Vospers and the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB

The opening race of the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB championship took place at Oulton Park in early April, and Benny Simonsen, driver of the Vospers Abarth 500 Assetto Corse, saw to it that there was plenty to get excited about.

Qualifying third for the first race, a wheel off the track pushed him into a 360 degree spin at the first corner, leaving him in last place despite a skilful recovery. The fight-back began, and by the end of the lap he was up to ninth. The following lap saw him claim another two places, and by the chequered flag he was up to third and a well-deserved place on the podium. He'd also recorded ten fastest laps, including the fastest overall - the next fastest driver was nearly a second off his pace.

In the second race, Benny was torpedoed by Gareth Howell at the first corner and did well to rejoin in fourth. By the end of the first lap, he'd passed Ben Winrow and Charlie Butler-Henderson, and was gunning for Gareth. On the fifth lap, he burst through at Lodge and regained the lead, but was unable to generate much clean air between him and the predatory Howell.

Into Old Hall on the fourteenth lap and Benny had the car sideways on the brakes, clipping the inside kerb and flicking the car high onto two wheels! (watch the YouTube video) Skill, lightning reactions and nerves of steel saw him bring all four wheels back down to earth while still navigating the corner, but leaving him second on the podium. Disappointed not to have claimed outright victory, Benny and the Vospers Abarth 500 were nevertheless the most exciting thing on four two wheels that day!

Silverstone a fortnight later was a more sombre affair. Technical issues with the car's braking system held Benny back, and qualifying saw him wrestle the car up to fifth on the grid. The first race confirmed everyone's fears - the brake fault was strangling the car's performance, particularly on the faster sections where top speed is needed to keep in touch with the rest of the field. Undeterred, Benny held ground where he could, finishing a creditable sixth and eighth in the first and second races respectively.

Work now begins at fever pitch to ensure the car is back to full speed for the remainder of the season.

Vospers enters the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB race series

Vospers, the South West's only Abarth dealer, is pleased to announce their entry to the new Trofeo Abarth 500 GB, the one-make race series designed around the Abarth 500.

Vospers' Abarth 500 Assetto Corse race car will be managed by Pulce Racing, created as a spin-off from experienced Le Mans Series protagonists JWA Racing.

Benny Simonsen, younger brother of GT ace Allan Simonsen, has signed with Pulce Racing to join the 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB championship. Benny is making his race circuit debut after a very successful junior career in Scandinavian karting, winning numerous championships.

Testing continues on a weekly basis in the UK and will include some warm weather running in southern Spain early in 2010.

John Hutchinson, Abarth Manager, Vospers, said: "Vospers are proud to be a part of the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB. Abarth is already very appealing to those who remember the brand's golden age during the '50s and '60s, and the race series will help attract a whole new generation of enthusiasts. Indeed, Vospers are thrilled to be supported by Abarthisti, the UK's largest online community of Abarth owners and enthusiasts."

Denise Watt, Managing Director, Pulce Racing, said: "Pulce Racing are really excited to be on the Trofeo Abarth grid with a driver of the calibre and speed of Benny. We are going to be championship contenders from race one."

Race Driver Benny Simonsen commented: "I can't wait for that first race to start, and I'm really pleased to have signed with such a professional team as Pulce Racing. I'm sure we're going to be up the front fighting for the race wins and the championship."

2010 Race Calendar

3/5 April	Oulton Park (supporting F3/GT)
17/18 April	Silverstone GP (supporting FIA Formula Two)
22/23 May	Cadwell Park (supporting British Superbikes)
26/27 June	Snetterton (supporting GT Cup Championship & Formula Palmer Audi)
24/25 July	Silverstone GP (supporting Silverstone Classic)
4/5 Sept	Brands Hatch Indy (supporting DTM/Trofeo Europe)
23/24 October	Monza, Italy (Trofeo Europe / Italy / GB)