One of the highlights of the British motorsport calendar, the Silverstone Classic celebrates racing from pre-war through to the current day. A new addition to the event for 2022 was the Masters GT4 Classic Silverstone Challenge, a showcase of GT4 machinery past and present.
Tomlinson, who currently races a G56 GT4 in the British GT Championship, secured the landmark victory in Sunday’s 30-minute race. From second on the grid, he wasted no time in storming into the lead with a great move through Farm Curve into Village.
Going toe-to-toe with fellow Ginetta Junior graduate Seb Hopkins in his Porsche in the early stages, Tomlinson successfully negotiated a mid-race safety car restart before he and Hopkins once again pulled clear of the field behind.
Producing a masterclass in defensive driving to keep his adversary at bay, Tomlinson went on to take the chequered flag for a memorable maiden victory of his car-racing career, as well as the first overall success for the Ginetta G56 GT4.
Tomlinson’s win can be watched back on the Silverstone Classic YouTube channel, from the 8:19:15 mark – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9tsPT6s3_I
The previous day, Tomlinson had finished second fastest overall in qualifying, before going on to run in second throughout the opening race to ultimately secure a brilliant double podium finish from the weekend.
Mike Simpson, Ginetta Head of Motorsport: “This is a fantastic moment for both Freddie and Ginetta, with a glorious first win for the G56 GT4 as part of one of the biggest racing events in the UK.
“It’s quite fitting that it’s the chairman’s son that achieves this landmark victory for our latest GT4 contender. Freddie put in a brilliant performance across the weekend, and it was enjoyable to see two Ginetta Junior graduates battling it out for victory on the big stage.
“This event has been another opportunity for us to continue the development of the G56 GT4 against a competitive field with seven other GT4 manufacturers, and this will be the first of many victories for the car.”
Freddie Tomlinson: “I’m delighted to have taken the first win of my racing career, and it’s a real honour to do so at such a prestigious event like the Silverstone Classic. To also deliver the first win for the G56 GT4 is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“I’ve had the privilege of testing, racing and developing the G56 GT4 alongside the Ginetta team and I’m pleased we could show its full potential at Silverstone. It’s a fantastic car and I look forward to racing it again in British GT next weekend.”
The Masters GT4 Classic Silverstone Challenge grid also featured a Ginetta G55, entered by Make Happen Racing. Greg Evans was behind the wheel and enjoyed a weekend to remember in the ‘Cup’ class, converting pole position into victory on Saturday, before adding a second place finish in the final race.
