DESPITE the wintry conditions, Team Rockingham made a creditable start to the 2008 Pickup Truck Championship following the opening round of the new season on Easter Monday (March 24).
Rockingham-backed Antony Hawkins finished behind the chasing pack in 12th and 13th place respectively, to earn 285 points in his #98 Rockingham liveried truck. Both races were won by Gavin Seagor to earn him a maximum 400 points, however current champion Steve Dance finished behind Team Rockingham in 16th place with 200 points after failing to finish the second race.
Antony said: “The snow made driving conditions very difficult, so we were really pleased to finish both races and to pick up some points. We made good progress in race two and were just three tenths off the leader’s fastest lap. We are now looking forward to testing the truck at Rockingham next week before racing in front of our home fans at the circuit for the first time on April 20.”
The next round of the 10-meeting championship will be at Rockingham, as part of the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) race meeting over the weekend of April 19/20. In addition to the purpose-built 230bhp pickup trucks racing on the Oval, there will be a full programme of races from Formula Renault, BMW Saloons, Sport Saloons, Caterhams Sports 1600s and Legends. There will be plenty of opportunity to get close to the action with an open paddock and free grandstand seats for everyone, while children aged 15 and under get in free.
Director of Sales & Marketing at Rockingham, Charlotte Orton, said: “We are looking forward to seeing Antony in action, and hope local fans will come along and support Team Rockingham on their home circuit.”
Sunday race day adult tickets cost £12 and weekend passes are priced at only £18 when booked in advance. Advance tickets can be booked via the ticket hotline on 0871 231 0846 or on-line at rockingham.co.uk - the official Rockingham website or you can purchase tickets on the gate from £15.
Antony is sponsored by Rockingham as part of the Northamptonshire circuit’s continued support of both local drivers and the pickup truck racing series. As part of the package Antony will receive vital track time and will promote the driving days at Rockingham, where members of the public can get behind the wheel of a range of authentic racing cars. Antony will be making special appearances at selected events including the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship at Rockingham on April 12/13, to promote the circuit’s four pickup races.
