Elliott Harper sets early pace at ICC
Elliott Harper has topped the opening qualifying round at the 2016 International Carpet Challenge. The Schumacher driver, running a plain green Protoform Mazda 6 bodyshell today, set a time nearly two seconds quicker than his closest challenger, Yannic Preumper. However, the German Yokomo driver did not have an easy run to second place, trading times with Olly Jefferies and top seed from practice, Viljami Kutvonen. The Finnish Awesomatix driver’s challenge essentially ended on the first lap, with a roll through the fast esses, whilst Jefferies rolled his Xray around the three minute mark, costing him one second. This left 2014 ICC winner Kyle Branson to take fourth in the round for Capricorn, with Viljami fifth and Christoper Krapp in sixth.
In the Super-Stock class, Jimmy Maddison picked up the win, leading every lap of the run. Martin Hofer worked his way up through the field to snatch second on the last lap from James Hart. Max Machler took fourth with Jamie Hickin rounding out the top five. Elsewhere in the Formula category, Martin Hofer set the best time ahead of Andrew Walters and Keith Dempsey. Qualifying continues today with three further rounds.
Thanks to Oli Meggitt for the report.