• Concussion after-effects from Brands reason for withdrawal
• Hinckley driver sensibly opting to undertake more recovery time
Paul Streather has chosen to sit-out the third event of the Renault UK Clio Cup season at Thruxton Circuit this weekend, 6th/7th May, as a result of the lingering after-effects of concussion sustained at Brands Hatch just over a month ago.
As the innocent party in a nasty collision during the test day ahead of the season curtain-raiser at the Kent venue back at the end of March, the Hinckley racing driver was hospitalised and diagnosed with concussion which precluded him from taking part in qualifying and the first two races of the year.
Despite being passed fit by doctors for the most recent event at his home track Donington Park a fortnight ago, where he participated in the full race weekend, Streather was again the victim of contact and has since taken stock of his position.
Now he has arrived at the wise decision to withdraw from the Thruxton race meeting as he attempts to recover fully to 100% before getting back behind the wheel of his WDE Motorsport-run Clio Cup race car in a competitive environment.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, I’m a racing driver and want to be out there competing, but the sensible approach is to sit-out Thruxton and make sure I’m feeling on top form before I get back out on track again, said Streather.
“During the recent test at Thruxton I just didn’t feel right in myself, but when you think about it only a few weeks have passed since I was in hospital at Brands so I’m not surprised. I always give 100% when I’m in the car so if I’m not feeling 100%, the right choice is to take more time recovering.”
In better news, Streather’s long-standing sponsor Michael Smith Switchgear has been named Small Business of the Year in the annual Leicester Mercury Business Awards, which took place at Leicester Arena last week.
The Whetstone firm, which manufactures, installs, commissions and maintains low voltage switchgear and control panels for some of the UK’s most high-profile and respected companies, beat off strong competition to receive the prestigious accolade.
“We are ecstatic about winning this award”, said Sean Smith, Managing Director of MSS, “This is a really massive achievement for such a small firm. We have got some exciting times ahead as we will be moving to a new factory soon and bringing our two businesses together under the same roof. We’ve just taken on seven new staff, so we are at 38 now – business has gone crazy for us.
“In terms of Paul choosing not to compete at Thruxton this weekend, we fully support and commend him on his decision. We wish him a speedy recovery to full fitness and will be here to support him on his return to the track.”
