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Teenage ELF Renault Clio Cup sensation Andrew Herron achieved his maiden
category podium at Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire this afternoon during the
penultimate race of the 2007 season, third position during a dramatic round 11
lifting him into an excellent eighth place in the championship standings.
Having already produced a string of excellent results during his first ever
season of car racing with superb ability far belying his lack of experience, the
19-year-old from Dromore in Northern Ireland saw his dream of a podium result
unexpectedly come true today following a chaotic conclusion to the first of the
weekend’s two races.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be on the podium in my first season”, said
Andrew, “I really wanted to finish in the top three before the end of the year
and to have made that come true is a fantastic feeling.”
Starting 10th on the grid, the JHR Developments ace confident he could have
qualified higher up the order had his Clio not suffered from fuel surge during
this morning’s session, Andrew made a good getaway and although looking to
challenge for ninth place through Allard he ended lap one in his starting
position.
With an incident at the complex on the opening lap necessitating the
deployment of the Safety Car, racing resumed on lap six. After overtaking Ed
Pead, Andrew then started to pressurise eighth-placed Aron Smith whom he passed
on lap 11.
Pushing hard to gain more ground before the end of the extended 15-lap
race, little did Andrew – nor any of his fellow competitors come to that –
expect the scenes which lay ahead at the end of lap 12.
Oil on the circuit at the Club Chicane, the result of a backmarker’s spin
and subsequent sump contact with the high kerbs, saw five of the top eight
runners slide wide on the exit and slam into the retaining barriers on the
outside.
Like JHR team-mate Jim Edwards Jnr and championship leader Martin Byford
ahead of him, Andrew skilfully managed to avoid the chaos to cross the line into
lap 13 in third place before red flags were shown and the action was brought to
an early conclusion.
Looking back on the race, Andrew commented: “Starting 10th I hoped for a
decent result and after passing (Ed) Pead and (Aron) Smith I was on the back of
(Ben) Winrow and feeling as though I was definitely quicker, everything felt
good and the car was quick.
“I saw the oil flag so I thought I should be a bit wary and back off which
I did. Then, I just saw car after car going into the wall. I dabbed the brake,
my car went a bit sideways, but I managed to recover it and avoid the problems
with the oil. Then the red flags came out and we’re classified third…I’m pleased
with the result to say the least!”
The Brian Herron Contracts-backed driver added: “I should have had a podium
finish at Snetterton so this really makes up for that. It’d be great to have
another good result in tomorrow’s race. You never know what can happen as today
proved. I definitely had the same pace as the boys ahead of me so I’m confident
we’ll be strong.
“This result has given me even more confidence, getting onto the podium
makes you believe in yourself. I came into Clios straight out of karting and
didn’t know what to expect. My first aim was to qualify for the Sunday races,
then it was to be in the top 10 and now we’re on the podium! It’d be fantastic
to have another great finish tomorrow.”
The 12th and final round of the 2007 ELF Renault Clio Cup will take place
at Thruxton tomorrow, Sunday, 14th October, at approximately 13.50. Digital
satellite and cable broadcaster Setanta Sports 1 will broadcast the action live.
Andrew will begin the final race of the year from ninth on the grid.
Provisional 2007 ELF Renault Clio Cup Driver Standings (after
Rd11)
1st Martin Byford, 254pts; 2nd Stefan Hodgetts, 204pts;
8th Andrew Herron, 117pts
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