GULFAIR GOLF RETIRES FROM SPA ENDURO

Mechanical gremlins blighted the GulfAir team's hopes of success in yesterday's (Sun) Spa 1000km race, but the team's Golf GTI was one of the stars of the event.

Driven by Stuart Scott, Steve Wood and Mark Sumpter, the turbocharged Golf shone in qualifying and the early stages of the race at the Belgian Grand Prix circuit.

The GulfAir car lined up in fourth position in class on the grid, well ahead of its British GT Championship rivals from the Morgan and Lotus teams and, with Sumpter at the wheel for the first two-hour driving stint, moved into third in class in the race.

But close to the end of Sumpter's session disaster struck when the Golf was struck by the Dome sportscar of Dutchman Jan Lammers. "Our car spun off at Pouhon corner," said Scott, "and ended up on its side in the gravel trap. But there was very little damage and the track marshals were able to right it and get Mark on his way again."

Despite the loss of 10 minutes the Golf seemed in good shape and Steve Wood took over at the wheel to stage a fight-back drive.

Alas within half an hour the Golf was in trouble again... "Steve lost first and second gears and we had to pull out of the race," said Stuart. "Whether the accident caused the problem or whether it was unrelated we don't yet know. It's a great shame because the car was going really well and we looked set for a podium placing."

The Brackley-based team is planning to be back in action with the Golf GTI at Brands Hatch on 28 September.

Aug 22nd 2003