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Russell at the double, while Fawcett extends Rotax lead
Report: George and Tom take victories in thrilling encounters at Whilton Mill
11th May 2010
Mini Max star George Russell overcame a bout of nerves moments before the pre-final to take a classy win, and give himself a confidence boost for the main final at Whilton Mill last Sunday (9 May).
George Russell
From pole position, George got the initial jump on his rivals to lead the 30-strong field through the opening corners - but would complete the first lap in 4th place. Some feisty driving quickly got him back up to 2nd but just as quickly as he’d got there, he was shuffled back down to 5th.
Jack Marshall
As the race began to settle down, so it played into Russell’s hands. Picking his way forward, he found himself back in 3rd and on the run down through Inkermans towards Ashby corner, he took 2nd. On the following lap, he took the lead, but immediately came under huge pressure. Eventually, something had to give, and despite stout resistance George slipped back to 2nd. Another attack briefly yielded the lead again but carrying too much speed through the exit of Ashby saw him drop to 3rd.
James Greenway
As the race ran to its conclusion, there was still nothing in it. Mistakes by each of the drivers were instantly punished - but as the Last Lap sign was held out, it was George who led. Through the penultimate corner he was forced to defend and his rivals tangled, but he had enough in hand to take a superb victory – his fourth of the campaign.
In the Senior class, Tom Fawcett triumphed in what one observer called a “brutal” race. 2nd in the pre-final, he displayed all the character and determination that has marked him out as a major star in
Rotax. Only 32nd in Timed Qualifying, he had done well to fight himself up the order in his two heats, to qualify 10th overall on the grid for the first of Sunday’s two finals.
He finished a close 2nd to (fellow Tony Kart driver) RL Racing Department’s, Jake Ball. This netted him vital championship points, but it wasn’t the win he clearly wanted.
Shaun Pirie
A messy start split the field split through the first few corners and saw Tom bullied down to 5th. His team-mate James Greenway dropped to last place – a victim of the opening lap clashes. Barrie Pullinger had enjoyed a good getaway from P12 and was inside the top ten.
The lead trio became a quartet, once Fawcett cleared the traffic and reeled-in the early breakaway. By mid race, the action was at fever pitch, moving the commentator to observe: “anything can happen,” and Tom was now 2nd. Moments later, he launched a bid for the lead. Finding the door firmly shut, he had to bide his time and wait for an opening.
At the left-right corner ‘The Boot’, Fawcett launched his decisive move and from there was able to make it three wins from four and extend his championship lead.
Tom Fawcett
Sadly, Barrie Pullinger’s chances of his highest senior finish yet, ended in disaster. A hugely contentious move by the driver behind forced Barrie off the track and into the barriers. Such was the speed of his impact that a metal fence collapsed on top of him, momentarily trapping the Essex youngster.
In the Junior category, the team’s Jack Marshall and Shaun Pirie were in fine form. Solid performances in qualifying and their respective heats put the pair in right in the hunt for silverware in the two finals.
In the pre-final, Jack scored an encouraging 4th, with Shaun in an unchallenged 10th place. This presaged a pulsating encounter played out in front of the TV cameras. From beginning to end, the race made for enthralling viewing as Jack pushed and probed to break into the top three, whilst fighting off attacks from behind. Similarly, Shaun found himself just outside the top ten but enjoying his best finishes in the championship this year.
The team is now preparing for the 2nd round of the Euro Max series, to be held at Wackersdorf, Germany on 26-30 May.
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