|
17th August 2009
Top step of the podium and lap record for Wrathall
The G50 Championship entourage moved north of the border to the circuit of Knockhill in Scotland, with promises to entertain the enthusiastic fans with a real highland fling.
QUALIFYING
Wet tyres were essential for the rainy Saturday morning qualifying session. The one make series has always assured us of close qualifying times, and this session was no different with only one second separating the top eight drivers. Frank produced consistently quick laps putting the Dynojet car on 3rd, 2nd and 3rd on the grid respectively for the three races of the weekend.
Frank: 'It was a bit of a gamble out there with the conditions. The track was constantly changing and it was really hard to put a lap together. I'm pleased with the performance and we are starting from the front in all 3 races.'
RACE 1
The inside 3rd place grid position didn't give Frank the advantage off the line, as the hectic bumper bashing start saw him slot the Dynojet car into 5th spot behind Freke, Breeze, Mussi and Sharp. A nail biting battle produced 16 laps of close racing, with Frank producing the fastest lap of the race. A racing incident between Frank and Breeze at the approach to Carlube, put Breeze out of the race. Frank brought the Dynojet car over the line in 3rd spot. A later review of the race by officials, handed Frank a rather harsh 15 point penalty.
Frank: "I followed Freke and Mussi through the gravel into the first corner and it cost me the race today, as unfortunately I got stuck behind Breeze who was lacking pace and had resorted to extreme defensive tactics. I committed myself to a move on the last lap and he moved across the front of my car, he went off and it cost me 2nd place.
RACE 2
Drama ensued on the start line for race two. All cars had gone onto the track and completed the sighting lap with slick tyres, but a sudden heavy shower saw all teams forced to change to wet tyres on the grid. Guess work came into play with wet set up as all cars were initially set to go with a dry combination. Frank maintained his 2nd place grid position from the start of the race, tucking in behind Nathan Freke ready to take the advantage if he made a mistake. As the race progressed the two front runners pulled out a healthy lead from the rest of the field. The 23 lap race finished with Frank bringing the Dynojet car home in 2nd place, and adding some much needed championship points.
Frank: ''My car felt great at the start of the race, but as the track dried I lost a little bit of grip and lost touch with Nathan. 2nd is still a good result and I'm happy to be one step higher on the podium from yesterday."
RACE 3
Right from the start of race three Frank and Nathan Freke dominated in the 24 lap dry race. The team had got a perfect set up on the Dynojet car for Frank to close in and chase the leader Nathan Freke. Frank took the fastest lap by the seventh tour, then went on to brake the lap record on lap 10, then again on lap 14, and yet again on lap 15. A slide and spin on the kerbs at the Chicane by Nathan on lap 19, saw Frank take avoiding action and a detour on to the gravel, but such was their lead that Frank was able to capitalise and move upto to the top slot. He maintained this position for the remainder of the race, crossing the line first, and taking an extra championship point for the fastest lap.
Frank: "That was a fantastic race, and I'd like to thank my team for giving me such a fast car. I was pushing Nathan as hard as I could and we had opened up a huge advantage over the rest of the field. I was closing and closing on Nathan and was about to look for a move, but he made a mistake and allowed me to come through for the win."
Championship Table
1st |
Nathan Freke |
558 |
2nd |
Carl Breeze |
494 |
3rd |
Frank Wrathall |
481 |
TELEVISION COVERAGE REMINDER
ITV4 live Sunday afternoon's 11.30am - 6.00pm
ITV4 at channel 28 on Freeview, channel 117 via cable and through the Sky Digital platform at channel 120
In addition, ITV will extend the duration of it's highlights programmes by 50 per cent from 60 to 90 minutes - whilst also increasing the number of repeats.
These will be broadcast as follows: ITV1 on the following Monday evening.
ITV4 on the following Tuesday afternoon.
Men & Motors on the following Friday evening.
ITV4 on the following Saturday afternoon
Men & Motors on the following Wednesday evening (ten days after the race event).
Next Round: Silverstone 29th/30th August
--ends--
Dynojet UK
Lower House Barn
Strickens Lane
Barnacre
Preston
Lancashire
PR3 1QJ.
Tel: 01995 600500
Fax: 01995 604724
Back
|
