Latest News & Race Reports
On the Pace at Rockingham
Monday, Sep 28 2009
| Race Report
With the handling problems that plagued Pippa at Silverstone sorted, she was back on the pace at Rockingham last weekend. Never out of the top four on Friday testing, Pippa was full of confidence for the weekend. Saturday morning was dull and cold, mirroring Pippa's pace in the warm up. " I don't understand it, we've changed nothing overnight and we've lost our pace. My engine doesn't seem to like the cold!"
Things warmed up for qualifying and P5 for both races was a great result. The first race on Saturday afternoon was disappointing with a steady drive to P6. Pippa clearly expected better. "I made a poor start and never really felt able to mix it at the front. However I feel I'm where I want to be, in the lead group"
Sunday dawned bright and warm with a huge crowd to welcome all who raced. Pippa made a fantastic start and followed Hale through to take second place. Then the Ginetta curse struck! Seemingly without any reason championship leader Cooke was rammed from behind which caused him to inadvertently tag Pippa's right rear. The result saw Pippa helplessly spin only to be struck again, this time a lot harder, in her drivers side door. Pippa quickly returned to the pitlane to check the extent of the damage, whilst the safety car was deployed. She rejoined the race after dropping two laps and courageously battled on to take 9th overall, but she had suffered extensive bodywork, exhaust and front suspension damage. "I was pleased with my start and stuck close to Hale as he dived up the inside of Cooke. It felt like a typical karting manouver. It was frustrating to have my race ruined."
Back home on Monday, several of Pippa's dad's friends worked hard on the car so that it was ready for the Brands Hatch test day only two days after the race.
Pippa returns to Brands Hatch for further testing on Wednesday and is confident for next weekends race. "I'm really looking forward to next weekend, I like the GP circuit at Brands Hatch, and I know I will be quick. If I can finish, I can win!"
Things warmed up for qualifying and P5 for both races was a great result. The first race on Saturday afternoon was disappointing with a steady drive to P6. Pippa clearly expected better. "I made a poor start and never really felt able to mix it at the front. However I feel I'm where I want to be, in the lead group"
Sunday dawned bright and warm with a huge crowd to welcome all who raced. Pippa made a fantastic start and followed Hale through to take second place. Then the Ginetta curse struck! Seemingly without any reason championship leader Cooke was rammed from behind which caused him to inadvertently tag Pippa's right rear. The result saw Pippa helplessly spin only to be struck again, this time a lot harder, in her drivers side door. Pippa quickly returned to the pitlane to check the extent of the damage, whilst the safety car was deployed. She rejoined the race after dropping two laps and courageously battled on to take 9th overall, but she had suffered extensive bodywork, exhaust and front suspension damage. "I was pleased with my start and stuck close to Hale as he dived up the inside of Cooke. It felt like a typical karting manouver. It was frustrating to have my race ruined."
Back home on Monday, several of Pippa's dad's friends worked hard on the car so that it was ready for the Brands Hatch test day only two days after the race.
Pippa returns to Brands Hatch for further testing on Wednesday and is confident for next weekends race. "I'm really looking forward to next weekend, I like the GP circuit at Brands Hatch, and I know I will be quick. If I can finish, I can win!"
Back on Track at Silverstone
Wednesday, Sep 9 2009
| Race Report
Last weekend, 28th and 29th August 2009, Pippa made her long awaited return to the Junior Ginetta Championship. After the Oulton Park round when Pippa crashed out whilst leading, Pippa was forced to sit out Croft, Snetterton and Knockhill as lack of resources took their toll.
Pippa has been busy however at the Shropshire venue of "Rallyschool.co.uk", where she has been receiving instruction and plenty of seat time thanks to owner John Goff. If she can obtain her rally licence in time John wants Pippa to compete in the final rounds of the Junior Rally Championship.
Pippa's return to the Ginetta Championship got off to a slow start a she reacquainted herself with the art of driving a Ginetta G20 Junior. She was also hampered by a set up problem and an engine down on power. Nevertheless a determined effort in qualifying saw her take P12 on the grid.
Saturdays first race saw her consistently improve to take P10 at the chequered flag. Sundays race was wet and with no functioning windscreen wipers she drove a mature race to keep out of trouble and finish P9.
