Ginetta Junior Championship – Page 2

Thruxton thrills for TOCA support championships

It wasn’t just the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship that had fans on the edge of their seats at Thruxton Circuit this past weekend (May 28/29) as the TOCA support championships also shared the headlines.

Marking the first of two visits to the fastest circuit in the UK this year, five one-make categories took centre stage in Hampshire to write the latest chapter in what is already shaping up to be a blockbuster season across the board.

The Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge made their second appearance on the BTCC support bill and like their Junior counterparts, they didn’t disappoint.

Harley Haughton – who has been one of the standout performers in the series thus far – was the driver to beat in Saturday’s opening bout as he charged from third on the grid to claim a well-deserved maiden victory. Haughton then repeated the feat on Sunday with a similarly commanding drive.

Elsewhere, Josh Rowledge and Ian Aguilera enjoyed a share of the spoils in what were two blockbuster Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship races – the second of which ended prematurely

There was plenty of wheel-to-wheel entertainment in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA as Alex Dunne and Aiden Neate stood on the top step of the podium.

Despite starting on pole position, Dunne had to secure victory the hard way in race one as he battled back past Ugo Ugochukwu on lap four after losing the lead off the line. Once back in front, the Irishman powered clear to win and strengthen his title challenge.

Dunne would go on to prevail in race three after Neate led an Argenti Motorsport 1-2 in an enthralling reverse grid contest on Sunday.

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy – which boasted a bumper 30-car entry list – led the way with two frenetic races. Nelson King continued his sensational start to the season as he narrowly prevailed in the opening contest after pipping Louie Capozzoli and Matt Hammond in a drag to the line.

Capozzoli struck back in the second bout as he chalked up his first win of the year after fending off the advances of Alfie Glenie. King was declared the winner of the third race, which was twice affected by red flag stoppages.

Rounding out the weekend’s track action was a pair of pulsating races from the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge GB. Now in its third season, the one-make series made its first appearance on the TOCA support package for this season with Harry Foster winning both bouts.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Thruxton, CLICK HERE.

Oulton Park provides the next stop on the calendar for the TOCA support package on June 11/12 where the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, MINI CHALLENGE JCW and Ginetta GT4 Supercup all return to action.

Entries open for 2023 Ginetta Junior Scholarship

Entries for one of the biggest competitions in UK motorsport – the Ginetta Junior Scholarship – are now open, with one budding racing driver set to win a fully-funded season in the 2023 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship.

Taking place over a three-day period (October 25-27) at Ginetta’s own Blyton Park, the 13th running of the competition will see two qualifying days whittle down an anticipated capacity entry to a final group, who will then return for the final day of assessments.

Entrants will be tested across a variety of areas including their driving behind the wheel of Ginetta’s G40, being in front of the media and taking on fitness tests.

Previous winners of the Scholarship include two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, 2021 Ginetta GT4 Supercup title winner Adam Smalley, GT talent Daniel Harper and most recently Alisha Palmowski – who has made a flying start to her season already.

Like years previous, the prize package for the winner will include payment of all entry fees, the use of a G40 Junior race car for the whole season including consumables, insurance and a season supply of race tyres and fuel, professional car preparation from an experienced team for the duration of the season and a Ginetta branded race suit.

To be eligible for the 2023 event, competitors’ dates of birth must fall between 01/01/2007 and 20/04/2009 and they must not have previously competed in a motorsport circuit car race.

For more information on the Ginetta Junior Scholarship and to enter the 2023 contest, head to ginetta.com/js.

TOCA support package makes a splash at Brands Hatch

Contrasting conditions of bright sunshine and persistent rain only added to the drama at Brands Hatch this past weekend (May 14/15) as the TOCA support package continued its 2022 season.

Hot on the heels of a sensational curtain-raiser at Donington Park last month, five championships took centre stage around the famous Kent venue for a thrilling two days of racing in front of a packed trackside crowd.

