HALFWAY POINT OF AUDI SPORT TT CUP SEASON MARKS FIRST VISIT TO ZANDVOORT FOR CAYGILL
Zandvoort in The Netherlands is the venue for the midway point of the 2016 Audi Sport TT Cup next weekend, 16th/17th July, where Josh Caygill aims to deliver on his season-long front running pace with a move back up the championship table towards the coveted series top six.
Rounds seven and eight of the campaign will mark the first ever visit for the Netherton 27-year-old to the famous Dutch seaside track, but it’s a challenge he is absolutely relishing as he bids to bounce back from a frustrating outing at the Norisring in Germany a fortnight ago.
Producing pace more than a match for the podium placings at the Nuremberg street circuit, the races proved vexing and didn’t work out in Josh’s favour so he is more determined than ever to capitalise on his undoubted speed a few days from now.
While new to the unique challenge posed by 2.7-mile Circuit Park Zandvoort, with a marked step forward in performance this year Josh is confident of being able to hit the ground running when he arrives in Holland a few days from now.
“Zandvoort is a new experience for me but I’m really looking forward to racing there for the first time, it looks a great track and obviously has a lot of history”, he commented, “Norisring was a big disappointment in the end with how the races turned out, but the pace was strong like it has been all season.
“I know I’m driving better than ever this year, a big step forward from 12 months ago and we just need a smooth weekend from start to finish really. Practice will be very important, getting to grips with the track as quickly as I can, and from there the target for qualifying has to be the top six. From there we can definitely mount a good challenge – if everything goes to plan!”
The current season, the former motorcycle racer’s second in the Audi Sport TT Cup and third at European level, started extremely well with top five and top six results in the opening two rounds at Hockenheim in Germany.
During the second event at the Nurburgring, a slow puncture in round three and clutch problems in round four conspired to limit Josh’s points-scoring potential but he still managed to chalk-up a brace of ninth position finishes. While clear pace at the Norisring didn’t deliver the hoped-for results, the West Yorkshireman has his sights squarely fixed on a reversal of fortunes at Zandvoort.
Following free practice on Friday, 15th July, qualifying for the Audi Sport TT Cup will take place at 07.15 (UK time) on Saturday, 16th July, with round seven beginning at 11.05 (UK time). On Sunday, 17th July, round eight will commence at 09.20 (UK time). Live streaming of both races will carried online HERE
2016 Audi Sport TT Cup Driver Standings (after Rd6):=9th Josh Caygill & Gosia Rdest, 56pts
Charity:Through his motor racing Josh helps to support and promote Wooden Spoon – the children’s charity of rugby. Founded in 1983, the charity has been making a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people since that time. Wooden Spoon is one of the largest funders of respite and medical treatment centres, sensory enhancement therapeutic facilities, specialist playgrounds, sports activity areas and community-based programmes. For more information visit www.woodenspoon.com
