ROUNDS 7 & 8 – ELF Renault Clio Cup
Thruxton, Hampshire May 17th/18th 2008

Double Seven for Dreaded Dave at Thruxton

Rounds seven and eight of the ELF Renault Clio Cup, saw Team Gladman heading for Thruxton, the fastest race circuit in the UK. With no testing prior to the event, father and son driving duo – Jonathan and David Shepherd were hoping for some good fortune and dry weather at the super fast Hampshire venue.

Qualifying went well for David as he secured 7th and 10th places on the grid for the two races, after using a new tactic with his tyres to good effect. Meanwhile Jonathan in a car that had not turned a wheel since being completely rebuilt after Donington, used the session to get used to the car and although qualifying at the back of the grid, he was pleased with the feel of the car.

Race one, late on Saturday afternoon was a dry race, but only just as the grey clouds descended and spots of rain appeared towards the closing laps. As the red lights went out, both drivers made good starts with David holding position into the first few corners. Losing a place out of Campbell, David soon took it back into the chicane and held onto his seventh place, battling hard amongst some very experienced drivers.

Jonathan, having started well, hit a kerb too hard exiting the chicane early in the race, damaging the suspension and ruining his chances of making any places, eventually finishing the race in 21st place.
Race two on the Sunday, saw the sun shining and large crowds of spectators flocking into the circuit to enjoy the British Touring Cars and support races, with the packed Clio grid always proving a winner with the crowds as they are guaranteed plenty of thrills and spills as the cars swap paintwork as they battle for position.

As David formed-up on the grid to start the race, his confidence was high as he now feels he has the pace to consistently mix it at the front. Another good start saw David taking three places in the opening laps as he battled in a close gaggle of cars all contesting 7th place. David quickly settled into a good pace and managed to pull a gap, but was unable to close on the six cars ahead before the chequered flag fell, signalling the end of the race.

Meanwhile Jonathan’s bad luck continued, as despite also making a good start, taking three places on the first two laps, he was forced off by another driver at the chicane, narrowly missing the barriers and unfortunately left trailing at the back of the field with a bent steering arm and handfuls of understeer.
David was delighted with his weekend and said after the race, “I really feel it’s all coming together, especially now I’ve got my head around qualifying and I can’t wait for the next round at Croft”.

You can watch the ELF Renault Clio Cup live on ITV Four and further coverage on Motorsport UK, check programme listings for times.

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