An engine change and better suspension setup should see Pippa back at the front at Rockingham in just under three weeks time. An inpromptu testing session on Friday was an extra boost to Pippa's plan to improve her performance again at the next race. Tune in next week for news on the preparations for the Rockingham weekend.
Pippa has been busy however at the Shropshire venue of "Rallyschool.co.uk", where she has been receiving instruction and plenty of seat time thanks to owner John Goff. If she can obtain her rally licence in time John wants Pippa to compete in the final rounds of the Junior Rally Championship.
Pippa's return to the Ginetta Championship got off to a slow start a she reacquainted herself with the art of driving a Ginetta G20 Junior. She was also hampered by a set up problem and an engine down on power. Nevertheless a determined effort in qualifying saw her take P12 on the grid.
Saturdays first race saw her consistently improve to take P10 at the chequered flag. Sundays race was wet and with no functioning windscreen wipers she drove a mature race to keep out of trouble and finish P9.
An engine change and better suspension setup should see Pippa back at the front at Rockingham in just under three weeks time. An inpromptu testing session on Friday was an extra boost to Pippa's plan to improve her performance again at the next race. Tune in next week for news on the preparations for the Rockingham weekend.
A Glimpse of the Future!
Saturday, Jun 6 2009
| Race Report
It was the first time Pippa had led a Junior Ginetta race. It clearly won't be the last! Pippa's speed in testing and official practice at Oulton Park last weekend was evident for all to see. Yet this was in a four year old car loaned by Ginetta following Pippa's crash at Donington. Saturday morning's qualifying proved a challenge as Pippa manoeuvred to find a clear lap with less than one minute of qualifying left. The result, P3 and less than 0.2secs off pole position, was payback for the efforts of Valley Motorsport to get an unraceworthy car into a potential race winning package.
Late on Saturday afternoon Pippa took up her grid position for Round 7 of the Junior Ginetta Championship. Pole position man Tom Ingram hesitated at the start. In an instant Hill and Pippa were past. Desparate efforts to defend by Hill on the first lap were in vain as Pippa executed a beautiful overtaking manouvre at Lodge to sweep past Hill into the lead. As she went into the start of the second lap, all seemed well. Unfortunately, as Pippa started to exit the notorious Cascades bend, the back of her car stepped out and she span around into oncoming traffic. On another day everyone would have missed her, but in a cruel act of fate, three cars crashed into her hapless spinning car. The damage was severe and the racing for the weekend was over.
However, Pippa had just glimpsed the future! She realised she could now lead and win races. Pippa explains" I was supprised how easily I caught the car in front and took the lead. Everything seemed fine as I entered Cascades. I was completely surprised by the way the car got away from me. I guess I was just pushing that little bit too hard. It wasn't necessary and it won't happen again. I'm sorry I spoiled other drivers races especially Tom's and Max's. I now know I can lead and more importantly win races. The car is too badly damaged to make Croft, but I shall win at Snetterton, without doubt.
Late on Saturday afternoon Pippa took up her grid position for Round 7 of the Junior Ginetta Championship. Pole position man Tom Ingram hesitated at the start. In an instant Hill and Pippa were past. Desparate efforts to defend by Hill on the first lap were in vain as Pippa executed a beautiful overtaking manouvre at Lodge to sweep past Hill into the lead. As she went into the start of the second lap, all seemed well. Unfortunately, as Pippa started to exit the notorious Cascades bend, the back of her car stepped out and she span around into oncoming traffic. On another day everyone would have missed her, but in a cruel act of fate, three cars crashed into her hapless spinning car. The damage was severe and the racing for the weekend was over.
However, Pippa had just glimpsed the future! She realised she could now lead and win races. Pippa explains" I was supprised how easily I caught the car in front and took the lead. Everything seemed fine as I entered Cascades. I was completely surprised by the way the car got away from me. I guess I was just pushing that little bit too hard. It wasn't necessary and it won't happen again. I'm sorry I spoiled other drivers races especially Tom's and Max's. I now know I can lead and more importantly win races. The car is too badly damaged to make Croft, but I shall win at Snetterton, without doubt.
Learning Process Continues!
