Rookie BTCC squad Restart Racing endured the highs and lows of motorsport at Snetterton on Sunday, but the event will ultimately be remembered for the team scoring its best result so far.
Chris Smiley qualified an impressive 11th on Saturday and was running as high as eighth and the top independent in the opening race, before he was forced to pit with a rare issue with the passenger door being open.
Misfortune was immediately turned around by both drivers as Scott Sumpton took the team’s best result yet with 11th in race two, whilst Smiley improved from near the back to take 13th – representing the most points scored for the duo in a single race.
The final race failed to deliver for Restart with Smiley crashing out and Sumpton finishing 17th, but overall, yet more good progress was made by the team ahead of the trip to Thruxton on 8/9 June.
Chris Smiley said: “So, that’s Snetterton done for this year and the weekend started really well in 11th place and just on the fringes of the top ten. In the first race, we got away well and was having a great race up in eighth, but the passenger side door opened up for some reason.
“It’s one of those things that never happens, and it was highly frustrating to have to come in from that position. We were top independent at the time and looked nailed on to finish there for the first time this season.
“We gambled with the tyres in race 2 and put on the dry tyres as we were starting near the back. On lap four I thought we’d played a blinder and were heading for the podium. But just like that, the rain came back again and that put pay to our chances. I had a great scrap with Rob Huff and just beat him to 13th on the final lap.”
Scott Sumpton said: “I said Donington Park was a whirlwind but wow what a whirlwind it’s been today. Race 1 we went on slicks, which I think was the right choice, but I hit a wet patch just under the bridge whilst making an overtake, lost the rear and had a bit of a spin which put me out of contention early on.
“We used wets for race 2 and went from the back of the field up to 11th to secure my best finish in the BTCC and I’m over the moon with that, I couldn’t ask for more.
“We’ve learnt lots and I’m going to take everything into Thruxton. The first three rounds have thrown everything at me so I’m learning more and more with every passing weekend!”
