ROUNDS 17 & 18 – ELF Renault Clio Cup
Rockingham, Northants, September 19th/ 20th 2009

DANNY ROCKS AT ROCKINGHAM

A confident Amery Motorsport team rolled-up at Rockingham, following their maiden win at Silverstone a few weeks earlier and with former Clio Cup Champion and BTCC ace - Danny Buxton as guest driver in the third car, the whole team was relishing the weekends racing ahead.

Fridays practice sessions saw Amery Motorsport’s leading driver, Dave Newsham instantly setting some quick times, whilst all eyes were on regular Amery team and driver coach Danny Buxton, to see if his six year absence from the series would have affected his pace. The answer was an emphatic no, as Danny was second quickest in session one and topped the timing sheets in session two. With both races televised live on Sunday the whole team were hoping for some good results to impress the sponsors at the seasons penultimate event.

Brimming with confidence Danny decided to make a few further adjustments to the car for Saturday’s qualifying session, unfortunately this proved a mistake as he then struggled to match his Friday’s pace, qualifying 5th on the grid for race one and in 6th place for race two.

Meanwhile Dave Newsham was flying during the 30 minute qualifying session and posted the second fastest time to give himself a front row grid slot and a great chance of moving closer to third place in the championship. However amid all the adrenalin and excitement as Newsham exited the track, he headed straight back to the paddock instead of going to ‘Parc Ferme’ where the scrutineers would be waiting to check the car after qualifying. Soon realising his mistake Dave drove his car back to ‘Parc Ferme’ only to discover that his school boy error meant that his times had been taken away from him and he would have to start both races from the back of the grid. Darren Wilson continued his steady progress and achieved his best qualifying position of the season, ending 17th on the grid for race one.

Race one, saw Danny quickly move into third place and take second when race leader Lloyd hit the wall, bringing out the safety car. Danny lost a place at the restart, which was later reinstated by the stewards giving Danny a fine 2nd place in his first Clio Cup race in six years. Newsham made a terrific start and was amazingly up to 7th by the end of the first lap! but all his efforts were undone when he hit the wall and broke his suspension. Wilson managed to keep his nose clean and finished a very credible 12th.

For race two, Danny starting from 5th on the grid made a superb start, moving up into second place behind championship leader Phil Glew and held position right to the flag to complete a terrific double of two second place finishes, confirming his status as a top British racing talent.

Meanwhile Newsham’s bad luck continued as despite making another great start he was collected by two cars, resulting in a five car pile-up and him leaving the weekend with no points and no chance of taking third place in the championship. Another 12th place finish for Wilson saw him leave with a bunch of points and a big smile on his face in stark contrast to his unlucky team-mate.

Team principal, Martin Amery said after the final race, “That was one eventful weekend! I am delighted for Danny, he was not afraid to take the challenge and proved beyond doubt what a superb talent he is. As for Dave I’m gutted for him, he made a error after qualifying that he’ll regret for a long time and he had a great chance of winning this weekend which makes it all the more frustrating”.

You can watch the ELF Renault Clio Cup live on ITV Four and further coverage on Motorsport UK, check programme listings for times.

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