Rory Smith pips Julian Van der Watt to win chaotic third WHT heat

Rory Smith came from fifth on the grid to beat Julian Van der Watt by 0.074 seconds in Walter Hayes Trophy heat three at Silverstone, after the early leaders clashed.

The B-M Racing driver was able to take advantage of a clash between poleman Michael Eastwell and Josh Fisher on the second lap, and from there he steadily built up a gap and until a late safety car period brought the field together.

A one lap shootout took place after the safety car, and WHT returnee Van der Watt gave Smith a major scare by getting a much better exit from Luffield on the run to the finish.

Kevin Mills Racing’s Eastwell had led from pole and held off a fast-starting Fisher for the first two laps before they collided, pushing Eastwell down to third and Wayne Poole Racing’s Fisher down to 10th.

Team Dolan’s Chris Middlehurst had slotted into second but then came under pressure from the recovering Eastwell.

After a skillful wheel-to-wheel battle in which both drivers had held second place, both drivers appeared to spin at the same time but without any contact. This gave Van der Watt second place, with Team DDR’s David McCullough following closely behind.

Soon after, the race was neutralised when Klaus-Dieter Haeckel suffered suspension damage and had to park on the outside of Copse. After the safety car period, McCullough was able to hold on to third from Callum Grant.

B-M Racing’s David McArthur had an effective race, starting in 11th and beating the recovering Fisher to fifth.

KMR’s Scott Temple came home in seventh, just ahead of Eastwell and Middlehurst. Roger Orgee (KMR) finished 10th, with Stuart Gough (Oldfield Motorsport) in 11th.

Race results (8 laps)