Luke Pinder ended Anton Spires’ five race winning streak in the ‘Roadcar’ class of the Michelin Clio Cup Series with a dominant maiden category victory in Round Eight at Brands Hatch.
In similar fashion to the weekend’s opening race, championship leader Spires started from pole position however it was the fast-starting Pinder who took the lead through Paddock Hill Bend for the first time.
While in Round Seven Spires was able to fight back to take the victory, this time around former rally driver Pinder was able to pull away and he was never challenged en-route to a remarkable nine second victory.
“It’s all about the starts here, I think our rallying background helps the starts – we’ve always been very good getting off the line and the same when I raced Autograss,” said Pinder. “We’ve had a few mechanical issues this year so to win today is great, especially as we run the car ourselves, just me and my dad. We turn up on the weekend, set the car up ourselves and see what we can do!”
Spires meanwhile had slipped down to third through the opening turn, the fast-starting Nic Harrison grabbing second with a great move around the outside at Paddock Hill Bend. After holding the place until lap eight, a brief moment through Graham Hill Bend allowed Spires to get the drive into Surtees to grab the place.
Harrison hit back into McLaren though and regained the place, with a hefty blow to the kerbs damaging Spires’ steering. The Westbourne Motorsport ace fought back though and got second as the race entered the final third, but ended up slipping back as his Clio lost fourth gear.
This gave Harrison his best result of the season so far in second, with Spires left to settle for third. That result was enough to continue his 100% podium record for the season though, and after setting the fastest lap of the race en-route, Spires now holds a 87 point championship lead.
Behind them, another fiercly fought battle for fourth was playing out between Jessica Hawkins and John Creasey. A superb defensive drive from the SWB Motorsport racer saw her hold the place, the duo finishing just 0,2 seconds apart at the finish. Sarah Franklin completed the finishers in sixth, the result maintaining her second place in the standings.
Provisional Michelin Clio Cup Series ‘Roadcar’ Standings (After Rd.8 of 12):
1. Anton Spires – 255pts
2. Sarah Franklin – 168pts
3. Nic Harrison – 167pts
4. Jake Honour – 141pts
5. Luke Pinder – 138pts
6. John Creasey – 98pts
7. Jessica Hawkins – 47pts
8. Jodie Hemming – 42pts
