Abarth: Hodgetts wins twice at Cadwell

The Trofeo Abarth 500 GB joined British Superbikes this weekend at Cadwell Park for an historic weekend of 2-Wheel and 4-Wheel racing.

Fans enjoying the hot British weather got to see a great display of racing which showcased the Abarth 500 AC to a large new audience.

The weekend was important for the teams, as it also marked the halfway point of the six rounds to be held on UK soil. While Stefan Hodgetts of Mardi Gras Racing won both races at Cadwell Park, the championship has a new leader. Charlie Butler-Henderson’s has moved him to the top of the table, passing Gareth Howell.

Butler-Henderson’s consistency and reliability have been key to his success to date in the season. He has started and finished all six races so far, standing on the podium on four occasions.

The second race of the weekend was a repeat of the first, with Stefan Hodgetts leading from pole position to win his third race from four starts in the Abarth 500 Asetto Corse. Ben Winrow finished second in both races, placing him second in the Championship behind Butler-Henderson.

Trofeo Abarth 500 GB organiser Paolo Callea was pleased with the way the British Superbike paddock and fans responded to the presence of cars at a bike event. He said:

This weekend has been a great opportunity to promote the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB and the Abarth brand. Our goal is to increase awareness of Abarth in the UK, and being in front of one of the biggest crowds on the UK motorsport calendar helps us do that. I think we have been recognised this weekend by a large number of people, through the racing and the Abarth sponsored aerobatic show and hopefully they enjoyed the show we put on.

Many motorcycle fans were impressed with the spectacle of the Trofeo series. One fan said:

The cars look good on this track. I was surprised by the power and the handling around this circuit, which is narrow and complicated and more suited to bikes. It’s great to see Abarth back in motorsport too. I think there are a lot of bike fans who are aware of the racing heritage of Abarth and to see the brand back out on track is great.

Trofeo Abarth 500 GB results – Round 3, Cadwell Park

Race 1

1. 3. Stefan Hodgetts – Mardi Gras Motorsport / Marylebone – 30:14.665
2. 4. Ben Winrow – Pyro Motorsport / Research Garage – 30:17.816 (3.151)
3. 7. Charlie Butler-Henderson – Advent Motorsport / Glyn Hopkin 30:35.980 (21.315)
4. 9. Gareth Howell – Lipscombe Motorsport 30:36.740 (22.075)
5. 2. Paul Smith – Mardi Gras Motorsport 30:48.000 (33.335)
6. 45. Josh Wakefield – Advent Motorsport 30.48.715 (34.050)
7. 81. Matt Shead – CMS / SG Petch 31:04764 (50.099)
8. 82. Fiona Leggate – CMS / Autoworld 31:20.863 (1:06.198)
9. 72. Cassey Watson – Lunar Racing / Thames 31:46.284 (3 Laps)

Race 2

1. 3. Stefan Hodgetts – Mardi Gras Motorsport / Marylebone – 30:23.271
2. 4. Ben Winrow – Pyro Motorsport / Research Garage – 30:26.826 (3.555)
3. 7. Charlie Butler-Henderson – Advent Motorsport / Glyn Hopkin – 30:43.616 (20.345)
4. 2. Paul Smith – Mardi Gras Motorsport - 30:59.754 (36.483)
5. 81. Matt Shead – CMS / SG Petch - 31:01.728 (38.457)
6. 45. Josh Wakefield – Advent Motorsport – 31:20.875 (57.604)
7. 82. Fiona Leggate – CMS / Autoworld 31:21.744 (58.473)
8. 72. Cassey Watson – Lunar Racing / Thames 31:12.863 (2 Laps)
9. 9. Gareth Howell – Lipscombe Motorsport – Not Classified (17 Laps)

Championship Standings (after 3 rounds)

1 Charlie Butler-Henderson, 94 pts
2 Ben Winrow, 92
3 Gareth Howell, 90
4 Josh Wakefield, 68
5 Stefan Hidgetts, 66
6 Paul Smith, 56
7 Benny Simonsen, 52
8 Matt Shead, 42
9 Cassey Watson, 27
10 Jason Greatrex, 20
= Sarah Franklin, 20

Next round: 26/27 June, Snetterton.

Watch Abarth 500 GB highlights from Cadwell Park on Sunday 5 June at 7.05pm (BST) on Motors TV.


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