Y4HR Race Team

Sunday 30th March 2008

LANIK FINISHES ON PODIUM TO KICK-OFF HIS SEASON

DOUBLE Clio Cup Winter Champion, Niki Lanik, started off his 2008 racing season at Brands Hatch last weekend with a well-deserved podium finish. For 2008, Austrian Lanik is racing for the Youth 4 Human Rights Miracle Drywash Race Team. Niki helps promote Human Rights to millions of people through car racing with the idea of making the world a better place.

QUALIFYING took place Saturday morning where the Miracle Drywash-sponsored race driver had a 30 minute session to set two of his best lap times to determine his start positions for Round 1 and 2. Setting a 53.006 and a 53.039, Niki secured 5th and 3rd for the weekend's two championship rounds.

"PRIOR to the season I did three test days at Brands Hatch and these have definitely paid off. My qualifying laps were fast, consistent and with brand new slicks I felt more confident than ever around the Indy circuit." commented Niki on his qualifying performance.

ROUND 1 of the 2008 Clio Cup saw the youngster start from 5th on the grid out of 28 keen starters. Tricky conditions tempted most teams to choose slick tyres instead of wets; this was a bad decision as light rain came down once the race started. Lanik, having wheelspun too much as the lights went off, lost three places by the first corner. By the end of lap one Niki fought his way back up the 6th place. Two laps before the race ended, the driver in 5th place lost control at Surtees. Dodging the sideways car and securing 5th place, Niki had to break and turn right for Clearways, the last bend, when suddenly there was a knock and Niki shot left instead. Niki rejoined and finished 17th.

SUNDAY'S Round 2 attracted 30,000 spectators and live ITV4 coverage. The Y4HR Miracle Drywash Clio was sitting 3rd on the grid behind Ben Winrow and Paul Rivett (double Clio Champion). Next to the Austrian champion was the ex-touring car driver, Gavin Piper. Ashurst Wood-based Niki Lanik had a fantastic start retaining his 3rd place. Running a little bit wide out of Graham Hill Bend, Lanik lost a little momentum nearly loosing a place to Derek Pierce, who was lying in 4th. Niki then drove defensive for three more laps until he was clear to cruise a remaining 14 laps to a 3rd place and well-deserved podium finish. This was Niki's best official result in the National 2008 Clio Championship up to date.

"I had a great start and managed to tag onto Winrow and Rivett by the first corner. Defending from Pierce wasn't too difficult either as he never got close enough to make a move. I felt very comfortable in the car, and knew that if I just drove consistently I would finish in 3rd and that's exactly what I did." said the Austrian Niki Lanik.

To find out more about Niki Lanik visit www.NikiLanik.com.

The Youth For Human Rights Miracle Drywash Race Team promotes the international Youth For Human Rights campaign - www.YouthForHumanRights.org. The team sponsors include Miracle Drywash (www.MiracleDrywash.com), GridGirlz (www.GridGirlz.co.uk), G&G Vitamins (www.GandGVitamins.com), Wealden Workwear (www.WWPE.co.uk), and Luxury Sign Design (www.lsdsign.co.uk). If you would like to sponsor Niki Lanik, e-mail him on niki@lanik.info.

ROUND 3 and 4 of the Clio Cup will take place at Rockingham Speedway on 12th and 13th of April, as well as live TV coverage on ITV4. For more information about the 2008 ELF Clio Cup visit www.renaultsport.co.uk.

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