Rob Lewis entrusts EBC braking components in his Ford Focus ST170
For 2025, Rob Lewis is once again competing in the Modified Ford Series in his Mk1 Ford Focus ST170 (Class B).
Lewis has successfully campaigned within this championship for some years now, entrusting EBC Brakes Racing’s RP-X™ motorsport brake pads for the front axle of his race car, and EBC Brakes’ Bluestuff NDX pads on the rear axle throughout this time.
Following a colourful 2024 season and some serious overhauls to the car over the winter, Lewis was back out in force for the first two rounds of 2025, held at Snetterton and Oulton Park respectively.
You can read how these two weekends panned out for Rob in his own words below…
“2025 has started off rather tough for the ‘EcobooST170’. During the opening round at Snetterton, I really fancied getting among my Class leaders after some changes to the car over the winter, including a full respray and chassis strengthening, as well as installing new versions of the superb RP-X™ and Bluestuff brake pads.
“Qualifying was promising as I sat within reach of the podium. As Race 1 got underway, I battled with cars in classes well above mine and came off second best, damaging my car around Corum with a high-speed off. Eventually, I limped home to finish P5 in class and aimed to make up for lost places in Race 2. However, this was an early retirement due to hidden damage sustained during my off in Race 1 and my gearbox snapped a mount on Lap 1: gutting all round, but I never give up a good fight with the car under me.”
“Oulton Park was a very quick three weeks later, with a tight turnaround to repair the car from Snetterton. On a gloomy morning, I qualified the car P15 Overall and P4 in class.
“Staring as the class podium once again, the race started off with some close racing and positions gained. I sat P2 as the car headed towards the checkered flag. Then, as I headed to Deer Leap, it came… BANG! A driveline failure had ruined a chance of a P2 as I crawled over the timing line in the pitlane in P4 on the last lap.
“I genuinely thought that was game over for the weekend, but with a new driveshaft and associated parts sourced from other competitors and being willed on by the paddock, we got the car together and took the start for Race 2 at the rear of the grid. I drove from the back to P6 overall and P3 in class. FINALLY! A result worthy of the hard work. The best part about that result? It was the great brakes provided by EBC that allowed me to perform some of the overtaking on my competitors; the confidence in knowing that the braking performance is there when I need it the most.
“Now we look forward to Mallory with four races on the very fast circuit; this should suit the car perfectly as it’s a perfect equaliser to the higher-powered cars in my class. Let’s give it a go!”
RP-X™ Track/Race Pads
Following the hugely successful launch of RP-1™, EBC Brakes Racing increases its motorsport brake pad range with the introduction of our latest ultra-high-performance track & race material, RP-X™.
Bluestuff NDX Brake Pads
Bluestuff NDX is a high-friction sport and race pad that now has R90 approval on almost all fitments for the EU and is therefore totally street legal. Ideal for road-going sports cars and club-level racing events.
