Following a break of over two months, the fourth round of the 2016 Litchfield GT-R Sprint Series saw headline sponsor Iain Litchfield set the fastest time of the day and, in doing so, take the honours in Class N2 - the category for cars fitted with modified turbos. In Class N1 - for cars fitted with standard specification turbos - Nick Goss continued his 100% success record by scoring his fourth victory in as many events.
In stark contrast to the previous round at Castle Combe, round four at Hethel was to see sunny and dry conditions throughout the day. The 2.2-mile circuit situated at the Lotus cars HQ in Norfolk is used as the company’s test track and features a combination of tight corners and long, fast straights. Consequently, it provides competitors with a different challenge to that of the other venues the series has visited so far this year.
As customary, the day began with a series of three practice runs before the serious business of the six competitive runs began. Driving a Bilstein-liveried R35, Litchfield marked his card from the start and went quicker than any other competitor on the first run. But it was hardly a comfortable lead as second-placed Das Kizas - also in an R35 - was less than a second behind.
Goss got off to his usual impressive start and went third-fastest on the opening run to lead Class N1 and once-again, mix it with the N2 Class cars. While the top three overall positions after the first run were the same as the top three overall positions at the finish, the following five runs were hardly a foregone conclusion, as Kizas got within 0.6 seconds of Litchfield on the third run. But the leader saved the best until last and set a time that was 1.42 seconds faster than the rest of the field on the very last run of the day. Although he battled valiantly, round three winner Kizas had to be content with second and, while Goss held onto third place overall, Daniel Cook finished fourth and third in the N2 class in his R35.
The battle for fifth, sixth and seventh overall places was also fiercely fought, with just over a second eventually separating Stuart Gold (R35), Paul Kenny (R33) and Tin Heer (R35).
It had been a hotly contested day on what was also a hot day in terms of the weather, the conditions and consequent grip levels seeing drivers able to push hard and explore the limits of the available traction. The event was rounded off with the traditional podium presentations, but this time the awards were handed over by 2012 World Touring Car Champion Rob Huff, who was attending the event with Iain Litchfield.
The fifth and penultimate round of the 2016 Litchfield GT-R Sprint Series takes place in just three weeks time on Saturday 3rd September at the most northern track in England, Croft Circuit near Darlington.
The 2016 Litchfield GT-R Sprint Series is sponsored by: Litchfield, Bilstein and Turbo Dynamics. Increasing the series’ profile this year is the addition of live commentary and video filming at every round that will be broadcast throughout the season on social media.
Round 4 Class WinnersClass Class sponsor Driver Car TimeN1 Bilstein Nick Goss R35 GT-R 1:23.31N2 Turbo Dynamics Iain Litchfield R35 GT-R 1:20.29 (FTD)ENDS
The Litchfield GT-R Sprint Series features two classes:
Class N1: For cars fitted with standard turbos - sponsored by BilsteinClass N2: For cars fitted with modified turbos - sponsored by Turbo DynamicsAll cars must be road legal.
