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Matador Powertec Radical Challenge with TJ motorsport
LESNIEWSKI STARS AT SPA!
Racing Driver Dominic Lesniewski Takes Two Class Victories At The Famous Spa Circuit
Dominic Lesniewski got his first taste of the famous Belgian circuit, Spa-Francorchamps at the weekend and came away with the dream ending to his season – two class victories.
Having already secured the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge Championship, Dominic was racing as part of the Radical World Series, lining up on the famous circuit with 52 other Radical drivers sporting SR3s and SR4s as well as Prosports.
This was Dominic's first time at the awe inspiring circuit and its pedigree was not lost on him.
"When we first arrived it was a dull day and I will admit to feeling a little apprehensive" said Dominic afterwards "I wondered how we would fare on a big GP circuit against more powerful Radicals and drivers who new the track. But that faded as soon as I was in the car and the first time I took Eau Rouge! That corner lives up to all the hype you hear about it. I can still set adrenaline off by just thinking about it!"
Time spent learning the circuit via Playstation seemed to pay off as Dominic showed an immediate ease with the track, reflected in his lap times.
For the first race Dominic was 26th on the grid of 52 and., going against the form book, was soon on the tail of SR3s and running away with the invitation class.
"It was a great race" said Dominic, "and even I was surprised at how well I could compete against the more powerful cars. It felt very comfortable and we just flowed, making a good pit stop."
Dominic took the Race 1 Invitation class victory which meant his first visit of the weekend to a podium which has seen many famous faces.
"It felt like such a huge privilege" Dominic said, "and quite surreal to be on the Spa podium thinking, Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna have stood on this very step!"
Sunday's race was to prove equally as exciting as Dominic once again took the Invitation class win and a hugely competitive 20th overall. And his Matador tyres proved to be a great set of 'boots' with their consistent performance which saw him set his fastest lap in Race Two.
"It was the dream end I hoped for myself and for TJ Motorsport" Dominic commented after the weekend. "I owe a huge thank you to Trevor and Paul at TJ Motorsport whose hard work and support this season has been outstanding. Without them I wouldn't have the amazing win ratio I have.
"I'm very proud to be the first Matador Powertec Radical Challenge Champion and my thanks also go to everyone at Mansol Motorsport who organised this year's championship."
NEWLY CROWNED LESNIEWSKI ON THE PODIUM AGAIN!
Racing Driver Dominic Lesniewski takes a Superb 1st and 2nd at the latest round of the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge
Dominic Lesniewski (Croydon and University of Lincoln) may have sewn up the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge title but he was still out to impress at Snetterton. The Norfolk circuit played host to two Matador Powertec Radical Challenge races this weekend.
Dominic had a strong qualifying session for the first race, placing his TJ Motorsport prepared Radical Prosport in pole position. Dominic had suspected a wet race this weekend but thankfully the sun smiled on them and he put in one of his famous run away victorys, taking the chequered flag over 15seconds ahead of Tony Freeman in second place.
“It was a great race and one where I was lost for words afterwards” said Dominic, “The car just ran perfectly and I was able to speed into the distance!”
Sunday though wasn’t going to be as easy. With a field bolstered by invitation cars including Dunlop shod Radical SR3s and SR4s, Dominic qualified in fourth place – the first time he had been off the front row all season!
Dominic, racing on Matador tyres, made a lightening quick start and shot himself into the lead by the first corner! However, Tom Ashton in an invitation Radical SR4 wasn’t going to let him run away this time and a battle that had everyone on the edge of their seats followed. The lead changed, and Dominic even took an ‘excursion’ off the track but soon fought his way back onto Ashton’s tail, at times literally just an inch away!
Dominic had to settle for second position this time but jumped out of the car buzzing. “That was my favourite race of the whole year!” said a delighted Dominic afterwards.
With seven wins under his belt this season, Dominic has an unassailable lead and is confirmed as the first ever Matador Powertec Radical Challenge Champion but he insists the biggest applause be saved for TJ Motorsport and their mechanics.
“Trevor and everyone at TJ Motorsport have prepared a car that has been a dream to drive all year. The preparation and support from the guys has been flawless and I cannot thank them enough” Dominic said.
Dominic and TJ Motorsport have another chance to display their on-track prowess when the final round of the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge travels overseas to the famous Spa circuit on 7-8th October.
ANOTHER FLAWLESS DRIVE BY LESNIEWSKI!
Racing Driver Dominic Lesniewski Takes Pole Position, Fastest Lap and the Race Win at the latest round of the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge
Dominic Lesniewski (Croydon and University of Lincoln) put in another superb performance on the race track to take pole position, fastest lap and the race win in the latest round of the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge.
Held at Mallory Park, Leicestershire, Dominic arrived for Race 8 to be greeted by pouring rain. A full wet set up was prepared for the morning qualifying session in which he comfortably took pole position by over one second.
