Race Report - Spa

Stefan Hodgetts Joins Team RSA

Stefan Hodgetts joined Team RSA for the final race of the Belgium Clio Cup Championship and despite having not raced at the circuit before was fourth fastest in free practice on the Friday.

In qualifying for Race 1, changing circuit conditions made his task even more difficult as this was the first time he was able to run in dry conditions. However, he was able to secure fourth place on the grid and only 0.4 seconds off pole position.

In second qualifying for Race 2 he was able to improve and secured Team RSA their first place in the front row of the grid lining up second next to Maxime Martin, a renowned Spa specialist who was 1.8 seconds quicker than Stefan.
In Race 1 starting from fourth on the grid he was soon up to second place by the end of the first lap and although the gap to Martin increased he was able to comfortably gain Team RSA their first podium position by finishing in second position.

Making some minor changes to the set up he was able to immediately take the lead in the damp conditions, although Martin soon out dragged him up to the sequence of corners immediately after the long straight. This left Stefan in a comfortable 2nd place, although the changes made to the car were slightly derogatory leading to understeer.

With two laps to go there was a clear three car battle for second place and unfortunately Stefan left a small gap and this allowed his nearest rival to push him into the gravel, although he was able to recover and finish in a fine fourth position.

Stefan hopes to race again for Team RSA in 2009 and has also agreed to coach our Junior Drivers over the winter and during our 2009 campaign.