The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Rounds 15 and 16 of the Caterham Graduates Racing Club took place at Oulton Park in Cheshire.
The top four places in the championship were still to be decided, with Haynes leading the way, and Barrett only three points ahead of Spalding’s Andy Molsom, with Arnell in fourth.
Molsom qualified fourth in both races after a red flag caused an interruption to the session, which meant the fastest lap would be the last car over the line.
A thunderstorm an hour before the first race ensured it would be a wet start, and another downpour just as the cars were leaving the assembly area prevented any chance of the track drying.
Two green flag laps at reduced speed showed visibility from the spray was going to be an issue.
Molsom got a great start, and with Haynes going off at the first corner, Molsom took second place, but the race was red flagged.
At the second start Molsom got some wheelspin, and stayed third behind Barrett and Senior.
Barrett went off on the second corner which promoted Molsom to second.
The race was intense with poor grip, rivers across the track causing aquaplaning and cars going off.
Molsom bided his time, ultimately overtaking Barrett into Lodge Corner following Senior through.
Despite pressure from behind they stayed in this position until another safety car intervention.
After the restart, on the last lap Molsom lost grip due to colder tyres than anticipated going into Druids and narrowly missed hitting the wall. He brought the car home in third place for championship points.
Barrett though also went off on the last lap and got points for sixth place.
Molsom said: “That was probably one of the most intense races I’ve ever had, the conditions and visibility were atrocious. Just trying to ensure the car stayed on the circuit was difficult knowing I needed to finish ahead of Barrett.
“I was so mad with myself on the last lap when I went off due to cold tyres, but I rescued a good finish and another vital point for the championship for the fastest lap.
“I’m not sure how I missed the wall at the fast Druids corner. Luck and some judgement helped.”
After this race, on drop scores for the championship the top three places were still up for grabs. Haynes was still leading by a few points with Barrett and Molsom tied on points for second.
Two hours later and another downpour greeted Molsom as they started the green flag lap.
Again, starting in fourth, Molsom was fighting with Arnell the whole way until on lap seven he could make his move into third place with Haynes in second place.
This became the finishing order and Barrett finished the race in sixth. This ensured Molsom took the runners up place in the championship with Haynes becoming champion.
Molsom added: “I have wanted a wet race all year but didn’t expect the torrential conditions we had!
“It was a tough day, with changing conditions and was a challenge just to finish the races, but on the whole it was memorable and enjoyable.
“To finish my final year in Caterham racing as runner up in the championship is great,
“Haynes was the class of the field all year and a well-deserved champion.
“Massive thanks to Pete and Ryan at 7 Works Automotive for the support and expertise to keep the car running on top form.”
The Caterham Graduates Racing Club Awards night is on November 26 where Molsom collects his championship trophy. He is also on the shortlist for Driver’s Driver award which will be decided by votes from the drivers and awarded on the night.
