Paul Rivett has closed the gap to the Renault UK Clio Cup series leader to just six points after an excellent weekend at Croft.
The three-time champion put in a strong qualifying performance to start both races from second. And things soon got even better for the Tachosys-sponsored driver as poleman Max Coates made a mistake at the second corner of race one, letting Rivett through into the lead.
While Rivett wasn’t able to pull away, he was able to maintain the advantage to the flag to take his second win of the season.
“At the first corner I really put him under pressure and watched him make the mistake,” said a delighted Rivett. “I couldn’t break the tow but I had it under control.”
Sadly there was no repeat in race two, as Coates was able to stay ahead this time. Despite Rivett’s best efforts he was unable to displace Coates so crossed the line a close second to cap off a terrific weekend.
“He wasn’t going to make the same mistake again!” said Rivett. “I was a little bit hard on the tyres pushing at the start and dropped back. But I started to close back in at the end and if there had been another lap, I think I would’ve got by.”
Rivett now heads into the summer break in a strong position in the title race, just behind Coates.
“I was the highest scorer in Clios across the weekend,” he added. “It’s a shame we had that accident at Donington Park because we would be leading by a country mile now.”
The next races for the WDE Motorsport driver take place at Snetterton on July 28/29.