Racing driver experiences ups and downs in Clio Cup (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Racing driver experiences ups and downs in Clio Cup

LOCAL driver Rob Cullum is experiencing the ups and downs of life in the fast lane during this season's challenges in the Renault Clio Cup competition.

For the man from Coln St Aldwyns contested the third round of the series on the Brand's Hatch Indy circuit over the recent Bank Holiday weekend.

Brands is renowned for Paddock Hill Bend, one of the most challenging corners at any of the UK's race circuits.

Approaching Paddock at over 110 mph, Clio drivers were faced with a blind brow, beyond which the racing line turns right and drops away.

In his third race, Rob experienced fuel pick-up problems in qualifying and, as a result, started the race from 14th position on the grid.

However, the team soon sorted the problem by installing a new one.

Like Snetterton, Rob, in car No 77, made excellent progress on the first lap and made up five places to cross the line in ninth spot.

This soon became eighth when he passed Martin Johnson on the run up to Druids on the second lap.

Over the next ten laps, there was little change but Rob, closely followed by two other cars, was slowly catching his team mate Ian Curley, and on lap 14 got by to take seventh.

This manoeuvre saw Johnson move back on to Rob's rear bumper and, for the remainder of the race, the pair produced one of the best dices of the day.

Seldom more than a car' length apart, Martin eventually got by on lap 20 of the 22- lap race.

Not to be outdone, Rob applied pressure and was delighted to slip back ahead on the last corner.

With just superficial damage to the paintwork after such hard endeavours, both drivers were pleased to shake hands at the end of a great battle.

Considering he qualified 14th, Rob was pleased to finish in seventh.