Julian Powers to Maiden Win at Snetterton

April 9th, 2023, Snetterton

Finally, in his 7th year of racing, Julian secures his first win with 1st in Class B Pro in the first round of the inaugural season as a championship of BRSCC Supersport Endurance Cup.

With Friday's practice session somewhat of a disappointment after a broken track rod saw him leave the circuit with damage to tyres, front wing and other ancillaries, Julian headed into qualifying still hopeful of a good grid position knowing he and the car had it in them to achieve good lap times for both Class B Pro as well as outright. Great work by Geoff Steel Racing who built and run Julian's car for him got him back ready for race day.

After a stunning quali beaten by only a Class A Pro car and one Class B Pro, the race was set to be a thriller with Julian starting on the second row in P3.

"I knew my best chance of success was to go against the grain of my normal driving of playing the long game and instead throwing everything at the two ahead of me on the first lap. If I could gain a place I'd be in with a shot at a podium."

In what proved to be one of Julian's best race starts he powered past the 2nd place Class B Pro before turn 1, and kept close to the leader until the smallest of opportunities opened up half way through lap 1. A dive up the inside with inches to spare saw Julian take the lead before the Bentley Straight and from there he lead from the front the entire race but for the two scheduled pitstops.

Although not the fastest lap times, Julian's consistency and superb defence allowed him to fend off a sustained attack from another Class B Seat Cupra for several laps before he started to stretch his legs and carved out a comfortable gap which allowed him to focus on improving lap times rather than defending.

Julian crossed the line 1st overall as outright winner, beating all Class B and Class A pro cars. Unfortunately a pit lane infringement related to another car was confusingly, and somewhat frustratingly adjudged to have happened to Julian which saw him take a one-minute penalty at the end of the race, but still officially resulted in Class B Pro win and maximum points from Round 1 towards the championship.

Asked afterwards what made the difference compared to previous seasons Julian replied "I just decided, if I'm going to get anywhere this year I've just got to say F*** it, commit and get on with driving the nuts off the car the way I know how!"

Next round, Silverstone, May 20th.