Images by Micheal Ward and David Fuller

Stephan Hodgetts from Mardi Gras Motorsport takes 2 wins from 2 races at Silverstone.

Silverstone (25rd June, 2010). The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB joined some of the world’s most historic and valuable classic race cars this weekend and showed that the Abarth motorsport tradition is alive and well. The Silverstone Classic provided thousands of race fans with an opportunity to see the Abarth brand in action over three days at the home of the British Grand Prix.

On Friday, Stephan Hodgetts began his successful weekend by qualifying 1.397 seconds quicker than the current Championship leader Ben Winrow and Benny Simonsen returning to the series after an absence of 2 races. Qualifying was followed by a special celebrity race in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund featuring personalities from the stage and screen and the Abarth 500.

In the battle of the rock-stars and television chefs, Rick Parfitt Jnr took the glory, but there was more Abarth action to come.

On Saturday, Stephan Hodgetts led from start to finish taking his Mardi Gras Motorsport car to the top spot of the podium for the 4th time in 2010. Ben Winrow, thinking about the overall championship was content with second place and Charlie Butler-Henderson closed the gap on the front runners and was rewarded with 3rd place.

12 cars lined up on the grid early on Sunday morning in what turned out to be almost an exact repeat of Saturday’s racing. Stephan Hodgetts led from start to finish in a commanding performance that showcased just how the Mardi Gras Motorsport driver has come to grips with this Abarth 500 car. Ben Winrow continued accumulating points with another 2nd and Butler-Henderson improved again to take 3rd.

Hodgetts commented on the weekend:

It’s been a great weekend and I’ve had a lot of fun out there. The cars are fantastic fun to drive – half an hour driving around a beautiful circuit like this looking at the lap boards, pushing myself every lap is great. Everything came together and with the support of BuildBase, Mardi Gras Motorsport were able to give me a great car.

Ben Winrow has his eyes on the overall championship. He said after the race:

Of course the Championship is always in the back of my mind. We did the job that we came here to do this weekend. Two 2nd place finishes and minimal points loss to Stephan and that’s important going away from Silverstone. I think we will be a lot closer at Brands Hatch.

Fans also enjoyed the weekend. One said:

There are some incredible cars here this weekend, some that I have only ever seen in books. The classic is one of my favourite events of the year and to be able to see the new Abarths and some of the historic Abarth cars all in one weekend makes it even better. It looks like the scorpion has indeed returned.

The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB will now take a break until the series joins DTM at Brands Hatch on the 4th-5th of September.

Stephan Hodgetts led from start to finish in the first race of the weekend for the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB at the 2010 Silverstone Classic. Hodgetts started from pole position after qualifying over a second quicker than his nearest rival, Ben Winrow.

After waiting in bright sunshine all day and taking advantage of some unique hospitality including massages from the Ibiza Angels, the drivers had to contend with a light sprinkle of rain several laps into the race. But a few drops of rain were not enough to stop Hodgetts who repeated his victory from April.

Charlie Butler-Henderson continued to add points to his Championship total with a solid 3rd place ahead of Josh Wakefield whose team worked through the night to rebuild his car after an incident in qualifying.

There will be more Trofeo Abarth 500 action tomorrow with race two starting early at 9am.

Classics, Celebrities and Crowds were the order of the day at the Siverstone Classic today.

Silverstone (23rd June, 2010). Stephan Hodgetts stamped his authority on the Trofeo Abarth 500 field today, qualifying on Pole Position for Saturday’s race at the Silverstone Classic.

Hodgetts, driving for Mardi Gras Motorsport was 1.397 seconds quicker than second placed qualifier Ben Winrow. Charlie Butler-Henderson qualified 3rd ahead of Benny Simonsen.

A total of 12 cars took part in qualifying in front of a huge Silverstone Classic crowd. Joining regulars like Josh Wakefield, Cassey Watson, Matt Shead and Paul Smith were Carl Bradley, Chris Smith and Marco Pullen.

Qualifying for the Trofeo Abartth 500 GB preceded a special charity race in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund. TV Chefs james Martin and Heston Blumenthal joined musicians Rick Parfitt Jnr and Neil Primrose. The race is also a tribute to the distinguished racing heritage of the Abarth Brand.

Tomorrow, there will be more Abarth action at the Silverstone Classic. Mark Jefferies will wow the crowd at lunchtime with the exhilerating and spectacular unlimited freestyle aerobatic display and the Trofeo will be on track at 17:00.

James Martin is one of two world renowned chefs who will line up on the grid for the BSM Centenary Abarth 500 Celebrity Challenge taking place at the Silverstone Classic on Friday 23rd July, but the ‘Saturday Kitchen’ host has an advantage over his culinary rival Heston Blumenthal. James is a renowned petrol head with a love of fast cars.

“I’ve actually been along to the Silverstone Classic before,” he says. “I’m into that sort of thing as I own a few classic cars so the event is right up my street. I’m planning to take one of my own cars along there next year to race it, so taking part in the celebrity race this time round is a bit of a warm up for me.”

So how does he think he’ll fare against Heston and the rest of the celebrity line-up?

