MAIDEN WIN ‘A REALISTIC TARGET’ FOR JACK BYRNE

Top rookie Jack Byrne says he feels that a maiden win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy is now a realistic target before the end of the season.

The Irish teenager maintained his impressive recent form at Snetterton with three top six finishes, one of which saw him step onto the overall podium for the second time this season.

Byrne also went close a podium finish in race three, fighting his way ahead of points leader Nelson King only to lose the position when a red flag saw the result rolled back a lap.

Three more Rookie Cup wins provided moved Byrne closer to securing the class crown but he admitted his focus now was on making it onto the top step of the overall podium before the season is done.

“It was another solid weekend, with the podium in race two and the fact we went close again in race three,” he said. “I wasn’t sure Snetterton was a circuit I would enjoy but it seemed to suit me as there are a lot of corners where you are braking whilst turning and the car is moving around – which is what I’m used to.

“At the start of the season, the goal was to try and get into the top ten and then we wanted to be pushing for the top five and then Jesus, it was a case of could we get into the top three.

“We’re right up there now and I think that getting a win is now something that is realistic. We’re at a stage now where the race winner is someone I can see from the windscreen rather than them being off around the corner, so we’re getting closer.”