LOCAL MOTORSPORT FAN PICKED TO RACE ALONGSIDE THE STARS IN ROCKINGHAM’S RENAULT CLIO CUP

IT worker wins competition to line up alongside Lewis Hamilton’s brother

A LOCAL man’s dream came true when he was picked to race in the Air Asia Renault Clio Cup as part of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship held at Rockingham circuit.

Mark Gibbons, who lives in Northwood, Middlesex, was one of 10 motorsport fans chosen at random from customers who had purchased advance ticket to the Northamptonshire circuit’s round of the BTCC.

The 38-year-old beat the nine other finalists following a day of intense assessment with The Racing School to earn his place on the grid alongside more experienced Renault Clio Cup drivers including Nicolas Hamilton, the younger brother of former Formula One champion Lewis.

Announced as the winner on September 6, the IT worker had just 10 days to prepare himself for the big race weekend on September 17/18. After qualifying for Round 13 on the Saturday at the back of the grid, Mark gave a good solid performance in his first race and finished in 16^th place.

Again on Sunday, Mark was at the back of the field at the start of Round 14, and enjoyed a great battle with Nicolas Hamilton, throughout the race. A late mistake on the last corner of the final lap ensured Hamilton finished ahead of the newcomer.

Despite not finishing, Mark was praised for “holding his own” and “keeping consistent” by The Racing School crew throughout the two 14-lap races.

Mark said: “I’ve been karting since I was 17, and I last raced in the MG Trophy in 2005. However, due to money restraints, I’ve never been able to fully pursue my dream of being a professional racing car driver. These days I’ve just been making-do with practicing on the PlayStation!

“I had a fantastic time at Rockingham. It really was an experience I’ll never forget. I hope I can use this opportunity now to take my career in racing to the next level – I’ve made some great contacts and learned a lot in such a short space of time. Thank you so much to Rockingham and The Racing School for this opportunity!”

More than 15,000 visitors to the Northamptonshire circuit were treated to one of the biggest race meetings of the season – the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship – and also enjoyed further family fun to celebrate Rockingham’s tenth anniversary.

There were special appearances from children’s television favourites, Roary the Racing Car and his mechanic Big Chris, as well astaster driving experiences for the under-17s, giving youngsters the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car. Those who preferred two-wheels test rode a motorbike with Honda’s First Driving Licence.

A demonstration of a Penske Champ Car delighted the Rockingham crowd during the lunch break reaching speeds of 200mph around Europe’s fastest racing circuit and the UK’s only banked-oval. This was a fitting commemoration of the first race meeting to be held at the circuit on September 22, 2001.

Rockingham prides itself on providing access to all motorsport fans, and for those who are registered disabled can apply for a FREE admission ticket for their carer. Written proof is required. Children aged 15 and under get in free.