UK ELF Clio Cup 2008 at Snetterton – ROUND 13+14
LANIK’s high expectations were ruined by a mechanical failure with his 6-speed gearbox while running 2nd quickest in the early stages of qualifying at Snetterton’s Round 13 +14 of the 2008 Clio Cup. This incident cost him valuable time in qualifying, ending up 21st and 25th as a starting position for Round 13 + 14 – less than 1 second off pole position. The two races were rather disappointing for the 21-year old racer, only managing to collect 2 championship points and dropping to 10th in the overall championship standings.
TESTING went very well with the Miracle Drywash-sponsored driving being 2nd and 3rd quickest during the two pre-race test days. Expectations were high and the team was happy.
QUALIFYING started with a very positive vibe running 2nd in qualifying during the first 10 minutes. With 20 minutes to go and another set of brand new slick tyres, Human Rights promoter Lanik knew he could string a very good lap together. On his last lap before his scheduled pit stop, Lanik came out of the Russell chicane changing from 2nd to 3rd gear when suddenly his gear level snapped off and was forced to go straight into the pitlane. The engineering team wasn’t able to fix it within 20 minutes; Niki had to settle with the first set of laps. Niki commented, “Why didn’t it happen during testing? This is very annoying. Also, a strong tail wind along the Revett Straight also picked up over the end of qualifying, which gave people another 2-3 mph over the speed traps making there lap time even quicker. I was then out-qualified by twenty other drivers, who were no quicker than a second a lap. That’s really not my style.”
SATURDAY’S Round 13 saw the Human Rights race driver, Niki Lanik, start 21st on the grid. Cold weather and an oily track didn’t help being at the back of the grid, as a white cloud of water and dust came up when the lights went off.Tthere was no reason risking the 205hp Clio Cup race car for a top 20 position. Lanik finished a disappointing and uneventful 19th place and collecting 2 championship points.
SUNDAY’S Round 14 attracted 30,000 enthusiastic spectators to watch the British Touring cars and its support races. Live ITV4 coverage made sure the race started on time, with Lanik 25th on the grid. Lanik made a poor start, making sure he would not be part of a first corner incident, coming around in 24th after the first lap. Derek Pierce, a podium finisher earlier this season, and Lanik were having a dice, but after some contact Niki’s front right suspension was damaged, having toe-in and excessive camber. This affected braking, straight line speed, and most importantly cornering speed. Niki’s laps were very consistent, but it was impossible to catch the pack in front. Niki settled for 21st place collecting no championship points.
“It was a bad weekend, but I’m definitely looking forward to Oulton Park on 26/27 July. Testing went so well, and the team and I had such a high goal for this weekend. The gearbox breakage in qualifying really messed it up. At least now we know which bolt to replace regularly!” commented Niki.
The international Youth For Human Rights campaign is proudly promoted by the Youth For Human Rights Miracle Drywash Race Team and its race driver, double winter champion, Niki Lanik. The team’s sponsors are Miracle Drywash (www.MiracleDrywash.com), GridGirlz (www.GridGirlz.co.uk), G&G Vitamins (www.GandGVitamins.com), Wealden Workwear (www.WWPE.co.uk), Luxury Sign Design (www.lsdsign.co.uk), and Neopixel (www.Neopixel.co.uk). Want to sponsor the humanitarian race team? Feel free to email Niki Lanik on niki.lanik@gmail.com.
HIGH RESOLUTION (AND COPYRIGHT FREE) PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON: HTTP://WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/Y4HR-RACING-TEAM/
VIDEO OF Snetterton’s Round 14:
Part 1: http://www.renaulttv.co.uk/racecar/elfrenaultcliocup/index43.htm
Part 2: http://www.renaulttv.co.uk/racecar/elfrenaultcliocup/index44.htm
Part 3: http://www.renaulttv.co.uk/racecar/elfrenaultcliocup/index45.htm
