Promising Début For New Virage The brand new Pilbeam Virage made its race debut at the weekend at a pictureseque and sunny Oulton Park in Cheshire. Leaving the garage for the grid formation lap photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Round 3 of the new VdeV UK championship saw the new car arrive after some encouraging testing in recent weeks. On the grid and ready for action photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Lanan Racing regular driver, Charlie Hollings, was fast straight out of the box in pre-race testing on Friday, posting 2nd fastest time on the car's maiden outing! Sadly, when it came to actual qualifying to determine the grid placings for Saturday's 4 hour endurance race, there was a minor teething problem with the pneumatic system which prevented the driver from changing gear. Having not been able to complete a lap time, the new car was allowed to start, but from the very back of the 17 car grid. Under braking photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Straight from the off Charlie was making up places and after less than an hour he was running 5th! A slight problem with the engine running a little hot was a concern to the team, but they were monitoring the temperature through feedback from the driver over the pit-to-car radio and, although still running hot, it stabilised and they pressed on. The team decided that, rather than bring the car in early, they would investigate at the driver change and refuelling stop rather than risk losing time with an unscheduled visit to the pits. Making up places early on photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com After an hour and twenty minutes of the race, Charlie brought the car in for the scheduled stop. But it was decided that it would be best to not continue and risk overheating the engine, so sadly the car was retired from the race. Charlie Hollings pressing on well photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Nevertheless, it was an encouraging first race, especially being straight on the front-running pace so soon. There has been no time so far to work on set-ups so as Lanan Racing learn more about the car then they should be right up there for the next race in July at Snetteron in Norfolk. Completing another lap photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Pilbeam Racing Managing Director, Mike Pilbeam, was very pleased with the progress made. The new car was designed and built using lots of experience the company has gained from its recent appearances in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hour sportscar endurance race over the last 8 years, so it looks like the new Virage will be writing another successful chapter in the company's history very soon! At speed photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com Contact: Mike Pilbeam Managing Director 07802 356 726 (mobile) Coming in for the first pitstop photo by Rick Wilson, copyright © www.sportandspeed.com