Friday, May 22 2009
| Race Report
Junior Ginetta Championship, Rounds 5 & 6
Donington Park, May 16th and 17th 2009
Donington Park, May 16th and 17th 2009
Donington Park proved to be a great learning weekend and the challenge of racing in the wet being the most interesting. Despite the torrential rain during Friday's test session, Pippa was well on the pace and feeling very confident. Misting up of the windscreen became the main limiting factor! The Friday session finished with a spin exiting the Old Hairpin as Pippa explored her limit in the atrocious conditions.
Qualifying on Saturday was very frustrating with Pippa finishing P8 for Race 1 and P10 for Race 2 despite not getting a clear lap. Nevertheless, 0.8 secs off pole was very encouraging. Pippa explained, "I felt a bit frustrated as my best laps were all spoiled by other cars having their own problems. What's best though is I know I can qualify regularly in the top 10. I was pushing very hard but made an error coming out of Redgate and span off into the gravel and had to sit out the remaining part of qualifying only to see my time go down from P5 to P8." After reviewing the on board camera, it was apparent that Pippa was indeed pushing very hard on the previous lap and had to make a stunning recovery as the car got out of shape exiting McCleans - John Goff and all at rallyschool.co.uk will be pleased when they see that one!!
The first race was marred by a poor start and a half spin due to another car being rather too friendly. Pippa immediately slipped down the field and as the rain fell, never recovered. Race 2 saw Pippa make a great start, but again on track incidents resulted in her slipping down the order. However, once she found some space she recovered and worked her way through to P8 holding off strong competition from some quick drivers. Into the last lap and her position looked secure and clever defensive driving down the Wheatcroft Straight seemed to make P8 holding a formality. Then disaster hit! - Quite literally and very hard! An ill judged attempt by another car to overtake on the last corner of the last lap resulted in Pippa slamming into the barrier. Despite the significant impact and damage to the car, Pippa took it over the finish line in 18th place.
Pippa's Dad, Grahame commented, "There is some good overhead coverage on ITV4 if anyone is interested in the details! I had the dubious pleasure of watching it, in slow motion, several times in the Clerk of the Course's office. I suppose we have to accept they are only kids and there is a great variation in driving skills. The other driver I'm sure will learn from the incident and we can look forward to some great racing in future."
With the car in need of major repairs, the team has rallied round and grown in numbers! With a much-appreciated car on loan from Ginetta and fantastic support from Nigel, Tom, Dan at Valley Motorsport and Chris, Pippa will be at Oulton Park for testing this week in preparation for the next round on the 30 and 31st May 2009.
Rounds 3 & 4
Saturday, Apr 25 2009
| Race Report
Junior Ginetta Championship, Rounds 3 & 4
Thruxton, April 25th and 26th 2009
P6 for Pippa at Thruxton Round 4 of the 2009 Ginetta Junior Championship
This weekend at Thruxton, the UK's fastest racing circuit, Pippa drove a valiant race, to finish 6th in round 4 of the 2009 Ginetta Junior Championship. Pippa explained " After rounds 1 and 2 at Brands Hatch, we knew that we had some issues with the car. Now that they have been sorted, I felt so much happier during testing and I feel that I proved to myself that I can be on the pace with the leading pack."
Despite a troubled qualifying session on Saturday, Pippa put the car on P7 for round 3 on Saturday and for the majority of the race she looked set for a top 6 finish until disaster stuck 2 laps from the end. Pippa explained " I was pushing hard for 6th place with an eye on fifth, when I put the back wheel on the grass coming out of Goodwood making for a high speed spin, which took my driver's side door off!" Saturday's race, however did not dampen Pippa's spirits, in fact it had the opposite effect." I wasn't at all disappointed, I was really pleased with the progress I made and I knew I could go a lot faster.
Sunday saw Pippa starting round 4 of the championship from 9th on the grid. After a great start PIppa was up to 5th on the approach to the first corner. However, several cars battled side by side and Pippa briefy had to take to the grass dropping her to 14th place. Worryingly her steering rack had become damaged. Undeterred she courageously battled on and drove her car home to an impressive 6th place at the finish.
Reflecting on final race on Sunday, Pippa summed up her thoughts on the weekend " I am still getting to grips with racing the Ginetta, I came away feeling very pleased with my performance. I am confident I will soon be battling for a podium place. Thruxton is a fast and challenging circuit and I really liked it."
