nfreke-g55-croft-jun11-04.jpgOnly 2 weeks after Oulton Park, Nathan and the Century Motorsport team were back on the road again with the Player International G55 and up to Croft Circuit near Darlington. Having only ever raced there twice this is the circuit where Nathan had the least experience.

Friday testing went well with the team working on setup to get the car consistent over a race duration. Croft is an extremely abrasive circuit and tyre management is essential - with that in mind Nathan knew that looking after his tyres would be the key to success this weekend. With the track only just drying up for qualifying Nathan sat in the pits for half the session to see what the times were like and when he felt happy with the track condition he went out with the view of doing only 3 laps. The plan went perfectly and Nathan set a time of 1:24.5 - over 2 tenths quicker than his next rival.

Race 1 was dry and Nathan got a text book start and went unchallenged throughout the race and recorded his 2nd win of the season by over 3 seconds. Race 2 was less straight forward, with a heavy down pour before the race Nathan took the decision to go on wets but it became apparent on the out lap that this was a mistake. Despite having the pole position grid spot Nathan decided to pull into the pits, change to slicks and start from the pitlane. As the field rushed past Nathan came out of the pits in last place and a huge task ahead of him. Demonstrating his speed and race craft Nathan carved through the field to finish 4th overall.

Commenting after the race Nathan said - “I made a big mistake before the race going for wets. I guess I was just to conservative with knowing that I was on pole. As soon as we got round the back section of the track I could see the error of my ways!! The team did a fantastic job in getting the tyres changed in time and I’m glad I could get some points out of the situation. The car had so much pace, another lap and I would have been on the podium!”

With the reverse grid draw Nathan lined up on P2 for the last race. Getting a good start Nathan slotted into 2nd place, and after only 4 laps Nathan could see he had the faster car and made his move for the lead. Once at the front there was no stopping him, pulling out a 7 second gap in 5 laps only to have it reduced by the deployment of the safety car. After 3 laps behind the safety car the race was back under way again and it was a 4 lap dash to the finish line. Marking his authority on the grid Nathan romped home to a 9.5 second victory margin.

“Apart from the second race this weekend went perfectly. The car was completely sublime and it allowed me to look after my tyres so well that at the end of the races we were seconds faster than the rest of the field - something that rarely happens! I’m so grateful for these wins and am pleased that i’m able to deliver the goods for my sponsors The Player International and repay the hard work that the team put in getting this car ready for me each race. I’ve got a great points haul here this weekend and it’s clear that the title is still within reach, we just need to keep focused and keep putting in solid performances like this - the rest of it is out of our control.”

Photo courtesy of Chris Roberts Widerview Photo