29th March 2008

Andrew Herron will start his maiden race in the 2008 SEAT Cupra Championship from sixth on the grid tomorrow, Sunday, 30th March, and the 19-year-old is confident he will be able to fight for a podium finish on his competitive debut in the category.

Having been impressive throughout winter and pre-season testing, the Renault Clio Cup graduate hoped for a strong start to his SEAT career and although he aimed for a higher grid position, the JHR Developments ace knows he has the speed and racecraft to challenge at the front.

During this morning’s first qualifying session, the Brian Herron Contracts-backed racer didn’t venture onto track until midway through and on only his third lap he posted a time of 50.819 seconds (84.91mph) to go sixth fastest.

In the second session, Andrew lost at least two of his flying laps due to slower traffic on the racing line and although frustrated, he aims to do his talking on the track tomorrow.

Producing a best lap of 53.053 seconds (81.33mph) in tricky, damp conditions following earlier rain Andrew went sixth fastest but then red flags were shown and the session was halted due to a car off the circuit at Paddock Hill Bend.

With qualifying poised nicely, Andrew a mere two 100ths of a second shy of the third fastest time at that stage, his attempts to go quicker following the re-start came to nothing unfortunately when he was blocked by slower cars.

“I’m disappointed not to be higher up the grid as I know we definitely have the pace to challenge for the podium”, said Andrew at the conclusion of his first ever SEAT Cupra Championship qualifying session, “I’m confident though, whatever the weather does tomorrow, we’ll be strong and able to fight for some big points.”

Action from round two of the SEAT Cupra Championship is expected to be screened live on Freeview, cable and digital satellite channel ITV4 tomorrow, Sunday, 30th March, at 17.10. Please check listings for further details. Round one, meanwhile, will take place at approximately 10.40.