“With the season nearing the half-way point, we headed toÌýthe home of the British GP for Round 3 at Silverstone. With the forecast looking to be red hot, and the entry list showing 62 cars, it was going to be a challenging weekend!

“Qualifying with a two-driver team is always going to be difficult, especially on the longer circuits as we effectively lose 7-8 mins of the 25-min session with an in-lap, driver change and out lap et cetera – let alone getting your eye in quickly to put in fast laps with 61 other cars contesting the same piece of tarmac! With that said, we managed to hustle the car to P7 in class which with no testing and a few new chassis updates we were happy it was a good place to start the race!”

“Having sat for 20 mins in full race gear in the baking heat in the holding area, the race rolling start was a bit of an odd event, as when starting 27th in a packed grid with a lot of TCR cars and higher horsepower Class A cars, you can’t actually see the starting lights due to the nature of the curved start/finish straight. So, the first lap was a case of consolidating position, staying out of trouble and picking a few slow starting cars off. The temperature in the cockpit by this point was already getting to uncomfortable with the ambient temp being nearly 30°C. Whilst the first half of the race continued, Henry managed to pass a couple fellow Class B runners and continue the slow but steady climb up the standings, helped by a few runners having heat related, and other issues. As it neared the end of the pitstop window, Henry managed to pick off the current class leader whilst battling through traffic heading down the Wellington straight promoting us to 4th in class. The next lap, Kev took the reins and set about consolidating the position with some high pressure from fellow Mk5 GTI driver, Josh Johnson. However, managing to complete the job allowing us to cross the line in 4th in class, just shy of the podium. A solid effort to make up 3 places from our qualifying position.”

“The post-race checks on 2 of the podium-finishing cars found them to be the wrong side of the regulations, one for weight infringement, one for ride height, thus promoting us to 2ndÌýin class! A welcome result with all the hard work going on in the background on performance a reliability. Needless to say, the 355mm 6-pot Apollo big brake kit equipped with RP-X compound pads didn’t miss a beat, dealing with the hot temperatures, and giving high confidence from start to finish. We are also seeing impressive wear rates for both disc and pads given the harsh environment and relative heavy weight of the car. It’s nice to be able to largely forget about that factor as we know it ‘just works’! The rear setup utilising OEM equivalent Ultimax discs and pads is also surpassing expectations given the beating they receive!

“With our (so far) consistent results this year, and constant development with the car, we currently head into Round 4 at Anglesey at the end of June heading the Class leaderboard – a genuinely amazing place to be with it being our first campaign in the 750mc Roadsports formula. Hopefully the second half of the seasons continues in the same way!�

“With the success of 2025 behind us, winning the MSVR Trackday Championship overall, we set our sights on a different goal for 2026: the Roadsports Championship hosted by 750MC would be where we plan to do battle. With a very similar format, but slightly higher power categories and faster pit stops, it sets a very different challenge.Ìý

“Over the winter, the car has received a slight power hike with a bigger turbo and supporting mods, along with some other minor upgrades. Rear brakes have been upgraded to factory Mk5 Golf R32 vented ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ plain discs, and Ultimax2 pads with slightly larger diameter; not necessarily for more brake force, but a more consistent temperature window, as the rears are worked quite hard with the OEM ABS system. This, matched with the now tried-and-tested ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Apollo 6 pot 355x32mm front big brake kit, and our ‘go-to’ RP-X compound pads.”

“Round 1 was held at the Croft circuit near Darlington, with the weather looking to be mixed to say the least. Qualifying started in wet conditions. We readied the car with a known good wet setup and Kev rolled out to see where we were pace wise.

“Having no previous running against the new field of competitors (26 in our Class B!), it was a complete unknown at this stage. As Kev pulled in after his stint, we were sat in P2 initially – a great start! Henry jumped in for the final few laps with the track conditions improving quickly, but unfortunately a combination of traffic, an odd red flag due to a circuit electrical glitch, and various other racing driver excuses!, we ended the session in P5.

