TV viewers see NGK-sponsored Coates make podium

Snetterton race saw Coates finish just 0.144 seconds behind winner Isaac Smith

TV viewers see NGK-sponsored Coates make podium

Racing driver Max Coates – who is sponsored by ignition specialist NGK – made the podium in the latest round of the Mini Challenge with his exploits being featured on TV.

The race at Snetterton was shown live on ITV4 as part of the BTCC programme with Coates finishing just 0.144 seconds behind winner Isaac Smith.

Coates – who came seventh in the first weekend race at the Norfolk circuit – said: “I’m really pleased to have got back on the podium at Snetterton this weekend, it feels great to reward the team and my partners with this result.

“The win wasn’t far away, but Isaac Smith was just a bit quicker than me in two corners which gave him the gap he needed to keep me behind where I was stronger.

“I’m hoping we can finish the season strongly at Brands Hatch, a circuit I absolutely love.”

In the second race, Coates was fourth at turn one and was part way through a move to the podium positions at turn two when the yellow flags came out preventing any overtaking.

A first lap safety car then bunched the cars back up and at the restart the leader lost control.

Coates got through and went from fourth to second as the cars scrambled to avoid the sliding car.

In doing so Coates was forced onto the grass and in the process lost ground on the leader.

Just as he caught him, with a gap opening up to third place, the safety car was deployed.

At the restart Coates fended off an attack from behind and again set about trying to pass for the lead.

With just three laps remaining he didn’t have long, and he tried for a pass at every available opportunity, but the gap just didn’t open up.

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd marketing manager Mark Hallam said: “It was another impressive performance by Max who will be looking to continue his fine form at Brands Hatch for the final rounds of the season on November 14 & 15.”

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