A MELKSHAM man is champion of the A-class National Windscreens Saloon Car Champion following another victory at the recent Castle Coombe Race.
Rob Ballard recorded his seventh victory out of eight races in his Seat Leon Cupra to ensure he took the title. He currently also sits in second place for the overall championship which includes all drivers from each of the four divisions.
In the overall standings he is only second to Corsham’s Will Di Claudio who has won all eight of his C-class races in his Peugeot 106 GTi. In the latest race the leading pair shared the front row of the grid; the pair have been season-long contenders for the outright championship, having dominated their respective classes.
Remarkably, it was the little class C Peugeot 106 GTi of Di Claudio which got ahead at the start, fending off the mighty horsepower of the SEAT. But by lap four Ballard’s superior power made itself felt. Rob said, “I’m really happy to get this win. You never expect to win but I had set myself the goal of beating my closest rival, Will Di Claudio, who is currently leading the overall championship and is the current saloon car champion from 2012.
“Unfortunately out of the 10 rounds we are allowed to drop 2 scores so Will has as of last Saturday secured the outright championship 1st in the C class with 8 out of 8 class wins, with me in 2nd place overall and 1st in A class with 7 out of 8 class wins. My one second place was due to a collision on the start line where somebody collided into me which bent my steering and made the car handle horrible – hence my 2nd place finish which under the circumstances I was pleased with.
“There is no feeling like seeing the chequered flag and crossing the finishing line first, especially in a championship that is so competitive. This victory was massive, because it secured the A class championship for me after 10 years of trying and confirmed my 2nd place for 2013 in the overall championship just behind Will.
“In the future I’d love to win the championship outright, especially as I came so close this year, but winning the A Class championship is still recognized as the class to win over the B, C and D classes, a bit like the blue ribbon event if you like.
“I’d like to thank my wife Sharon who is my biggest supporter and without her I would not be able to enjoy the sport we both love.”
