The fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton, provided a fitting venue for the latest rounds of four championships on the TOCA support package this past weekend (May19/20) – with a bumper crowd being treated to plenty of on-track entertainment.
In scorching conditions, the home of the British Automobile Racing Club once again served up the perfect blend of high-speed thrills ’n’ spills that many have become accustomed to.
James Dorlin was once again the benchmark in the Renault UK Clio Cup, extending his run of wins to four with another double at Thruxton. Starting on the front row alongside Max Coates for race one, the Westbourne Motorsport driver was one of three drivers to lead the opening encounter, with Coates and Daniel Rowbottom the other pace-setters.
Producing a daring move at more than 110mph on Rowbottom, the youngster went on to take the win whilst Coates and Rowbottom scrapped for the remaining podium positions.
Dorlin further cemented his status as the man to beat in the series at the moment as he romped to a commanding victory in race two. Jumping pole sitter Paul Rivett off the line, Dorlin was never headed as he took his fourth win of the year and with it, the championship lead.
Spoils were shared in the Ginetta Junior Championship as Patrick Kibble and Adam Smalley took a win apiece. Never short of producing entertainment, the teenage racers tackled Thruxton in fine style. with Kibble taking his maiden win after Smalley was handed a time penalty.
The Elite Motorsport drive ensured he wasn’t to be denied in the second frenetic 12-lap race after battling with James Hedley to take the win and with it, the points lead.
Joining the TOCA package for the first time this season, the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge proved to be a smash-hit. Two pulsating races saw Geri Nicosia and Max Bird each take a win whilst James Kellett and Alex Toth-Jones also scored podiums.
In the F4 British Championship, the action proved to be enthralling from the get-go, with a lively opening race seeing Kiern Jewiss score victory. Applying pressure to Dennis Hauger throughout the race, Jewiss snatched the lead in dramatic fashion at the final chicane, making contact along the way.
Race two of the popular single seater category saw Jewiss take victory again, setting him up to be in with a chance of winning £10,000 if he completed a sensational hat-trick. Unfortunately, the Double R Racing driver was to fall short of the big prize as Jack Doohan bagged his first win of the year.
For the full classification of results from all sessions, click here.
The TOCA package returns, along with the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup, on June 9/10 at Oulton Park.