Preparations now begin for rounds 5 and 6 at Donington Park, Pippa's local circuit, and somewhere she will be keen to conquer.
Thruxton, April 25th and 26th 2009
P6 for Pippa at Thruxton Round 4 of the 2009 Ginetta Junior Championship
This weekend at Thruxton, the UK's fastest racing circuit, Pippa drove a valiant race, to finish 6th in round 4 of the 2009 Ginetta Junior Championship. Pippa explained " After rounds 1 and 2 at Brands Hatch, we knew that we had some issues with the car. Now that they have been sorted, I felt so much happier during testing and I feel that I proved to myself that I can be on the pace with the leading pack."
Despite a troubled qualifying session on Saturday, Pippa put the car on P7 for round 3 on Saturday and for the majority of the race she looked set for a top 6 finish until disaster stuck 2 laps from the end. Pippa explained " I was pushing hard for 6th place with an eye on fifth, when I put the back wheel on the grass coming out of Goodwood making for a high speed spin, which took my driver's side door off!" Saturday's race, however did not dampen Pippa's spirits, in fact it had the opposite effect." I wasn't at all disappointed, I was really pleased with the progress I made and I knew I could go a lot faster.
Sunday saw Pippa starting round 4 of the championship from 9th on the grid. After a great start PIppa was up to 5th on the approach to the first corner. However, several cars battled side by side and Pippa briefy had to take to the grass dropping her to 14th place. Worryingly her steering rack had become damaged. Undeterred she courageously battled on and drove her car home to an impressive 6th place at the finish.
Reflecting on final race on Sunday, Pippa summed up her thoughts on the weekend " I am still getting to grips with racing the Ginetta, I came away feeling very pleased with my performance. I am confident I will soon be battling for a podium place. Thruxton is a fast and challenging circuit and I really liked it."
Preparations now begin for rounds 5 and 6 at Donington Park, Pippa's local circuit, and somewhere she will be keen to conquer.
Mission Accomplished!
Monday, Apr 6 2009
| Race Report
Junior Ginetta Championship, Rounds 1 & 2
Brands Hatch, April 4th and 5th 2009
Last weekend saw Pippa taking to the grid in the Junior Ginetta Championship at Brands Hatch. Racing on the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in her Ginetta Sports Car Pippa fulfilled her ambition in competing in a major motor racing event. The Junior Ginetta Championship acted as a support race to the British Touring Car Championship races.
What a weekend! Pippa explains “I was so excited to be racing at such a famous motoring racing circuit. Not only was the atmosphere fantastic but it was live on television.”
Despite very little time in the car this year and not ever having driven on the circuit before Pippa qualified 15th for the first race. In the race she was having a trouble free run until the safety car was deployed 3 laps from the finish. The resulting restart saw Pippa win an exciting three car battle for 12th place.
In race two Pippa started on row 7 in 13th place on the grid. A great start saw her survive an exciting start to enjoy a trouble free run to 14th place.
After the race Pippa enthused “I really enjoyed the racing and the atmosphere was great. Although I was disappointed with overall result I brought the car home in one piece, got some points and learned such a lot. Mission accomplished!”
The next round is in three weeks time at Thruxton on 26th April 2009.
Brands Hatch, April 4th and 5th 2009
Last weekend saw Pippa taking to the grid in the Junior Ginetta Championship at Brands Hatch. Racing on the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in her Ginetta Sports Car Pippa fulfilled her ambition in competing in a major motor racing event. The Junior Ginetta Championship acted as a support race to the British Touring Car Championship races.
What a weekend! Pippa explains “I was so excited to be racing at such a famous motoring racing circuit. Not only was the atmosphere fantastic but it was live on television.”
Despite very little time in the car this year and not ever having driven on the circuit before Pippa qualified 15th for the first race. In the race she was having a trouble free run until the safety car was deployed 3 laps from the finish. The resulting restart saw Pippa win an exciting three car battle for 12th place.
In race two Pippa started on row 7 in 13th place on the grid. A great start saw her survive an exciting start to enjoy a trouble free run to 14th place.
After the race Pippa enthused “I really enjoyed the racing and the atmosphere was great. Although I was disappointed with overall result I brought the car home in one piece, got some points and learned such a lot. Mission accomplished!”
The next round is in three weeks time at Thruxton on 26th April 2009.
