Race Reports Archive
Thruxton
Saturday, May 17, 2008 - Sunday, May 18, 2008
Championship Round: 5
Thruxton is arguably the fastest circuit that the
It offers a unique challenge and more importantly there is very limited testing available for potential competitors.
With his improved form and the Team's greater understanding of his work methods Simon entered the weekend's racing full of confidence after a great showing at Donington Park.
With continued guidance from Shaun and Joe at Optimum Motorsport, as well as some input from Alan Blencowe, Simon put in a stunning performance to qualify in fourth position for the first race and fifth position for the second race.
Qualifying was not without its surprises when Alice Powell rolled her car a number of times at the chicane on her first lap. It was great to see Alice back racing after this frightening incident.
In Race One Simon enjoyed a reasonable start and was running consistently in sixth place having dropped a couple of places during the early laps. However, he was able to show that he is now beginning to edge towards the premier division of the Junior Championship competing against drivers who are regularly on the podium. It was with great disappointment that he suffered from fuel surge problems on the last lap, thus droppoing him to seventh place.
For Race Two on the Sunday and in front of packed grandstands, Simon proudly lined up in fifth position ont he grid. After a good start he soon found himself in fourth position as they entered the first corner, although a lunge from Cassey Watson left him half spinning and dropping immediately to thirteenth place. Although again the luck had not been with him, what followed was a meteoric drive which took him up to seventh place and sixth fastest overall. Following a great battle with Jake Farndon he dropped to eight place, but was hoping to fight for seventh on the final lap, although a yelloow flat incident soon scuppered any chances of another top seven finish.
With consistent improvement, Simon really is hoping for a podium in the next round at Snetterton.
