Trofeo Abarth 500 GB Round Four – Snetterton, 26-27 June, 2010.

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Wakefield’s First Time on the Abarth 500 Podium in 2010

The Snetterton sun helped to heat up the competition in the 4th round of the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB. Race 7 of the championship gave some new faces a chance to step onto the podium after race officials held drivers to high quality driving standards and applied drive through penalties to several of the leaders.

After 30 minutes, Ben Winrow, driving for Pyro Motorsport, sponsored by Stratos Systems, stood on the top step of the podium. It was his 2nd race win for 2010.

Stefan Hodgetts, the Mardi Gras Motorsport driver sponsoered by Helix Cluches and Buidbase, who started from pole position came second after serving a penalty early in the race.

17 year old Josh Wakefield benefited from the retirement of Paul Smith and a penalty to current championship leader Charlie Butler-Henderson. Wakefield aslo served a drive-through penalty and then raced closely with a much improved Cassey (KC) Watson for his first visit to the podium this year. Cassey proved she has the pace to run with the leading pack and has adapted her driving style to get the most out of the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

Ben Winrow set the fastest time of the race (1:20.719) so will start on pole for tomorrow’s race at 15:00 tomorrow.

The crowds at Snetterton will also be treated to a spectacular aerobatic display from Mark Jefferies at 1pm tomorrow – always a crowd pleaser Mark will be doing a display sequence that pushes the performance of his Abarth sponsored Extra 330sc to its limits.

Provisional  Results from Race 7.

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.

Stefan 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

It was a long hot day at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire today, and the finale was a long hot race for drivers in the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB. Fans of British Superbikes were treated to some great close battles which have become a feature of the Trofeo in its inaugural year.

Stefan Hodgetts made the most of pole position, getting a great start to lead Ben Winrow into the first corner. Though Winrow tried hard throughout the 30 minute race, Hodgetts led from start to finish to take his 2nd for the season.

The race for the third place on the podium was even closer, with Gareth Howell and Charlie Butler-Henderson swapping places several times on the narrow circuit with Butler-Henderson finally taking 3rd place.

One motorcyle fan said after watching the race:

Abarth wouldn’t be what it is today without motorcycles. Karl Abarth on two wheels and 80 years later the Abarth name shares the same track with the world’s best bike racers. A little bit of history was made today.

Over 30,000 fans are expected to watch the action tomorrow, which will include the Abarth sponsored aerobatic display, piloted by multiple aerobatic champion Mark Jefferies. The display of unlimited freestyle flying will take place at Midday tomorrow.

The second race of the weekend for the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB will take place tomorrow. Stefan Hodgetts will start from pole position again, having set the fastest lap time during race 1. Live commentary will be streamed on BSB radio.

Race 5 Results – Cadwell Park, 18:23

1. 3. Stefan Hodgetts – Mardi Gras Motorsport / Marylebone – 30:14.665
2. 4. Ben Winrow – Pyro Motorsport / Research Garage – 30:17.816 (3.151)
3. 7. Charlie Butler-Henderson – Advent Motorsport / Glyn Hopkin 30:35.980 (21.315)
4. 9. Gareth Howell – Lipscombe Motorsport 30:36.740 (22.075)
5. 2. Paul Smith – Mardi Gras Motorsport 30:48.000 (33.335)
6. 45. Josh Wakefield – Advent Motorsport 30.48.715 (34.050)
7. 81. Matt Shead – CMS / SG Petch 31:04764 (50.099)
8. 82. Fiona Leggate – CMS / Autoworld 31:20.863 (1:06.198)
9. 72. Cassey Watson – Lunar Racing / Thames 31:46.284 (3 Laps)

The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB is at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire this weekend where the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse cars are sharing the programme with the British Superbikes.

Crowds enjoying a British ‘heatwave’ and used to seeing 2-wheel racing watched Stefan Hodgetts set a time of 1:39.354 to take pole position for the 5th race of the championship ahead of Ben Winrow (1:40.110).

The first race will take place at 18:00 Saturday and you can follow the race live. Live commentary will be streamed on the internet.

Listen to the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB  at Cadwell Park.

Qualifying Results

1. 3. Stefan Hodgetts – Mardi Gras Motorsport / Marylebone – 1:390.354
2. 4. Ben Winrow – Pyro Motorsport / Research Garage – 1:40.110 (0.756)
3. 7. Charlie Butler-Henderson – Advent Motorsport / Glyn Hopkin 1:40.666 (1.312)
4. 9. Gareth Howell – Lipscombe Motorsport 1:40.907 (1.553)
5. 45. Josh Wakefield – Advent Motorsport 1:41.942 (2.588)
6. 2. Paul Smith – Mardi Gras Motorsport 1:41.988 (2.634)
7. 72. Cassey Watson – Lunar Racing / Thames 1:42.455 (3.101)
8. 81. Matt Shead – CMS / SG Petch 1.42.958 (3.604)
9. 82. Fiona Leggate – CMS / Autoworld 1:44.409 (5.055)