Indeed, Jones was now the target for those behind, with Shedden and Plato – ahead of Jackson now - on a charge back up the order. Despite Shedden's best efforts though, Plato's sweeter handling Leon helped him as he exited Clearways, the championship leader completing the move into Paddock Hill Bend. Plato didn't take long to hunt down Jones, who was clearly beginning to struggle in the rapidly drying conditions, snatching second place off him into Clearways on lap 24.
However, when Jones attempted to resist Shedden on the final lap, the Honda tapped the Toledo wide into the Paddock Hill Bend gravel and out of a podium position. Jones kept his foot down though to drive through the gravel and emerge out the other side, still in sixth position.
Giovanardi was the clear winner though, finishing untroubled nine seconds up the road from Plato, no doubt relieved to have recovered from his first lap spin. Shedden completed the podium, the Scot holding off the impressive Jackson.
Jordan, who started in the pit lane with slick tyres on, survived the carnage for fifth, ahead of a likely disgruntled Jones. Such was the attrition rate, Smith finished a remarkable seventh, despite having had to serve his two penalties, ahead of a repaired Jason Hughes in the Kartworld MG.
Colin Turkington snared ninth place, the RAC driver a lap down but quick enough to pinch the fastest lap too. Kizilirmak, who scored his first point in the first race, backed that up with a second by crossing the line tenth, while Marsh and Stockton were the only others to be classified.
The third and final race will see Jones get his chance to avenge losing a podium when he starts on pole position, ahead of Jordan, Jackson, Shedden, Plato and Giovanardi.
For full results,
Click Here