“Still a very respectable start to the campaign. It’s always been a bit of a disadvantage having 2 drivers in a sprint enduro format, as you lose half the session changing drivers and getting back up to speed, whilst single driver entrants keep lapping. Especially in changeable conditions.

Ìý“The new brake setup was proving a vast improvement in terms of feel and temperature consistency, so we were very happy with the confidence that was giving us in the bumpy braking zones.”

“The race was full of excitement, the weather constantly changing throughout. The rolling start went without issue and first five cars including us started to pull away from the remaining pack. With contact up ahead from a bold move into the Complex saw us take advantage and up to P3, using our normal measured approach. A lap later the leader went off going into the Complex too! P2.

“A few laps went by before the previous leading car of Packer was back on our rear bumper, he went through on the inside into the Complex, allowing all 3 leading cars to bunch up nicely heading down into Tower corner the following lap, where Packer re-took the lead. I ceased the opportunity to follow him through with a late brake manoeuvre both going past the leading Mk7 Golf back into P2.”

“On the way into the pits, a lapped Porsche Boxster held us up for half a lap, unfortunately meaning Kev came out the pits now in P4. Soon after Kev’s pit exit, there was a safety car due to a crashed Vauxhall Corsa, meaning it would be a 3-lap sprint to the end. The 3^rdÌýplaced BMW Z4 seemed a long way ahead on the penultimate lap, with the added hassle of a lapped VW Scirocco in-between Kev and his target. A very committed move past the backmarker through the left hander of the Esses, subsequently forcing the BMW to out brake himself into Sunny-in. Kev lined up the move into the harpin after getting right up under the bumper through the Complex. taking the P3 spot!

“A podium first time out! Couldn’t be happier with that, especially with the quality of the machinery we were up against. The car was faultless through all the different conditions. Ultimate confidence on the middle pedal making the difference for us once again.ÌýÌý

“Next round – Brands Hatch GPÌýon May 3^rd! Bring it on…â€�

Photo credits: Jonathan Elsey

“The 2025 season has been a memorable one for Nicole Drought and the Motion Motorsport ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing Honda Civic Type R, with a campaign full of highs, challenges, and some unforgettable performances that perfectly showcased the strength of both driver and team – and the reliability and performance of ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing products under extreme competition.

“From the opening round at Snetterton, Nicole made her intentions clear. A commanding performance saw her take pole position, fastest lap, and race victory, securing maximum points and placing the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing Civic firmly at the top of the championship standings. It was the perfect start to the year and a powerful demonstration of the performance advantage offered by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing components, trusted by Motion Motorsport across every race weekend.

“Round Two at Silverstone continued that momentum. Nicole once again took pole position before engaging in a thrilling battle with Matt Swaffer’s BMW. Showing both speed and composure, she came out on top to claim her second win of the season, again setting fastest lap in the process. It was another textbook display of precision driving and confidence in her ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing-equipped Civic, further extending her championship lead heading into the summer break.”

“As the season unfolded, Nicole continued to impress. At Donington Park, she once again showed her pace by leading much of qualifying and mastering some of the worst weather conditions seen all year. Despite an unfortunate off caused by standing water, her earlier speed underlined both her talent and the car’s potential.

“Oulton Park brought more drama and determination. After early brake issues in qualifying, the team fitted New ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ SR-11 sintered pads, transforming the car’s balance and performance. Nicole immediately fought her way up the field, showcasing both her racecraft and the consistency of ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ under pressure. Coming home first on the road, taking the checker flag, Although a pitstop timing issue dropped her down the order post-race, the pace was undeniable — and a reminder of just how competitive the Civic package had become.”

“At Cadwell Park, Nicole once again delivered, securing another podium finish after a thrilling drive through the field. Despite battling dehydration and challenging conditions, she pushed hard to close a six-second deficit, taking valuable points and keeping her championship hopes alive.

“Croft Circuit brought further frustration with a mechanical issue ending a dominant run, but not before Nicole had once again claimed pole position, fastest lap, and led convincingly before her retirement. It was another weekend that proved the combination of ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing technology and Motion Motorsport engineering could go wheel-to-wheel with the very best.

