Tag: Ginetta GT Academy

Ginetta produces G-Fest extravaganza at Cadwell Park

Ginetta Cars continued its 65th anniversary celebrations at Cadwell Park this past weekend (July 22/23) as the Yorkshire manufacturer’s championship trio wrote the latest chapter of their 2023 campaigns in action-packed style. 

Making a long-awaited return to the Lincolnshire venue for the second edition of G-Fest, Ginetta served up a total of nine blockbuster encounters across both days, with a number of drivers taking centre stage in what were challenging conditions at times. 

In the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship – which is open to drivers aged 14 to 17 – R Racing’s Freddie Slater edged closer to title glory as he claimed an impressive brace of race wins. 

Arriving at Cadwell Park holding a commanding championship lead courtesy of picking up 14 victories already this year, the teenager blitzed the opposition in qualifying to clinch pole position and for the first two races he was wheel-perfect. 

Comfortably beating Mikey Porter and Alisha Palmowski in the opening encounter, Slater then went on to reign supreme ahead of Finn Harrison and Chase Fernandez in what was a frenetic second contest. 

Unfortunately, a non-finish in race three prevented him from clinching a hat-trick as Scholarship winner Fernandez charged to his third victory of the season ahead of Porter and Charlie Hart in the weekend’s finale.

In the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT Championship, Ruben Hage gave his title hopes a much-needed boost as he claimed two wins; however he was a denied a clean sweep by series leader Luke Reade.

Rounding out the track action were three races from the Ginetta GT Academy, two of which were won by Ravi Ramyead whilst Nick White picked up the spoils in the remaining contest.

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

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – July 22/23

Cadwell Park provides the backdrop for the second instalment of Ginetta G-Fest this weekend (July 22/23) with two days of blockbuster track action from the Yorkshire manufacturer guaranteed to get pulses racing.

Following on from the 65th Anniversary celebrations that took place at Silverstone in early June, the twists and turns of Cadwell Park now provide the next challenge for those competing in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship, Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT Championship and Ginetta GT Academy.

Below is all the information you’ll need to know to keep up-to-date with all the action that is being broadcast live:

Cadwell Park

Saturday 22nd July // 11:25 – WATCH HERE

Sunday 23rd July // 11:40 – WATCH HERE

Ginetta marks 65th Anniversary in style at Silverstone

Ginetta celebrated its 65th Anniversary in style this past weekend (June 2-4) as it took centre stage at the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, for a festival of action-packed racing, high-octane demonstrations and eye-catching displays.

Marking more than six decades of the successful Yorkshire manufacturer, the three-day ‘G Fest’ event paid homage to Ginetta’s past, present and future by serving up a plethora of on-track entertainment which was headlined by 19 captivating races.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship provided plenty of edge-of-the-seat thrills and spills as they delivered six frenetic contests – with two drivers standing head and shoulders above the rest. 

R Racing’s Freddie Slater strengthened his championship challenge with a virtuoso performance as he charged to four impressive wins whilst this year’s Scholarship winner Chase Fernandez opened his account for the season with a brace of victories. 

In the Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT Championship, Blake Angliss and Ruben Hage emerged as the cream of the crop as they shared the spoils. Angliss – who was making his debut in the series – powered to no less than four wins whilst Hage snared a hat-trick of his own.

Rounding out the weekend’s race action were a flurry of races from the Ginetta GT Academy, which were won by Ravi Ramyead and Nick White.

While wheel-to-wheel racing topped the bill, those in attendance were also treated to a number of other mesmerising machines taking to the world-famous Northamptonshire venue over the course of the weekend. 

Taking centre stage was Ginetta’s incredible Le Mans prototype, the Ginetta G60- LT-P1, showcased what its capable and it was joined on-track by its LMP3 counterpart, the G61-LT-P.

Silverstone is no stranger to Formula 1 cars and last weekend proved to no exception, with a stunning Toleman TG183B-05 – the car that launched the career of three-time world champion Ayrton Senna – hitting the tarmac.

Also making an appearance was a stunning recreation of a 1960’s Jaguar E-Type Lightweight. The competition roadster competed in many legendary events in period, including the Nürburgring 100km Spa 500km and Prix de Paris, beating formidable rivals including the Ferrari 250 GTO and Shelby Daytona Coupes. 

Elsewhere, iconic and rare cars from the manufacturer’s history were on parade courtesy of the Ginetta Owners’ Club whilst there were a number of other attractions for fans to soak up as well. 

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

Ginetta enters extended partnership with SRO, ends long-term relationship with TOCA

Ginetta has today (September 21) announced it is to enter a new three-year partnership with global leader in GT racing, SRO Motorsports Group. 

