Michelin Clio Cup Series

Dorlin Extends Clio Series Lead With Rockingham Win

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James Dorlin has made it four wins in six races so far this season in the Michelin Clio Cup Series with another dominant lights-to-flag success in the opening encounter at Rockingham.

Three different drivers won in three races last time out at Pembrey, but normal service was resumed for Oulton Park double victor Dorlin as he converted pole position into victory.

Edging out Luke Pinder by just over a tenth of a second in qualifying would prove to be crucial, with Dorlin holding the key inside line into the Deene Hairpin for the first time.

Pinder would be his early pursuer, closing to within half a second on lap two – but that would be as close as the reigning Road Series champion could get.

Pulling nearly two seconds clear of the pack within four laps, Dorlin they benefitted from battling over the other podium positions to streak clear to an eight and a half second success.

The battling came as a recovering Brett Lidsey, who had climbed from fifth at the end of lap one up to third, piled the pressure on Pinder for second place.

The position eventually changed hands on lap ten of twelve, with Lidsey creating enough of a gap behind to enjoy a trouble free run to his sixth consecutive podium of the campaign.

Pinder had to keep Ben Palmer at arms length in the closing stages to complete the podium, his third of the season, with Palmer matching his best result so far of fourth.

Tom Barley picked up fifth on his return to the series after missing the last meeting, with Sam Randon dropping down to sixth from third on the grid.

In the Road category, Nic Harrison has shown himself as the driver to beat around Rockingham, emulating Dorlin out front with a pole position and race win of his own.

The CGH Imports-backed racer led throughout the race, but came under some late pressure from Sarah Franklin, who had passed Jack Fabby for second on lap seven, who was battling gearbox problems.

Full race results can be found here.

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