Double Podium success as Power Maxed Racing leads the Championship at Oulton Park

Power Maxed Racing were in action this weekend at Oulton Park in the latest round of the Miltek Sport VW Cup. The Warwickshire based BTCC team impressed the crowd with 2 podium finishes by talented youngster Bobby Thompson and leave the Cheshire circuit with their VW Polo R in the joint lead of the Championship.

After a solid test day on the Friday, the 19 year old Thompson went on to put in a solid qualifying performance to start 7th for the first race of the Bank Holiday Monday fixture. .

Under sun filled skies Thompson got a cracking start to race 1, gaining a place by the first corner into 6th. On cold tyres and carrying success ballast from Rockingham he set about closing the gap to 5th. Not content with that he swiftly moved up into 4th place following an on track incident involving championship front-runner House,. Dominating the circuits live commentary Thompson’s VW Polo R was closing in on 3rd place with only 4/10ths between him and the VW Golf of Rudd. Thompson continued to push on and avoid being collected in an all action finish  and crossed the line in 3rd place, securing his first podium of the season and the first podium for Power Maxed Racing’sVW Polo R. 

Thompson commented “ The car was just getting better and better, my fastest lap came right at the end of the race when you would expect to see a drop in performance. Power Maxed Racing have done a fantastic job developing the Polo R and getting it race ready. I am delighted to be able to reward them with a podium finish and hopefully many more to come”. 

Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Team Principal commented “Bobby was on our radar last year, and we knew with the right car he has the potential to go a long way. His work ethic is a perfect fit with the Power Maxed Racing team, and we are making huge strides with the development of our new Polo R. His podium finish will not be his last, we are delighted and already working through the data and feedback to push onwards and upwards”.

Thompson started race 2 in 3rd place following a reverse grid for race 2, carrying 42kg ballast from his earlier success. With fresh tyres he got off the line well, holding firm in 4th place. Thompson showed his race craft and kept the persistent Golf of Rudd behind. Making the Power Maxed Racing Polo R as wide as possible, Thompson was able to maintain position and capitalised on an incident ahead to take 3rd place. Focused on preserving his tyres, Thompson increased the gap on 4th to cross the line comfortably in 3rd place, his second podium of the season and more points to boost his pursuit of the championship title. 

Bobby Thompson commented “ I was slightly frustrated losing a place during the opening lap but quickly got my head down and set about closing the gap ahead. The car has been exceptional this weekend, and I am starting to feel comfortable with what it can do. The team at Power Maxed Racing have worked so hard to get the car ready for the start of the season and to be able to bring home a second podium finish is fantastic”.

Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Team Principal commented “I joked to Bobby after race one that there were two more races and two more steps! I am more than confident that it won’t be long till he reaches the top. I couldn't be happier with his performance at Oulton and for the team who work tirelessly to ensure the car is ready and delivers.

Race 3 saw a grid decided from Saturday’s second fastest qualifying times. Thompson lined up in 7th, carrying the full 60kg of success ballast. After making a great start the Polo of Thompson was swiftly up into 6th place on the opening lap, avoiding an incident between Wilson and Davis. Thompson showed his race craft and was able to take 5th and then 4th on the start/finish straight. His progress halted by the safety car which bunched the field following the retirement of a Team Hard Golf. Still putting in quick laps Thompson was closing the gap to 3rd but ran out of time to gain his hat trick podium for the day, but still scoring solid points in 4th place.

Thompson commented “Starting further back meant that I needed to not only race to gain positions but stay out of trouble, avoiding contact and with that damage bills from unnecessary rubbing. The Power Maxed Racing Polo R has been epic this weekend and didn't fail to deliver. It was our first race with full weight, plus we had worn tires so it was as much as a test as a race. I was pushing to get onto the podium again, but the safety car meant this wasn't to be, but I am fully charged to get right back on it at Silverstone”.

Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Team Principal commented “Bobby has shown what he is capable of this weekend, we walk away at the top of the Championship and with a newly developed car, we all know we have so much more to give. We are definitely  one to watch, and I couldn't be more delighted. It’s a real boost to the team who work tirelessly to get our cars ready for each race event”.

The Volkswagen Racing Cup returns on the 11th of June at Silverstone with coverage on Motors TV and Channel 4.

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