Strong showing helps racer maintain placing
HINCKLEY driver Paul Streather produced two strong performances at the Renault UK Clio Cup at Darlington over the weekend to maintain his position in the series’ top six.
Qualification proved frustrating for Streather and the Finesse Motorsport team with both of his fastest laps badly hindered by traffic, meaning he had to settle for a spot on the seventh row in race one.
Despite this he made a strong start to the contest, climbing to ninth position after the first few corners. Continuing to make progress, on lap eight at Clervaux, Streather moved past Senna Proctor into the top eight.
Steather would cross the line in sixth place, holding off Charlie Ladell at the end.
One the second race of the weekend, broadcast live on ITV4, Streather, from ninth on the grid, made a clean start
Leicester dominated most of the game with attacking flair, speed and power.
Early in the game, Leicester received the ball after a short punt and with the usual aggression, ran the ball up the gut almost to the end zone.
Andy Mepstead made his debut for the Falcons at quarterback (QB), controlling the play well. The first drive looked like it would end in a rushing touchdown for the new QB, but following a penalty on the play, the ball was taken back.
When play resumed, Nat Eaves took a pitch using his speed to beat the defence and score.
The Falcons converted the two point play, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Two quick completions to Alex McCormick and Jack Verling extended Leicester’s lead to 15-0.
Humber continued on good form with their special teams and put together their first promising drive of the game, moving the ball to the Leicester 30 yard line.
After three plays moving them nowhere, Humber decided to go for it on fourth down and failed to make it, following an excellent bat down by Parm.
Once again the Falcon’s counter-attacked with lightning speed, allowing Nat Eaves to reach the end zone.
Andy Mepstead was then able to pick out Alex McCormick on the three on the whole, especially after yard line for an easy touchthe disaster in qualifying down soon after. when we were so badly help The rest of the half folup. You only get laps on these lowed a similar pattern Dunlop tyres, and they were with the Warhawks failing both ruined by other drivers. to capitalise on some good I’m pleased with two top sixes drives and Leicester punin the race though, especially ishing them on the counter.inthefirstfrom14th,we’ve taken good points.” At half-time the score
Neil Giddings, of Finesses was 37-0 to Leicester. Motorsport, added: “ObviThe second half continously we wanted to be back ued in much the same on the podium this weekend fashion. but we’re happy with the The Warhawks continpace. Qualifying set the scene ued to create opportunifor us, the traffic was a probties, but excellent defenlem but Paul overcame that sive work from the Falcons and raced really well. broke them down.
“To come through from On the offence, the 14th to sixth in the first race Leicester team were beatwas a really strong effort. ing the Warhawks not only We’re all looking forward to with skill but also with the summer break now, but physicality. looking forward even more to The next touchdown saw the next rounds at SnetterDanny Burton catch the ton.” ball to give Leicester a 51-0
Rounds 11 and 12 of the to end the third quarter. Renault UK Clio Cup take In the final quarter, the place at Snetterton 300 CirFalcons continued to cuit in Norfolk on Saturday defend well to shutout the and Sunday July 30 and 31. Warhawks. and maintained his place on the opening lap in a long train of Clio Cup cars.
On lap four, race leader Paul Rivett slowed which allowed Streather to sneak into eight place, with very little between over half a dozen of the drivers.
As weather conditions worsened, more opportunities came Streather’s way, judging the grip levels better than a couple of rivals, he moved into seventh on lap nine then to sixth on lap 10.
Despite challenges from Proctor over sixth place, he managed to hold him off to close the gap to fifth place Ant Whorton-Eales to just 0.5 seconds on the finish line.
Post-race Streather said: “We’ve had two good races this weekend and I’m happy with how everything has gone