“Although Nicole will be unable to contest the Brands Hatch finale, her seat will be filled by last season’s teammate, Justin Roberts, who will return to the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing Civic for the final round. The team and partners are proud of what Nicole has achieved throughout 2025 – her commitment, pace, and professionalism have been first class, and she’s represented ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing and all her personal sponsors with passion and determination at every event.â€�

Oulton Park International – Round 4

“Weather looked warm for the weekend – a nice change from the monsoon conditions of Donington where we scored the car’s maiden victory! We readied the car for qualifying. With very little changed from the last round apart from basic setup changes to adapt to the dry conditions, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ RP-X front pads combined with the Apollo 6 pot brake kit barely showing any signs of wear from the last round up front. The Ultimax 2 pads in the rear also showing signs of fantastic durability after 2 rounds in the rear. Again, we didn’t test prior to round so we had to make sure everything was on point prior so we could hit the ground running in Qualifying.

“The car instantly felt good, with a nice balance. This was the first proper use of the 6 pots in the dry. With some big braking zones at Oulton, it was clear good stopping capability would be essential as well as consistent feel for optimum performance. Managing to put the car right in the mix at the front was going to be critical to ensure we could capitalise. With 3^rd place secured we did exactly that.”

“A quick bleed of the brakes to ensure fresh fluid was in the system, Henry lined up for the race start. With an aim of consolidating a podium finish, he set about the race start. Managing to defend some early attacks round the first corner he settled into the rhythm of the first lap. A committed move from fellow ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ-backed stablemate, Nicole Drought, into cascades saw us momentarily drop down to 4^th place. The first 4 cars pulling away from the pack it was clear this was going to be a race of 2 halves! With a safety car intervention, the cars streamed into the pits bumper to bumper. A mis-judged stop by the Civic of Nicole would leave them unfortunately out of contention from that point onwards. Leaving the top 3 cars battling for the top step after Kev had taken over from the pit stop. With an impressive move on the Mk6 Golf of Jack and George Wright into Lodge Corner on the brakes early in his stint Kev set about chasing the super consistent Matt Swaffer in his 130i BMW. His pace was to be rewarded with the victory having defended a late charge from Kev finishing a mere 2 seconds behind. 2^ndÌýplace! A great result. Making it 3 podiums finishes in row from the newly acquired Golf.

“The back-to-back podiums feeling very rewarding after all the hard work and early development with the car. – There’s still so much more to come too! Safe to say we’re very much in the right ballpark in the braking department though. The ability to drive hard all race long with such consistent pedal feel, and wear characteristics that are extremely impressive given their use and weight of the car. Next round Cadwell Park!�

Cadwell Park – Round 5

“Cadwell Park: not a firm favourite of Henry’s. However, Kev seems to enjoy it! You can guess who will be starting the race here for us… Despite not having a bad record here and generally going well, it’s not been a place I’ve ever really gelled with. This all changed a little bit when we rolled the car out for qualifying. Again, with no testing prior, we bolted a set of new tyres (the first new set since we started testing in April) and set about trying to get ourselves in contention with the host of front running cars that had tested the previous day. The car felt absolutely superb, With Henry and Kev both managing to lap within 2 tenths, albeit making time in totally different ways and sections of the track having looked at the data! The session finished with us 4^thÌýoverall. Knowing that there was plenty left on the plate performance wise. The car’s brake balance with multitude of different corners and elevations was confidence inspiring to say the least.

“Kev started the race with it being one of his preferred tracks, and immediately got off to a good start making short work of 3^rd place round the outside into turn 1. Immediately setting his sights on the BMW of Matt Swaffers who appeared to be struggling to get up to speed straight away. A challenge that lasted another 4 corners before Kev committed an excellent move down the inside into the downhill left hander at Mansfield, finishing the move into the entry of the mountain section. Up to second place on lap 1.”