Alex Dunne remains at the summit of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA after clinching his third win of the season. Coming off the back of a double win at Donington Park, the Hitech GP commanded proceedings in race one to strengthen his advantage in the points.

That was to be his only visit to the top step of the podium over the course of the weekend however as Michael Shin gave Virtuosi Racing their first triumph in race two before Carlin’s Ugo Ugochukwu blasted to victory in the final contest.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship also saw three different drivers claim victory across what were a trio of frenetic encounters. Josh Rowledge had triumphed on the road in race one however a post-race penalty promoted Kanato Le to secure what was his maiden win in the popular one-make category.

Rowledge then went on to narrowly miss out on victory in race two as he hounded Will MacIntyre all the way to the chequered flag. Race three – which took place in very different conditions to that of the day before – saw Harri Reynolds take on a starring role to clinch his second win of year.

A new era for the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup was ushered in at Brands Hatch with the brand-new G56 making its competitive debut. The weekend proved to be one to remember for James Kellett as he made his mark with a hat-trick of commanding wins – becoming the first driver to achieve the feat since 2016.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB also saw its fair share of excitement with Will Martin and Kiern Jewiss making it four different winners from four races. Race one saw a five-minute dash to the flag after the race was halted, with Martin holding off the chasing pack right the way to the finish.

Race two – which as held in worse conditions than earlier in the day – saw Jewiss convert a superlative start from fifth into victory as he held off the charging Martin and Adam Smalley.

Bringing the curtain down on the weekend were a trio of races from the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW. Never short of entertainment, the tin top series saw Jack Mitchell romp to an impressive pair of wins before Max Coates was victorious in a shortened third and final bout.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Brands Hatch, click here.

Thruxton Circuit provides the next stop on the calendar for the TOCA support package, with the fastest circuit in the UK hosting the third event of the 2022 season on May 28/29.

TOCA support package takes centre stage at Donington Park

Donington Park played host to a memorable season-opener for the championships competing on the TOCA support package this past weekend (April 23/24).

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, five all-action categories delighted fans with two blockbuster days of wheel-to-wheel entertainment under the flightpath of East Midlands airport.

Boasting a bumper grid of youngsters all hoping to forge a career in motorsport, the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship has always been good value down the years and 2022 looks to be no different as they produced an exhilirating trio of races.

Josh Rowledge claimed bragging rights in the season-opener as he charged to victory from third before he was denied by a mere 0.068s from clinching honours in race two, with Harri Reynolds pipping him to the line. Reynolds doubled his account for the weekend by charging to the top step of the podium in race three.

It’s been a winter of change for the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA with just about everything being new, most importantly the car. Boasting a competitive grid of drivers all hoping to scale the single-seater mountain, the series kicked off what is a new era in style.

Hitech GP’s Alex Dunne withstood a Carlin charge in race one to take a commanding win before sophomore racer Georgi Dimitrov netted his first win for JHR Developments. Dunne then doubled his win tally with another dominant performance in race three.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB is another to have introduced a new car for this season and it too didn’t disappoint. Making debut in the series, former British GT champion wrote his name into the history books by claiming victory in race ahead of Porsche Junior GB winner Adam Smalley.

Redline Racing enjoyed further success in race two as Matthew Graham produced a commanding drive to claim victory ahead of Theo Edgerton and Kiern Jewiss – who had endured a rollercoaster race day.

Tin top thrills were in high order courtesy of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW’s, with three barnstorming races putting fans on the edge of their seats. Sam Weller charged to the top step of the podium in the opening bout and then repeated the feat in race two. Race three spoils fell the way of Ronan Pearson, who produced a perfect safety car restart to pull clear of the chasing pack.

Rounding out the weekend’s action were three races from the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge, which came hot on the heels of competing over the Easter weekend at Oulton Park.

