PAUL RIVETT HITS NEW HEIGHTS AT SNETTERTON
19 Sep 2023
The British Truck Racing Championship came roaring back to life last weekend (16/17 September). Having tallied a quartet of victories last time out at Donington Park, Paul Rivett repeated the feat at Snetterton 300 with a near-perfect weekend, which included four wins and a second-place finish.
With the super-sized series now entering the home stretch of its 2023 campaign, the fifth battle of the season proved to be pivotal, with Rivett charging to a hat-trick of race wins, edging closer to the fight for the championship.
QUALIFYING, RACE 1 AND 2
Rivett reigned supreme in Saturday’s qualifying session to claim pole position in commanding style, pacing the opposition by 1.5 seconds. The former Renault Clio Cup champion was wheel-perfect to claim his first victory of the day.
As the sun began to set, Race 2 commenced, with Rivett once again starting from pole position. Rivett, executed a flawless start in his MAN TGX, quickly distancing himself from the competition and crossing the line from lights-to-flag with a commanding 10-second lead over championship rival, Adam Bint.
RACE 3
With the reserve grid race in place, the #22 NAPA truck lined up in sixth place in Division Two. However, as the rolling start begun, a first-corner incident brought the race to a halt, causing a full restart.
When the green lights finally signalled, Rivett carved his way through the field, rapidly ascending to the front. He broke clear from the competition, crossing the line to secure another commanding victory, marking his seventh consecutive win.
RACE 4
In the penultimate race of the day, under slightly damp track conditions, Rivett once again took his position in sixth place. With only four minutes remaining on the clock, Rivett overtook Bint, securing a crucial second-place finish ahead of his closest championship rival.
RACE 5
In the final race of the day, Rivett delivered a defensive masterclass, climbing from sixth to the top. The spotlight was now on Rivett and John Powell as they replicated their earlier performance until Rivett executed a mighty move and slipped down the inside through Coram, securing an outstanding victory on the last lap.
PAUL RIVETT – NAPA RACING UK, NO.22
“What a mega weekend! We are on top form and the chase for the title if firmly on. Thank you to our amazing NAPA Racing UK team!”
The British Truck Racing Championship is next in action on October 7/8 at Snetterton.
MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY
Last weekend also marked the penultimate round of the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, where NAPA Racing UK’s two rookie drivers, Cam Richardson and Callum Eason, contested in three thrilling races at the iconic Silverstone circuit.
Race 1
Among the two drivers, Eason displayed the swiftest pace by setting the 19th fastest time, while Richardson secured 23rd position. Eason rapidly carved his way through the field, achieving an impressive 13th place finish. Meanwhile, Richardson faced an initial setback, slipping a few places at the start, but he staged a remarkable comeback with sensational overtakes, ultimately crossing the line in 21st position.
Race 2
In the second race of the weekend, both drivers began from the same positions they had finished in the previous race. Both Richardson and Eason made a fantastic start, progressing up the grid. Eason secured an excellent 12th place, with Richardson achieved a phenomenal 15th from 21st on the grid.
Race 3
As the 17th round of the championship commenced, both drivers had strong starts, engaging in thrilling battles. Eason clinched 15th position, closely followed by Richardson in 16th.
The duo’s next action is scheduled for the weekend of 4/5 November at Brands Hatch.
Photo credit: Graham Holbon
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