Under this partnership, Ginetta will run three championships which will compete at Intelligent Money British GT Championship rounds from the 2023 season.

This new setup will allow all the manufacturer’s race series to be under one package, while continuing to enable drivers of all levels, from those looking to kickstart their racing careers to experienced drivers looking to develop and hone their motorsport skills, to progress to the highest levels in the sport, within a safe, efficient and premium environment.

The announcement marks the end of Ginetta’s long-term relationship with British Touring Car Championship organisers, TOCA.

Mike Simpson, Head of Motorsport, Ginetta, said: “Extending our partnership with SRO Motorsports Group is all part of Lawrence Tomlinson’s vision to continue to develop our racing series and experience. It is a great opportunity for us to continue to build our offering for drivers at all levels with ambitions to become professional racers or to go endurance racing.

It makes racing more efficient for teams and drivers and enables Ginetta to expand its renowned racing ladder philosophy to Europe and the USA where SRO already has a presence in GT racing.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Gow and TOCA for the support they have given Ginetta over many years.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “We have had a long standing and highly successful partnership with Ginetta and we wish them every success in the future. TOCA will announce plans in due course as to which series’ will be joining the UK’s highest profile motorsport package from the 2023 season onwards.”

The 2023 Ginetta Championships will consist of the Ginetta Junior Championship, Ginetta GT Academy and new for 2023, the Ginetta GT Championship. The details of which can be found below:

Ginetta Junior Championship

The UK’s longest running and most prestigious junior series. Offering the first step on the motorsport ladder for 14 to 17-year-old racing drivers, using the multi-disciplined Ginetta G40. It is a championship that plays a critical function in the development of young drivers. 

Ginetta GT Academy

The Ginetta GT Academy is a unique concept providing the driver a high performance, yet safe and reliable race car, the G56 GTA, to enjoy entry level GT Racing. Drivers of all experience levels compete in GT Academy as the field is split between experienced drivers and novices being trained and supported by Ginetta factory drivers in the ‘Rookie’ class. 

Ginetta GT Championship

New for 2023, the Ginetta GT Championship will consist of two main classes, GT Pro and GT5. Due to the success of the GT Academy Championship, Ginetta will now offer both a new car and championship to take drivers to the next level of competition. The full details of which will be announced soon. 

Final details of race format and cars will be confirmed in due course.

Oulton Park serves up blockbuster action across TOCA support package

Oulton Park provided the backdrop to the latest all-action chapter of what is proving to be an unmissable season for the TOCA support package this past weekend (June 11/12) as five championships served up a feast of entertainment.

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in Cheshire, blockbuster thrills and spills ran throughout each series – keeping the bumper trackside crowd and those watching on ITV and ITV4 on the edge of their seats from start-to-finish. 

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB had its fair share of thrilling moments across its two races, the first of which was marred by a red flag. Fresh off the back of his win at Brands Hatch, Will Martin was the driver to beat in the opener as he held off the charging Adam Smalley and Kiern Jewiss to win.

Matty Graham came to the fore in race two as he claimed a commanding lights-to-flag victory, having started from pole position. 

James Kellett continued his fine start to the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 Sueprcup season, adding a further two wins to the three he claimed at the Brands Hatch season-opener last month.

After claiming pole position in style, Kellett was untouchable in the opening bout as he scored victory by a staggering 15 seconds. The Rosland Gold Racing by Century Motorsport driver doubled his tally for the weekend with another superlative performance in race two, maintaining his unbeaten streak. 

Kellett’s second win came in astonishing circumstances as a multi-car crash on the run to the chequered flag saw him vault from fourth to first within a matter of metres. Aston Millar and Reece Somerfield – both of whom were involved in the incident – rounded out the podium.

There was plenty of wheel-to-wheel entertainment in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW as Sam Weller and Jason Lockwood scored a victory apiece. 

Saturday arguably belonged to Weller as the Hybrid Tune racer powered his way to the top of the times in qualifying and then converted it into victory in race one. Lockwood then ,mastered tricky conditions in Sunday’s second race to triumph.

The latest chapter of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA had everyone on the edge of their seats as the motorsport stars of tomorrow produced an unmissable lakeside triple-header.

Alex Dunne continued his dominance with a commanding lights-to-flag victory in race one before Daniel Guinchard and Louis Sharp scored their breakthrough first wins in races two and three. 

Bringing the curtain down on the action was a pair of races from the Ginetta GT Academy, which was making its one and only appearance on the BTCC support bill this year. 

Enjoying what is proving to be a hugely successful sophomore year, the one-make series boasted a bumper 28-car grid and provided plenty of close racing as Ravi Ramyead scored victory. 

