Michael makes amazing racing return in Ginetta at Silverstone

After a frustrating first outing in the Speedworks Ginetta at a greasy Silverstone last Friday, Michael returned to the Northamptonshire circuit for further testing on the Friday (2/11/07) prior to the race meeting. "The day was extremely productive and I learnt a huge amount about the car within the two 30 minute sessions". By the end of the second session, Michael was setting lap-record beating lap times leaving him confident for the challenge ahead.

Qualifying was a brief and tricky encounter on Sunday morning, with 22 cars fighting for pole position around the 1.7 mile National circuit within the 10 minute session! "I knew it was always going to be difficult to get a clean lap in with so much traffic so I focussed on finding some clean air. I was a little cautious throughout the session as I thought it was more important to see the session out with a couple of decent laps in the bag?. Michael's efforts were enough to net him a row three grid slot (5th place) for both races.

Making a bad start off the line in race one, dropped Michael to 8th place coming through turn one (Copse) but he quickly began passing cars to move back up the order. "I knew I had to just go for it on the first lap while the leaders were still in sight; I made up a few places through Maggotts and got a mega exit to give me a good slipsteam for the back straight?. Four cars lined up along side one another for the approaching Brooklands corner, with Michael taking the inside line. "I had a clean run for the corner but the other guys touched, pushing the nearest guy into my front right-corner which bent the steering slightly. It was a pretty lucky escape!? After incredibly keeping the car on track, Michael set about catching the top three and quickly reeling in third place David Jackson (Speedworks Motorsport team-mate) and took the position through Brooklands. With the leaders in sight, Michael gave it everything to catch the top two, setting new fastest lap times with every circulation. "I was much quicker than the two in front but compromised myself with a bad start and tangle on the first lap; there was too much ground to make up?.

Race two witnessed an improved start by Michael but he still lost ground from 5th on the opening drag to Copse. Avoiding the first lap dramas, Michael was able to move back up the order and slotted into fourth place by the end of the opening lap. "I could see three of my team mates in front and I knew I was quicker so I focussed on putting in consistent laps until I was right on the end of the train. Luckily one spun out so it was one less to deal with!? Within two laps, Michael had passed both drivers to claim the lead which he held until the chequered flag despite a momentary lead change through Brooklands on lap 8. "I had a great race! It was extremely close, clean and professional. Richard (Sykes) pushed me all the way to the chequered flag so it was hard work fending him off!?

"It's a great relief to finally get to finally get back in a racing car and to come back with today's results was a dream come true. We're only 1 point behind in the winter series now with two rounds to go next weekend at Brands Hatch but I can't see how we can raise the budget in time to do it?.

If you are interesting in partnering Michael for the final rounds next weekend, contact him on michael@michaelbroadhurst.co.uk