The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB is at Snetterton this weekend for Race 4 of the 2010 season. Once again, the trofeo paddock is basking in bright sunshine and the drivers are preparing for a hot race later today.

Stephan Hodgetts showed that he is still the man to beat, setting a time of 1:20.459 around the 1.95 mile Norwich circuit. Ben Winrow was just 0.124 seconds behind and Paul Smith qualified 3rd.

Saturday’s race will start at 13:45 and tomorrow’s race will be at 15:00

Provisional Qualifying Classification

On Sunday the 23rd of May, the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB followed a thrilling British Superbike race at Cadwell Park.

This video features footage from the race as well as podium interviews with Stefan Hodgetts, Ben Winrow and Charlie Butler-Henderson.

Post race interviews on the podium at Cadwell Park.

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

After a great night’s entertainment provided at the Abarth hospitality unit in the Cadwell Park paddock featuring Chris Hodgetts and ‘Rev Limit’, Stefan Hodgetts followed his race win on Saturday with another on Sunday.

Hodgetts led from start to finish in the 30 minute race that tested drivers’ fitness and stamina in hot conditions. Ben Winrow followed Hodgetts closely, but couldn’t find a way past on the narrow Cadwell Park Circuit that had hosted the British Superbikes earlier in the afternoon.

Gareth Howell lost his top spot on the Championship table after retiring from the race. Charlie Butler-Henderson took 3rd in the race and moves to the top spot on the series leaderboard.

Provisional Race 6 Results – Sunday – Cadwell Park, 17:42

1. 3. Stefan Hodgetts – Mardi Gras Motorsport / Marylebone – 30:23.271
2. 4. Ben Winrow – Pyro Motorsport / Research Garage – 30:26.826 (3.555)
3. 7. Charlie Butler-Henderson – Advent Motorsport / Glyn Hopkin – 30:43.616 (20.345)
4. 2. Paul Smith – Mardi Gras Motorsport – 30:59.754 (36.483)
5. 81. Matt Shead – CMS / SG Petch – 31:01.728 (38.457)
6. 45. Josh Wakefield – Advent Motorsport – 31:20.875 (57.604)
7. 82. Fiona Leggate – CMS / Autoworld 31:21.744 (58.473)
8. 72. Cassey Watson – Lunar Racing / Thames 31:12.863 (2 Laps)
9. 9. Gareth Howell – Lipscombe Motorsport – Not Classified (17 Laps)

Fastest Lap, Stefan Hodgetts – 1:40.434 (78.39 mph)