|
|
 |
|
Barrow-upon-Humber racer Martyn Bell has brought the curtain down on his 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season with a brace of solid finishes at Brands Hatch.
The Arkas Racing with Sunshine.co.uk man went into the weekend eager to examine how he has progressed over the course of the season in his first year in front-wheel drive, with his debut for the Tech-Speed run team having come at the Kent circuit back in March.
During the course of the weekend, Martyn was able to lap consistently quicker than in the opening rounds of the season at the wheel of his Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch and after qualifying in 18th place on the grid, he managed to bring his car home to 17th in race one and 16th in race two.
However, his season ended with a bang in the final race when an engine let go coming down Paddock Hill Bend and forced him to pull off the circuit. With the circuit coated in oil as a result, the race ended behind the Safety Car but with Martyn watching from the sidelines.
Despite that disappointment however, Martyn remained upbeat and an Independents' point in the opening race ensures he ends the year 15th in the Independents' championship standings.
“I'm still smiling after the weekend,” he said. “You have to look at the times and they have been the quickest I've been round here in a touring car. It was just a shame we couldn't finish the season with three finishes, but in the final race I turned into Paddock Hill Bend and there was a huge bang and next thing I knew, the cockpit was full of smoke and I'd ensured excitement for the drivers behind by leaving oil everywhere. It was just one of those things and a failure on the car but its something I could have done without.”
Martyn will now work through the off-season to put his plans in place for the 2009, although he admits he would love to remain with the Tech-Speed team for another season if possible.
“Our destiny is governed by what our sponsors want to do,” he said, “but I couldn't wish for a better team than the one I am with at the moment. They have all been great, and I personally would love to stay with Tech-Speed for 2009.
“I have meetings lined up for the coming months with sponsors and potential sponsors and hopefully we'll have everything sorted out by Christmas and know what we'll be doing next year. One thing is for certain and that is we've had a good time this year and all really enjoyed ourselves.”
| |
|
|
