Duncan Tappy increased his pace yet again this weekend at Thruxton in his 1800cc Mygale SJ04 Formula Ford. He worked with his team mate to get the best from their set-up at a circuit that’s tough on tyres.

Team Jamun used team stategy in qualifying, with Duncan and Charlie Donnelly working together to create tows for each other, and Duncan secured a second place front-row slot for both races.

“We decided to work together – to do five gentle laps to bed in the tyres and then on lap six we went for it. Joe had a tow too but we were still not quite on his pace. We’d changed the set-up for the windy conditions that perhaps weren’t the best and we need to find a happy medium.”

From his front row position Duncan got a good start and was in a position to challenge for the lead. He made a move which didn’t work and let Charlie through in the process. The Jamun pair then joined forces with the ‘tow-tactic’ to try to challenge D’Agostino. Duncan took advantage of another tow from Charlie on lap three, moving into second place which he held to the end of the race.

“I got a good start and was right behind Joe going into the first part of the complex. I managed to get passed and to hang on until Charlie got a run. We were three abreast and I dropped to third. After I moved back up into second I managed to keep up with Joe – it’s the closest to his pace I’ve been. The car wasn’t perfect but with a few changes hopefully I’ll get closer and be challenging for the lead.” he said.

The second race had the same podium results and the same tactics – but the Jamun duo exchanged places nearly every lap until the latter stages of the race. “Charlie and I talked before the race and agreed that if we were behind Joe we’d work together until the five minute board.

“In the end I managed to judge it right and got him on the outside of the last corner. The car wasn’t as good. It was better on tyre wear so the pace lasted longer, but it wasn’t as fast – it wasn’t as raceable. It’s been an encouraging weekend because at Knockhill they had a few-hundreths on me. Now I’m right on them.

“We’re at Castle Combe next and I was fast in testing there so I’m looking forward to it. I want to thank James, Tony, Tom, Stuart and John at Jamun Racing for doing a great job.”

For the second time this season, Duncan was awarded the title of Motorsport News Race Ace by the magazine for his performance this weekend.

•   Filed under: Formula Ford
•   Tagged as: podium finishes, Team Jamun, Thruxton