VW Cup: Depper Dominates Qualifying Ahead of Bank Holiday Showdown

Castle Combe proved the host of Jack Depper’s maiden pole position of the year as the Maximum Motorsport driver looks to extend his VW Racing Cup championship lead. The #33 has proved a class above the field in his Scirocco over the morning running and will be eager for that car advantage to continue into the afternoon.

Having topped Free Practice as well, Depper looked about pulling out 1.2 seconds gap to Russell Joyce by the time the red flag interrupted proceedings at the 10 min mark. The only driver to drop below the 72 second mark, Depper had already laid down a gauntlet before halfway.

It was Chris Wallis who brought a halt to qualifying as he was stranded out the back of the circuit. A crash with the barrier ensured his Power Maxed Car Care Racing Golf would not be continuing and the team will have their work cut out to get it all prepared for the first race later.

Depper would only lower his benchmark by a tenth, but it would be more than enough to stay ahead of his JM Racing rival, securing his maiden pole position by 0.298s, with Olly Turner failing to drop below 1min 12sec.

Turner set his personal best on the final lap. With Depper pulling in before the flag, having already used up his tyres, Turner’s late lap could yet make him a threat in the second half of the event providing he can make his rubber last the distance. A mechanical retirement in the opening race of the year will ensure that every point matters for the Golf as he looks to close the gap.

Joyce would have to settle for third on the grid despite his early pace form and, providing the car can be fixed, will be joined on the second row by his teammate. Rounding out the grid was Jeff Alden in the Matrix Motorsport with Maximum Motorsport VW Golf.

The first 20-minute race gets the green light at 14.00 with the second at 17.10. All of the action, together with driver interviews and exclusive behind the scenes insights, will be live streamed on the Volkswagen Racing Cup Facebook page and You Tube channel.