Bobby Thompson shows blistering pace at Rockingham

-       Bobby Thompson sets VW Racing Cup lap record at Rockingham

-       The young driver takes a flag-to-flag victory in Race 1

-       Race 2 sees chances plagued with a suspension issue

Hornchurch based Bobby Thompson started the weekend in style with in the Milltek VW Racing Cup championship at Rockingham in Corby. The 20 year old racer qualified on pole, six tenths quicker than the next man on the grid. In doing so he set a new lap record, an excellent achievement.

"I was feeling very confident with the Team Hard car,” Bobby said. “After only a few laps I knew I was able to put in a quick lap, but I didn't expect to be as quick as we were.”

As the first lights out of the weekend neared, Bobby Thompson pulled up on pole for Race 1 with Maximum Motorsport’s Tom Witts for company alongside. The race was smooth for Bobby showing maturity and composure throughout..

Going into Lap 5, Bobby held the lead after a stint of yellow flags. It was then that Bobby set a staggering new lap record, slowly pulling a gap to second-place racer Witts.

Bobby held onto first until the flag, taking a dominant victory in Race 1 at Rockingham. The next man Tom Witts was a full six seconds behind.

“I got an average start off the line, but I’d seen Witts on the outside who seemingly had got a great start, and he took us into turn 2,” Bobby said post-race. “I waited for my tyres to come in, and was able to get a run through Gracelands and past exiting Tarzan.

“Naturally, I wasn’t happy when the safety car a came out but I got away well and pulled a gap, managed my tyres and brought it home.

“I must say thank you to GKR Scaffolding, Braintree Motor works and Brentwood Brick works  for getting me out there.”

Race 2 saw a reverse grid. Bobby lined up sixth, eager to see if he could repeat his incredible success of Race 1.

Here, he was able to show his pace and overtaking ability, making places up to 4th.

Unfortunately, going into the Tarzan Hairpin, a competitor crashed into the side of Bobby. As a result, this heavily damaged Bobby’s suspension.

Nonetheless, despite it now being damage limitations, Bobby continued circulating to the end of the race, showing grace and skill to drive his stricken car to the chequered flag.

"I was currently in 4th place and feeling confident for a good finish, when I was hit in the side going into the hairpin,” Bobby said. “I am gutted as this has really damaged our championship chances.

“We are going to carry on fighting for the rest of the season and try to claw back what points we can.” 

" Special thanks again to my sponsors - GKR scaffolding, Orlight, Braintree Motor Works, Amber Motorhomes, Brentwood Brickwork and Solar Advanced Systems."

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