LoTRDC Donington: Dolan stars with hat-trick of Elise wins

Andy Dolan signed off his brief 2011 season by completing a hat-trick of wins in the Elise Trophy.

Early-season podium finisher Stuart Rowland took pole position and led most of the first race, but a move on the penultimate lap by fast-starter Dolan at the chicane looked to be rebuffed until the leader fish-tailed on the exit. Behind, Craig Denman benefitted from a tangle between rivals Luigi Mazza and Steve Quick.

Dolan made a race two start to match his earlier one, to track Ken Savage out of Redgate, and as the latter ran wide at the Old Hairpin, Dolan assumed the lead. Mazza, Denman and Quick battled hard behind, giving the leader the perfect chance to hold his advantage to the flag, but not before a challenge from Mazza, who ran wide at McLeans during a failed attempt to grab first place.

An epic Lotus Cup UK race saw Rob Fenn lead Steve Williams and Matt Cherrington in the early running but two safety car periods and differing strategies brought Simon Deacon into the picture. Williams, who expected to lead after making his compulsory pitstop, needed to pass Deacon on the road to win and gave a perfect demonstration of fiery determination as he tracked the leading 2-Eleven for several laps. The pair raced hard but cleanly, often running side-by-side, and Williams took the lead at Redgate with five minutes of the race remaining. However, Deacon refused to give up and reclaimed the lead at the first corner a couple of laps later. Williams was then unable to stay within striking distance in traffic and the pair were joined by Open class winners Rob and David Fenn on the podium. Glen Sherwood and Luigi Mazza won the Exige Cup class, with Steve Quick taking Production honours from Ken Savage.

All three races were contested by debutant Trooper Martyn Copeston, who is recuperating from injuries sustained during service in Afghanistan. He completed both Elise Trophy races but was not classified in the Lotus Cup UK race after team mate Major James Cameron was delayed in the gravel at the chicane.

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Kevin Ritson