Jerome De Sadeleer’s chase for the Radical Challenge title was dealt a severe blow at Spa Francorchamps, when his 360 Racing Radical SR3 RSX was a non finishers in two of the three races.
The weekend started so well with De Sadeleer topping the times in both qualifying session. “Delighted is an understatement,” he said.
He led from the opening lap, but couldn’t shake-off the attentions of defending Champion Dominik Jackson, as both made a decisive break early on.
After four laps Jackson managed to snatch the lead, but they continued to run in close formation, until lap eight, when De Sadeleer succumbed to a damaged rear upright and limped back to the pits where he retired.
Team mate Jason Rishover had also qualified well, but had contact on the opening lap. “We went well in free practice and qualifying, so had built up ready for the race. But I had contact from Jac Constable which spun me at the top of the Kemmel Straight, when I was lying fourth. I got some rear damage but carried on, until I had contact with my new team mate at the Bus Stop,” he explained after retiring from 14th.
It was a successful seasonal debut for Martin Verity though, as he climbed through the order to make his stop in 10th place. An equally strong second half brought him up to eighth by the end of lap 15. Fellow returnee John Harrison was less fortunate, pitting to retire after a touch with Rishover. “I just kept going and it all went well. I was consistent and it was a really good race,” said Verity.
