Summarize

Lee Thompson Racing enjoyed a strong weekend at Zwartkops' national championship finale on Saturday as Charl Smalberger delivered another strong result and Simon Need had his best race of the year.

But it was the team's rookie sensation Delon Thompson who impressed most as he too enjoyed his best race of the season, qualifying a spectacular second before racing to third in both heats to end up top  Junior on the day; sixth in the overall championship and fifth among the Juniors in his first year in this highly competitive series on his MF Autobody LTR Polo, while he also scooped the Driver of the Day award. 

“What a wonderful way to end off our rookie season,” Delon wrapped it up. “The car was brilliant all weekend - Lee and the lads have made it a winner now and I am delighted to have brought home the silverware to reward them today. “I can’t wait for the new season — thanks so much to everyone who made this happen!

Senior Polo Cup teammate Simon Need also enjoyed his best race of the season in the Photonics LTR Polo. Mauritian Masters driver Need qualified 11th and fourth before powering to 12th overall and third among the Masters in the opening race to score his first overall championship points, before repeating the feat in race 2 to end up joint fourth in the Masters championship for the year. “At times earlier in the season it was looking a little bleak, but Lee and the team helped me turn it around and I was truly delighted with today as we have managed to fight back to fourth in the Masters championship — thanks so much team!"

Charl Smalberger finished his Sasol GTC2 season on a high by qualifying his Q20 LTR Golf GTI third, before going on to third in the first race and then taking fourth in the reverse-grid second race. "I put in a good quali lap, but I was beaten to third in the dying moments,” Charl explained. “The first race was great fun - I was dicing Brad Liebenberg to start and shook him off and managed to close Devin Robertson down in the other Mini but I was happy with third. “The red flag came out after I blitzed the second race start and I could not repeat it in the restart — I ended fourth in the end, but it could have been a podium. “Its been a tough but great year all-round and I need to thank Lee and the guys for some great memories — can’t wait for the new season!” 

“Well we wrapped up a good season with a great day,” team boss Lee Thompson concluded. “Delon was the star today and Simon was really impressive today, while Charl put on a damn good show too. “Now we look ahead to 2019 - we will start off the new season on a pretty strong foundation based on today — bring it on!"