PMR Polo Rs show potential

Power Maxed Racing were in action this weekend in the 2nd round of the 2016 MaximumGroup.net VAG Trophy at Donington Park. The team gave a taster of things to come this season with blistering lap times, aggressive

overtakes and some great door to door racing. Posting some of the most competitive times of the weekend, it’s clear to see that this will be a strong year for the Warwickshire based team.

Following a successful test day on Friday, the team had fine-tuned the Power Maxed Racing VW Polo Rs ready for the triple-header race weekend at the Leicestershire circuit. In an action-packed but ultimately frustrating qualifying session punctuated by a number of yellow flags, both cars showed promise and the pace to run near the front. The more experienced Stephen Johansen was discontent to qualify in 10th after having his flying lap thwarted by an undisclosed driver. Power Maxed Racing rookie, Russell Joyce set some very strong times in his first ever qualifying session, however, was forced to start from the back of the grid due to a technical issue with his transponder.

The challenging qualifying session did not deter the Power Maxed Racing drivers who set about attacking the field in the race. Russell Joyce took his #72 Polo R from 33rd on the grid to finish 26th with some skilful driving. Joyce managed to keep out of trouble and steer clear of the incidents that caused an extended safety car period. The deployment of the safety car also hampered Stephen Johansen’s progress as he dropped 2 places off the line but then surged through the pack to regain the places and cross the line in 10th.

A damp Sunday morning was the setting for race 2 of the weekend. Stephen Johansen started in 10th place in his #29 Power Maxed Racing Polo R with Russell Joyce starting in 26th. In what was to be a clean race, both drivers got off the line and round the first lap without being involved in the on-track accidents that saw 4 cars either turned around or forced off the track. Both drivers pushed hard and enjoyed increased confidence in the cars as they crossed the line in 8th and 23rd respectively.

In the final race of the day, Stephen Johansen started in 8th with Russell Joyce starting in 23rd. Johansen was involved in a first corner incident which dropped him to 14th. Undeterred, he pushed on with determination, gaining place after place with skilful and considered overtakes. His tenacity paid off as he crossed the line in 6th. Russell Joyce also had a very strong race as he got to grips with the handling of the Polo R. He kept it clean in the opening laps and stayed out of trouble. Steadily climbing up the field, Joyce kept his nerve and finished 17th, a great result for the rookie.

Adam Weaver, Power Maxed Racing Team Principal commented,

“It was great to see the Power Maxed Racing Polo Rs starting to realise their potential. The team have worked tirelessly over the winter and the cars are a testament to them all. They have built two class-leading cars and I believe we can develop them even further. We are also developing a third PMR Polo R that will be eligible for both the VAG Trophy and VW Cup.”

Weaver continued, “I must say how impressed I am with both Stephen and Russell. Both have differing skill levels and differing experience but their camaraderie, cohesion to the team and each other will enable us to be more successful and also make it a lot of fun too.”

Stephen Johansen #29 commented, “The Power Maxed Racing Polo R felt fantastic. Its handling is crisp and precise, I can place it where I want it on the track and it stays put. The team did a phenomenal job this weekend, they turned out a world-class car.”

Russell Joyce #72 commented, “It was great to put the Power Maxed Racing Polo R through its paces and to test myself in my first real race situation. The car was cracking and really gave me confidence to overtake, something I didn’t think I would be doing in my first races."

The Power Maxed Racing Polo R's will be out again this weekend in the opening round of the Milltek Sport Volkswagen Racing Cup at Rockingham and the next round of the MaximumGroup.net VAG Trophy at Brands Hatch on 14/15 May.