Gravesend’s Team Hard have enjoyed a successful weekend in the VW Cup and Tom Barley is enjoying life behind the wheel.

We caught up with Barley after two 10th place finishes at Snetterton at the weekend putting him through an exclusive Q&A.

1, Qualifying in 9th place must have given you a nice boost, to be up at the right end if the grid challenging for the big points?

“I was very pleased to do well in the tricky drying qualifying session. 9th was a strong showing and it’s essential to be up the front for race one. It sets your whole weekend up.”

2. Do you think that shows the hard work that has gone in from the last round with the team and the test sessions?

“Getting back up to the sharp end is a reflection of the cars development and also more seat time. This is the first track this year that I’ve raced at before, and I’ve also driven it in the golf with my coach, Jack Goff. That was a real bonus.”

3.You bagged a couple of top ten finishes at the weekend that shows you are making some good progress aren’t you?

“Two 10ths didn’t really reflect my pace this weekend. I had the speed to be in the top 5 in both races, but it didn’t pan out that way. Race 1 saw me in 6th place until I collided with a lapped car, and then in race 2 I was 6th until I made a mistake and went wide, loosing numerous places. There’s no margin for error in this championship!”

4. Do you think that you are going to be a regular in the top ten now, is that the aim?

“Absolutely. No looking back now. Anything out of the top 10 will be a step backwards. I’m now looking for top 10 as a target, and top 5 finishes as the next big step.”

5. Are you already looking ahead to the next round of the season and progressing and moving forward with improvements to the car?

“The next rounds are at spa. A personal favourite of mine. Fingers crossed I go well there, and perhaps even bring home a trophy! Here’s to hoping!”

Keep up to date with everything Tom is doing at his website http://www.tomb47ley.com/