“This set the tone for the whole first half of the race. With Kev and the Mk6 Golf of Jack and George Wright pulling clear of the rest of the pack. With the pit stops completed, Henry jumped in hoping to consolidate to great work Kev had started. After a couple of laps of adjustment to how the car was handling, and the gap to 1^stÌýstable, Henry set about narrowing the gap to the Golf. Keeping an eye on the hard charging Civic of Nicole behind. With 1 lap to go, Henry was right on the bumper of the Golf having stabilised the gap to 3^rd. A back marker decided to place himself right in the wrong place into turn one defusing any chance of lining up a pass at the end of the Park Straight frustratingly! With the narrowness and twistiness of the Cadwell Park Circuit, another passing opportunity wasn’t to present itself. Crossing the line a mere 0.2 seconds off the winning Golf. Ìý

“Another fantastic result in the bank. With the championship starting to take place, this leaves us leading Class B and 2^ndÌýoverall. With 2 rounds to go, it’s going to be important to maintain the momentum! It’s all to play for! Next round Croft Circuit!â€�

“I have been searching for a solution to the brakes on my 2019 Golf R since I first tracked the car. The braking system, while good on the street, is not track worthy. Add a Stage 2 tune, suspension upgrades and DOT R sticky tires, and you make the problem worse.Ìý

“Through the years of ownership, I have tried different pad, rotor and racing brake fluid combinations with no success. The brakes are good for about three laps, then fade/warp unless I brake very early and light into the heavy brake zones. If I pushed hard for the weekend, I would get one weekend out of the brake pads and rotors. Frequent caliper rebuilds were required as the seals would be damaged due to the excess heat.”

“A couple years ago, I tried ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s RP-X pads. They were the first pads that lasted the entire weekend posting fast lap times and had plenty of pad left.ÌýUnfortunately, the brakes ran hot and chewed up a set of another manufacturers’ rotors. I reached out to ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ in 2023 as I had finally found a set of pads that worked great and would last more than a weekend of fast laps.

“Through ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ, I learned that heat was the biggest enemy.ÌýTheyÌýshowed me how to achieve an ‘intermediate’ solution to the brakes without going to a BBK. Rotor temperatures would exceed 1,500°F/800°C when I used brake temperature paint.

“Using ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s new sintered race pads, the SR-1s and their new two-piece floating rotors, I was able to have a great brake system that lasted multiple events over two years. The final key was using brake ducts to direct the air into the center of the floating rotors to maximize brake cooling. This got the brake temperatures down to the 1,100°F/593°C range. Brake cooling ducts are mandatory on this platform!”

“I was very interested in ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s 6 piston Apollo BBK.ÌýHowever, the temperatures I achieved out on the track could pose a problem with any painted caliper. I learned of ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s racing caliper which has specific features designed to handle the stress at the race track. From the hard anodized finish, the high temperature seals and steel castellated pistons, it seemed like the perfect final solution for the Golf R’s brakes.

“I installed ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s 6 piston racing calipers BBK on my 2019 Golf R in late September 2025 for my next track event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The difference was night and day. I had read that ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s Balanced Big Brake Kit focuses on the entire brake system. I can share from my experience this is not marketing hype. The brakes felt much firmer and the car did not pitch to the front under initial braking as quickly. The car had more of a squat under braking. This kept the car much more stable under heavy braking. The brakes were much more linear which inspired confidence. The 6R calipers require more pedal effort, making it much easier to modulate the pedal as you approach threshold braking. I used the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ 307+ racing brake fluid supplied in the kit. I was very impressed by how solid the pedal felt under all conditions. Absolutely no issues with the brake fluid all weekend of fast laps.”

“Simply put, the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ 6 piston racing caliper BBK setup was awesome.ÌýI tried both RP-X and SR-11 pads front and rear and both were exceptional. My braking distances down the back straight at Mid-Ohio went from the 500 marker to approaching the 400 marker with more confidence than the best setup with the stock calipers.ÌýGoing forward, the SR-11 pad will be my pad of choice for three-day track events.ÌýThe RP-X is an excellent choice for Time Attacks and autocross.â€�

Round 3 – Donington Park GPÌý

“Round 3 of the Trackday Championship took us to the not so sunny Donington Park circuit in GP format.

