Thruxton Race Report

Thruxton, the fastest event throughout the whole year and the third round in the UK Renault Clio Cup was always going to be an exciting race weekend as it was straight into qualifying and 2 races on the Sunday.Thruxton’s abrasive tarmac and high speed, long loaded corners along with the extra wear on the rubber becomes a small window of optimum performance providing an additional challenge for all the drivers.

Qualifying – during the 30 minute session, I managed to qualify in 9^thand 6^th place by working together with my team mate I did this by towing down the straights which was so important around Thruxton!

Race one: I started the race well and got right behind the championship leader but due to the nature of the track, we were on the inside line which meant the group of us on the inside had to break earlier at the first corner. There were other competitors who were able to break later going into the corner on the outside of us which unfortunately meant I lost some easy places. On the second lap I made contact with another competitor resulting in a bent track rod end and subsequently making my steering wheel out of place which was a bit hairy as we were going around the fastest track in the UK. I managed to defend well and hold my position to finish 9^thand it was a great race despite having a bent steering rod!

Race 2: I started in my best position yet, 6^th place on the grid. Again I made a very good start and this time managed to keep out of trouble. Throughout the race I made some really good overtaking moves which made it exciting for the spectators and fans. From starting 6^th there was a group of us battling for 5^thplace. I managed to get into 5^th and create a gap but with the straights being so long the gap was then closed because of the towing down the straights. Shortly afterwards I was having to battle to defend and stay in 5^th position. I made the slightest mistake,avoiding the car in front going into Church (the fastest corner on the track) resulting going on the grass. This then allowed 3 cars to go past and with 1 lap to go I wasn’t able to get the positions back. Race 2 ended with me finishing 8^th which is still a top 10 finish and I gained very good positive recognition from the commentators saying I am one to watch and a star in the making which I am pleased with.

Next race is at Oulton park on the 8^th and 9^th of June make sure to watch it live on ITV4 as I feel very confident with the car now and I’m ready to make statement at Oulton!