SAILESH BOLISETTI’S ROUNDS OFF DEBUT OVAL WEEKEND

- Finished first race of his oval career 12^th place after qualifying 22^nd due to tyre issues
- Carnage–filled race two saw him finish 17^th after starting 22^nd

7 July, Tours, France: Indian racing driver Sailesh Bolisettirounded off his debut oval racing weekend at Tours Speedway here in Central France for round four of the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

The series, formerly known as Euro Racecar Series was rechristened earlier this week, further enforcing its association with its governing body – the National Association of Stock Car Racing (NASCAR).

Having fought his way up to 12^th place in race one, expectations were high going into the second 100–lap race around the 600 meter oval, but unfortunately things didn’t go according to plan.

After gaining places at the start, Sailesh was pushed into the wall at turn one which caused extensive damage to the car and forced him to pit, putting paid to his early efforts.

“It was crazy. I was on the inside line, look at the cars ahead when bam! Just like that, I was into the wall on the outside”, he exclaimed furiously.

Luckily, Sailesh managed to limp back into the pits and the team was able to send him back out after pulling the hanging pieces of bodywork off the car, and he had to start all over again.

“I don’t know how many caution periods we had but it was quite a busy race and bumping other drivers off the circuit seemed to be the order of the day.

“My neck is still hurting from the whiplash of the impact and I’m certainly going to see the stewards about this”, he added.

Eventually, from the back of the field, Sailesh was able to get half way back up the grid, eventually finishing 17^th and rounding off his debut oval weekend on a strong note.

“On paper I finished lower than I did in my first race, but I know that I had far better pace in race two which helped me come back through the pack.

“I was also more confident racing bumper to bumper and rubbing doors with other cars, as it seemed to be the norm otherwise you just lose out if try to be the only gentleman on the grid”, he further grimaced. 

The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series will go back to a traditional circuit racing venue for the next round, scheduled at the Motorland Aragon circuit in Spain on September 1.