NORDSTROM STORMS TO THE TITLE

Seventeen-year-old Freddy Nordstrom rounded off the perfect season at the final race of the 2006 Mini Challenge series at Donington Park, taking two podiums and securing the S Class Championship title. Freddy needed just one point from the final two races of the season to secure the title, racing his James Villas backed Mini Cooper S.

Starting race one from fourth on the grid, the threatening rain clouds held and Freddy had a good battle with Carl Bradley in the 15-minute 'sprint' race. At the flag, Freddy took fourth place, claiming enough points to comfortably secure the title. At the head of the field, Arthur Forster, the only driver who could mathematically take the S Class title from Freddy, took a win on track, but was issued a 30-second  penalty following an incident with the No22 car of David Shepherd, which forced the latter to retire. With Forster demoted, Freddy was elevated to third position and another trophy for his growing 2006 collection.


Before the start of race two, as the rain began to fall heavily, it was time for a costume change with a surprise package of "Champion Nordstrom" t-shirts unveiled by the Advent Motorsport Team! But before a full fashion parade could take place, there was the matter of the final race of the year to contend.

Race two saw the 34-strong grid make a rolling start in appalling conditions, for a 20-minute race at the rain-battered Leicestershire circuit. Once again, Freddy was impressing the brave but wet crowd with a trademark mature drive which has set him aside as 'one to watch'. In poor light and with many cars sliding off the track, Freddy stayed firmly on the asphalt to take another third position, to round off his championship-winning season in podium style.

"It has been an amazing season," Freddy said afterwards, "and I am very pleased and proud to be this year's S Class Champion, which was our aim from the start of the season. Thanks to the support of many people, most notably the Advent Motorsport Team, I've been able to have a successful year and we can all celebrate this title. I'd also like to thank James Villa and Paramedicrescue.com, my driver coach Rob Wilson and the organisers of the Mini Challenge and the Great & British Festivals for a great season. A very big thank you must go to my incredibly supportive mother, who I hope can forgive me for all the nerves I've given her this year!"

The figures speak for themselves of the success for Freddy and the Advent Motorsport Team. In 16 races this year, Freddy finished 14 on the podium, including three wins. In fact, Freddy finished every race, to end the year with an enviable 100 percent points scoring record.

Having demonstrated his undoubted talent this year, coupled with admirable sportsmanship, Freddy will take a short break to celebrate his title, with the awards presentation held in November, but his mind is already turning to the opportunities which lie ahead for him in 2007.

"I have a number of very interesting offers for 2007," says Freddy, "so over winter I will be looking to secure the essential backing to make sure I can move forward with those exciting opportunities and hopefully bring back more trophies to Surrey."