Win at Zandvoort GP circuit for Caterham racer Andy Molsom of Molsom & Associates Optometrists.
Mixed weather conditions greeted Molsom in Zandvoort for Rounds 10 and 11 of the Caterham Super-Graduates Championship. The races both held on Sunday, were a mixed grid of 45 cars.
Electrical gremlins again afflicted Molsom in Free Practice on the Saturday with the car breaking down on track, meaning Molsom missed virtually all of the morning sessions. Repairs to the car were made, and the remaining afternoon Free Practice session went without a hitch.
Two qualifying sessions later in the afternoon, saw Molsom qualify 2nd in class for the Sunday morning race, but due to traffic some 10 places on the road behind main rival Briant. The second qualifying went better, and was 3rd in class, but directly behind Briant and White in the mixed class grid.
Andy Molsom at Zandvoort.
“Saturday was a hard day, with the recurring electrical problems which we thought had been solved at Croft. I struggled to get a clear lap in first qualifying, but went out at the back of the group of cars for the second session, and that gave me a few laps of clear running.” said Andy Molsom.
On Sunday morning, the track was drying from overnight downpours, which made track conditions tricky for the start. Molsom made a good start, and pushed throughout the 35 minute race, making up 10 places, but not quite catching Briant on the road, finishing 2nd in class.
Sunday afternoons race was dry and another great start ensured that Molsom was soon behind Briant, challenging for the lead of the class. After a few laps, Molsom made his way past and kept fighting among the faster class cars to ensure his lead. After a safety car period (Briants' rear wheel came astray and he was left stranded in the middle of the track), Molsom resumed his attack, winning his class and finishing 8 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. He also completed the fastest lap in his class, just 2 tenths off the lap record.
“Zandvoort is a great former F1 racetrack, with some challenging corners, and it was important to manage the tyres to prevent overheating during the 35 minute race. I didnt get a chance to catch Briant in the first race due to the challenges of mixed class racing, but I was determined to catch him in the afternoon.” said Andy Molsom.
Molsom leaves Zandvoort second in the Championship (taking into account dropping the 3 worst results) 5 points behind leader Briant, with just 4 rounds to go. The next round is at Snetterton, Norfolk in early September.
“I am looking forward to Snetterton, last year I won both races after monumental battles with Benson, winning one race by just 13 thousandths of a second.” 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.
Caterham Graduates Racing Club www.graduates.org.uk
Molsom & Associates Optometrists www.molsom.co.uk
For further information, please contact:
Andy Molsom, Molsom & Associates Optometrists
Tel: 01775 713366