The class title battles are heating up in the Ginetta GT Academy heading into the final six races of the 2024 season, starting with a second visit of the year to Donington Park this weekend.
Rookie class drivers have been the dominant force in the championship this year and the top three contenders have set up a thrilling conclusion to the campaign, with just 12 points separating Mike Taylor, James Nicholas and Harry Gamble ahead of this weekend’s triple header.
The three rookie title rivals shared the wins across the Oulton Park season opener, before PalmerSport Ginetta Scholarship winner Nicholas (W2R) stole a march on his rivals with brilliant back-to-back double wins at Silverstone and on the championship’s first visit to Donington Park back in May.
Taylor (W2R) is the driver currently on a hot run of form though. He has moved to the top of the points standings after sensationally taking four wins from four races during G Fest at Anglesey. He then adding a further success last time out at Snetterton.
Gamble (Elite Motorsport) hasn’t taken any more victories since his Oulton success. However, his impressive consistency ensures he remains right in the title fight. The only driver of the top three to have finished every race this season, his tally of ten podium finishes is only matched by Nicholas.
It’s not only the title contenders who have been impressing in the rookie ranks however. Eight drivers have picked up class silverware so far. The star of the show at Snetterton was Thomas Balfe (W2R), who stormed to a superb pair of overall race victories. Luke Shaw (Raceway Motorsport) won first time out at Donington Park.
Jamie Caudle (E3 Sport) has impressed since joining the grid mid-season and picked up trophies at both Anglesey and Snetterton. Peter Thompson (W2R) has also secured a rookie podium. A talented group of drivers aiming to break into the class top three include Ali Juffali (Elite Motorsport), Gilbert Verdian (SVG Motorsport) and W2R trio Paul Thomas, Lucie Hodgson and Ben Cooke.
In the GTA class, less than 60 points currently separate the top three drivers with Julian Wantling (E3 Sport) currently leading the way. Starting the season impressively with four class wins in a row, he added another victory at Anglesey. He has only finished off the podium twice all year.
Marc Elman (SVG Motorsport) has matched Wantling’s win tally of five. Emma Tomlinson (W2R) has taken to the top step of the podium three times. Both have had some bad luck along the way and lost ground in the points. However, once dropped scores are factored in they’re both right in the mix.
Amy Tomlinson (W2R) is sure to be in the mix for GTA silverware this weekend. He took a class win on the first trip to Donington Park, while Paul Livesey (MDD Racing) won at Anglesey. Mike West (E3Sport) meanwhile is targeting a first victory of the season. Charlotte Lowe (W2R) and Phil McGarty (Xentek Motorsport) also make welcome returns to the GTA ranks.
Follow the action across the weekend on social media, @GinettaCars.
Provisional Timetable:
Saturday 07 September: Qualifying 11:50; Race One 17:20
Sunday 08 September: Race Two 11:44; Race Three 17:40
All three races will be streamed live on Ginetta’s YouTube channel. Live timing and results will be available via TSL Timing: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/243605.
