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Despite the low numbers for the first Rockingham meeting of 2011, the Pickup Truck Racing Championship produce another 2 stunning action packed races; and with a practice, qualifying and 2 races all taking place on Saturday it proved a hectic day. Qualifying took place at 11:30am, Neil got a time in of 42.578 seconds however when he came into the pits for tyre temperatures and pressures we noticed that the front right tyre was very un-deflated, the decision was taken to change the tyre (later we found the seal of the wheel rim was leaking.) At 1:20pm race 1 took place with Neil in Pole position, the race got underway however on Lap 4 it was prematurely stopped under yellow flags due to debris on turn 4. On Lap 7 the race got back underway. Neil finished the 25 lap race in 5th place, with Neil getting the fastest times on lap 11 (41.250), 14 (41.163) and 17 (41.259). Race 2 took place at 4:00pm with Neil in Pole position, the pickup was going great, however a few drivers were able to overtake during the first few laps, Neil then started to claim them back overtaking Nic Grindrod on Lap 5. On Lap 12 Neil had the fastest time of the Lap (41.985), but disaster striked on lap 18 for Michael Smith and Carl Broadley who went into the wall at turn 4. Neil was coming low around the corner to miss the accident but Michael’s pickup looked as though it was drifting down the track. Neil then braked to miss him and spun glancing the tyre wall, he was able to get the pickup started continuing for a quick inspection in the pits, the crew did a quick spot check and saw the truck was all ok apart from a bit of paint damage. We were able to get back out the pits behind the safety car, this allowed him to join the pack in 3rd place with Nic Grindrod in front. The race then continued, Steve Dance and Neil battle down the straight both pickups side by side, with a minor coming together. Neil was then able to overtake Nic Grindrod due to a engine failure moving into 3rd place with just 1 Lap to go. Neil finished 3rd Place, our first ever podium finish and with an all new personal fastest lap time of 40.709 seconds. Neil has now moved up to 5th in the Overall Championship and is now 3rd in the Rockingham Oval Championship. For the full leader board please click here. Full Gallery now uploaded, next races - Thruxton 13/14 August.
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