Rookie Rappa Impresses in 2007:
While most rookies are only learning the ropes in their first few meetings, teenager Richie Rapa has already made his mark after an impressive performance during the most recent round of the Aussie Racing Car Championship at his home circuit of Eastern Creek Raceway.
The Eastern Creek Raceway round was Rapa’s first on an actual race circuit yet you could hardly tell judging by the 17-year-old’s performance that weekend when he qualified second and was placed runner up in both race one and two. Rapa was running as high as second in the third race before an off track excursion broke his front spoiler causing him to drop down the field and eventually seeing him finish in eighth place.
Starting from position two in the fourth and final race, Rapa took victory for the very first time in only his third ever race meeting in the category. However, it was alleged that he jumped the start and was therefore penalised 20 seconds, demoting him to 21st place.
“I had an excellent weekend at Eastern Creek, if it weren’t for my mistakes in race three and four, I feel I would have finished second on the podium for the round,” commented Rapa.
“I really just wanted to get out there and prove my winning pace and I think I achieved that so I’m still really happy with myself.”
Prior to the Eastern Creek meeting, Rapa made his debut in this category at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide where he ran inside the top ten before a race two crash brought about the premature end to his weekend. Rapa then recorded a top ten result for the round in the Australian Grand Prix support races, two weeks later in Melbourne - Victoria. Unfortunately Rapa was unable to contest in the third round of the Championship in Bathurst due to not having an International race licence.
“Because of my crash in the opening round and the fact I wasn’t eligible to compete in the Bathurst event my championship chances are gone,” he admits
“My aim for the rest of the season is to continue my learning process and remain a front running contender.”
In 2007 Rapa is proudly supported by Wholesale Property Brokers and Fabre Australia.
The fifth round of the Aussie Racing Car Championship will be at Oran Park Raceway (Narellan NSW) on August 17-19.
-ENDS RELEASE-
Richie Rapa media enquiries Daniel Powell – Redline Media
Phone: 0246 832464
Mobile: 0439 639 992
Email: Daniel@redlinemedia.com.au
28-10-08 Rapa’s Podium Results on the Gold Coast Moves Him Back into Series Contention
13-8-08 Mechanical Issues Hinder Rapa’s Winton Debut
27-5-08 Rapa Takes Oran Park Raceway Success
9-4-08 Rapa Fights Hard for Wakefield Park Results
18-3-08 Rapa Rockets to Round Victory in Aussie Racing Series
11-3-08 Rapa’s Weekend of Promise and Disappointment
4-3-08 Rapa Sets his Sights on 2008 Aussie Racing Series Title
24-10-07 Strong Gold Coast Fight Back from Rapa
18-9-07 Rapa’s Sandown Weekend Finishes in Strong Fashion
23-8-07 Contrasting Weekend of Results for Rapa
