Team Atomic Kitten driver Gareth Howell, set out to Ireland’s Mondello Park with high hopes last weekend. In free practice he set some quick times, but it was in qualifying that he really showed what he could do!

With 15 secs of the first session to go, it was a 1st for Team AK’s young charger. On a drying circuit, the last lap was going to be all-important but only 4 drivers pipped him. Most impressive was the domination of the works MG’s, especially during the wetter period when he was untouchable. Determined to show this was not a flash in the pan, he continued in the second session, with Gareth in 4th for his best qualifying of the season. Again, he was ahead of the works MG’s and showing his true potential on the demanding drivers circuit.

But before the racing was to begin, there was more misfortune heading their way. On his way home, his teammate Coin Turkington was struck down with food poisoning and was rushed to hospital.

In the sprint race, an inspired start from the 4th place Gareth saw him go around the outside of a shocked Championship leader, James Thompson. Gareth soon slotted into 2nd place in the race and began to pull away from the 3rd place Thompson. After 5 laps though, Thompson had closed and, rather than risk his points in the Independents Championship, allowed the quicker Astras of Thompson and Neal to pass. However, the leading Astra of Muller suddenly stopped on lap 9, moving Gareth back up to 3rd. On the final lap disaster struck when his car suffered a fuel problem, leaving him on the side of the circuit with less than a lap to go.

Just 5 mins before the Feature race started it began to rain heavily. With blue skies on the horizon, it was a difficult choice whether to start with wet or slick tyres. With most of the grid going to wets, 3rd place Gareth and the team decided to stay with slicks. It was a choice that would cost them dear. On the formation lap, Gareth had to pull into the pits and change to wets, starting from last place. He gradually made up places finishing a creditable 10th and second in the Independents Cup.

The team moves on to Croft, near Darlington on the 14th July and Gareth hopes to capitalize on his recent good form at the circuit that saw him on the podium there last year. “ We’ve proven that we are quick,” said Gareth. “I think that people just weren’t aware how quick we are. Colin and I have nothing to fear from the other drivers, we know that our car and team is just as good as anyone else’s. Now all we need is a change of luck and we’ll be on the podium.”