Will Orton claimed victory in race one before Will Jenkins made his mark in the race two, clinching a hard-fought win after a multi-car battle entertained at the front of the field. Jenkins then stormed to victory in race two before Connor Grady triumphed in race three.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Donington Park, CLICK HERE.

Ginetta recruit Driving Standards Representatives for 2022 season

Ginetta has announced that it has recruited Tom Onslow-Cole, Jonny Kane and Thomas Erdos as its Driving Standards Representatives for the 2022 season.

Boasting a wealth of motorsport experience between them, the trio will be present at race events throughout the season with the aim of ensuring fair and competitive racing across Ginetta’s quartet of domestic championships.

One Driving Standards Representative will be in attendance at each Ginetta race weekend to work directly with the Clerk of the Course and Ginetta.

Working on all judicial procedures for breaches of the regulations regarding driving standards and driver conduct on and off track, the representative will utilise their racing experience and knowledge to assist in creating a transparent and consistent process for the application of penalties.

Ginetta’s four domestic championships this year are the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup, Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge and Ginetta GT Academy.

Steph Bush, Ginetta Championships Manager, said: “This is an exciting new development for Ginetta and one that we are proud to be implementing. We feel it is vital to have a clear and consistent approach to managing driving standards and the judicial processes across our championships.

“Our driving standards representatives have a wealth of experience and will be a great asset to our team and the Clerk of the Course, as well as to the drivers and teams who should benefit from a clearer understanding of the consequences of breaching driving standards.

“Ginetta bring a lot of new drivers into British motorsport every season, many of whom go on to race in different categories in the UK and abroad, so we feel it is important to try and promote the highest driving standards possible for them to carry through their racing careers.”

BARC ends 2021 season in style at Brands Hatch

The British Automobile Racing Club brought the curtain down on its 2021 season in style this past weekend (November 13/14) with an action-packed two days of on-track entertainment at Brands Hatch.

Headlining the action and racing into the darkness was the Britcar Endurance Championship, which staged two non-championship Trophy races. Valluga’s Ian Humphris and Benji Hethrington storm to victory in the opener before Steve Rothery did the same in race two.

The Ginetta Junior Winter Series produced its fair share of drama as the next generation of motorsport stars served up four blockbuster contests around the short yet challenging Indy circuit.

R Racing’s Josh Rowledge was crowned champion after storming to a pair of commanding wins on Saturday before then adding a seventh place finish in race two. Liam McNeilly and Aqil Alibhai also shone, winning a race apiece.

Not only was it the final event of the season for the Silverlake C1 Racing Series but it also marked the end of its partnership with the BARC after five years. Taking centre stage on Saturday afternoon, the Ladybird-Daddy entry of Orlando Lindsay, Aimee Watts and Patrick Watts triumphed in the three-hour finale.

Elsewhere, Endaf Owens won two of the three Dunlop Mini Winter Challenge supported by Mini Spares with Rupert Deeth standing on the top step of the podium in the third bout.

The CMMCS Avon Tyres Intermarque Silhouettes saw spoils shared between Malcolm Blackman and Steve Burrows whilst the CMMCS Super Saloon Series & Amusetime Southern Tin Tops Series rounded out the weekend’s action, with both wins going the way of Rod Birley.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Where to watch BARC LIVE at Brands Hatch this weekend

The British Automobile Racing Club brings the curtain down on the 2021 season at Brands Hatch this weekend (November 13/14) with an action-packed two days of racing – broadcast LIVE on Facebook and YouTube.

On what should be a blockbuster finale, the Britcar Endurance Championship will race into the darkness whilst the Ginetta Junior Winter Series will undoubtedly provide unmissable entertainment.

Viewers will also be able to see action from the Silverlake C1 Racing Series, Dunlop Mini Winter Challenge, Avon Tyres Intermarque Silhouettes, BMR Super Saloons and CMMCS Tin Tops over the course of the weekend.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the on-track entertainment by using the key timings and links below:

Saturday Race Show – Starting from 10:50 – Facebook | YouTube

Sunday Race Show – Starting from 12:00 – Facebook | YouTube

To find out more information on this weekend’s race meeting at Brands Hatch, including the official entry lists and timetable, CLICK HERE.

