The GRDC runs an all-inclusive arrive and drive package for racing debutants, with 16 drivers starting their racing journey in the ‘rookie’ class so far this year. Alongside that, a new class for 2020 caters for drivers looking to continue their development in the series.
It’s been a similar story at the head of each class this year, as Stephen Docker (Raceway Motorsport) and Marc Warren come to Kent with 100% winning records so far in the main and rookie classes respectively – six wins apiece across the opening rounds at Oulton Park and Donington Park.
Docker was one of the leading drivers in the 2018 GRDC and since his return to the series has taken every race win, pole position and fastest lap on offer. That achievement has been perfectly replicated by Surrey-based business director Warren in the rookie ranks.
Heading the chasing pack to Docker is racing newcomer Brendan Maude (Assetto Motorsport), who’s featured on the podium in every race so far this year. GRDC returnee Graeme Bishopp has four podiums himself, while Sam Tomlinson joins the grid for the first time this weekend.
Rupert Laslett is the driver that’s come closest to dethroning Warren at the head of the rookie ranks meanwhile. The Kent racer has finished second in class on five occasions so far and led laps at Oulton Park, so his focus will be on the top step of the podium this weekend at his home circuit.
The most successful drivers in each of the last two GRDC seasons, James Crawshaw and Michael Kidson, both joined the grid from the want2race scholarship competition. The latest victor is Brendan Haffner and he’s made a superb start too with four podium finishes to date.
After firmly establishing himself in the top six on the opening weekend, Thomas Holland enjoyed a maiden podium finish last time out. Fellow student racer Guillaume Le Meur is determined to make a top three breakthrough himself, having finished fourth twice at Donington Park.
Jeremy Sussex has also narrowly missed out on the podium in both of the race weekends so far this year and will be determined to take home silverware this time around. Amongst the competitive group of drivers he’ll have to beat to do so is Peter Dilnot and Joe Butterworth.
John Wyatt, Andrew Cohen-Wray and Anthony Underwood-Whitney have put in strong showings so far this year, while Ben Smart and Jacqueline Wayment both took top ten results on their series debuts at Donington Park.
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday, August 29 – 10.40 to 11.00, Qualifying; 14.20, Race One
Sunday, August 30 – 11.30, Race Two; 16.50, Race Three
Live timing and results: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/203505
