UK: Archie Hamilton Rockingham event summary

ARCHIE HAMILTON ON THE PACE AT ROCKINGHAM

Archie Hamilton, 19 Basingstoke, made progress in his second Porsche event with continued improvement in his pace. His first podium eluded him but he made real progress in his bid to emulate his Le Mans winning grandfather's sportscar success.

Race 1: Qualified Overall: 8th ProAm1: 2nd
Finished: OA: 11th PA1: 5th

Race 2:  Qualified Overall: 7th  ProAm1: 2nd

Finished: OA: 10th  PA1: 5th

Qualifying went well with two runs on new tyres. Archie had focussed on studying data from practice and was well prepared. On his first outing he set a 1:21.8 lap, improving to a 1:21.4 on his second time out on a track that was traffic free.

Race one was frenetic with a record 27 car grid. Archie made a good start and was fighting with professional class driver Glynn Geddie for seventh place. He tried the outside line but was pushed wide onto the grass and lost four places. Getting back on track he was then held back by a slower car ahead and couldn't get past to catch the pack ahead. Archie took the chequered flag fifth in class and just one place from a top ten finish.

The second race was more of a challenge with a first lap spin on coolant putting him at the back of the pack. Undaunted, Archie drove hard despite suffering steering damage caused when he came into contact with another car during the incident. Lap by lap Archie moved up the leader board. Despite his car being unable to replicate the pace from earlier in the weekend he gained 15 places to finish 10th overall and fifth in class.

Archie Hamilton:

"Overall it's been a positive weekend. I've notched up another two race finishes. I know I can qualify well now. I've learnt more about how to use the traffic to my advantage and how to stay out of trouble. I'm definitely going to Brands Hatch with more confidence. I know I can be quick and have made progress so I'm happy."

Archie's next event takes place at Brands Hatch, Kent on 1st & 2nd May

-source: archie hamilton pr