Don’t miss any future BARC LIVE events either by subscribing to our YouTube channel HERE.

Alisha Palmowski wins 2022 Ginetta Junior Scholarship

Alisha Palmowski has won the 2022 Ginetta Junior Scholarship, becoming the second ever female winner of the contest and with it securing a fully-funded season in the championship next year.

In what is one of the biggest prizes in UK motorsport, more than 60 drivers completed a number of driving, fitness and media assessments over the course of the three-day event at Blyton Park, however it was Palmowski that was eventually declared the winner.

A total 23 drivers made it through to the final day of competition where they faced more evaluations before the field was narrowed down to a top 10 and then a top five, who tackled a final shootout behind the wheel of a Ginetta G40.

Ultimately, Palmowski’s talent and potential shone through for the judging panel, who named her the 13th different winner of the coveted prize. She’s the first female recipient of the prize since now two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick back in 2013.

The 15-year-old will make her car-racing debut next season following a successful six year karting career, which included being crowned the 2020 Daniel Ricciardo Series’ DRS100 junior vice-champion and 2018 BirelART junior rookie champion.

“I’m absolutely speechless,” said Palmowski. “What an amazing weekend that I’ll never forget. Thank you so much to everyone at Ginetta who have given me this incredible opportunity.

“I’ve learnt so much and progressed a lot over these last few days, so I cannot wait to get started for what will hopefully be an awesome 2022 season!”

Ashley Gallagher, Ginetta Championship Manager, added: “Once again, this year’s Ginetta Junior Scholarship was incredibly competitive. We were all hugely impressed by the standard set across all the assessment areas, and narrowing the field down to 23 finalists was very tough.

“The competition stepped up a level on the final day and there were a number of drivers who could have won. In the end, Alisha produced fantastic performances across the board and is a hugely deserving winner. We can’t wait to welcome her to the grid next season.”

Palmowski’s full prize package include all entry fees, use of a G40 Junior race car for the whole season including consumables, insurance and a season supply of race tyres and fuel, and professional car preparation from an experienced team for the duration of the season.

Titles decided throughout TOCA support package at thrilling Brands Hatch finale

Champions weren’t just crowned in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 23/24) with titles also being decided throughout the TOCA support package.

Dan Cammish wrote his name into the Porsche Carrera Cup GB history books as he wrapped up the title for a record third title. On what proved to be a pulsating last day, the Redline Racing driver held his nerve to cap off a sensational return to the one-make series.

Lorcan Hanafin – Cammish’s chief title rival – stormed to a crucial win in what was a pulsating first race to close the gap to three points however the JTR driver could do nothing to stop the Yorkshireman from netting his second podium of the day and with it, took his place in the record books as a three-time champion.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship was wrapped up during the opening race of the weekend as Aston Millar powered his way to the title. Arriving at Brands Hatch with a comfortable lead in the standings, the R Racing driver charged to victory to put himself out of reach from closest challenger Liam McNeilly.

With the championship in the bag, Millar then went on to score victory in race two whilst McNeilly brought the curtain down on the season with a win in race three ahead of Rookie champion Robert de Haan.

Adam Smalley wrapped up his third career title in the Ginetta ranks as he was crowned Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup champion. The Elite Motorsport driver added the GT4 title to the Junior and GT5 crowns he had previously won. In the races themselves, James Kellett and Tom Emson shared the spoils.

The destiny of the MINI CHALLENGE went down to the wire with Dan Zelos beating Max Bird in a nail-biting finale to be crowned champion. Lewis Brown dominated proceedings in races one and two but it was race three that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

With the pendulum hanging in the balance, the pair scrapped hard towards the front of the field but it was Zelos that ultimately did enough to secure the coveted crown.

