Four drivers have thrown their hats in the ring as prospective title contenders following the opening two events of the season (both at Oulton Park), but many more have the potential to join them as the GT5 Challenge heads into its second consecutive weekend racing alongside the BTCC.
The early pace-setter is Wilkinson (Xentek Motorsport) following an impressively consistent start to the season. In his first year in the series, he picked up a victory in only his second race and has already added three further podium results to rise to the top of the points.
Josh Malin (Richardson Racing) heads across the border as the driver in-form however following a stunning double victory last time out. That means the sophomore contender has three wins from five races so far this year, a tally he’ll be hoping to add to this weekend.
Hoping that recent experience of the Knockhill can serve him well is James Taylor (Elite Motorsport), who has competed there in the last two seasons in Ginetta Juniors. He travels north second in the standings having matched Wilkinson’s tally of four podium finishes to date.
The only two Pro class drivers who raced at Knockhill on the GT5 Challenge’s last outing in 2018 are Fox Motorsport pair Gordie Mutch and Ashley Marshall. Mutch tackles his home event determined to add to his one podium this season, while Marshall joins him as a definite top three contender.
David Ellesley (Race Car Consultants) has produced some blistering pace so far this season on his way to a couple of third place finishes, while team-mate Magnus Kriklywi has shown great potential too. One to watch this weekend meanwhile is rapid newcomer Rory McKean (SVG Motorsport).
Conner Garlick (Xentek Motorsport) picked up a podium on the opening weekend and is an exciting prospect, likewise John Bennett (Elite Motorsport). Charlie Budd (Privateer) will want to impress after running as high as third last time out, while brother Daniel Budd (Elite Motorsport) is quick too.
The driver to beat in the Am class at present is Ian Duggan (Fox Motorsport), who has a 100% podium record and three class victories to his name. He’s had it far from all his own way with Richard Tetlow (Privateer) picking up two wins and all the pole positions to date.
Phil McGarty (Privateer) raced at Knockhill two years ago and is in confident mood after taking a double podium last time out. Bal Sidhu (Xentek Motorsport) has picked up four pieces of class silverware meanwhile, with Karim Sekkat (Elite Motorspot) securing one in the opening race.
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday, August 29 – 11.45 to 12.05, Qualifying; 16.50, Race One
Sunday, August 30 – 11.50, Race Two (Live on ITV4)
Live timing and results: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/203503
