Dino Zamparelli put in two solid displays at Knockhill in Scotland to come away with another point in the title race, against rival Tio Ellinas. With adverse weather playing a significant role for Sunday's two races, Zamparelli showed class and maturity to stay ahead of his rival in race 1, before keeping him honest in race 2.
Qualifying on Saturday took place in sunny conditions, and with the nature of the circuit, it was a hugely close battle for Pole. Dan Harper took the pole position, with the Bristol racer close to it in 3rd, just a tenth off. With Championship rival Ellinas in 6th place, it was shaping up to be an exciting couple of races.
Race 1 on Sunday took place in full wet conditions, with Zamparelli making a strong start in 3rd and maintaining position behind the two leaders of Plato and Harper. Halfway through the race, Plato made a mistake with pressure from Zamparelli telling. A spin from Lewis Plato would elevate the Nationwide backed racer up into 2nd place, with Ellinas capitalising from the mess to move up to 3rd.
The battle between Plato and Zamparelli ensured that Harper had a significant enough lead to cruise to victory ahead of Zamparelli and Ellinas. Solid points scored in tough conditions.
Race 2 was no better in terms of weather conditions. Harper pulled out the reverse grid draw and would start 4th, Zamparelli in 3rd, Ellinas in 2nd and George Gamble would start on reverse grid pole.
The race commenced under safety car conditions, and not under normal grid start conditions. Zamparelli settled in behind championship rival Ellinas, and was clearly faster but could not find a way through early on. A mistake halfway through the race saw Zamparelli run wide and lose a place to Harper, who then went on to challenge and overtake Ellinas for 2nd on the final lap.
The Results remained Gamble for victory, Harper, Ellinas, and Zamparelli in the top 4. The result would see Zamparelli leave Knockhill with one more point to add to the championship battle, heading into the final two weekends of the championship with a 5 point lead.
Of his weekend, Zamparelli said: "It was tricky - the rain is traditionally kind to us and the car felt great in the first race. For the second race, we just overheated it all up and it meant I didn't have the grip I wanted. However, to come away from this weekend with one more point in the title race is good and I'm really excited to head to Silverstone next for what is my favourite circuit on the calendar."
"I want to thank my team Redline Racing and title sponsor Nationwide Accident Repairs, as well as all my other sponsors and partners. We will keep pushing and keep challenging for poles and wins."
Rounds 13 & 14 will take place at Silverstone on the 16th of September 2018.