“The Clubracer Golf had been subject to some upgrades after its impressive 3^rdÌýplace at Silverstone, where it had shown good pace throughout the weekend despite its lack of testing, and our familiarity with the platform.

“The newly fitted ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Apollo 6-pot Motorsport Big Brake kit grabbing the attention of many as we had the car up on stands preparing a full wet weather setup for the days racing. The 355mm x 32mm floating disc setup looking menacing behind the 18â€� wheels. With our old tried and tested ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ RP-X pads up front, combined with some Ultimax 2 rear pads, we had all the reason to be confident going into the weekend on the hardest track in the country on brakes.”

“With the rain falling hard before qualifying, and our total lack of testing in the wet with the Golf, it was a case of applying previous experience in setup and wet racing line to try and get the best of things. Championship leader Nicole Drought, in her ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing Apollo-equipped Civic Type R, was straight out the gate into provisional pole in the wet conditions, getting up to pace almost instantly. The first few laps were a case of finding the balance and grip forÌýHenry, who handed the car over to Kev at the session halfway point. With the Civic in the pits assuming it was job done, Kev set about the final lap in the session having the got familiar with the car and conditions very quickly as the rain eased slightly. A blistering lap putting the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ/Helix Golf on pole by 2 tenths of a second as the flagged dropped, before Nicole could get a chance to respond. Locking out the front row with the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ-equipped cars.

“With the rain falling harder and harder, Kev strapped himself into the car, ready to do battle. With the conditions as they were, race control opted for a rolling start to try and minimise risk. Kev got a great run and maintained the lead from the hard-charging Civic of Nicole. As the two leaders pulled a 14-second gap together away from 3^rd place, the rain was still falling harder. Kevin showing absolute composure under pressure. A rare error from the Civic entering the infamous Craner Curves on standing water and proceeding impact with the tyre wall prompted a safety car, then a red flag as multiple cars required recovery in dangerous positions.”

“As the red lights fell for the standing restart, Kev again managed a faultless getaway, pulling clear of the field before pitting to change over toÌýHenry. The rain having eased slightly at the point he left the pits only to find a hard charging Charlie Palk in the distinctive lime green Scirocco (also equipped with ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ pads all-round on our recommendation) who was up to speed after his stop and filling up our mirrors. The gap changing constantly with the flow of back markers and traffic, withÌýHenryÌýmanaging to find some imaginative gaps along the way eventually breaking free slightly. With the hard work done, a few more laps managing the situation led to us bring the car home for its maiden win in the TDC.

“The new Apollo Big Brake Kit having performed faultlessly in combination with the standard ABS system. Untested and unknown, bolted on two days prior to the race meeting. Taking pole and the overall and class win a testament to the quality and performance we’ve relied on for the last four years.Ìý

“With the championship all of a sudden blown wide open, it’s all to play for heading into Round 4 at Oulton Park…�

“ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ racer Nicole Drought saw her run of podium finishes come to an abrupt end in Round 3 of the Trackday Championship at the iconic Donington Park GP circuit, following a high-speed crash during treacherous wet conditions.

“Drought had dominated a soaked qualifying session in her ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ-backed Honda Civic Type R, setting the pace early and holding an impressive 2.7-second gap to the rest of the field. With 10 minutes remaining, she brought her Motion Motorsport-prepared machine into the pits, believing the time could be safe. However, as the track improved slightly in the closing laps, lap times began to tumble. Nicole narrowly missed the opportunity to start one final flying lap – the chequered flag falling just seconds before she crossed the line, denying her a chance to reclaim pole. She was ultimately pipped by fellow ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ-supported Clubracer Motorsport, whose turbocharged Golf GTI took the top spot in the dying seconds.

“Despite the disappointment, Nicole lined up P2 on the grid for the start of a race that was heavily impacted by the weather. The decision was made to start proceedings under the safety car due to standing water and visibility concerns.”

