Herbert Crowned Champion with Westbourne
Westbourne Motorsport driver Luke Herbert (Chichester) wrapped-up the coveted 2015 Michelin Clio Cup Race Series title with a round to spare at Silverstone International Circuit on, Saturday, 19th September – third place in round 12 enough to put the championship beyond reach.
After a superb campaign, which has so far delivered six wins and a total of nine podiums for the 25-year-old, Herbert has been at the forefront of the championship all season-long.
Opening lap dramas for chief title rival Paul Streather (Hinckley) meant Herbert’s path to the Race Series crown was made much more straightforward but holding fourth position going into the last lap, with Streather eighth, he still needed to gain another place to prevent a final round showdown.
Passing team-mate Sam Randon (Ashbourne) for third just before the conclusion Herbert ensured, whatever happened in the final round 13 on Sunday, he could not be caught with a 36-point advantage over privateer racer Streather.
“Getting the championship in the first race of the weekend was a great relief – and it means I can celebrate tonight, said the champion, “What a great way to end, especially getting the trophy on the Formula One rostrum.
“When I saw Paul [Streather] go off the track with Brett [Lidsey], I just had to keep a sensible head and the plan was to sit behind my team-mates. They all slowed each other down on the last corner, I didn’t intend overtaking Sam [Randon] but if the gap was there I just had to take it. I have to say a big thank you to Westbourne Motorsport, my sponsors, family and, of course, my girlfriend for all their support.”
Colburn delivers second 2015 Championship victory for Westbourne
Ben Colburn (Worthing) sealed the 2015 Junior Saloon Car Championship at the Pembrey circuit in Wales on Sunday 11th October, a second and a fourth place in the final two rounds were enough to take the title after a fantastic season long battle with title rival Brad Hutchinson.
Six wins and six second places from 16 starts were enough for Colburn to be crowned champion after a nail biting show down at the final round. Colburn knew that a strong previous round at the Silverstone International circuit in September meant that two 3rd places at Pembrey would win the championship, but a very close qualifying meant saw Colburn down in 4th for both race starts.
Race 15 saw Hutchinson gain an early advantage whilst, Colburn, James Clarke and Westbourne team mate Matteo Zanetti battled for second place. Hutchinson broke away and led by a considerable margin before Colburn made a bold pass for second going down the inside three a breast into the hairpin turn 1.
Both Clarke and Zanetti continued the three way battle until contact saw Zanetti drop back with a rear wheel puncture with three laps to go, the Westbourne driver doing an incredible job to bring the car home in 5th despite the flat rear tyre.
Race 16 was easier as Colburn knew a top six finish was all that was needed to top the points table, however with the infamous Pembrey first lap hairpin nothing was certain. Colburn initially dropped to fifth before regaining fourth on lap 2, thereafter driving a level headed race knowing fourth was enough. Meanwhile team mate Zanetti was having his strongest race of the year in a fantastic three way battle for victory in the final 2015 race, the third equally his best season position.
“It’s an amazing feeling to win after all the hard work during the season. Brad (Hutchinson) has been a fantastic competitor and it has been so close all year. The season started well with five straight wins, but then others caught up and I was under pressure all year. The Team have done a fantastic job to provide me and Matteo with super quick cars and I want to thank them for all the hard work. I would really like to thank Mum & Dad for giving me this opportunity, my brother James and coach Ed Pead for all their help also”.
Westbourne Motorsport were also proud recipients of the “Best prepared cars” trophy from the JSCC organisers.
Team principle Richard Colburn commented “This truly is a fantastic weekend for the team, the JSCC has proved that you don’t need contact to provide great racing the standard of driving this year has been exceptional. It’s great to win best prepared cars and a special thanks goes out to Tom & Gino for their hard work on the Saxos all year.
This year is an exceptional year with two main championships won by the team and now our third JSCC title. I would like to thank all of the team that support the drivers each and every weekend.
I would like to add a special mention to BARC and Ian Watson’s team and thank them for their support and organisation throughout the year, we have had visited some great circuits, enjoyed many fine races and their hard work should not go unnoticed.”