UK 2.0: Paddy Hogan Croft preview

HOGAN AT CROFT

Dublin full-time race driver Paddy Hogan (21) leads the important one-make UK Formula Renault by 34 points after eight highly competitive rounds at four different British race circuit. Last week in a test session at the Snetterton facility Paddy was again consistently quickest. So he heads to Croft, Darlington this weekend with high hopes of continuing his successful season as he moves to the half-way stage of the championship.

On Monday he was announced as the June Young Driver of the Month by Motorsport Ireland for his two impressive UK Formula Renault wins at Thruxton last month. That puts him in the running to win the Young Driver of

the Year award and the Dunlop Sexton Scholarship at year's end.

"I like the Croft circuit with its slow technical first sector, a quick and flowing track out the back, and a car that has a good and improving set-up. After a couple of weeks off I am itching to get back racing, and to drive for further podium finishes," said Paddy Hogan.

The Killiney based driver has two forty minute test sessions at Croft on Friday. On Saturday there are two qualifying periods and a championship race; while on Sunday (live on Motors TV at 4.10pm) Paddy will drive in race

ten of the twenty-round international series.

"I have to add to my points tally on both Saturday and Sunday. The 34 point advantage I have accrued after eight races is the equivalent of a race win, plus a fastest lap. So, as I look for more outright wins, it has to be a weekend of concentration and application."

The UK Formula Renault championship, in association with Michelin, is a stepping-stone for young race-drivers to Formula 3, GP2, A1, or indeed Formula 1. Paddy Hogan hopes that with six podium visits out of eight races so far this season he is on his way to a fulfilling professional career.

-ph