Saturday 13th June
Glew out in front at half way stage
ELF Renault Clio Cup rounds 9 & 10 – Croft circuit
Qualifying
Qualifying looked to be going to plan as Phil Glew once again topped the time sheets despite an appearance from former Clio expert Stefan Hodgetts.
Hodgetts has been drafted in for the next few rounds to try and boost the performance of underperforming teams. Glew looked to have secured pole position but MacDowell put together a few quick laps at the end of the session managing to take pole position for both races.
Race 1
The sun shone on the North Yorkshire circuit as Glew and Macdowell lined up side by side on the front row of the grid, with both drivers hell bent on making it through the first corner in the lead.
The lights went out and a drag race down to the first corner began with Glew edging his nose ahead of MacDowell. It looked like Glew may have the advantage but MacDowell held the inside line forcing Glew to back off slightly and concede the place.
Hodgetts made a good start from 5th position and was in 3rd chasing down the lead duo before the end of the first lap. The race played out in much the same way as race 1 at Oulton Park with Glew and MacDowell giving the crowd a taste of just how close this single make Championship can be at the front.
Pressure from Hodgetts in the early stages soon faded and the lead pair once again pulled away.
Glew drove a faultless race but could not find that little bit extra to pass MacDowell as their race pace was so equal. Glew crossed the line just a car length behind his championship rival, making it on to the podium for the 9th time this season.
Now Sunday’s race would prove crucial for Glew to limit the number of points MacDowell takes from his commanding Championship lead.
Sunday 14th June
Race 2
A reprieve from the blistering heat came in the form of grey clouds as the Clio’s formed up in the assembly area and everyone looked concerned that there may be a repeat of the Donington tyre fiasco.
In front of a 25,000 strong crowd and 500,000 ITV4 viewers it was Glew’s turn to lead in to the first corner. Glew immediately looked more comfortable with his car after overnight setup changes and seemed to have the race under control.
Lap 6 saw a momentary change of leader as Glew hit oil laid down by a midfield incident on the previous lap at Clervaux.
The crowd gasped as Glew managed to take control of the slide that looked certain to end his race in the wall.
MacDowell’s lead was short lived however, as a determined Glew darted up the inside on the approach to the Hairpin – the tightest of any UK circuit – on the same lap to retake his lead.
The rain did not fall and Glew maintained a good lead and looked comfortable as third place driver Hodgetts began to pressure MacDowell.
On the last lap, MacDowall mounted one last challenge for the lead at the Hairpin but Glew – who was also awarded the ELF/Atol Driver of the Day – defended the racing line to hold onto the place and secure his seventh win together with the NGK fastest lap for maximum championship points.
Glew maintains his commanding 34 point Championship lead at the halfway point in the season.
Following the race Glew commented "That was the most enjoyable race of the season so far and it was so rewarding taking the chequered flag just ahead of MacDowell.
I am really pleased with the outcome of the weekend and there was no way I was going to let him win after commanding the entire race".
Phil Glew would like to thank each of his sponsors DAS, WD-40, 3 in 1, STMC, MayContain.com and Edge Sporting Events for their support.
Rounds 11 and 12 of the 2009 ELF Renault Clio Cup with Michelin takes place at Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on 4th/5th July as part of the World Series by Renault event.
Copyright 2009 Philip Glew | Internet Design by Artsgraphica