Ben Winrow Gets First Win in Trofeo Abarth 500 GB at Silverstone
 
The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB put on an eventful show at Siverstone this weekend. Vistors enjoyed blue skies, sunshine, a breathtaking Abarth sponsored aerobatic display and some great racing. Ben Winrow, who has qualified fastest at both rounds this year, was rewarded with his first race win of the season.
 
Gareth Howell was placed 2nd and Charlie Butler-Henderson 3rd after Stefan Hodgetts, race winner on Saturday retired from 2nd place.
 
Winrow took advantage of the ‘Grand Prix’ style grid layout where 2nd position starts on the right hand side of the race-track. He managed to get past Stefan Hodgetts and keep in front for the rest of the half-hour race. Gareth Howell, who won both races at the opening round at Oulton Park, had to work hard to stay in touch with the front two drivers.
 
Winrow said: “The grid positions that worked a little against me yesterday worked in my favour today. Stef’s a great driver, so once I got him, I just had to concentrate and put my head down and try to build a lead. Then it was a case of protecting the tyres and hanging on for the win.”
 
Gareth Howell, who still leads the series with 2 wins, a 2nd and a 3rd said: “We just weren’t on it this weekend. I’m in front now, but I can’t keep following the boot-lids of these guys for much longer or they will creep ahead. We need to do a little bit of development to stay ahead.”
 
Championship Organiser, Paolo Callea said after the race: “We have said all along that we would be tough on driver standards. Saturday’s race was not as good as we would have liked, but we have talked to the drivers and we have shown that we will be tough on those who stray. Sunday afternoon’s race showed that we can have good clean racing with the good drivers rewarded with success on the podium.”
 
The next race for the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB will be a historic weekend when the series joins British Superbilkes at Cadwell Park on the 22nd and 23rd of May.
 
Provisional Results of Race 4 (Sunday 18th, April – 13:35)
 
1. Ben Winrow (Pyro Motorsport) 30:51.753
2. Gareth Howell (Advent) 26.329
3. Charlie Butler Henderson (Advent) 29.745
4. Josh Wakefield (Advent) 30.423
5. Paul Smith (Mardi Gras) 31.283
6. Matt Shead (CMS) 50.576
7. Roger Green (Trofeo Abarth 500 GB) 1:09.27
8. Benny Simonsen (Pulce) 1:12.352
9. Cassey Watson (Lunar Racing) 1:22.712
10. Sarah Franklin (Reflex Racing) 1:54.681
11. Fiona Leggate (CMS) 1:56.681
DNF. Stefan Hodgetts (Mardi Gras)
 
Provisional Championship Points after Round 2 (4 Races)
 
1. Gareth Howell (Advent) - 76 points
2. Charlie Butler Henderson (Advent) - 60
3. Ben Winrow (Pyro Motorsport) - 56
4. Benny Simonsen (Pulce) - 53
5. Josh Wakefield (Advent) - 50
6. Paul Smith (Mardi Gras) - 32
7. Matt Shead (CMS) - 24
8. Stefan Hodgetts (Mardi Gras) - 21
9. Jason Greatrex (Redline Racing) - 20
10. Cassey Watson (Lunar Racing) - 19
11. James Blyth (Advent) - 14
12. Sarah Franklin (Reflex Racing) - 13
13. Fiona Leggate (CMS) - 11