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Michael Stephen was at real risk of falling
out of the Bridgestone Production Car title chase, but some crafty
driving and a race win at Phakisa this past weekend (5 September 2009)
has not only put him back into contention, but has moved him into third
place in the Class A Championship.
Friday’s practice sessions
didn’t show any hint of the pace that was to come out of Michael’s Audi
A4 3.2 litre quattro during Saturday’s qualifying session. Michael put
in a great lap, planting himself on pole position by six hundredths of
a second over Nissan driver Leeroy Poulter.
The first race
started and Michael’s determination was clearly evident. The multiple
SA Champ got straight to work and opened up a good lead. The rest of
the field had no answer to Michael’s pace and he took the race victory
and fastest lap unchallenged.
“We made some changes to the car
on Friday night and the team’s efforts paid off today. I was able to
put in a good lap during qualifying and that was the edge I needed to
get a clear run to the flag. I needed to get back into the championship
and have done just that. Now I need to concentrate on getting as many
points as possible in the next race,” remarked Michael after the race.
The
partially inverted race two grid meant that Michael would really have
his work cut out for him as he had to start from ninth position.
Michael
had a solid start to the race and immediately challenged Johan Fourie
(Audi) for position. Michael overtook Fourie and was lining up Leeroy
Poulter (Nissan) when Lee Thompson (BMW) spun and stopped in the middle
of the track after turn three. With nowhere to go, Poulter ploughed
into the front of the BMW, just split seconds before Michael did the
same.
The front left of the car was badly damaged and although
the Audi’s incredible handling capabilities were hindered, the fender
was not cutting into the tyre and Michael was able to nurse the car
around the 4.2 km circuit for nine laps to claim sixth position and
some more valuable championship points.
The weekend’s results
moved Michael up two positions in the championship and he now lies in
third place, six points behind Johan Fourie in second and eight points
behind the championship leader Anthony Taylor (BMW).
The next round of the championship will take place at Killarney on 26 September 2009.
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