Go Fourth!!
Ryan and Derrick finish their debut VdeV Season 4th in Class
The final round of the 2009 VdeV Championship saw Ryan and Derrick head to Portugal an the Estoril circuit for 6 hours of gruelling racing.
A strong qualifying result put the duo, racing the Norma, in strong contention for another top six finish and indeed for the first ninety minutes of the race all was going to plan with the team comfortably running in 5th. Sadly at this point a mini disaster struck with an oil belt coming loose. The Norma UK team battled valiantly and got the car back on track but with the loss of 15 laps.
However, in such a long race, all seasoned drivers know anything can and usually will happen so it was back to pedal to the metal racing! Both Ryan and Derrick put in strong stints that saw them make up several places from 22nd to 13th – things were on the up. But remember, this is motor racing and just when you think all is going to plan….!
A low fuel pressure problem put the team back on the back foot and slid them down the order. Still not willing to give in and blot their 100% finishing record, the team worked their magic, the duo soldiered on and brought the car home 13th. It was a hard but satisfying result even if the points eluded them.
But, a season is more than one race and with consistence, and as mentioned the brilliant 100& finishing record, Ryan and Derrick finished their first season of VdeV in 4th place overall (in class).
“That was a really tough end to the season” said Ryan afterwards. “I really enjoy racing at Estoril and have some good results here in the past but today we had to fight tooth and nail for the finish as the gremlins decided to come out to play for the finale!
“Overall I think we’ve had a very positive season. The reliability of the car has been superb and I’d like to thank Tim and all at Norma UK for their hard work. Derrick has really stepped up a gear in his racing this year and it’s been a great pleasure racing with him”
For media inquiries please contact rebecca.hobbs@ryanhooker-racing.co.uk