Challenging weekend culminates with another win for Caterham racer Andy Molsom of Molsom & Associates Optometrists at Croft in North Yorkshire.
Despite the recent rain, a dry weekend greeted Molsom in North Yorkshire for Rounds 8 and 9 of the Caterham Graduates Super Championship
In qualifying, Molsom was on track early to gain track position. After his first warm up lap, Molsoms car ground to a halt after the first corner of Clervaux. Despite all his efforts, the car wouldn't restart, and a red flag was thrown as Molsom was stopped in a dangerous position. After jump starting the car from the towtruck, he was able to make his way back out onto the circuit, but the same happened again, except this time Molsom was able to park up safely for the session to continue.
This meant that Molsom had only one timed lap, and after some discussion was allowed to race, but starting from the back of the mixed grid.
The car was fixed ready for Saturday afternoons race, the problem being a faulty FIA Master switch. Molsom lined up on the grid in 14th place, with his main rival Briant some 11 places ahead. A great start and first lap meant Molsom was already upto 9th place, and constantly pushing meant that Molsom gradually made his way onto the back of Briant by lap 12. Unfortunately Molsom ran out of time in the next 2 laps to challenge Briant, instead having a battle with previous Champion, Halley, in a Mega-Graduate car to retain track position. Molsom finished the race a worthy 2nd in class, and 6th on the road in the mixed class of Mega and Super-Graduate cars.
“Qualifying was a complete nightmare, stood at the side of the track considering that I may not even get to race, but Rockey Racing were great, and had the problem identified in minutes and fixed in plenty of time for the race.” said Andy Molsom.
Sundays race meant a start right at the back of 16 cars on the grid. Molsom again made a good start, and had gained 4 places by the end of the first lap. Molsom stamped his authority on the race, by catching class leader Briant by lap 5, passing him half a lap later, where he stayed until the end despite a battle for the lead with White towards the end of the race, as Molsom got caught up with a lapped car on the exit of the chicane. Molsom finished 5th on the road, and 1st in class.
“I really didn't expect to see Briant during the race, having to start so far back, but I got my head down and stuck at it, and was rewarded with another win.” said Andy Molsom.
Molsom leaves Croft leading the Championship, with the next round at Zandvoort, a former F1 track in Holland.
“Motor racing can be a roller-coaster ride of emotions sometimes, and I certainly found some of the highs and lows this weekend, to win my class from the back of the grid still feels unreal.” added Andy Molsom.
The centrally located independent practice in Hall Place, Spalding, is celebrating their 20th year of business. 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.
For further information, please contact:
Andy Molsom, Molsom & Associates Optometrists
Tel: 01775 713366