PRIMEX PLASTICS Ltd located on Aycliffe Business Park, part of the American based Primex Plastic Corporation assisted local Racing Driver Max Coates on his return to the British Touring Car Championship support package at local circuit Croft.
Scorton based Max returned to the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup with new sponsors Primex Plastics Limited, who manufacture a wide range of quality polyolefin sheeting products into the Industrial and leisure business sectors. The late deal allowed the Leeds Met Student to race, and the Ginetta G55 cup car was delivered to his privateer team on Thursday night in time for Friday testing.
Coates qualified 10th within 1.4 seconds of pole in his first outing on new tires. A fast start in race one moved him immediately up to 9th however a spin at the back of the circuit meant he fell to the back and had to pit to prevent the engine overheating after blocking the front grill with grass. He finished 12th whilst saving the tyres for the remaining races.
Coates was a man on a mission in race two and overtook half the field with some exhilarating passing moves. He was catching the podium pack but was held up by another driver who continually cut the track in an effort to stay ahead.
Starting from 6th for race three the David Mason London ambassador was hoping for a strong finish to the weekend. He struggled with rear lock ups on downshifts throughout the race which made the car very unstable. He brought the car home to an 8th position finish.
Afterwards Coates said “It’s been great to back out and this wouldn’t have happened without Primex Plastics Limited, Ryan Motorsport Insurance, The Ben Gautrey Foundation, RGPS and a number of personal sponsors. We were hoping that the fresher tyres would have given us a podium chance in race two but unfortunately I was being held up by another driver that I was unable to pass.”
Gary Clement Manufacturing Manager for Primex Plastics said “Max with limited car set up time was very impressive and Primex staff who attended the Sunday races had an excellent day” Coates is hoping for another outing before the end of the season which purely relies on him being able to find the funding to compete. To keep up to date with Max’s racing follow him on twitter @MaxCoates71 or like his facebook page.
