Wright sets pace at Ford Championships

Apr 11 2007 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL'S defending champion Mike Wright claimed another win in the 2007 British Racing and Sports Car Club’s Ford XR Challenge Championship at Oulton Park.

After setting the pace in the morning qualifying, Wright took the pole position for the XR3i class.

From the first corner, he pulled away from the field of 22 cars with only XR2 driver Mark Robinson providing a stern test.

Wright and Robinson pulled out a comfortable lead and on lap seven the race leader set a new lap record.

On lap eight rookie driver Adam Sullivan spun on oil and retired causing yellow flags to be shown.

The trail of oil continued on the racing line making racing treacherous as Wright eased allowing Robinson to close up to his bumper. But Robinson could not find a way past the well positioned Xr3i and Wright took the chequered flag.

Mike said: “The pressure was intense, as defending champion I felt the expectancy to take pole position. I was well prepared for the session and am delighted with the outcome.

“What a great start to the season. I would like to thank the team for all their hard work preparing not just the car but me! This win means a lot, as champion I felt only a win would be enough. To take pole position and a new lap record is the best possible start to the season.”

The next round is at Silverstone this weekend and coverage can be seen on Channel 5 April 25, and Motors TV.