NICHOLAS MEE RACING FURTHER EXTENDS LEAD IN ASTON MARTIN GT4 CHALLENGE
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Competing in the fourth round of the Britcar Championship held on Belgium’s legendary Spa Francorchamps 7km circuit, Nicholas Mee Racing scores another important 1st place in the Aston Martin Challenge series.
Driver Karsten Le Blanc started the weekend well by qualifying the NMR V8 Vantage GT4 27th overall out of 48 starters, leading the other two Aston Martin GT4 challengers. Karsten subsequently made a good start in typically wet conditions, however, the 3 hour race was quickly interrupted by, a two-car accident at Eau Rouge with a 40min deployment of the safety car necessary whilst the accident damage was cleared.
Once the green flag waved and racing re-started, Karsten continued his strong pace before handing over, to co-driver Christiean Van Lanschot during a rapid, incident-free pitstop. Christiean continued in similar vein until the second safety car appearance, which only allowed him the remaining 25 minutes of unrestricted racing, running with wet tyres on a drying track.
However, a strong effort during the later stages saw Christiean bring the car home 17th overall and 1st in the Aston Martin Challenge by one lap.
Team Principal Nicholas Mee said, “Both drivers, indeed the entire team, did a fantastic job. The Spa circuit nearly always presents special challenges and this 3hr race was no exception, with tricky conditions, accidents and frequent safety car periods. Our team ran like clockwork, adapted well to the changing conditions and was rewarded with an excellent finish’.
“I’m especially proud of our 100% finishing record after four rounds, as well as being thrilled to have further extended our lead, in the Aston Martin GT4 / N24 Challenge.”
Nicholas Mee Racing will now regroup and prepare for the next round of the championship, a four hour race being held over August Bank Holiday weekend at Snetterton circuit.
AMR Teams