The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB joined British Superbikes this weekend at Cadwell Park for an historic weekend of two- and four-wheel racing. Fans enjoying the hot British weather got to see a great display of racing which showcased the Abarth 500 AC to a large new audience.
 
The weekend was important for the teams, as it also marked the halfway point of the 6 rounds to be held on UK soil. While Stefan Hodgetts of Mardi Gras Racing won both races at Cadwell Park, the championship has a new leader. Charlie Butler-Henderson’s performance has moved him to the top of the table, passing Gareth Howell.
 
Butler-Henderson’s consistency and reliability have been key to his success to date in the season. He has started and finished all six races so far, standing on the podium on four occasions.
 
The second race of the weekend was a repeat of the first, with Stefan Hodgetts leading from pole position to win his third race from four starts in the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse. Ben Winrow finished second in both races, placing him second in the Championship behind Charlie Butler-Henderson.
 
Trofeo Abarth 500 GB organiser Paolo Callea was pleased with the way the British Superbike paddock and fans responded to the presence of cars at a bike event. He said: "This weekend has been a great opportunity to promote the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB and the Abarth brand. Our goal is to increase awareness of Abarth in the UK, and being in front of one of the biggest crowds on the UK motorsport calendar helps us do that. I think we have been recognised this weekend by a large number of people, through the racing and the Abarth-sponsored aerobatic show and hopefully they enjoyed the show we put on."
 
Many motorcycle fans were impressed with the spectacle of the Trofeo series. One fan said: "The cars look good on this track. I was surprised by the power and the handling around this circuit, which is narrow and complicated and more suited to bikes. It’s great to see Abarth back in motorsport, too. I think there are a lot of bike fans who are aware of the racing heritage of Abarth and to see the brand back out on track is great."

Provisional Race 5 Results – Saturday - Cadwell Park, 18:23

1.   3. Stefan Hodgetts – Mardi Gras Motorsport / Marylebone – 30:14.665
2.   4. Ben Winrow – Pyro Motorsport / Research Garage – 30:17.816 (3.151)
3.   7. Charlie Butler-Henderson – Advent Motorsport / Glyn Hopkin - 30:35.980 (21.315)
4.   9. Gareth Howell – Lipscombe Motorsport - 30:36.740 (22.075)
5.   2. Paul Smith – Mardi Gras Motorsport - 30:48.000 (33.335)
6.   45. Josh Wakefield – Advent Motorsport - 30.48.715 (34.050)
7.   81. Matt Shead – CMS / SG Petch - 31:04764 (50.099)
8.   82. Fiona Leggate – CMS / Autoworld - 31:20.863 (1:06.198)
9.   72. Cassey Watson – Lunar Racing / Thames - 31:46.284 (3 Laps)

Provisional Race 6 Results - Sunday – Cadwell Park, 17:42

1.   3. Stefan Hodgetts – Mardi Gras Motorsport / Marylebone – 30:23.271
2.   4. Ben Winrow – Pyro Motorsport / Research Garage – 30:26.826 (3.555)
3.   7. Charlie Butler-Henderson – Advent Motorsport / Glyn Hopkin – 30:43.616 (20.345)
4.   2. Paul Smith – Mardi Gras Motorsport - 30:59.754 (36.483)
5.   81. Matt Shead – CMS / SG Petch - 31:01.728 (38.457)
6.   45. Josh Wakefield – Advent Motorsport – 31:20.875 (57.604)
7.   82. Fiona Leggate – CMS / Autoworld - 31:21.744 (58.473)
8.   72. Cassey Watson – Lunar Racing / Thames - 31:12.863 (2 Laps)
9.   9. Gareth Howell – Lipscombe Motorsport – Not Classified (17 Laps)

Championship Points

1.   7. Charlie Butler-Henderson – Advent MTS – 94 pts
2.   4. Ben Winrow – Pyro Motorsport – 92
3.   9. Gareth Howell – Advent MTS – 90
4.   45. Josh Wakefield – Advent MTS – 68
5.   3. Stefan Hodgetts –  Mardi Gras – 66
6.   2. Paul Smith – Mardi Gras – 56
7.   22. Benny Simonsen – Pulce Vospers Abarthisti – 52
8.   81. Matt Shead – CMS – 42
9.   72. Cassey Watson – Lunar Racing – 27
10.   77. Jason Greatrex – Redline Racing – 20
11.   11. Sarah Franklin – Reflex Racing GB – 20
12.   82. Fiona Leggate – CMS – 16
13.   55. James Blyth – Advent MTS – 14
14.   8. Tony Dron – Trofeo Abarth 500 GB – 9
15.   77. Roger Green – Trofeo Abarth 500 GB – 8
16.   93. John Williams – Lunar Racing – 1

See Joe's link, its on the Cadwell thread. sorry dont now how to put a link to it.

Toby and jules referred to it during MotoGP and said that there were no straight panels left, but didn't say when it had occurred.

Thanks for the info.