The championship’s Pro class has attracted one of its most competitive entries in recent seasons, with an exciting mix of returning talents and series newcomers. They kicked off the season in style a fortnight ago with two thrilling races at Thruxton.
It’s John Bennett (Elite Motorsport) who heads to Kent this weekend as the early championship leader. He got his second GT5 campaign off to a great start at Thruxton with a maiden victory in the opening race and then second place in the next one.
Equally impressive across the weekend was another first-time race-winner, Josh Steed (Xentek Motorsport). Taking a double pole position by a huge margin of 0.9 seconds, he bounced back from a frustrating first race in style with a brilliant lights-to-flag success in race two.
One of the series newcomers making their mark straight away was Will Aspin (Elite Motorsport). On his senior car-racing debut, Aspin scored a brilliant pair of podium finishes, the second of which came after a great duel with fellow Ginetta Junior graduate Haytham Qarajouli (TCR).
David Ellesley (Race Car Consultants) also picked up an overall top three result and is likely to be in the podium mix again this weekend, as will his team-mate Magnus Kriklywi. Conner Garlick (Xentek Motorsport) was a podium finisher in 2020 and was back in the front-running action at Thruxton.
Will Rochford (TCR) was another Ginetta Junior alumni to impress as he scored a top six finish, while Mikey Doble (Xentek Motorsport), Harley Haughton (Elite Motorsport), Will Orton (Alastair Rushforth Motorsport) and Ignazio Zanon (Raceway Motorsport) also featured in the top ten on their debuts.
Nat Hodgkiss (Race Car Consultants), Connor Grady (Alastair Rushforth Motorsport) and Owen Hizzey (SVG Motorsport) are all potential front-runners this weekend too, while Rory McKean (SVG Motorsport) is set for his first appearance of 2021 as Sean Peters (Breakell Racing) makes his Ginetta debut.
Follow the action across the weekend on social media, @GinettaCars.
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday 22 May – Qualifying, 10:40-11:00; Race One, 14:55
Sunday 23 May – Race Two, 12:20; Race Three; 17:25
Both races on Sunday will be streamed live on Ginetta’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Live timing and results all weekend: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/212005
