Race 8 of the DNM Saloon Championship at Lydden Hill September 16th

Unsettled weather was going to be the biggest problem for most of the competition, the changing weather was causing so much extra work for the teams and drivers as heavy showers kept everyone on their toes, guessing weather or not it would be dry by the time the cars had to go out to race. Team Westlake opted for both cars to start on wet weather tyres for Qualifying, a very heavy rain fall confirmed this decision but it was very last minute, meaning both cars were starting at the back of the pack. This proved not to be a bad thing though and with great car setup, the conditions best suited the front wheel drives with both Seats qualifying with great times. Nick had a spin at one stage, cutting across the grass, but managed to come back without any damaged. The best lap time was secured by Rod Birley in his very success Escort Cosworth WRC, 2nd place was Andy Thompson in his Seat Cupra Cup car with a 49.5 second lap, Cris with a 49.6 second lap and Nick completing fourth. The mighty powerful Nissan Skylines of Darren Bly and Ron Kiddell only managed 10th and 11th on track as both they’re cars suffered transmission problems.

Race 1 began with the circuit in a semi dry state, much of the racing line was dry but there was one area with standing water, however team Westlake decided to send the cars out on slick tyres. The lights went out and the race was on, Cris and Nick both held position and got the hammer down, obviously Birley wasn’t going to be caught but as the tyres got up to temperature Cris was drawing in on Andy Thompson. Just as quick as Andy could be caught, the weather changed and the rain came down, the cars were struggling to stay heading the right way round the track. As Cris lead Nick around Chessons, Nick observed Cris’ car step right out, almost beyond recovery, only to find his car doing exactly the same moments later. With things getting dicey, Cris started to hold back but Nick decided he would make a move and took 3rd place on track from Cris. The race proceeded for a further few laps before the officials decided conditions were too dangerous to continue. It wasn’t too soon for Cris as a near miss with Ron Kiddell in the Skyline could have left the Seat in a very sorry state (see video) Results concluded with Nick Finishing 3rd on track and 1st in class and Cris with 5th on Track and 2nd in class.

Race 2 started, the track had almost dried out and once again team Westlake opted for slick tyres, even though many others were sporting wets.  Nick started 3rd and held his position, Cris started fifth and had a small amount of work to catch Nick, but sure enough by lap 5 was right on his bumper, the race continued with Cris, Nick and Ron Kiddell fighting for position, unfortunately Kiddell’s car let him down and Nick and Cris had a great battle, seeing Cris get along side Nick on quite a few occasions but only to have the door slammed in his face. Nick secured the first in class title once again and Cris 2nd, another great day for Team Westlake.

In conclusion 6 awards were brought home, Red car gained ‘Driver of the Day’ and Grey car ‘Best prepared car’ along with position trophies. All in all a day to be proud of for team and sponsors alike.