GREMLIN STRIKES GOLF AT ROCKINGHAM

Mechanical gremlins put paid to a strong run from the GulfAir Racing team in the British GT Championship at Rockingham yesterday (Sun).

Driven by Steve Wood and Stuart Scott, the squad's turbocharged Volkswagen Golf GTI was halted by a gearbox problem after 23 laps of the Northamptonshire circuit.

"We were in a strong position," said Steve. "I started the race and we were up to third in class when I handed the Golf over to Stuart and we were looking well set for a podium placing."

Steve had started very strongly and was easily beating the Morgan. It seemed only the two leading Porsches and maybe the Ferrari could out pace it.

"But two laps into Stuart's stint something went wrong with the gearbox and all he could find was neutral. It's very disappointing but hitches such as these have to be expected early in the development life of a car. We will find the problem and eradicate it."

Stuart and Steve's ART-prepared and Cambridge Business Travel-backed Golf will be in action at Thruxton in a fortnight's time.

For a full race report click here

August 4th 2003