The season finale of the 2024 Porsche Club Championship at Snetterton was one for the books! Rising Tide-sponsored driver Simon Clark entered the weekend with one goal – to secure the championship title. Facing high stakes and last-minute challenges, Simon delivered a truly outstanding performance that ultimately brought him the championship win.
Qualifying: A Test of Focus and Fortitude
Simon approached qualifying with the intent to secure a pole position, aiming for the clean sweep he’d been chasing all throughout the season. Yet, the track had its own obstacles in store. A coolant spill early on made for risky conditions, and Simon chose to pit, expecting the coolant to take longer to clear. That decision, though cautious, cost him a few critical laps, meaning he couldn’t get his tires into their optimal window for peak performance. With only a handful of laps left, he pushed forward but ultimately found himself starting both races in 5th position. While it wasn’t the ideal start, it was a true test of character, underscoring that racing is as much about calculated calls as it is about raw speed.
Race One: Battling Through the Midfield
As the green flag waved, Simon got a solid start, until a stall from the car directly in front forced him to pull back, dropping two places into 7th. In a dense pack with tight, aggressive racing all around him, Simon kept his head down and his focus sharp. Moving forward wasn’t just a matter of overtaking, but instead required him to carefully assess every gap, every braking zone, and every rival’s move to calculate the safest way up the field. With patience and precision, Simon eventually clawed his way back to 5th position, thus ensuring he remained in the title hunt.
Race Two: Rain, Resilience, and a Safety Car Close
The second race was where everything came to a head. A clean start saw Simon positioned well, and he began to press forward, reading the pack and taking every opportunity the conditions allowed. As rain began to fall shortly after the start, the stakes shifted, and so did the track’s grip. The slick surface transformed the race, turning it into a true test for skill and adaptability.. Some drivers were caught off guard by the changing weather, and Simon’s caution helped him navigate the chaos, advancing to 3rd place with each calculated move. But just as the action heated up, a safety car was deployed, and the race fell under control, ending with Simon’s place in the field held in suspension. While the lack of a final, open lap was disappointing, Simon’s finish left no doubt about his resilience and the strength of his drive under pressure. He’d held his ground and secured his title with control and focus.
Reflecting on a Season of Determination and Growth
For Simon, this season has been a real journey of resilience, growth, and countless hours of dedicated work alongside a team that’s been with him through every twist and turn. Reflecting on the season’s close, Simon noted, “This year has been an absolute rollercoaster. It’s been hard fought on all fronts and I’m lucky to have such strong and unwavering support from all corners. Our #LegalTech team has once again excelled, putting their heart and soul in making it a champion season for all involved, from on track results to hospitality and hosting of some absolutely amazing events. There’s been bumps along the road in all disciplines, but we’ve overcome each and every one with good humour and a growing friendship.”
We are proud to have been supporting Simon throughout his journey this year and are looking forward to seeing him back on the track soon!
