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Pickford takes chequered flag at Oulton Park

26/ 5/2004

VIVALDI Racing's James Pickford drove to a fine win and third place in rounds five and six of the Holiday Inn SEAT Cupra championship at Oulton Park last Sunday.

Macclesfield-based James, who now moves into third place in the drivers' standings, qualified on pole for Sunday's opener after leaving it until the dying seconds of the session to set his fastest time.

He said: "I left it as late as I could to go out because I knew the circuit would be at its best at the end of the session."

"I had to abort my first flying lap because there were two slower cars ahead of me and I also had to abandon my second attempt because I ran wide and onto the grass at Cascades Corner."

"I had just enough time for one more flying lap, but Gavin Smith was right behind me. I didn't want to give him a tow around the circuit, so I tried to shake him off."

From the lights Pickford slotted into second place behind Lewis Carter with the rest of the pack in hot pursuit.

Carter and Pickford were soon joined by Tom Boardman in a three-way scrap for the lead and, as the pace hotted up Pickford made his move. With all four wheels locked up he forced his way through at Old Hall on lap six to take the lead and never looked back.

Pickford made the break for freedom and extended his lead to over two seconds to take the win, punching the air with delight as he crossed the finish line.

In an exciting second race James Pickford finished in third place despite an incident which could have easily forced him out.

Oli Wilkinson, who had made a brilliant start, clashed with James resulting in Oli's car being thrown up into the air, remarkably both cars finished the race, with James doing well to score a podium in third place.