LANIK was already on top of the time sheets on Friday’s test day, being 3rd quickest on old tyres in the first session, and 1st quickest in the second session with a pair of new slicks. 21-year old Niki went out for the 30 minute qualifying session on Saturday noon, setting decent lap times with older tyres, being only 0.012 seconds off pole position. Niki then had two sets of brand new slicks and put in 3 laps under the 53-second mark making him the quickest driver and securing pole position by over 0.152 seconds in front of double-Clio Cup champion, Paul Rivett. “The car felt great, and I really felt like I had the pace today, and that definitely showed as I’ve qualifed on pole for both rounds!” commented Niki on his quick times.

THE first of the two races, saw the Onedrywash driver start his first time this year on pole position. Rivett and Lanik had a drag race to the first corner, but wheel-spinning a bit too much as the red lights went off, Lanik had to settle for 2nd by the first corner.

STARTING on pole position on Sunday’s race, Lanik had a chance to win. As the red lights went out, Paul and Niki got a similar start going side by side into Paddock Hill bend. Niki Lanik was forced to slow his pace due to an oil leak on the inside of the corner, leaving Rivett to pull ahead by a few car lengths. Being in 2nd place by the end of the lap, an unexpected overtaking manoeuvre came from the 3rd place racer, Rob Boston. He went past Niki at Clearways; a few seconds before the Safety Car was due. Once the race was continued, Phil Glew, previous podium finisher pressurised Niki to make a mistake, but the Ashurst Wood-based race driver didn’t give in and managed to shake him off a few laps later.

Niki then charged forward to re-claim second place, but due to overheated front tyres and a flat spot Niki struggled with grip and had to settle for 3rd place over the finish line. “I had a much better start this time, but unfortunately there was little grip on the inside of the first corner.

Then Rob pulled a fair-and-square move, and from then on I was really making sure defend my potential podium finish. Later on I struggled with grip, but nevertheless managed to pull away from 4th place finisher Carl Bradley.” commented Lanik on his second podium of the weekend.

NIKI Lanik and the Youth For Human Rights Onedrywash Race Team have had a very good season, with many top 6 finishes and podiums and they would like to thank their sponsors for the support they have given them through-out the 2008 racing season. This includes: Youth For Human Rights International (www.YHRI.org), Onedrywash (www.miracledrywash.com), G&G Vitamins, Street-Racers UK, Luxury Sign Design, Neopixel and Wealden Workwear.

The team would also like the chief engineer, Colin Stancombe, and his fabulous engineering team.