Cullum is named as driver of the day at Snetterton (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cullum is named as driver of the day at Snetterton

LOCAL driver Rob Cullum experienced a great start to his Clio Cup season by collecting the Elf/Atol Driver of the Day award in his recent outing at Snetterton.

And he almost came away with a podium spot in race one and then made eighth place in race two.

Having achieved a drive in this season's Renault Clio Cup Championship, the Coln St Aldwyns driver approached the first round at the Norfolk circuit with optimism but also some nervousness.

For in his first race in this high-profile series, he would be racing against some of the UK's top saloon car drivers.

Having qualified ninth on the grid, Rob produced one of the best first laps of the meeting in the first race of the day.

He made up two places at the first two corners and at the Esses, which comes at the end of the long Revett Straight.

After braking from 130mph, Rob took the outside line and gained three places in one manoeuvre.

As a result of this hectic first lap, he appeared back into view of the pits complex and an excited team SpeedEquipe in fourth position.

He progressed to third spot, but as he crossed the start/finish line at the end of the third lap, a plume of smoke started to appear from the rear of the car.

Retirement followed shortly after and it was a disappointing end to a great start.

Some excellent work from the SpeedEquipe mechanics had the engine repaired and Rob started the second race from grid 14.

By the end of lap three he had moved into tenth. Unfortunately, a coming together between a few cars ahead delayed Rob and several others and the seven front runners put some distance between them and eighth place.

Although Rob managed to pass two cars in front and reach eighth place, there was a big gap to seventh and he cruised home to a satisfactory finish.

In his post-race comments, Rob said: "I did not race in 2002 and there were times during the weekend when I felt relatively rusty.

"I need to improve my race fitness, which will help with physical performance but even more importantly concentration levels throughout the race.

"You spend most of the time around 100mph in close contact with other cars making total concentration is essential."

Rob is grateful for the support he is receiving from Le Spa, where head of fitness Graham Brookes is helping him no end.

This Sunday sees the next round of the championship at Brands Hatch.

Anyone interested in helping Rob achieve his ambitious goals is asked to call him on 01285 750563.