Croft rounds 9 and 10 of the Air Asia Renault Clio Cup

After a poor qualifying session at Croft, which left Paul last for both races, Paul commented that "For the race this afternoon (Saturday), there will be no giving on my part, I am definitely coming through this pack to the front and think that a top 6 finish is a realistic aim."

Paul proved correct in his prediction for the first race after a storming drive from the back to a 6th place finish, but unfortunately behind title rival James Dixon meaning Paul ended round 7 4 points behind Dixon. (after 2 points were taken off due to Paul accidentally passing Hamilton under yellow flags).

In the second race Paul managed to come from the back to 10th place after a very exciting race where he got as high as 8th before contact with Tom Grice put him back down the field but by the end of the race Paul had managed to battle back to 10th and the championship lead as Dixon retired after contact with Packum.

Race 1

Paul made a quick getaway from the rear of the grid and had already made up a few places before a safety car was deployed then a red flag due to damage to a tyre barrier. Unfortunately Paul accidentally passed Nick Hamilton in a yellow flag situation and after the race was docked two championship points and two places on the grid for Sundays race!!

At the re-start Paul managed to pass 5 cars by the first corner and by the chicane had passed three more including title rival Dixon. Paul kept pushing and coming up to the chicane was caught out by the tyres on the chicane so had to take to the grass enabling Smith and Dixon to get passed. This left Paul down in 8th right on the tail of Dixon. Due to the number of retirements Paul finished the race in 6th.

"It was a very enjoyable race. There was a lot of overtaking and good racing. Looking forward to tomorrows race (Sunday)

Race 2

Another eventful race saw Paul come from the back of the grid to finish 10th. Paul got as high as 8th place but a knock from Grice caused Paul to drop down the field but he managed to recover to 10th and crucially Dixon retired and he was only 2 places behind Smith which means that Paul wins the luxury trip to Kuala Lumpa, by AirAsia, and heads into the summer break in the lead of the championship.

After starting last, Paul managed to make a good start and was up to 10th by lap 3 and was battling with Smith. A retirement had promoted Paul to 9th by lap 5 but Paul was T-boned by Grice which caused Paul to loose a few places but Paul battled back and after a number of front runners retired, including championship rival Dixon, meant Paul went into the last lap in 8th place battling with Smith. After a whole lap almost side by side Paul just got on the marbles and slipped down to 10th by the flag.

After the race Paul commented "Its brilliant to get through this chaotic weekend for me and end it as the championship leader to win the AirAsia mid season break. I think Mr Stancombe, Mr Munson and I will certainly enjoy our break!! I'm very much ready to go onto Snetterton and attempt to extend my championship lead.

 

 

The next round of the AirAsia Clio Cup is on 6/7th August at Snetterton '300' layout.