It was the end of an era for the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost as Ford concluded its association with the series at the same venue it began at back in 1967.

JHR Developments Matthew Rees converted his healthy points lead into championship glory as he sealed the overall title and Rookie Cup with a race to spare. McKenzy Cresswell and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak ended their respective campaigns on a high as they won the final races of the year.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

TOCA support title battles intensify during thrilling Donington Park weekend

Championship battles intensified on the TOCA support package this past weekend (October 9/10) as Donington Park played host to a sensational penultimate meeting of the year.

On a weekend which saw plenty of high drama in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, the supporting cast took centre stage to ensure they shared the limelight.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship is poised for an action-packed finale after serving up a trio of frenetic contests under the flightpath of East Midlands airport.

Aston Millar entered the weekend as the driver to beat and he finished it having further established his advantage at the top of the standings after clinching two impressive wins.

After watching title rival Liam McNeilly triumph in race one, the R Racing driver struck back in style with a sensational double – the second after a race-long, wheel-to-wheel battle with McNeilly – to extend his lead to 41 points.

The battle for supremacy in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup will go down to the wire. Despite not winning a race, Adam Smalley maintained his advantage over Tom Hibbert and remains on course to clinch a third Ginetta title at Brands Hatch at the end of the month.

Josh Rattican, James Kellett and Carlito Miracco shared the spoils as they each took a win apiece around the 1.97-mile National circuit.

Dan Cammish managed to extend his lead in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB despite not being able to add to his win tally. On what proved to be a pivotal weekend for the fastest one-make series, Cammish bagged a second and third place to clinch a seven-point cushion over Lorcan Hanafin.

Reigning champion Harry King powered his way to an emphatic victory in race one before Kiern Jewiss charged to his fourth win of the season in race two, wrapping up the rookie title in the process.

Elsewhere, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE saw one of the overtakes of the weekend take place as Jack Davidson made a stunning late dive for the lead in race three. Having charged to victory in the opening contest, Davidson ended the meeting in the same way he started it, on the top of the rostrum.

Max Bird was the other race-winner and he will head into the final event of the season trailing Dan Zelos by just four markers.

Capping off what proved to be a frenetic meeting around Donington Park were three races from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost.

Matthew Rees staked his claim for the coveted single seater crown as he stormed back to the summit of the points courtesy of a brace of wins. Georgi Dimitrov meanwhile claimed the top step of the podium in the reverse grid bout.

To view the full classification of results from all support race session at Donington Park, CLICK HERE.

Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit plays host to the final event of the season for the TOCA support package on October 9/10, with champions set to be crowned across all championships.

TOCA support package readies itself for Thruxton return

After providing the backdrop for the start of what has gone on to be a captivating 2021 season back in May, the championships that make up the TOCA support package are all set for a return to Thruxton this weekend (August 28/29).

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, the expected bumper crowd that is set to flock to the fastest circuit in the UK is in for two days of full-throttle entertainment from the five championships that join the BTCC.

Just six points separate the top two in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship as the second half of the season kicks into life. After a fraught few events, Aston Millar holds the advantage at the standings summit having finished every race inside the top six so far – with a breakthrough two wins at Knockhill last time out being the highlight.

Liam McNeilly is the closest challenge to Millar with three wins of his own and he’ll be keen to return to the top of points. Meanwhile, the likes of Seb Hopkins, Josh Miller, Callum Voisin and Will Jenkins will all be worth keeping an eye on during the weekend’s three races as they aim to close the gap to the top two.

An impressive 10 podiums from 11 races sees Tom Hibbert head to Hampshire in the lead of the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup. The Rob Boston Racing driver has his sights set on the title and with the form he has been showing you’d be hard pressed to bet against him.

