Racing as part of the Ginetta G40 Cup this season, a new two-class format for the GRDC sees the traditional ‘rookie’ class remains with its all-inclusive package for racing debutants, while a new main class welcomes drivers to continue their development in the series.
Rookie talent Warren put in a superb performance to finish as the fastest GRDC contender in qualifying on Saturday morning. He finished an impressive half a second ahead of Docker (Raceway Motorsport), with Brendan Maude (Assetto Motorsport) next up.
An immediate change at the start of the opening race saw Docker get ahead of Warren prior to an early safety car period. Once the action restarted, Warren stayed in close proximity to Docker but was unable to find a way back past. Both still emerged with their class victories.
A fast start from rookie Rupert Laslett saw him rise three places to third overall of the GRDC contingent. As the race developed, he got into a good battle with Graeme Bishopp (SVG Motorsport) and while they swapped places late on, both came away second in class.
Maude (Assetto Motorsport) and rookie Thomas Holland battled in the early laps as they went on to complete their class podiums. A great drive from Brendan Haffner meanwhile saw him fight back from the rear of the field at the end of lap one to fourth in the rookies.
Stephen Moore (SVG Motorsport) was next across the finish line as he secured fourth in the main class. Behind, Peter Dilnot and Jeremy Sussex came away with rookie class top six finishes ahead of Joe Butterworth, Ben Smart, Guillaume Le Meur and Andrew Cohen-Wray.
Sunday’s two races took place in tricky wet conditions, which presented a unique challenge for the GRDC rookies as many raced in the rain for the first time. Come rain or shine, it was the same story at the head of the field though as Docker and Warren led the way.
The duo traded positions through the opening laps, however Docker made the decisive move after a mid-race safety car period to lead the GRDC contingent past the chequered flag. Maude and rookie Laslett followed the top two home to finish up second in each class.
Sussex unfortunately span out of a prospective first rookie class podium finish after the safety car, opening the door for current want2race scholarship winner Haffner to complete the top three. Sussex had to settle for fifth in class ahead of John Wyatt, Cohen-Wray and Jacqueline Wayment.
In increasingly worsening conditions across the final race, Docker and Warren once again battled wheel-to-wheel at the head of the pack. Rookie star Warren got ahead in the middle of the race, but Docker eventually emerged out front as both continued their perfect starts to the season.
It was a battle of the Brendan’s behind, as Maude and Haffner came away with second place class finishes. Laslett completed the rookie rostrum, while Moore made it a double main class podium for the day ahead of Bishopp. Le Meur came fourth in the rookies after a good battle with Sussex.
The full race results from the weekend can be found here: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/203305
The Ginetta Racing Drivers Club is next in action alongside the Ginetta G40 Cup in two weeks’ time at Brands Hatch in Kent (29/30 August).
