|
All
Press Releases by Claire Tippet
November 1, 2005
Claire
Tippet: Silverstone Just the Tonic for Season Finale
Silverstone, UK - Having already completed a full
season of VW Racing, Claire Tippet ended her 2005 racing calendar
at Silverstone last weekend in the Birkett 6 Hour Relay. Teaming
up with fellow VW Racing Cup competitors Martin Rutherford,
Steve Dorrell, Mark Smith and Jason Marino, Claire was one-fifth
of the aptly named 'Bugs, Golfs and a Boot' team.
This was the 56th running of the famous end of year race,
with a unique relay aspect. With 45 teams entered, the track
was akin to a moving motoring museum with a myriad of cars
entered. From Austin 5s to American muscle cars, Mallock specials
to modern saloons, there really was something for everyone.
A handicap system ensured competitiveness for such a wide
and varied field.
"For qualifying the track was very slippery" commented
Claire afterwards, "but thankfully the weather looked
up for the race. In our team we each had three stints. It
was amazing not only to be on a mile and a half track with
over 40 other cars but it was the variety of cars too. All
our relay changeovers went smoothly and it was very exciting.
The atmosphere in the whole pitlane was very relaxed and friendly
- the perfect way to end the season."
With the handicap system and so many changeovers taking place
it wasn't an event that was easy to follow but at the end
of the day when all the sums were complete the team were very
pleased to finish a credible 7th in their class with no major
dramas on the way to the chequered flag.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the race" said Claire, "even
at the times it seemed a bit mental! On each of my stints
my lap times fell and my Golf had no problems which was especially
nice as this was our last race together. Now I have qualified
as an ARDS race instructor I will still be getting some opportunities
behind the wheel taking people out on track days in the next
few months but already I can't wait for the 2006 season and
racing again!"
Now as the 'off season' kicks in, Claire is busy looking
for backing for 2006 and securing plans which she hopes will
see her climb further up the motorsport ladder.
|
