Familiar faces on the grid for many years and title contenders last season, it was no surprise to see Will Burns (Rob Boston Racing) and Tom Hibbert (Triple M Motorsport) fighting at the front of the field in the season opener, with both drivers picking up a trio of podium finishes to start the year.
They probably weren’t expecting such an explosive debut from Gus Burton (Century Motorsport) though, with the Ginetta Junior graduate immediately making his mark at the front with three podiums of his own including a dominant race three victory.
Two wins in the first two races means it is Burns that comes to Brands Hatch as the early championship leader. Both he and Hibbert are former race-winners in the championship around the Grand Prix circuit and they will hope that experience will give them an edge this weekend.
After sitting on the fringes of the podium battle on his debut last weekend, former Ginetta Junior champion Adam Smalley (Elite Motosport) will be determined to pick up a first piece of GT4 SuperCup silverware this weekend, as will his team-mate Tom Emson.
Fin Green (Rob Boston Racing) started his second year in the championship with a best finish of fifth in Leicestershire and he’s another potential podium contender, as is the most experienced driver on the grid, Reece Somerfield (Privateer).
Jamie Falvey (Motion Capital Racing) and Joe Marshall-Birks (Rob Boston Racing) both showed impressive pace on their championship debuts last weekend, while returning to the grid is James Blake-Baldwin (AK Motorsport). He took a best of fifth on the Brands Hatch GP circuit last season.
The new-for-2020 Pro Am class has set up a fascinating duel between former two-time Am class champion Colin White (CWS Motorsport) and reigning Ginetta G40 Cup victor Chris Salkeld (Assetto Motorsport). White got all three wins at Donington Park, but Salkeld was never far behind.
The Am category meanwhile produced some of the closest racing across the season opening weekend. The early class leader is former Ginetta GT5 Challenge Am class winner Nick Halstead (Fox Motorsport), who picked up a couple of victories on his series debut.
Former BTCC racer Stewart Lines climbed aboard the podium after all three races, while only sheer bad luck denied Carl Garnett (AK Motorsport) more than one visit. Lee Goldsmith (Assetto Motorsport) meanwhile has a breakthrough class podium in his sights.
Follow the action this weekend on social media, @GinettaCars.
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday, August 1 – 11.35 to 11.55, Qualifying; 16.00, Race One
Sunday, August 2 – 12.10, Race Two; 16.35, Race Three (Both live on ITV4)
Live timing and results: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/203203
