As well as the racing, this weekend also marked the start of filming for the first part of Rebecca’s new CBBC show.
She had to dart off straight after a fantastic three days at the circuit for day one of the new CBBC show, “Ali A’s Superchargers”, which she is continuing to film as you read this!
Back to the racing then! While the weather was mostly hot and sunny for Saturday and Sunday, the qualifying session was like a tropical downpour. Just as Rebecca was about to go out, she called: “Yes, wets!” The team moved quickly under the rain to get these different tyres on the car just before the MINI was released onto circuit, from the holding area where they were waiting.
Rebecca always performs well in the wet and she was in P9 before the session was red flagged. Once the weather calmed, the cars were allowed to go out again and Rebecca ended up qualifying P19 out of the 30 cars.
At the start of race 1, Rebecca got a brilliant start and was running in 14th ahead of Vicki Butler-Henderson and many other well respected, quick racers. Unfortunately another car pushed Rebecca off the track at Murrays resulting in several of them getting past. She rejoined the track but was not able to make up those positions, finishing the race in 20th.
Another great start in race 2 saw Rebecca overtake a few cars, however the race was restarted due to an incident on the start line so she had to put that work in again. Another brilliant start saw her overtake a few cars, although some regained their positions. She finished the race in P20, this time ahead of Vicki Butler-Henderson.
Race 3 wasn’t quite so successful as Rebecca had a failed start, resulting in everyone behind zooming past. As she tried to catch up the pack, the car immediately in front spun and as he was going backwards down the track, Rebecca had to take avoiding action, doing well to miss him.
Overall it was a successful weekend, Rebecca says: “It was a brilliant weekend at Snetterton, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the battles on track. A special thank you needs to go to Barry Lee for his support and the tips he gave me at a Burton Track day.”
Barry Lee is a name synonymous with hot rod racing and he has an impressive racing career that spans 50 years. He has more than 29 Championship titles to his name covering a vast array of motorsport disciplines including: Autocross, Rallycross, Hot-Rod’s, Truck Racing, Saloon Car (now known as Touring Car), Eurocar, Caterhams, Metro’s and the Paris Dakar. It is no surprise that his advice and coaching at the Snetterton track day were invaluable. Freddie Lee, Barry’s son is aiming to follow in his father’s footsteps and is one of the “hot shoe” drivers in JCW MINI CHALLENGE.
This outing at Snetterton was the debuting of the new DENSO livery designed by Norfolk based “Sign It” and looked very striking on track!
