Andy Molsom leading the race at Thruxton. Photo credit Hazel ford https://hazelford.smugmug.com

National Caterham Championships Thruxton race.

At the final meeting of the year, Andy Molsom secured 4th in the Caterham National Championship Super Graduates for the 2nd year running at Thruxton in Hampshire.

The weekend started well, with Molsom qualifying 5th in each race, despite only having 15 minutes to learn the circuit before qualifying.

The first race began with a good start, but an even better start for 2 championship rivals who started a row behind. The first few laps consisted of a train of 10 cars fighting for the lead. Molsom slowly made his way forward and was leading the way by lap 8.

"It was great to be fighting at the front for the lead, the car felt good and i could really lean on it" Says Andy Molsom.

unfortunately, under heavy braking into the final chicane of the lap 8, Molsom was hit from the side by Martin Kay, putting the pair at the back of the front pack of now 7 cars. Over the last few laps, Molsoms' car wasn't handling great, but he made it home into 6th position.

Some minor repairs were made to the car for Sundays race, however from lap 1 it was evident that there was still a problem with the handling. The car was a handful to control at pace, which cause Molsom to slowly drop down the order to finish 9th.

This was however enough to finish 4th in the Caterham Championships, due to good results from previous rounds, and to win the Best Consistent Finisher Trophy for the highest placed competitor (outside the top 3) who finished every race.

"It was a mixed weekend, I had a long shot at 2nd in the Caterham Championships, of which 4 of us were fighting for. The accident and strong finishes from the other 2 competitors in the first race meant that challenging for 4th was on the cards. Luckily due to dropping our 3 worst scores, and having good results from previous races, I sealed 4th in the Caterham Championships for the second year" Added Andy Molsom.

Molsom will collect his trophy from Steve Parrish, former motorbike and truck racer who is now a motorsport TV commentator, in November at the Awards Evening.

The centrally located independent practise in Hall Place Spalding was opened in 1997. Molsom & Associates Optometrists offer the highest standards of clinical care and customer service in a relaxed, helpful and friendly environment with a high level of trust, offering simply great eyewear and value for money.

Caterham Graduates Racing Club www.graduates.org.uk