Loading…
10 November 2024
Ginetta Junior Winter Series CHAMPION, Rookie Class
The 15th running of the traditional end-of-season championship at Silverstone was an unforgettable experience.
It was my first Junior qualifying session in five months, and I was thrilled to secure my maiden pole position on Saturday morning. The competition was fierce, but I was ready to give it my all.
Race 1
In the first race, I led the field away from pole position, but the opening laps were tough, and I slipped back to fourth. Phelps took the lead, with Slater and Cronin close behind. I found myself in a thrilling three-way battle for fourth with Livesey and Carney. After some intense exchanges, contact between Livesey and Carney at Brooklands allowed me to break free and join the fight for the win.
The closing laps were a slipstreaming spectacle, with any of the top four in contention. Slater made a bold move on Phelps at Luffield, but Phelps regained the lead and held on for the win. I finished fourth overall, but I was proud to take the rookie class win and set the fastest lap of the race.
Race 2
Race two saw Phelps on pole, and I had to defend second from Cronin. After shaking off Cronin, I closed in on Phelps, putting him under pressure. Slater, who had dropped back early, fought his way to fourth, making it a five-way battle at one point. A wide moment at Becketts allowed Slater to pass both Cronin and me, but I managed to hold on to third, taking another rookie class win.
Race 3
The final race of the weekend was crucial. Phelps’ race two win put him on pole, but Slater took the lead early on. A pivotal moment came when Phelps, Slater, and I all ran off at Becketts, allowing Slater to recover in the lead. I fell back but fought hard to stay in contention. The battle for positions was intense, with Phelps making a crucial double move to pass me and Coronel.
In the end, Cronin took the win, with Smith and Slater completing the podium. I finished fifth on the road, but a post-race penalty for Phelps moved me up to fourth. This result secured me the rookie title, a fantastic way to end the season.
The weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions, but I’m incredibly proud of my performance and excited for what the future holds.
Full race results can be found at TSL Timing, and you can watch all three races back on Ginetta TV.
Now, it’s time to focus on the 2025 Ginetta race season, with the opening rounds at Donington Park in April. I can’t wait to get back on track and continue the journey.