Gareth Howell managed to consolidate his position in the Independents Cup at Thruxton this Bank Holiday weekend, despite a major scare in qualifying.

After completing only 7 laps in qualifying, the front left wheel came off of Gareth’s car approaching the 130mph Church Corner. Fortunately, Gareth had realized that something was amiss seconds earlier. “As I came out of Goodwood I felt a slight judder from the front left,” said Gareth. “I thought that the tyre might be about to blow so I lifted and slowed. At about 60 mph I suddenly saw the wheel pass me and disappear into the distance! Luckily I managed to keep control of the car and return to the pitlane although there was too much damage to allow me to continue. We still don’t know what happened and can only assume that the nut came loose somehow.” This meant that Gareth would have to start the Sprint race from 12th on the grid and the Feature from the back.

A good start in the Sprint saw Gareth finish in 10th place, 4th in the Independents.

A blowout in the Feature Race and a drive through penalty for speeding in the pitlane effectively ended his challenge, although consistent lap times found him finish in third place in the Independents Cup and a weekend total of 18 points. He has now closed the gap from 20 points to only 12 to the Cup leader despite having completed 2 rounds less.

“The puncture was frustrating, especially after having to start at the back. I was pleased with the car, though, I’ve now had 4 points finishes from 4 starts,” said Gareth. “The more time I spent in the car, the quicker I became and it was good to set my fastest lap of the weekend towards the end of the race when I was the quickest on the circuit. It shows that all we need is some more time in the car, and some luck, to challenge for the podium again.”

The race can be seen on ITV this Saturday, 11th May, after F1 qualifying.