImOKXciKFBno4xgYpgd15iVCiY3WdnWcCi/s1600/644833_300113shels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzVbTT8fWF9RknQCgBfmy39Z1d2qSuQsFYThdHbNRrG9Wh9ycGIGuflAVcYGISIwia4jQWzSHxR6amnzrCPtosNztxejVE6Vz1nXezqBAYfImOKXciKFBno4xgYpgd15iVCiY3WdnWcCi/s640/644833_300113shels.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a British Hillclimb Championship competitor blasts up the 108 year old course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2013 at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb will feature six speed hill climb weekends, two of which
are rounds of the Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders
Championship held in June and August.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout 2013 we are celebrating a number of notable anniversaries starting with 100
years of Morris at “Speed Into Spring” May 4/5th where the Morris Owners Club will be
displaying a variety of cars in the public areas and up the famous 108 year old hill.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">June 1st/2nd welcomes the Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb
Leaders Championship for “Best of British” where fans can see some of the most powerful
cars in British motor sport reach 0-60 in under 3 seconds before topping out at 140mph over
the finish line. And all up a single track tarmac road in the beautiful Teme Valley where time
really has stood still...
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">July has two meeting with the “Reg Phillips Trophy Meeting” on Saturday July 6th followed
by the “Vintage and Post Vintage Thoroughbreds” on Sunday July 7th celebrating 100 years
of the Vauxhall 30/98 with up to 100 cars arriving after a tour of the UK.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the end of July over the weekend of 27/28th “Classic Nostalgia” will celebrate 50 years of
the Mini Cooper S. There will be the very popular and often oversubscribed Concours
d’elegance for the first 100 pre 1982 cars supported by Classic and Sports Car Magazine
and judged by Simon Taylor. We will also be welcoming Sir Stirling Moss OBE, who in the
very early days of his career drove at Shelsley. He will be here with Peter D James
Insurance who is also supporting the event this year.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our highlight meeting in August takes place on 17th/18th with “Championship Challenge”
offering a second chance to see the high powered cars of the Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA
British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders Championship, as well as celebrating Aston Martin’s
Centenary in association with the Aston Martin Owners Club and Aston Martin Heritage
Trust. There will be parades, displays and a competition class. More news to follow.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The season will round off in September with the “Autumn Speed Finale” where records can
still be broken and championships won or lost as the English summer comes to a close with
evocative long shadows that are so in keeping with Shelsley Walsh over its 108 year history.
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
</div>
</div>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-bottom-width: 0.479980pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.480000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.480040pt; border-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-top-width: 0.480000pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="page2image2576" height="0.480000" src="file:///page2image2576" width="69.476000" />
<img alt="page2image3160" height="0.480000" src="file:///page2image3160" width="0.480000" />
</span><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">May 4<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">th </span>- 5<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">th </span>SPEED INTO SPRING
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Midland Hill Climb, Paul Matty Lotus & SBD H.S.A. Speed Championships,
Westfield Speed Series. Also celebrating the Centenary of Morris
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-bottom-width: 0.480010pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.480000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.480040pt; border-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-top-width: 0.479980pt;">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">June 1<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">st </span>- 2<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">nd </span>BEST OF BRITISH
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders
Championship Midland Championships. Ferrari Owners Club Championship,
Shelsley Specials and other feature classes
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-bottom-width: 0.480010pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.480000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.480040pt; border-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-top-width: 0.480010pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="page2image10784" height="0.480010" src="file:///page2image10784" width="69.476000" />
<img alt="page2image11368" height="0.480010" src="file:///page2image11368" width="0.480000" />
</span><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">July 6<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">th </span>REG PHILLIPS TROPHY MEETING
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bert Hadley Memorial, Service Hydraulics Speed Championships, Westfield
Speed Series and NHCA Motorcycles
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-bottom-width: 0.479980pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.480000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.480040pt; border-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-top-width: 0.480010pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="page2image14376" height="0.480010" src="file:///page2image14376" width="69.476000" />
<img alt="page2image14960" height="0.480010" src="file:///page2image14960" width="0.480000" />
</span><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: -1pt;">July </span>7<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">th </span>VINTAGE & POST VINTAGE THOROUGHBRED MEETING
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">co-promoted with the Vintage Sports Car Club, Centenary celebrations of the
Vauxhall 30/98
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-bottom-width: 0.480010pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.480000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.480040pt; border-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-top-width: 0.479980pt;">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: -1pt;">July </span>27<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">th </span>& 28<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">th </span>CLASSIC NOSTALGIA,
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luffield Cars MG, Paul Matty BOC Classic Championships, Pre & Post war
racing & sports cars, 50th anniversary celebration of the Mini Cooper S,
(Sunday)Concours D’Elegance supported by Classic and Sports Car Magazine
(Sunday)
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-bottom-width: 0.479980pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.480000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.480040pt; border-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-top-width: 0.480010pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="page2image22544" height="0.480010" src="file:///page2image22544" width="69.476000" />
<img alt="page2image23128" height="0.480010" src="file:///page2image23128" width="0.480000" />
</span><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">August 17<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">th </span>- 18<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">th </span>CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb & Hill Climb Leaders
Championship, Midland Championships, Paul Matty Lotus Championship,
Celebrating 100 years of Aston Martin, AMOC parade and competition class.
