Racing Driver, Chris Holmes Brings Home The Points In America | 30.04.08 | 11.04 Chris Holmes (Ilkley) drove home a healthy points haul in the American Skip Barber motor racing series at the weekend. The second race of the season was held at Virginia International Raceway and from the outset it was clear, despite being a rookie in American racing, Chris was on the mark. "I was immediately taken with the Virginia circuit" Chris reported back. "It's a real driver's circuit, somewhere you need to have guts and give it your all, in the middle of a beautiful setting." And it was hardly surprising he fell for the circuit when the new boy set the fastest time in first practice, ahead of drivers well acquainted with the Skip Barber cars and the circuit. The difference in the cars and style of racing in this American series compared to British series cannot be under estimated and is an area in which Chris has been exceptionally quick to learn. "The nature of the car's aerodynamics is different to what we are used to in the UK" explains Chris. "In America you actually want to get behind your opponents car, into the draft the aerodynamics produces which in turn pulls you and in effect you slingshot yourself past." Despite this form of racecraft still being new to him, Chris posted a superb 8th and 9th on the grid for the double header event which boasts 24 competitors. In both races Chris easily ran in the leading group which displayed the frantic racing the series is famous for. In split seconds the order changes as the drivers chop and change positions, playing the drafts to their advantage. Chris was just shy of the podium in Race One, finishing in 4th place less than 0.1sec behind 3rd place, literally a hair's breadth! He was equally as impressive in Race Two securing 6th place. In both races he was one of the fastest men on the track, so it is little wonder the Yorkshireman has been dubbed a dark horse of the series as he came away from the weekend with an impressive 60 points. The next race is at the Canada's Mosport International Raceway on 13-15 June. Once again Chris is striving to raise sponsorship to ensure he can continue in the Championship and take a demonstration of Yorkshire talent Stateside! ENDS << back to news