Youngest Yaris Cup driver clinches victory

17th August 2005

At the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, 17-year-old Heiko Hammel made it to the limelight by securing his maiden Toyota Yaris Cup win.

The Toyota Yaris Cup enters its decisive stage. Following the penultimate race weekend of the successful young gun series, held at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, the motor racing enthusiasts may look forward to a thrilling season finale, taking place at Oschersleben on 8 th/9 th October. With just two more rounds to go, there are still five drivers who may hope to win the championship.

Heiko Hammel was the major surprise in the EuroSpeedway rounds. The youngest driver on the Toyota Yaris Cup grid finished fifth in the first race of the weekend and secured his maiden win in the second round on Sunday. “I’m really delighted that Heiko succeeded in winning the race,” said Cup tutor and Toyota Brand Ambassador Isolde Holderied. “He worked hard for this win and deserves our respect for having made it to the highest step on the podium, being the youngest driver on the grid. Now we may look forward to a thrilling finale!”

On Saturday, championship leader Philip Geipel finished third, however, he had to retire in the closing stages of Sunday’s race. His current lead over second-placed Swen Landgraf adds up to 18.5 points, with third-placed Sandra van der Sloot having scored 163.5 points. Although there are still two races to contest, the female racer has already secured her first title: Following the second and third places she took last weekend, she has won the Ladies rankings of the Toyota Yaris Cup.

“Sandra delivers a great season,” said Isolde. “And who knows…? Maybe she even makes it to the top in the overall rankings at Oschersleben.” And there’s Christiaan Frankenhout: the winner of the first EuroSpeedway round holds currently fourth place in the championship and is also determined to try to win the title, in the season finale held at the Magdeburger Börde.

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