Rowledge (R Racing) has been in mesmerising form across recent events, producing eye-catching speed and racecraft on his way to seven race wins in the last 11 races. Those victories have helped him storm clear at the top of the standings, with the reigning Winter Series champion holding a 98-point advantage.
Will Macintyre (Elite Motorsport) is the only driver left that’s capable of overhauling Rowledge, however with only a maximum score of 109 points available this weekend, it’s certainly a long shot. Macintyre has been a revelation in his maiden car-racing campaign, scoring five overall victories on his way to wrapping up the rookie class title with five races to spare.
Behind them, the final berth in the championship top three is being hotly-contested. Three-time race-winner Harri Reynolds (Assetto Motorsport) regained the spot last time out at Silverstone from 2021 series runner-up Liam McNeilly (Fox Motorsport), who is aiming to score a first win of the campaign.
Elite Motorsport are on course to regain the teams’ title for the first time since 2019. Alongside Macintyre, fellow rookie Kanato Le’s starred with two race wins so far, Mckenzie Douglass has also been a regular on the rookie podium, and second year contenders Joe Warhurst and Aqil Alibhai have picked up overall top three results.
R Racing are only 31 points adrift however as they chase a third consecutive teams’ crown. Joining Rowledge in their ranks are Luke Watts, who was quickest in qualifying on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit back in May, top-ten finisher Luca Hopkinson and Freddie Slater, who’s been right at the sharp end of the grid across his first two appearances in the series recently.
Other potential front-runners this weekend include Knockhill race-winner Maurice Henry (Fox Motorsport) and Zac Meakin (Preptech UK), who scored a best finish of second at Thruxton. Adam Brown (Ultimate Speed Racing), Shravan Shanmugavel (Elite Motorsport) and Flynn McHardy (Preptech UK) will also be aiming to end their seasons on a high this weekend.
This season, there have been three female drivers on the Junior grid for the first time since 2009. Scholarship winner Alisha Palmowski (Preptech UK) has collected three rookie podiums so far, while Assetto Motorsport duo Ella Lloyd and Liona Theobald have also enjoyed some great performances.
Completing the entry list are four drivers who made their championship debuts at Silverstone two weeks’ ago. Mikey Porter (Preptech UK) and Sid Smith (Fox Motorsport) impressively secured overall top ten results, as Thomas Spragg (Preptech UK) and Finn Harrison (Assetto Motorsport) also picked up points finishes.
Follow the action across the 2022 Brands Hatch GP weekend on social media, @GinettaCars.
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday 08 October – Qualifying, 11:10; Race One, 15:05
Sunday 09 October – Race Two, 12:10; Race Three, 16:25 (Both live on ITV4)
Live timing and results across the Brands Hatch GP 2022 weekend: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/224003
