Upminster Racing Driver, Ryan Hooker Takes A Top Ten Finish in VdeV EU Race, France
Ryan Hooker (Upminster, Essex) had a successful outing across the Channel at the weekend when he joined Sam Allpass to compete in the 3 Hour VdeV EU race at Dijon, France in a Juno SSE-CN. The pair finished 9th in a race which boasted a starting grid of 40 sports prototypes in one of Europe's most competitive and well supported prototype series.
This was the first 2008 race for Ryan and Sam in the VdeV EU series, having competed together in the final two rounds of the 2007 season and they came back in competitive spirit. Ryan has made a great start to the UK version of the series, also driving a Juno, so the opportunity to head to European series was eagerly taken.
The weekend, which seesawed between blistering sunshine and downpours, saw a race full of drama and interrupted by numerous safety car periods which made strategy increasingly important. Having qualified in 25th position the pair ran as high as 6th before a final dash and splash for fuel saw them eventually take the 9th position.
Ryan raced the final hour and a quarter, pleased to be the fastest Juno on track with the British manufacturer, and reigning Champions, being represented by six cars in the event.
"Dijon is a new circuit for me" said Ryan "and proved very enjoyable to drive. We've been able to explore the set up of the car this weekend and come away with a healthy result which should stand us in good stead in the three VdeV EU rounds we plan this year."
This coming weekend Ryan take on a very different challenge in the UniRoyal 25 Hours of Spa which sees over 100 VW Beetles battle for over a day at the famous Belgian circuit. And then it is little time to rest with Ryan returning to VdeV UK duties alongside Sarah Reader at Snetterton with the pair keen to repeat their podium finish last time out.
