Another Podium for Bartholomew in Thailand

The second round of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series Asia took place at the Chang International Circuit in Burirum, Thailand.

The usual extreme temperatures and humidity for this circuit makes it one of the toughest races of the year for Jack Bartholomew and his team mates James Pull.

Qualifying took place on Saturday morning with Bartholomew qualifying for the first race in P4 with a time of 1.34.139 and team mate Pull qualifying for the second race in P2 with a time of 1.34.497.

Race 1 took place on Saturday afternoon with Bartholomew at the wheel for the rolling start, as the lights turned to green the field headed into turn one and Bartholomew was shuffled back to P5, by turn 9 Bartholomew had regained a position putting him back in P4 and set about chasing the leaders whilst fending off 2 cars fighting for his position. As the pit window opened Bartholomew headed for the pits on lap 13 to hand over the car to team mate Pull. After all the drivers had made their mandatory stop the pair were still in 4thplace but chasing the #27 for 3rd. On lap 24 the number 63 sister car that was in P2 received a stop and go penalty for a pit stop infringement moving Pull into P3, still right on the back of the car in P2. The #27 car was constantly running off track making it impossible to pass and Pull crossed the line in P3 just 0.395 seconds behind. A post-race penalty for the #27 car for abusing track limits elevated Bartholomew to 2ndplace.

Race 2 took place on Sunday morning with Pull starting from P2 on the grid. As the race began, the second row managed to get a better start and Pull went into turn one three abreast trying to hold on to his position but was muscled back into 4thplace. As the race unfolded it was clear he was struggling with the car set up and pitted as the driver change window opened for Bartholomew to take over. A fantastic pit stop saw Bartholomew jump into P3 and in reach of the leaders, but as the laps counted down Bartholomew came under immense pressure from #68 car. Still struggling with the car set up Bartholomew was unable to hold him off, dropping to P4 at the line.

Jack Bartholomew

“I am really happy with the podium we got in race one as this is one of my favourite circuits on the calendar, it’s a real shame we didn’t have a competitive car for race two as I’m sure we could have challenged for another podium as we have had good pace all through practice here. The main thing is we have another good bag of points to take home and the next race is also another circuit I love, Suzuka in Japan.”

Jack Bartholomew and team mate James Pull are currently lying second in the championship 12 points behind the leaders. The next round takes place in Suzuka, Japan on June 29th& 30th