Ramyead got the jump on pole-sitter Warren as the lights went out for race one and although he was under constant pressure, held on to win. Ramyead then repeated the feat in race two to complete a remarkable weekend.

To view the full classification of results from all TOCA support championships sessions at Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

Croft Circuit provides the next stop on the calendar for the TOCA support package on June 11/12 where the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship is poised to return to action after a weekend off. 

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.”

Ginetta stars in latest episode of BBC Top Gear

Ginetta took on a starring in the latest episode of the BBC’s leading motoring programme, Top Gear. 

Broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 5th December, the fourth episode of Series 31 saw presenter Freddie Flintoff hone his skills as a racing driver as part of Ginetta’s renowned driver development programme. 

Ginetta were chosen to feature on the global hit show due to the Yorkshire manufacturer’s distinguished reputation for developing talented racing drivers, and how its unrivalled motorsport ladder provides accessible motorsport for drivers of all ages and experience.

Flintoff undertook bespoke simulator training at Ginetta’s in-house facility SimTrack Driver Performance Centre, before enjoying two days of on-track testing at Blyton Park in Lincolnshire with expert tuition from Ginetta factory driver Mike Simpson.

The England international cricketer turned television presenter then got to grips with 270bhp Ginetta G56 GTA, which has proven to be a smash-hit in the new-for-2021 Ginetta GT Academy. 

Flintoff’s learning curve culminated in his first ever competitive race in the GT Cup at Snetterton as he piloted a Ginetta G55 GT4 alongside fellow presenter Chris Harris.

Mike Simon, Ginetta Factory Driver, said: “At Ginetta, we pride ourselves in being able to take people that have never been in a race car before and develop them into successful racing drivers, so it’s fantastic to be able to highlight what we do to a global audience on Top Gear. 

“It was a great experience working with Freddie [Flintoff]. He was completely new to motorsport, but came in with the levels of focus, dedication and determination to improve that you would expect from someone who was a professional sportsman and one of the best in his discipline. 

“We gave Freddie an intensive crash course in what it takes to be a racing driver, from improving his lap times, to developing his race craft and how to set up the car. The Ginetta G56 GTA was the perfect learning car for Freddie and he made huge improvements during our time at Blyton Park. 

“That set him up for the transition to the GT4 car at Snetterton and he made more great progress across the race event. We all thoroughly enjoyed working with Freddie, Chris and the team at Top Gear, and hope everyone enjoys watching the episode.”

In addition to featuring in the latest episode of the series, Ginetta has also been announced as a winner of a coveted Top Gear Car of the Year Award. After his racing experience, Flintoff chose the Ginetta G56 GTA as his Car of the Year.

Championship battles intensify on TOCA support bill at Silverstone

Championship titles were decided whilst other saw the battle for supremacy further intensify this past weekend (September 25/26) on what was a pulsating two days of track action on the TOCA support package at Silverstone.

The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship was at its entertaining best as spoils were shared across the weekend’s three races. Scholarship winner Robert De Haan continued his recent run of form in race one as he powered his way to an impressive victory.

Will Jenkins then came to the fore in race two as he claimed a maiden win of the season after a frenetic multi-car battle for top spot. Race three then saw a small piece of history made as De Haan netted his second win of the weekend – albeit by 0.010s – the smallest ever margin in the series’ history.

Dan Cammish stamped his authority on the Porsche Carrera Cup GB with a third win of the year to maintain his position at the top of the standings. Hot on the heels winning at Croft, the Redline Racing driver soaked up a huge amount of pressure from Lorcan Hanafin but didn’t put a wheel wrong to stand on the top step of the podium.

Earlier in the day, reigning champion Harry King kept his slender championship hopes alive by claiming victory in a race which was brought to an early end due to a red flag.

After an action-packed season, the destiny of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title went down to the final few corners of the final race with Dominic Wheatley ultimately reigning supreme.

Wins fell the way of Louie Capozzoli, Charlie Mann and Tom Ovenden over the course of the weekend but it was Wheatley that hung on in the end to be crowned champion, having not taken a win all season.

Champions were also crowned in the Ginetta GT Academy, which was making its first appearance on the TOCA support bill this season. In what is the inaugural year for the one-make series, the GT Academy served up a trio of action-packed races over the course of the weekend.

Martin Willis and Angus Whiteside shared the spoils however it was Toby Trice that wrapped up the main title, with Whiteside cementing his position as the lead rookie.

Rounding off the weekend’s racing were three races from the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. Matias Zagazeta, Georgi Dimitrov and Joseph Look scored a win apiece as the rising stars of single-seaters served up a feast of entertainment.

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