Fast and fustrating start for Chris Holmes | 19.03.08 | 12.30 Yorkshire's Racing Driver, Chris Holmes Makes His Mark In The Opening Round Of The Skip Barber National Championship. Ilkley racing driver, Chris Holmes made an impact on his first outing in the Skip Barber National Championship in America last weekend. Taking place at Sebring in Florida this was Chris's first taste of the Skip Barber car and the Sebring circuit. However he soon displayed his characteristic speed and was easily in the top ten for qualifying placing 6th on the grid for Race One and 8th for Race Two. Both races were jam packed with drama, sadly at the expense of Chris but not before he proved he can easily run with the leading pack. Starting from 6th in Race One, Chris was in great form to move into 2nd place by the end of the first lap. The five front runners, including Chris now vying for the lead, chopped and changed in an exciting race when the drama came to close for comfort for Chris. Chris was heavily hit from behind with his competitor's car actually launching itself over Chris's head! With damage to the car, but thankfully not Chris, his race was sadly cut short. The team worked diligently to repair the car for the second race the following day. The Florida blue skies gave way to rain and with a wet race declared Chris new his background in racing in unpredictable British weather in the past would be to his benefit! Again Chris made a blistering start rising from 8th on the grid to 3rd within two laps. Sadly that lightening speed proved to be a downfall when Chris suffered a massive off at Turn 17. Thankfully Chris escaped unharmed. "I have to admit to being frustrated" said Chris afterwards. "Running so high I could have come away leading the Championship, but had a double dose of bad luck being taken out of race one and pushing too hard in Race Two. That said you accept motor racing likes to throw you a tough learning curve and there were many positives to take away from the weekend. I was up to speed in the car quickly and proved I could be a pace setter in the series, driving to win." ENDS << back to news