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-bottom-width: 0.480040pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.480000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.480040pt; border-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-top-width: 0.479980pt;">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="vertical-align: -1pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: -1pt;">September </span>21<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">st </span>& 22<span style="vertical-align: 5pt;">nd </span>AUTUMN SPEED FINALE
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Porsche Club, TR Register, BARC SBD, Service Hydraulics Speed
Championships, NHCA Motorcycles, TVR, Morgan, Austin Healey, Ferrari, SBD
H.S.A Championships
</span><br />
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire WR6, UK52.265542 -2.409402999999997552.265542 -2.4094029999999975 52.265542 -2.4094029999999975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4983670142086360545.post-91359305219132796382013-02-08T12:00:00.004+00:002013-02-08T12:00:06.224+00:00MGR Returns to Protyre Formula Renault
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqEUNYN5zlflAutI5hSkC9YSs73D-Us17uVPeV0wTpQQwn0_mKSbJLBqLPcFRwtXCNVsIA9mAs1Gkd0cbGjYHoWLZ7cCVMlOyjWBKxGR_797zvc3wviuTzsYPw445ftBMCfcgbTiy5Dds/s1600/645684_040213rensp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqEUNYN5zlflAutI5hSkC9YSs73D-Us17uVPeV0wTpQQwn0_mKSbJLBqLPcFRwtXCNVsIA9mAs1Gkd0cbGjYHoWLZ7cCVMlOyjWBKxGR_797zvc3wviuTzsYPw445ftBMCfcgbTiy5Dds/s640/645684_040213rensp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MGR's team has steered many teams to success over the years, 2013 should be no exception</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Protyre
Formula Renault (Formerly Formula Renault BARC) Championship front-runner Chris Middlehurst (St.
Helens), second year competitor Tom Oliphant (Tarporley, Cheshire)
and series newcomer Matteo Ferrer (Ipswich) are the first three
drivers confirmed for MGR Motorsport’s 2013 assault on the 16-round
season.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With
plans to field a four car squad currently in advanced stages, as the
Bardon team continues discussions regarding its final vacant seat
with a number of drivers, MGR is delighted to confirm its first three
signings.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Middlehurst
enjoyed a strong debut season in Protyre Formula Renault last year,
ending the main campaign ninth overall with two podiums to his credit
before going on to mount a strong challenge in the Winter Series
where he took two further rostrums from the four races contested.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
18-year-old, son of former racer Andy Middlehurst, will certainly be
a championship challenger this season and will be aiming to secure
his maiden race victory in the category. His best result so far of
second place came during the opening weekend of the 2012 Winter
Series.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oliphant,
like Middlehurst, will be embarking on his second season in Protyre
Formula Renault this year and the 22-year-old will be hoping to
continue where he left off with Leicestershire-based MGR during the
final event of last November’s Winter Series.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After
a difficult main championship campaign, Oliphant moved to the Mark
Godwin-led team for the Rockingham rounds of the Winter Series and
showed a marked improvement by achieving a career best finish of
seventh place.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Protyre
Formula Renault newcomer Ferrer, who is of Venezuelan, German and
Italian heritage, had no previous karting experience prior to his
motorsport debut last year in the now defunct InterSteps Championship
but developed significantly as the season wore on.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ending
the year eighth overall in the driver standings, Ferrer is now
preparing for a major step-up in competitiveness and has
already made a strong impression on MGR team principal Godwin during
initial winter test outings.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I
watched Matteo develop during the 2012 Intersteps Championship, and
was really quite impressed considering his complete lack of
experience”, said Godwin, “From what I saw during our winter
testing in Valencia, I believe we can look forward to a very
competitive year. Tom has looked strong in winter testing and we’re
confident he’s going to have a good season, he did a great job with
us in the Winter Series considering how much he had to adapt to the
new car and team.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">“We’re
very confident Chris will be challenging up at the front from the
off, what he achieved last year was very impressive – especially
towards the end of the main season and in the Winter Series. We’re
sure, with our determined and structured approach, that Chris will be
a strong contender.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rounds
one and two of the 2013 Protyre Formula Renault Championship will
take place on 13th/14th April at Donington Park National Circuit in
Leicestershire – MGR’s home track. Before then, teams and drivers
will take part in the official ‘Media Day’ at Silverstone on
Thursday, 21st March.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Commenting
on MGR’s signings, championship promoter Simon North said: “MGR
is obviously one of the most competitive and well run teams in
Protyre Formula Renault and we’re delighted Mark [Godwin] has
confirmed three drivers already for the new season. Knowing a fourth
car is also highly likely with the team is fantastic news for the
championship.”</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Along
with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally
supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium
and NGK Spark Plugs.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0