By the start of the afternoon’s race the skies had cleared and the track began to dry leading to a few alterations on the car set up. Taking up pole position, Dominic found the biggest challenge was literally in front of him.
“The way the circuit was drying unevenly meant there was a big wet patch directly in front of me!” said Dominic afterwards. “I knew that I would have to be very vigilant at the start not to let the puddle get me and as such lost two places as the lights went out”
Despite dropping back to third, Dominic was up into 2nd by the first corner and by lap two had taken the lead and began to eke out a strong margin. Dominic took the win by a superb twelve seconds!
“I am lost for words” Dominic commented afterwards. “Obviously very happy to take the win, my third win in a row. I’ve now won six of the eight races. The car is running very well and many thanks go to TJ Motorsport for that, we plan on keeping this winning streak going!”
DOUBLE TOP FOR DOMINIC!
Racing Driver Dominic Lesniewski Takes A Double Victory In The Latest Round of the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge
Dominic Lesniewski (Croydon and University of Lincoln) once again raced to the top of podium, taking wins in both races at the latest round of the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge held at Pembrey, Wales last weekend.
Saturday morning qualifying saw Dominic’s TJ Motorsport prepared Radical Prosport on wet tyres as the current heatwave gave way to rain over Wales. Dominic took a comfortable second on the grid behind rival Duncan Williams. The afternoon’s race saw plenty of on track action with a 10 second penalty looming over Williams for a jump start. With the penalty on Williams, Dominic knew he could follow him home and still take the win but this wasn’t his style!
“I wasn’t going to let Duncan’s penalty make life easier for me” said Dominic, afterwards, “so I was determined to win on the track as well as the timing sheets” and he did, taking the chequered flag to record his first win of the weekend.
Sunday morning qualifying saw the need for wet tyres once more as the track was heavily damp and this time Dominic took pole. Thankfully the track dried for the race and Dominic put in a textbook drive to take the win from pole to flag.
“It was a great weekend” Dominic said. “Everything went well - a pole, two fastest laps and two wins is a wonderful result to come away. Now I hope to secure backing to ensure I can also take part in the Radical World Cup British round at Donington later this month.”
If anyone who would like further information on how they can support this youngster’s sporting ambition can contact Adam Lesniewski for further information on 020 8405 1081 or email info@domlesniewski.com.
ANOTHER PODIUM FOR LESNIEWSKI
Racing Driver Dominic Lesniewski’s Secures A Strong Second Place in the Latest Matador Powertec Radical Challenge
Dominic Lesniewski (Croydon and University of Lincoln) further bolstered his grip on the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge securing a strong second place finish at the latest round held on 18th June at Mallory Park in Leicestershire.
“It was a very productive day” said Dominic afterwards. “I managed to qualify second which I was pleased with as my budget means I do have to reuse tyres and this does lose me some time on the track to competitors who can afford new tyres each round.”
However, even with old rubber Dominic started from the front row of the grid and easily slotted into second place position behind Phil Waite. The 14 lap race saw the two front runners nose to tail and Dominic set the fastest lap in the race but overtaking on the small circuit was to prove difficult. Dominic was more than happy with his second place finish, ensuring another trip to the podium and more points for his overall challenge for the title.
“It was a good day and as someone said you can’t win them all!” commented Dominic afterwards. “We are on the pace and now I would like to try and secure backing to take part in the World Cup round at Donington in August. It would be a fantastic opportunity if I could race a Radical SR8 or SR3 at that event.”
BIRTHDAY BOY LESNIEWSKI CELEBRATES WITH DOUBLE WIN
Racing Driver Dominic Lesniewski’s Scores a Double Win in the Latest Round of the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge
Dominic Lesniewski (Croydon and University of Lincoln) was elated after a superb weekend in the third round of the Matador Powertec Radical Challenge winning both races in the double header event. What made the two wins even sweeter was Dominic celebrated his 21st birthday this weekend.
Competing at Croft in North Yorkshire, Dominic was overjoyed with the qualifying performance of the TJ Motorsport prepared Radical Prosport as he sped to pole position for Race One on Saturday afternoon. In hot and sunny conditions, Dominic made a good start from the front of the grid to put in a stunning display to win the race from start to finish by almost ten seconds.
Sunday brought further good weather but Dominic was not confident that pole position would be a possibility this time.
“I was on old tyres” explained Dominic, “so I knew I would struggle against the drivers on new rubber. As I came round I saw via the pitboard I was in third position. I just focused as hard as a could and was gobsmacked when I took pole position on my final qualifying lap.”
Dominic was mugged of the lead at the start of race two and slotted into second position behind Phil Waite. As they battled Dominic braked hard and went into a spin, stalling the car. Thankfully, the car restarted and he was soon on his way, not losing his position but now a massive 8 seconds behind the leader in the 10 lap race.
