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Subaru Pro-R Time Attack team rock Knockhill

27th May 2011 Print
Subaru Pro R Time Attack Knockhill

The Pro-R Time Attack team, headed up by pilot Jon Mathers and his supporting team from Cross Roads Garage in Warwickshire, racked up another solid points finish from their recent trip to the picturesque Knockhill circuit in Scotland, gaining their first podium along the way!

Despite ever-changing weather conditions – and the fact that Mathers had never set a wheel on the iconic circuit before race day, the team worked quickly and accurately from the first timed session to achieve the perfect set-up. Something that proved to be rather difficult, given the constantly variable Scottish weather. With the new high kerbs in place at the circuit, Mathers had to adjust his lines accordingly, with the Cross Roads team making their most of their Eibach/AST chassis set-up. Sitting lower to the tarmac than at the previous round at Oulton Park, BTCC style corner cutting was not an option!

Qualifying looked good with Mathers notching up 4th, just .03 seconds off the pace of the bespoke Metro 6R4 of Mark Pollard. Competition was to prove tough on the day, with a high local contingent making the most of their track knowledge.

Moving to the final, Mark Thwaites, of Thwaites Developments, the teams engine and prep guru, was able to eke out another few horsepower from the new engine for a last minute ‘banzai’ run during the dying minutes of the final session. A brave, yet precise drive from Mathers made the most of a drying track and was enough to secure him 3rd in class, winning the SIDC Trophy for ‘Fastest Impreza’ for the second time.

Commenting on the podium victory, Jon Mathers said, ‘I’m so pleased for the team and sponsors that we have got onto the podium in only our second outing with the car. It’s down to the wonderful effort that the Cross Roads team have put in, along with some greatly appreciated midnight oil burning from Thwaites Developments and the lads at ABW for their sterling work on the aerodynamics. We’re all looking forward to Brands.’

And with only 4 weeks to go until the Time Attack circus rolls into the famous Kent circuit, the team are bullish about their chances. ‘We’re going to have a few more tricks on the car for Brands.’ smiled Mathers. ‘With a bit of luck we might go one better!’

For more information on the Subaru Pro R range, visit pro-r.co.uk or search on Facebook.

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Subaru Pro R Time Attack Knockhill