Class C winner Lupini beats Class B too
The fifth round Burly Pro GTi Challenge races at Killarney proved a rollercoaster weekend for Giordano Lupini. The Franschhoek teenager put his CIR Construction/ La Vie de Luc/ Accelerate Special Gasoline Golf 1 GTi on pole position in Class C before taking the first race, only to lose the win to a yellow flag penalty and then bouncing back in dominant style to even lead the Class B frontrunners home to the race 2 win.
“That was quite a weekend!” Franschhoek teenager Giordano admitted. “I had to fight back after being held up a little off pole position at the start — Brett Roach proved a hard nut to crack as always, but I found a way past and took the flag first. “Unfortunately we lost the win because I overtook under yellow flags — it was a bit of a close call with the yellow zone, but it was my mistake and that's just racing . "We move on.
“So my full focus was on race two, where I started second, determined to make up on lost points after the disappointment of the first heat,” the Vega University Entrepreneurial Bachelor of Commerce freshman explained. “I made a great start and managed to get ahead of the Class B frontrunners and just put my head down and reeled off eight qualifying pace laps to keep Class B winner Eden Thompson at bay and also won Class C by a healthy margin.
“Overall we ended 20 seconds behind class winner Brett today in spite of carrying a 30-second penalty and that was also kind of my first class B win!” Giordano grinned. “Now we learn from today’s mistakes — I am still ahead in the overall championship chase and I also managed to maintain my class advantage over the ever-present Jarred Simpson, so we're still in good shape.
“We have had an incredible first half of the season, but that is only thanks to a huge effort on a few people's part — not least to my GAP Motorsport team, especially Andrew Goslett and my dad - both of whom I must extend huge thanks for the perfect car. “It takes a few tough seasons to fully appreciate a run like this, never mind hard work back in the shop, on the simulator, at the gym and in testing, so long may it continue.
“Also a special word of thanks to our partners and loyal sponsors who make it possible for us to race and win — CIR Construction, La Vie de Luc Mineral Water and Accelerate Special Gasoline for that extra little advantage; acciDent Guru, Franschhoek Sign Co for a great looking car, Takis Place, Bob Ric Motors and Motorsport Media. “Now it’s a matter of keeping the momentum going for the second half of the season — can’t wait!”
Giordano races next at Killarney’s Women’s Day long weekend Wingfield Power Series Races Saturday 10 August.
Issued on behalf of Giordano Lupini
What | : | BurlyPro GTi Challenge Round 5 Report |
Where | : | Killarney International Raceway, Cape Town |
When | : | Saturday 6 July 2019 |
Community | : | Cape Town, Western Province. |
For further information please contact michele@lupini.co.za
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