DOUBLE SEVEN FOR AMERY MOTORSPORT AT THRUXTON

Rounds seven and eight of the ELF Renault Clio Cup, saw Amery Motorsport heading for Thruxton, the fastest race circuit in the UK. With no testing prior to the event, the team were hoping for some good results from their father and son driver pairing – Jonathan & David Shepherd, at the super fast Hampshire venue.

In addition to their existing driver line-up, for the Thruxton round only, Amery Motorsport were helping young British Touring Car driver and former Clio cup star - Michael Doyle and his mechanics, by allowing them to use the Amery awning and facilities. This one-off arrangement was due to the lack of pit garage space at Thruxton and the Amery team were glad to help and get an insight in to the BTCC machinery.

With their highly impressive facilities Amery Motorsport are gaining an enviable reputation within the paddock and during the weekend, many racing drivers expressed an interest in racing with the team in the future in a third Clio Cup car.

Qualifying went well for David Shepherd as he secured 7th and 10th places on the grid for the two races, after using a new tactic with his tyres to good effect. Team Manager Dom Field opted to try the different tactic with David, thinking it could be very beneficial at Thruxton, which is notoriously hard on tyres.

Meanwhile Jonathan in a car that had not turned a wheel since being completely rebuilt after Donington, used the session to get used to the car and although qualifying at the back of the grid, he was pleased with the feel of the car and full of praise for the whole team for building the car in time and to such a high standard.

Race one, late on Saturday afternoon was a dry race, but only just as the grey clouds descended and spots of rain appeared towards the closing laps. As the red lights went out, both drivers made good starts with David holding position into the first few corners. David did lose a place, but soon took it back into the chicane and held onto his seventh place, battling hard amongst some very experienced drivers.

Jonathan, having started well, hit a kerb too hard exiting the chicane early in the race, damaging the suspension and ruining his chances of making any places, eventually finishing the race in 21st place.

With only minor repairs to carry out on the cars, the team enjoyed Saturday evening with a slap-up meal and drinks in the awning, swopping tales with a few of the other crews into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Race two on the Sunday, saw the sun shining and large crowds of spectators flocking into the circuit to enjoy the British Touring Cars and support races, with the packed Clio grid always proving a winner with the crowds as they are guaranteed plenty of thrills and spills as the cars swap paintwork as they battle for position.

As David formed-up on the grid to start the race, his confidence was high as he now feels he has the pace to consistently mix it at the front. Another good start saw David taking two places in the opening laps as he battled in a close gaggle of cars all contesting 7th place. David quickly settled into a good pace and managed to pull a gap, but was unable to close on the six cars ahead before the chequered flag fell, signalling the end of the race.

Meanwhile Jonathan’s bad luck continued, as despite also making a good start, taking three places on the first lap, he was forced off by another driver at the chicane, narrowly missing the barriers and unfortunately left trailing at the back of the field with a bent steering arm and handfuls of understeer.

A very pleased Martin Amery, Team Director said after the race, “I am really chuffed for David, he has really focussed on his qualifying form and is now seeing the benefits and we are sure he will be on that podium, before the seasons out”.

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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