Norwich’s James Blyth Races To A Podium Finish In The Mini Challenge Spring Cup
Norwich racing driver, James Blyth made an impressive track debut on Sunday in the Mini Challenge Spring Cup. Held at Mallory Park in Leicestershire, the Spring Cup was an opportunity for the many newcomers to the 2007 Mini Challenge to have a pre-season race.
With over eight years of kart racing under his belt and a number of successful tests in his Mini S Class, James was raring to go in full race mode despite having never raced at Mallory before. Qualifying saw him 5th on the grid for both the day’s races.
In searing heat race one provided plenty of thrills and spills. James made a good start off the grid and comfortably slotted into 5th place. As James put in steady laps the field was closed up as a competitor spun off and the safety car was brought out. As the safety car pulled off, with just a couple of race laps left, James was on the tail of 3rd place but just missed the final podium spot as the chequered flag fell.
Pleased with his first outing, James and his team Advent Motorsport, who themselves have recently relocated to Norfolk, decided few changes were required for the car bar new rear tyres for the second race of the afternoon.
Race Two was to prove even more dramatic than the first with James making a lightening start going from 5th on the grid to 3rd by the first corner! Fast and close racing followed with James momentarily dropping down to 4th place before making some stunning over taking moves to get into 2nd place before taking the lead! Entering the tight Shaw’s Hairpin a quick engine cut out could have meant disaster but keeping a cool head James found second gear and was back on his way, having dropped to 4th. Soon back onto race pace, James was again scything through his rivals and back to 2nd place to claim his podium place and his first Mini Challenge silverware. As well as celebrating his superb second place, James also took the fastest lap honours in race two.
“It was an excellent, and very hot!, day” said James afterwards. “The car handled well and especially in the second race both myself and the car were really on the pace and I’d like to thank Advent Motorsport for their support. To come away with a podium place and fastest lap is a great pre-season boost and I feel very confident as we go into the Championship especially as the first round is at my home circuit Snetterton which I know well.”
James’ season can be followed on his website www.jamesblyth.com with the first Championship race taking place at his ‘home circuit’, Snetterton on 28-29th April.
Next Outing - 28/29th April - MINI Challenge Championship - Snetterton
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
James Blyth - email James
Age: 19
Lives: Norwich, Norfolk
Website: www.jamesblyth.com
2007 Season: Competing in the Mini Challenge S Class in an Advent Motorsport prepared Mini S Cooper
Previous to 2007 – 8 years of karting. Senior TKM Extreme Lap record Holder – Buckmore Park
Outside of motorsport his hobbies include playing guitar, tennis, rugby, golf, football and partying! His ambition though is to become a professional racing driver.
Digital images are available on request from Rebecca Hobbs.
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