Hibbert’s chief rival – both in the championship and over the course of the weekend’s three contests – is Adam Smalley. Closing the gap to Hibbert after a double win at Knockhill, the Elite Motorsport ace will be confident of success having won at Thruxton in both Ginetta Juniors and GT5 Challenge down the years.

The Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge GB returns to the BTCC support bill for the penultimate event of their 2021 campaign. Starring back in May, the one-make series has dazzled fans at every turn this year and more are expected at Thruxton.

Theo Edgerton leads the Pro category fight from Jack Bartholomew, but a strong weekend for Bartholomew could set the scene for a nail-biting title showdown between the pair at the season finale.

Another series that will undoubtedly take on a starring role is the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, where things couldn’t be tighter in the battle for title supremacy. Dominic Wheatley has moved into the lead of the points however when dropped scores are applied, he holds a slender single point advantage over Matt Hammond.

Reigning champion Harry Nunn is not to be discounted either having brought himself into contention following a brace of podiums at Croft earlier in the month. With three races and plenty of points up for grabs, it’s set to be an intriguing weekend for the tin top racers.

Rounding out the weekend, as always, will be a trio of races from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. Matthew Rees is the new points leader following a nightmare Knockhill for James Hedley, however the latter has enjoyed great success at Thruxton in the past, making it the perfect place for him to try and get things back on track.

Tickets for Thruxton’s second dose of touring car thrills ’n’ spills will be available to purchase on the gate across the weekend. Head to https://thruxtonracing.co.uk/racing/btcc-august for the full list of admission prices.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event, including links to live timing and the event timetable, CLICK HERE.

TOCA support package sets course for Scotland

A bumper crowd is expected to flock to Knockhill this weekend (August 14/15) as the TOCA support package sets course for Scotland.

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at the picturesque Fife venue, five championships will write the latest chapter in what have already been captivating stories.

Things couldn’t be closer in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB as it stands with just one point splitting the top three and 15 covering the top six.

Shaping up to be a vintage year for the Carrera Cup, Kiern Jewiss will arrive at Knockhill ahead of Lorcan Hanafin and Dan Cammish, eager to open up his lead across the weekend’s two races.

However, throw into the mix the likes of Will Martin, Lewis Plato and defending champion Harry King and you begin to see why Knockhill is primed for an all-out battle.

With the addition of the postponed Oulton Park bout to factor in, the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship is set for a busy weekend in Scotland as its bumper grid of talented teenagers contest four races.

Liam McNeilly heads into the meeting as the championship leader after scoring a sensational second win of the campaign last time out. The Fox Motorsport driver has been one of the leading lights so far however he is not alone in the battle for title supremacy.

Seb Hopkins, Will Jenkins, Aston Millar, Josh Miller, Tom Edgar and Callum Voisin have established themselves as front-running contenders and each of them will be keen to make their mark as the series moves into the second half of the season.

The Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Supercup has served up its fair share of memorable moments this year already and more are expected from the monstrous one-make category as it makes a rare appearance north of the border.

Perennial title challenger Tom Hibbert finds himself in the box seat currently after enjoying a dream weekend at Oulton Park where he scored a pair of wins. The pendulum has swung in favour of Hibbert currently but it could yet swing back to Adam Smalley, who is also firmly in the mix.

Max Bird managed to extend his advantage at the top of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship standings last time out and doing so again will be the aim of the Excelr8 Motorsport driver heading into this weekend.

In what has been a frenetic year for the single-make series so far, the twists and turns of Knockhill’s 1.16-mile track will undoubtedly produce even more breathtaking moments.

Whilst Bird holds the initiative, the likes of Dan Zelos, Lewis Brown, Sam Weller and Max Coates, among many more, will all be looking to topple him.

Rounding out the weekend’s action, as always, will be three contests from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost, which continues to be currently led by James Hedley.

All of Sunday’s action will be broadcast live on ITV4, with coverage scheduled to begin at 11:15.

To find out more information on this weekend’s event, including links to the timetable and live timing, CLICK HERE.