“I thought I had messed up beyond repair and honestly didn’t think winning the race was even an option any more” said Dominic but he was to prove himself wrong.
With lightening laps, Dominic reeled in Phil astounding everyone’s expectations. As the last corner of the last lap loomed, Phil out broke himself and Dominic nipped through to steal the win.
“It was unbelievable” said Dominic afterwards. “I didn’t think I could pull Phil in after my spin but I gained a second a lap and then I was back on his tail. To take both wins this weekend is the best way I can think of to celebrate my birthday! The car was spot on and I have to thank TJ Motorsport for all their hard work and support.”
Dominic’s next race will be at Mallory Park (Leicestershire) on 18th June when he will be keen to add to his trophy collection. In the meantime, Dominic is hoping to raise sponsorship to enable him to drive at the Radical World Cup at Donington Park in August. Supporting the LMES series.
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DIFFICULT HOMECOMING FOR LESNIEWSKI
Racing Driver Dominic Lesniewski’s On Track Mastery Marred By Disqualification
Dominic came to his ‘home’ race on the back of superb win at the opening round where he took pole position, fastest lap and the race win to take the lead in the Championship. He knew his Radical Prosport would be well suited to the fast nature of the Brands Indy circuit and put in a strong qualifying session to take second on the grid.
“I knew the pole sitter had an aerodynamic over us” said Dominic afterwards, “but I was still very hopeful that a front row start would put me in a battling position. I know Brands very well and planned to use that to my advantage”
Dominic made a good start from the front row but further down the field an incident left a number of cars in precarious positions. The race was red flagged and the cars brought back to the grid for a restart. Before the restart the cars drove a further ‘formation lap’; sadly Dominic stalled and was passed by others during this lap. As the cars came back round to the grid, Dominic took his original position in second, however the rule book states he should have started from either the back of the grid or the pitlane having stalled on the formation lap.
At the second start of the race both Dominic and the pole sitter stalled and were left to come up the rear as the field sped by. With the engine fired up Dominic got away and started the long trek to catch the field up which he did with vigour. As he began to scythe his way through the field, the penalty board was shown to confirm he would be given a 10 second penalty for the grid infringement. But as Dominic maturely admitted after the race this was his mistake and far from letting it get him down, it made him even more determined to finish as high as possible.
What followed was a stunning display as Dominic fought his way from the back of the field to take the lead on the track, doggedly trying to eat away the 10 second penalty to be applied at the end of the race. Dominic took the win on the track, and with the penalty added still remained classified on the podium with third place.
It appeared as if Dominic had managed to salvage points from what was turning out to be a very difficult day when further disappointment struck. In post race scrutineering both Dominic’s car and that of winner James Aspinall were deemed to have infringed a safety regulation requiring the removal of fire extinguisher pins. In turn the stewards disqualified both Dominic and James from the result.
“Gutted is one word to describe how I felt when I was told of the decision” Dominic said. “Obviously the loss of the position and the championship points is a major disappointment, and it overshadows what was actually a great drive on the track. But I have the accept the mistake I made and respect the decision of the stewards in regard of the car infringement.
“I will chalk this up to experience and we will be back fighter harder than ever at the next round, that’s for sure!”
The next round of the Championship will be at Croft, North Yorkshire on 2nd June.
Racing Driver Dominic Lesniewski Takes Pole, Fastest Lap and Win In Season Opener.
Dominic Lesniewski (Croydon and University of Lincoln) had a dream start to his 2006 racing campaign at the weekend. Competing in the opening round of the inaugral Matador Powertec Radical Challenge at Snetterton (1st April), Dominic took all the honours securing pole position, setting the fastest lap in the race and taking the race win.
Dominic, who races a Radical Prosport for TJ Motorsport, was pleased to take pole position at the head of the 14-car grid at a circuit he has always enjoyed racing at. With Paul Thomas just two-tenths of a second behind him, Dominic new it was going to be an exciting 12-lap race.
The weather stayed fine for the race and Dominic admitted to getting caught up at the start and went into second place. However, as they approached the first corner he was able to nip inside first place to take the lead, which he held all the way to the chequered flag. As well as taking the win he also set the fastest lap, an impressive 1min10.2seconds, meaning his average speed was just shy of 100mph.
“It was a fantastic start to my season” said Dominic afterwards, “I couldn’t have asked for more. I was really impressed with the car and was very pleased to get the fastest lap – just four-thousandths quicker than the next guy! I think a 1min10.2secs at Snetterton is a very encouraging pace and also shows just what a good championship this can shape up to be. It’s a new championship but it produced a great race today and the organisation and hospitality were superb so I hope we’ll see the grid grow throughout the year.
“Everyone at our team is very happy and we will be aiming to keep this winning up!”
Dominic’s next race will be his ‘home’ event at Brands Hatch on 29th April.
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