Double podium for Benny at Trofeo Abarth 500 GB debut
Benny Simonsen was sick and tired of his big brother, Allan, grabbing all the glory and the trophies on race weekends. So he decided to do something about it.
In his first race meeting, held at a grey and wet Oulton Park, over the Easter weekend, Benny set the championship on fire, by taking pole in his inaugural championship race weekend.
Like most drivers, who get out the front of a race and stay there, Benny decided a new Danish approach would be best – one that would endear him into the hearts of fans, forever. No, Benny was going to be a spectacular driver from the very first corner...
Getting a great start from pole, Benny knew he'd be faster, have more fun and grab the bulk of the TV coverage if he made a hash of it. And so he promptly threw it away in a cloud of blue smoke at the first turn to be in last place. It was all a part of the Great Benny Comeback Plan, which he executed in brilliant style, to set a the new lap record, the fastest lap and still take 3rd place. What a guy!
The fans loved his style and Benny in return did not disappoint them by over cooking the entry to a fast right hander so much, he ran around the bend on two wheels, to the huge delight of his new adoring fan base. Here's the video you must not miss...
its all part of the grand plan, said Benny
"What the hell are you doing, up there, said Allan, with a look of bewilderment on his face.
"Oh, I'm just practicing for when I take over your BGT drive at Knockhill, when you'll be prancing around the daisy fields at Spa, retorned Benny.
A stony silence came from Allan's podium as he suddenly realised the implications of getting Benny racing....
On Thursday morning, Benny picked up Ma and Pa Simo', along with that "soon-to-be-disposed-of" brother, Allan. Big Al was once again driving a new Ferrari 430 GT3 Scuderia in the opening round of the British GT Championship. A mere support category, thought Benny, to himself, but said nothing to Allan.
The happy Danish family went to the track for a short look before returning to the luxury of their English country mansion, for tea and scones, by the fireplace. A large yellow dog with a black spot also sat by the fire, the remnants of a bone, nearby.
Ordinarily, the butler would have had Fridays off, but upon hearing of the imminent arrival of such international royalty, selflessly cancel his picnic lunch (which had been planned several months prior, I might add) to be of service, to the soon-to-become-a-household-name and two-wheeling star. A full english breakfast was quickly enhaled by the family and then, with a deluxe basket of smørrebrod, headed to Oulton Park for the first practice session of the year.
There were four twenty minute sessions available, but as to be expected with new race cars, getting the right setup can prove costly. Under brakes, the exotic little Abarth, pulled to one side – a problem that remained unsolved all weekend. It was eventually traced to a rather large Flæskesteg, a crispy pork and red cabbage sandwich, that had lodged itself under Benny's race seat. Now who put that there, I wonder?
"I had to drive around the braking problem all weekend, said Benny after the champagne had been sprayed. It was tough but I never has a race car that smelt so good before.
Saturday, as everyone knows, is qualifying day. Benny did a super job to grab 3rd place, despite running over a kerb, losing the front splitter in the process.
Race 1: After a decent start, Benny was, as were the other three around him, sucked into running wide at the first turn. A spin ensued. And this is where Benny's master plan came into effect, driving like the demon within, to grab 10th at the end of lap 1. One by one they fell away as our hero crushed them without pity, setting the fastest lap in the process. The finish was close, only 4 seconds behind the winner, in 3rd.
"I like to lull the others into a false sense of security, then come from behind and demoralise them, said a poker faced Benny. That was, in fact quite true, because he'd just beaten a couple of young ladies at a game of poker, between races. And they couldn't pay the debt either, so an alternate payment plan was introduced, to be collected later on. Ruthless is the only world that comes to mind, dear reader. Ruthless!
on pole for race two
It was only a slight setback, as 2nd place was reclaimed by the end of lap 1. But his sights were set on the front runner, who had ruined his start and put a nasty little dent in his beautifully livered Abarth.
He chased and chased the naughty individual in front. So cross was Benny, that he put in a new lap record (1.56.177) before a gutsy how'd-he-do-that type move at Lodge, banished the insolent pup of leader to second place.
Now with the checkered flag a mere lap away, the Flæskesteg suddenly shifted causing a huge turn-in slide and ensuing two wheel action, that will become Danish folklore for ever. It did however, let the crasher back into the lead and onto win the race. Oh, the unjustness of it all!
Still, all things considered, it was a great start to his 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB campaign, leaving the circuit, 2nd in the championship.
Two weeks time and there's bound to be more fun and excuses at Silverstone, where the action continues and volcanos annoy everyone. But for now its time for a crispy pork sandwich and a double poker debt to collect ;)
MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2010
Pulce Racing signs Benny Simonsen
Benny younger brother of GT ace Allan Simonsen has signed with Pulce Racing to join 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500GB championship. Benny is making his race circuit début after a very successful junior career in Scandinavian karting winning numerous championships.
Benny joins Pulce Racing – the team devolving this year with management and engineering experience from seasoned Le Mans Series protagonists jwaRacing. Pulce Racing are one of the few teams to acquire a dealer car provided by Vospers who are the largest car dealer in the south west of England. Testing continues on a weekly basis in the UK and will include some warm weather running in southern Spain later this month.
Denise Watt MD of 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. ”
Benny Simonsen (race driver) said:
“I cant 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.”
Allan Simonsen (race driver) said:
“I have always known of my brothers huge talent in Motorsport right from when he started at 10 years in karting, so to see Pulce Racing take him under their wing for the 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500GB Championship is a fantastic opportunity for him, one that I support 100%, in any way I possibly can. I am sure they can challenge for the Championship and I know that is Benny’s ultimate goal too. ”
John Hutchinson – Brand Manager for Abarth 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. Vospers are thrilled to be supported Abarthisti.co.uk, the UK’s largest online community of owners.”
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