“When racing got underway, Nicole held firm in second position, applying constant pressure to the leading Golf GTI throughout the opening laps. Her confidence and car control in the wet were on full display, especially in the corners where she was consistently closing in on the race leader. However, the superior straight-line power of the turbocharged GTI made it difficult to mount a serious overtaking attempt down Donington’s long straights.

“Then, disaster struck. On lap seven, as Nicole attacked the infamous Craner Curves, her car suddenly stepped out mid-corner and entered an uncontrollable slide. Despite her best efforts, the car veered off and made heavy contact with the tyre wall, bringing her race to a premature end and triggering a safety car.

“The incident marks the first time in over 2 seasons Nicole has failed to reach the podium, a hard pill to swallow for the fiercely competitive Irish driver.”

“I’ve never been caught out like that before, so it’s all very odd,� Nicole said post-race. “I felt so comfortable up to that point, so it’s a shock to the system to be honest. Even though I had the lead car under pressure, I just can’t quite understand how it all happened, it broke away so fast, I was a passenger at that point… just gutted. It’s an unnecessary loss of points, and just something we didn’t need so close to the Oulton Park round, one I’m looking forward to so much. I’m incredibly lucky to have the best bunch of people around me who are there no matter what, and that means the world—but this one’s a hard one to take.�

“Motion Motorsport, who prepare Nicole’s car, will begin immediate repairs with the aim of having the car fully race-ready in time for Round 4 at Oulton Park in a few weeks’ time.

“Despite the setback, Nicole remains focused and determined as the championship battle continues – and with her pace clearly among the best in the field, there’s no doubt she’ll come back stronger.�

Round 2 – Silverstone GPÌý

“Round 2 took us to sunny Northamptonshire and Silverstone Circuit – home of the British GP. A rare club motorsport visit to the full GP circuit.

“With the engine issues of Round 1 behind us, and the car clad with some new ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ SR-21 pads, and new two-piece floating discs in combination with the beautiful hard anodised four-pot callipers up front, as well as ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Yellowstuff matched with Ultimax grooved discs on the rear, we were confident of a better weekend!

“Qualifying is always a compromise with two drivers, due to the required mandatory driver change. Once you’re up to speed, you have to change drivers. All within the 25-minute session time. This made even harder with a long lap time, with the in and out laps. That said, we quickly got to grips with task in hand and made the best of the 3-4 laps we had each… Putting the car on the second row of the grid in 4^th.”

“The race itself started with a sizable safety car period after a start-line collision which neutralised things whilst they recovered cars, and ensured drivers were ok – thankfully that being the case.

“Once the safety car peeled in, the top four cars including our Golf, made a break from the rest of the pack. Henry had the best view of the battle between 2^ndÌýand 3^rdÌýplace which he positioned himself in prime position waiting for any opportunity. Carefully waiting and watching the battle unfold, aware that they were compromising themselves in the hunt for the lead!

“The battle headed all the way into the pits, where the swift driver change, and perfectly timed exit saw us come out in a favourable 3^rdÌýposition overall. Kev making the sensible decision to manage the race and get some very good points and podium finish under our belts by not getting in any trouble and confirm our position as a top Class B contender this year.

“A very respectable finish in our first race finish with the car! There is so much more to come, and development to exploit yet.

“The braking package is testament the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ products we are used to. Being able to sustain the temps and harsh usage required to be the front. The confidence in the package is critical to any success.â€�

“After a triumphant victory in round one at Snetterton, where she secured pole position and clinched the fastest lap, Nicole entered round two brimming with confidence and ambition. Her dream was to win on the historic Silverstone GP circuit – a track that the MSVT roadshow had never raced on before in the TDC Championship.

“Despite having only a 20-minute test session, Nicole’s skill and the reliability of her ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Racing Honda Civic Type R earned her pole position for the afternoon’s TDC event. She shared the front row with fellow racer Matt Swaffer in his 3.0-litre BMW, setting the stage for an exhilarating race.”

