Qualifying was closer than ever at Brands Hatch.
I made it into Super-pole (equivalent of Q3 in Formula 1) for the first time, for the top 12 shootout. I put in a lap that placed me 8th on the grid for Race 1. I was not entirely pleased with the lap as I believe I could have got a better exit out of the last corner but then again, we can do a lot of things better in hindsight!

RACE 1 (30 laps)
2nd

Euro NASCAR uses the rolling start procedure. I started in row 4 on the outside line. A missed gear shift at the start dropped me down to 10th into the first corner. I managed to gain a position back and then 2 more after a spin in front of me. A few laps later, another incident brought out the safety car, allowing the field to bunch up and giving me a renewed chance to fight at the front.

I was pushing hard, giving it 100% and made my way upto 3rd, finishing just 0.7 seconds behind British driver, Scott Jeffs. I had the pace and needed just one more lap to pass him but ran out of laps. However, due to another incident earlier in the race, Scott was given a time penalty, thus promoting me to 2nd!
The podium ceremony was grand as always and the champagne tasted sweet!

RACE 2 (30 laps)
3rd

The series rules state that the best lap times from Race 1 dictate the starting order for Race 2. I managed to put in the 6th fastest time in Race 1 (the top 8 were separated by a few tenths of a second). This was arguably one of the most exciting races the series has ever witnessed. The tyres were very worn out as we have to use them in Qualifying, Race 1 & Race 2. A feisty but clean battle for positions 2 – 6 in the first 18 odd laps allowed the leader to run away into the distance, with the 5 of us going hammer and tongs. An incident brought about the safety car and the pack were bunched together for the last 7 laps. It was a free for all as to who would win! I got a fantastic start and managed to get upto 4th on the restart but a mistake on the next lap saw me drop down to 6th where I ended up finishing. 24 hours later i’m still unhappy with my mistake but that’s Motorsport, we live and learn!

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING

The Elite 2 category has the strongest field the Championship has ever seen. Drivers on the grid have competed in Le Mans, GP3, World Series 3.5, LMP3, NASCAR USA, Blancpain GT Series and so much more! With my relative inexperience in comparison, i’m currently sitting 3rd in the overall Championship standings, a feat that i’m proud of. A lot of hard work and effort has gone into getting behind the wheel and I’m going to fight for this Championship.

Next race

The next round of the Championship takes place at the Autodrom Most, in the Czech Republic.
I’m currently 3rd overall and in the Championship and in an excellent position to fight for the title. Motorsport is driven by sponsorship and I’m currently looking for a sponsor. If you are looking to sponsor or know someone who is, do get in touch.

The dream continues!

Categories: Press Releases