The 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB is the first ever season racing cars for CMS driver Matt Shead. We caught up with Matt at Snetterton to learn a bit more about his career and what he’s into. Find out more, including Matt’s surprising choice of ‘favourite car’… Matt Shead’s Driver Profile.

Charlie Butler Henderson is New Championship Leader After Historic Weekend at Cadwell Park.

Cadwell Park (24th May, 2010). The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB joined British Superbikes this weekend at Cadwell Park for an historic weekend of 2-Wheel and 4-Wheel racing. Fans enjoying the hot British weather got to see a great display of racing which showcased the Abarth 500 AC to a large new audience.

The weekend was important for the teams, as it also marked the halfway point of the 6 rounds to be held on UK soil. While Stefan Hodgetts of Mardi Gras Racing won both races at Cadwell Park, the championship has a new leader. Chalie Butler-Henderson’s has moved him to the top of the table, passing Gareth Howell.

Butler-Henderson’s consistency and reliability have been key to his success to date in the season. He has started and finished all six races so far, standing on the podium on four occasions.

The second race of the weekend was a repeat of the first, with Stefan Hodgetts leading from pole position to win his third race from four starts in the Abarth 500 Asetto Corse. Ben Winrow finished 2nd in both races, placing him second in the Championship behind Charlie Butler-Henderson.

Trofeo Abarth 500 GB organiser Paolo Callea was pleased with the way the British Superbike paddock and fans responded to the presence of cars at a bike event. He said:

This weekend has been a great opportunity to promote the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB and the Abarth brand. Our goal is to increase awareness of Abarth in the UK, and being in front of one of the biggest crowds on the UK motorsport calendar helps us do that. I think we have been recognised this weekend by a large number of people, through the racing and the Abarth sponsored aerobatic show and hopefully they enjoyed the show we put on.

Many motorcycle fans were impressed with the spectacle of the Trofeo series. One fan said:

The cars look good on this track. I was surprised by the power and the handling around this circuit, which is narrow and complicated and more suited to bikes. It’s great to see Abarth back in motorsport too. I think there are a lot of bike fans who are aware of the racing heritage of Abarth and to see the brand back out on track is great.

Championship Points.

1. 7 Charlie Butler-Henderson Advent MTS 94
2. 4 Ben Winrow Pyro Motorsport 92
3. 9 Gareth Howell Advent MTS 90
4. 45 Josh Wakefield Advent MTS 68
5. 3 Stefan Hodgetts Mardi Gras 66
6. 2 Paul Smith Mardi Gras 56
7. 22 Benny Simonsen Pulce 52
8. 81 Matt Shead CMS 42
9. 72 Cassey Watson Lunar Racing 27
10. 77 Jason Greatrex Redline Racing 20
11. 11 Sarah Franklin Reflex Racing GB 20
12. 82 Fiona Leggate CMS 16

The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB will take part in an historic weekend of motorsport from 22-23 May as the series joins the British Superbikes at Cadwell Park. The event is one of the only times that fans will get to watch both two-wheel and four-wheel action at the same event.

The event is significant for Abarth. In 1928 a young Carlo Abarth raced in the Austrian Motorcycle Grand Prix – qualifying on pole! He was a winner at Salzburg in the same year and proved himself to be a successful motorcycle racer and tuner before turning to four wheels.

Timetable

Version 4 – 14.05.2010

Friday

• 12.55 – 13.15 : Zing Trofeo Arbarth 500 GB Free Practice 1
• 18.00 – 18.20 : Zing Trofeo Arbarth 500 GB Free Practice 2

Saturday

• 13.05 – 13.30 : Zing Trofeo Arbarth 500 GB Qualifying
• 18.00 – 18:30 : Zing Trofeo Arbath 500 GB – Race 1 30 mins

Sunday

• 12:20 Abarth sponsored Aerobatic Display.
• 17.30 Zing Trofeo Arbath 500 GB – Race 2 30 mins

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Fans visiting Silverstone tomorrow will be treated to a breathtaking aerial display by aerobatic pilot Mark Jefferies courtesy of Abarth.

The 8 minute World Championship sequence will begin at 13:35 on Sunday, right before the 4th race of the Zing Trofeo Abarth 500 GB.

Currently ranked 9th in the World in the Advanced Unlimited Freestyle class of competition and his display over Copse Corner is guaranteed to thrill crowds at the home of the British Grand Prix.

We’ll have some exclusive in-flight footage on the site soon, but in the mean time, here’s a taste…

Photos from the official Zing Trofeo Abarth 500 GB media day in conjunction with MSVR and British Superbikes at Cadwell Park. Newly announced competitor Cassey Watson was one of the drivers announced for race one at Oulton Park during the Easter weekend.

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