“The race began with Swaffer taking the lead into turn one, but Nicole was relentless in her pursuit. She expertly manoeuvred through the Maggots and Becketts complex, overtaking Swaffer around Stowe on the opening lap. However, the excitement was momentarily halted by the deployment of the safety car due to a severe crash involving Charlie Palk and Jordan Honeybone. Fortunately, both drivers were unharmed, though their cars were not as lucky.

“After three laps behind the safety car, the race resumed with Nicole and her Apollo big brake-equipped ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Honda in the lead. She navigated the mandatory pit stops with precision, maintaining her position despite immense pressure from Swaffer’s BMW. Lapping traffic posed a minor challenge, but Nicole’s composure and skill allowed her to handle it effortlessly. She dealt with the slower, underpowered cars and parried all of Swaffer’s attempts to unsettle her performance.”

“The sight of the chequered flag was a triumphant end to the second race of the season, putting Nicole on maximum points for the overall Championship. Another perfect race day added to her impressive record.

“Nicole’s stellar performance is a testament to her high-level racing capabilities. It’s refreshing to see such a talented woman setting the benchmark in the TDC Championship. Since 2023, she has entered 11 rounds with the TDC and TDT, securing podium finishes at every event, solidifying her status as an exceptional racer and a formidable competitor in the championship.â€�

“2024 Trackday Championship Champion Nicole Drought began her title defence in an exemplary fashion at Snetterton this weekend. By qualifying in pole position, setting the fastest lap, and securing victory in the opening race of the season, Nicole showcased her prowess and determination.

“In preparation for the race, Nicole collaborated with four-time BTCC Champion Colin Turkington during Friday’s testing session. This all-Irish partnership resulted in critical setup changes to her ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Honda Civic, enhancing its performance.

“The adjustments paid off during a closely contested qualifying session, where Nicole emerged in the vital pole position, ready to lead the 27-strong field.”

“As the lights changed, Nicole faced immediate competition from Matt Swaffer’s rear-wheel-drive BMW, which narrowly beat her off the line. However, a skilful manoeuvre out of the final corner allowed Nicole to pull ahead and slice down the inside at turn one, reclaiming the lead as they commenced the second lap. From this point, both drivers distanced themselves from the pack, with Nicole comfortably leading while vigilantly monitoring her mirrors.

“Upon the opening of the pit stop window, the BMW opted for an earlier pit stop while Nicole maximised her stint on the track. When she eventually pitted and re-joined the race, the BMW challenged the Civic once more, heading towards turn one side by side. Nicole, holding her inside line decisively, retained her lead. Demonstrating her driving finesse, the Tipperary native steadily extended her advantage, ultimately crossing the finish line nearly four seconds ahead of the BMW, with the rest of the field trailed an additional 40 seconds behind.”

“Colin Turkington, reflecting on the performance, remarked on the staggering braking capabilities of Nicole’s ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Honda Civic. He noted, “I was completely taken aback by just how good Nicole’s ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Honda Civic was under braking. Snetterton has always been a great test circuit, so an ideal venue for me to fully understand the car’s capabilities. I immediately had confidence in the big brake zones, enabling me to push the limits and lower lap times with each session.’’

“Nicole Drought’s exceptional start to the season sets a promising tone for her championship defence, demonstrating her skill, strategic acumen, and potential for continued success in the 2025 TDC Championship.

“Nicole Drought reflected on the weekend with great enthusiasm, stating: “Pretty much the perfect start to the season. Everyone has worked so hard over the winter to ensure we hit the ground running. We struggled a little at Snetterton last year but a recent test at Oulton showed we had improved the car since then. It was great to work with Colin on Friday. He knows the track so well and the changes he made to the setup were great.�

“Big thanks, as ever to our sponsors and supporters; ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ, Siltex Safety, Gem Oils, Mondello Park, Joe Mallon Motors, ITM Digital and Roberts Air Conditioning for their support to make this all possible. Motion Motorsport were fantastic running the car faultlessly.â€