Hyman Leads FPA Autumn Trophy After Dramatic Snetterton Openers

25 October 2004

A damp Snetterton circuit saw its fair share of action as the 21-driver grid battled through the first half of the Formula Palmer Audi Autumn Trophy. The six race Trophy makes an ideal introduction to the series, so featured many novice drivers looking to run in the main FPA championship next year, as well as a few regulars back for more track time.

Torrential downpour on Saturday meant eventful practice and qualifying sessions as the drivers stuggled to get to grips with the new machinery on the slippy track. It was FPA regular Stephen Young, returning to the series after competing in 2002 and 2003, who led the pace. Qualifying on pole in his VK sponsored car, he was also to prove dominant into Sunday's racing.

With the rain cleared, but the track still wet, Young powered to a clear win, some 30 seconds ahead of second placed Chris Hyman. South African Hyman, held a charging Matt Harris in third, ahead of Italian Gino Ussi in fourth. Another FPA regular, Stuart Prior, who continued his strong 2004 qualifying place to start second, dropped to last place on the opening lap, but raced hard back up to an impressive fifth. Similarly, Viktor Jensen had a first-lap incident dropping him to 13th, but recovered to round out the top 6.

Viktor was charging again in the second race of the day. With the track drying, but remaining slippy, a sensational drive gave him second place and the title of youngest driver to finish on an FPA podium. He finished the race only five seconds behind Stephen Young's second win of the day. More first-lap incidents had put Prior and Ussi back down the grid, leaving Paul Warren, a veteran of Formula Palmer Audi, to take third - his second ever podium finish. FPA regular, Terry White took fourth ahead of last year's Autumn Trophy third place man, Matt Harris. Chris Hyman suffered a slow puncture, but managed to bring his car home in sixth place.

Race three saw a change in fortunes for Young and Jensen after a battle for the lead. Pole-sitter Young, was passed by Jensen on lap nine, but as they raced side-by-side into Riches two laps later, there was race-ending contact which both drivers considered a racing incident. Chris Hyman added to the drama, charging hard after Paul Warren who had inherited the lead after the first corner collision. Warren was delayed by backmarkers while attempting to maintain his lead, allowing Hyman to slip through for the victory. Terry White took the third step of the podium with Matt Harris taking fourth and Stuart Prior battling from the back of the grid to finish fifth. David Joseph completes the top 6.

Hyman's race three win, along with a second and sixth earlier in the day, puts him in the lead of the Trophy at its midway point. The Formula Palmer Audi Autumn Trophy concludes with a further three races at Brands Hatch, 6-7 November, promising more drama for the BRSCC's club raceday.

Images from Snetterton are available now in the Gallery.

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