AN appeal has gone out to motor racing fans to help throw light on a controversial incident at Croft circuit, near Darlington, which could decide the outcome of the Pirelli Porsche Classic championship.

In the race on Sunday, August 20, title rivals Paul Tilleard and John Williams made contact at the first corner and Williams spun off into the gravel trap. Tilleard was able to continue, but was later excluded.

His team manager, Andy Joss, plans to appeal against the decision and is hoping that a spectator may have captured the incident on video.

Stockton driver David Botterill took advantage of the collision to finish in third place, his best ever result in the championship.

After qualifying sixth fastest for the ninth round race, he steered clear of the drama and said later: "I had a decent start and could see what was going to happen."

He finished well clear of the fourth-placed car to clinch a place on the podium for the first time.

The next round of the championship is at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Saturday, September 16 and the outcome of the appeal will have a vital bearing on the destiny of the title.

Anyone who was at the race and can provide video evidence is asked to contact Mr Joss on 01296 485815.