In one of the most remarkable finishes ever seen at the Silverstone Classic, Rob Fenn and Jake Hill took a spectacular victory in the Transatlantic Trophy for Pre 66 Touring Cars, with BRDC member Hill crossing the line on three wheels following a last-lap puncture.
After taking Pole Position, Fenn started the race and was immediately embroiled in a fierce battle with Hart's Alfa Romeo and Davies' Ford Mustang. However after a big accident at Copse Corner on lap 2 the Safety Car was deployed, and as the clear-up took several minutes, it meant that the pit stop window for driver changes was looming.
A decisive call by the JDR crew saw Fenn pit first, and a slick change and spectacular get away by BTCC regular Hill saw the 'Red Rooster' back on track and charging through the field.
As the rest of the field completed their pit stops, Hill worked his way to the front, and crucially ahead of Davies and Hart, meaning a fierce battle began between Hill and Davies' Mustangs for the lead.
Hill managed to edge away but Davies strong pace on the straights saw him back again, and on lap 11 Davies attempted a pass at Vale, slamming into Hill and spinning him round.
Both drivers recovered quickly, but Hill's car was smoking from the bodywork being pushed onto the tyre, causing concerns as to whether the tyre may fail.
A fired-up Hill sliced past a co-operative Davies and back into the lead, a sporting Davies clearly giving Hill the position back as a result of the contact.
The pair continued the battle to the final lap, and on the run down Hangar Straight, at over 140mph the tyre exploded spectacularly, Hill wrestling the car straight.
Expecting Davies to blast past, a remarkable demonstration of sportsmanship saw Davies not only hold station behind Hill, but also keep a fast-charging Andy Wolfe behind, so Hill took a truly remarkable victory on three wheels!
"Oh my goodness! said Hill. "I won here in the Elan last year and that was a crazy race, but this tops that for sure. After Craig hit me I thought it was probably all over, but the car was still working well, and Craig was an absolute gent - he gave me the position back, but the car was a real handful and smoking badly."
"Then on the last lap the tyre blew on Hangar Straight - I kept my foot in - and just prayed I could finish. Then Craig stayed behind me, and we had yellow flags at the last corner, but Craig also edged out Andy Wolfe so we were able to Win!"
"I cannot thank David and Rob Fenn enough for giving me this opportunity - I love driving with Rob - and the JDR guys did an amazing job. Also one of my fantastic BTCC partners Aston Lark have been here this weekend - so great to give Andrew, Will and Sam this result. What a crazy race - so incredibly pleased."
Fenn and Hill will race the Lotus Elan 26R at 14.15 tomorrow, confident of another strong race.
"I love this event! It's been good to me...lets see what we can do tomorrow...!"
After taking Pole Position, Fenn started the race and was immediately embroiled in a fierce battle with Hart's Alfa Romeo and Davies' Ford Mustang. However after a big accident at Copse Corner on lap 2 the Safety Car was deployed, and as the clear-up took several minutes, it meant that the pit stop window for driver changes was looming.
A decisive call by the JDR crew saw Fenn pit first, and a slick change and spectacular get away by BTCC regular Hill saw the 'Red Rooster' back on track and charging through the field.
As the rest of the field completed their pit stops, Hill worked his way to the front, and crucially ahead of Davies and Hart, meaning a fierce battle began between Hill and Davies' Mustangs for the lead.
Hill managed to edge away but Davies strong pace on the straights saw him back again, and on lap 11 Davies attempted a pass at Vale, slamming into Hill and spinning him round.
Both drivers recovered quickly, but Hill's car was smoking from the bodywork being pushed onto the tyre, causing concerns as to whether the tyre may fail.
A fired-up Hill sliced past a co-operative Davies and back into the lead, a sporting Davies clearly giving Hill the position back as a result of the contact.
The pair continued the battle to the final lap, and on the run down Hangar Straight, at over 140mph the tyre exploded spectacularly, Hill wrestling the car straight.
Expecting Davies to blast past, a remarkable demonstration of sportsmanship saw Davies not only hold station behind Hill, but also keep a fast-charging Andy Wolfe behind, so Hill took a truly remarkable victory on three wheels!
"Oh my goodness! said Hill. "I won here in the Elan last year and that was a crazy race, but this tops that for sure. After Craig hit me I thought it was probably all over, but the car was still working well, and Craig was an absolute gent - he gave me the position back, but the car was a real handful and smoking badly."
"Then on the last lap the tyre blew on Hangar Straight - I kept my foot in - and just prayed I could finish. Then Craig stayed behind me, and we had yellow flags at the last corner, but Craig also edged out Andy Wolfe so we were able to Win!"
"I cannot thank David and Rob Fenn enough for giving me this opportunity - I love driving with Rob - and the JDR guys did an amazing job. Also one of my fantastic BTCC partners Aston Lark have been here this weekend - so great to give Andrew, Will and Sam this result. What a crazy race - so incredibly pleased."
Fenn and Hill will race the Lotus Elan 26R at 14.15 tomorrow, confident of another strong race.
"I love this event! It's been good to me...lets see what we can do tomorrow...!"