“I’ve head that Heston’s been getting some sneaky practice in – which is typical of a 3* Michelin chef! If he gets his glasses on the right way round he might be OK but he’ll need to put down his test tubes and grab the gearstick if he’s going to keep up – there’s only room for one chef on that podium!” James jokes. “Seriously though, I’m just looking forward to getting out on the track. It’s set to be a great event – and it’s going to raise a bit of money for a great charity too and that’s what it’s really all about.”

More at http://www.silverstoneclassic.com/news

The 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB is the first ever season racing cars for CMS driver Matt Shead. We caught up with Matt at Snetterton to learn a bit more about his career and what he’s into. Find out more, including Matt’s surprising choice of ‘favourite car’… Matt Shead’s Driver Profile.

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More Trofeo Abarth 500 GB Photos….

Winrow, Watson and Wakefield were the names of the top three drivers in the Sunday race of the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB at Snetterton.

Snetterton (27th June, 2010). The 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB has seen some close racing between experienced drivers and up and coming talent. This weekend, newcomers Josh Wakefield and Cassey (KC) Watson, who have been improving with each round, finally made it into the top three.

After Stefan Hodgetts set the fastest lap in qualifying on Saturday to start Race 7 of the series on Pole Position, he was one of 3 drivers to recieve drive through penalties from race officials taking a strict line on driving standards at the Norfolk circuit. Saturdays’ race was won by Ben Winrow, with Hodgetts second. Josh Wakefield, who has been improving all year also recieved a drive through penalty, but drove a great race to finish third – his first podium for 2010.

On Sunday, Stefan Hodgetts and Ben Winrow, competing for all important championship points raced hard into the first corner with Winrow coming off best. Many of the leading drivers were caught up in the incident which gave a great opportunity to Cassey (KC) Watson and Matt Shead to show how much they have improved since the Cadwell round.

Watson and her Lunar Racing/Thames Abarth Dealer team have made significant changes to the setup of her car since Cadwell Park and she showed that she has the speed and talent to compete at the top end of the field, while Shead was pressured by Josh Wakefield, bouyed by his Saturday success. Wakefield eventually chased down and passed Shead to take his second podium of the weekend with Shead, going off to score an unlucky DNF afeter a good showing, near the end of the race.

The results of Race 8 of the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB were Ben Winrow first, Cassey Watson second and Josh Wakefield thrid.

Winrow said:

Unfortunately there was a touch at the first turn, but we were on pole and had the inside position… it’s unfortunate but that’s racing. Stefan is a great driver and there are some good drivers in the trofeo Abarth 500 GB really getting on the pace. Well done to Cassey and Josh. I’d like to thank my sponsors, MSS, Stratos Systems and Research Garage Abarth for their support and I’m looking forward to the Silverstone Classic which will be a great event.”

Watson said:

“It’s been a great weekend. It was the best race I have had so far. I was hopeful that the changes that the team made to the car would lead to an improvement, but this is much more than I was expecting, so I am really pleased. The guys at Lunar Racing have been  a great team and I really appreciate the support from Thames Abarth in Slough.”

Wakefield said:

“This is the best weekend of racing I’ve had in my career so far with two 3rd place finishes… there’s more to come from me and the car. I’m third in the championship now and I’m focussed on keeping things going in the right direction. This is real racing and I’m grateful for the support of my Mum and Dad, family and friends to make this possible!”

Sunday’s race means that Ben Winrow now leads the 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB from Charlie Butler-Henderson and Josh Wakefield.

The next race will take place at the popular Siverstone Classic at Silverstone in July.

Race 8 Results – Sunday – Snetterton

1. (4)         Ben Winrow, Pyro Motorsport
2. (72)       Cassey Watson, Lunar Racing
3. (45)       Josh Wakefield, Advent MTS
4. (7)         Charlie Butler-Henderson, Advent MTS
5. (11)       Sarah Franklin, Reflex Racing GB
6. (77)       Alistair Barclay

DNF    (81)       Matt Shead, CMS

DNF      (3)         Stefan Hodgetts, Mardi Gras

Wakefield’s First Time on the Abarth 500 Podium in 2010

The Snetterton sun helped to heat up the competition in the 4th round of the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB. Race 7 of the championship gave some new faces a chance to step onto the podium after race officials held drivers to high quality driving standards and applied drive through penalties to several of the leaders.

After 30 minutes, Ben Winrow, driving for Pyro Motorsport, sponsored by Stratos Systems, stood on the top step of the podium. It was his 2nd race win for 2010.

Stefan Hodgetts, the Mardi Gras Motorsport driver sponsoered by Helix Cluches and Buidbase, who started from pole position came second after serving a penalty early in the race.

17 year old Josh Wakefield benefited from the retirement of Paul Smith and a penalty to current championship leader Charlie Butler-Henderson. Wakefield aslo served a drive-through penalty and then raced closely with a much improved Cassey (KC) Watson for his first visit to the podium this year. Cassey proved she has the pace to run with the leading pack and has adapted her driving style to get the most out of the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

Ben Winrow set the fastest time of the race (1:20.719) so will start on pole for tomorrow’s race at 15:00 tomorrow.

The crowds at Snetterton will also be treated to a spectacular aerobatic display from Mark Jefferies at 1pm tomorrow – always a crowd pleaser Mark will be doing a display sequence that pushes the performance of his Abarth sponsored Extra 330sc to its limits.

Provisional  Results from Race 7.