Taking advantage of the Ginetta Racing Drivers Club’s traditional all-inclusive rookie package, 13 drivers came together and produced some exhilarating racing in Cheshire. If those opening rounds were anything to go by, there’s going to be lots of action to watch here too.
The star of the field was Surrey-based business director Marc Warren, who converted pole position into a supreme hat-trick of class victories. With confidence high, he’ll come to Donington Park determined to enjoy further success in the three races to come.
Warren had to work hard for his opening weekend success though, with Kent racer Rupert Laslett pushing him close in his Ginetta G40. A maiden win will be in his sights this weekend, but in a competitive entry, he’s not the only one holding those aspirations.
The want2race scholarship competition has produced successful GRDC race-winners James Crawshaw and Michael Kidson in recent years, and the latest victor of a fully-funded season in the series is Worcestershire competitor Brendan Haffner.
Haffner’s quest to follow in their footsteps started with an impressive debut performance, picking up a pair of podium finishes. The only other driver to join him in stepping on the podium was Michael Johnston, who coincidentally finished third in the want2race competition.
There were some fantastic battles on track for the podium positions and amongst those to narrowly miss out on taking home silverware were Jeremy Sussex and Rich Abraham, the latter competing at his home circuit this weekend.
There are two student racers on the grid this year, Thomas Holland and Guillaume Le Meur, with both securing three top ten finishes so far. The rookie contingent also includes Joe Butterworth, Andrew Cohen-Wray and John Wyatt, plus newcomers Jacqueline Wayment, Peter Dilnot and Ben Smart.
A new addition for 2020 is a second GRDC class, which caters for drivers of any experience level looking to continue their development in the series. Leading the way was Stephen Docker (Raceway Motorsport), who returned to the GRDC having enjoyed a 100% podium record in 2018.
He continued that streak with a superb race win treble at Oulton Park. He was pushed close for the wins though by fellow GRDC returnees Graeme Bishopp and Stephen Moore (both SVG Motorsport), plus racing newcomer Brendan Maude (Assetto Motorsport).
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday, August 1 – 09.10 to 09.30, Qualifying; 14.40, Race One
Sunday, August 2 – 14.00, Race Two; 17.35, Race Three
Live timing and results: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/203305
