Sometimes motorsport is capable of producing fairytale storylines. And there was certainly one for Paul Rivett in the second race of the Renault UK Clio Cup at Silverstone.
The three-time champion was celebrating his 200th race in the series after making his debut back in 2001. Rivett was determined to mark the occasion in style.
The WDE Motorsport driver started third but that quickly became second as James Dorlin slid wide at Brooklands on the opening lap.
Rivett then had champion-elect Mike Bushell in his sights. He soon caught the Pyro driver and pulled off a brilliant pass around the outside of Brooklands and into Luffield.
Then he had to defend. And it was a lot of defending that was needed with the rest of the top seven queuing up behind Rivett – who no longer had the benefit of the valuable Silverstone tow.
But he was able to hold on to take a dream result and first win of the season.
“I still can’t believe it,” smiled Rivett. “Of all the races to win this year, this one is incredible – you just couldn’t write it. Mike was mega at the start and he had broken the tow but I put in fastest laps and reeled him in quickly.
“It’s quite special to reach 200 races and I’ve no plans to retire any time soon.”
The first race of the weekend was a very different sort of contest. Heavy rain caused the start to be delayed by over an hour and, when the race did finally begin, the track was still treacherous.
Rivett lost out to Dorlin on the first lap after the safety car peeled in but was able to hold on to third place.
“We were basically aquaplaning round most of the circuit,” he admitted.
The results have promoted Rivett to second in the standings, but the 92-point gap to Bushell is uncatchable.
The final races of the season take place at Brands Hatch on September 30-October 1.
