An exciting new format this season sees the series join the same grid as the Ginetta G40 Cup and run to a two-class structure for the first time. The traditional ‘rookie’ class continues with an all-inclusive package for racing debutants, while a second class welcomes drivers to continue their development.
A stunning performance from rookie contender Warren saw him lap as the quickest GRDC runner overall in qualifying on Saturday morning, just over a tenth of a second clear of Docker (Raceway Motorsport) who set the pace in the main class.
An early change of position on the opening lap of race one saw Docker slip past Warren. From then on, those two stayed at the head of the GRDC pack for the remainder of the race to record the first class victories of the 2020 season.
Brendan Maude (Assetto Motorsport) and rookie Rupert Laslett enjoyed a race long battle behind as they secured second in their respective classes, while the most exciting battle of the race came for the final position on the rookie class podium.
Rich Abraham held the position in the early laps, before Thomas Holland found his way past on lap five. His spell in third was short-lived however, with Michael Johnston coming through a lap later to secure a debut class podium result.
Brendan Haffner missed out on the podium by less than a second in fourth place, with Abraham and Holland having to settle for fifth and sixth respectively. The top ten was completed by Jeremy Sussex, Guillaume Le Meur, Anthony Underwood-Whitney and Joe Butterworth.
The second race of the day unfortunately proved to a shortened affair, with a lengthy safety car period bringing an end to the action after only three racing laps. There was time for a close battle at the top of the main class though, with Docker just edging out Maude for the victory.
Warren and Laslett stayed at the top of the rookie class throughout, while Abraham ran third before suffering an unfortunate retirement. That opened the door for Haffner to pick up his first podium finish ahead of Sussex, while Graeme Bishopp made it two main class rostrums so far.
The final race of the weekend was streamed live online and starring in front of the television cameras was Docker. A dominant display in the main class saw him complete his victory treble by no less than 20 seconds over Bishopp and Maude, the latter having dropped back after a spin.
In the rookie class, there was a great battle at the front between Laslett and Warren. After trading the lead a couple of times, Warren was able to emerge with victory once again. Laslett followed him home, while want2race scholarship winner Haffner doubled his podium tally.
Stephen Moore came away fourth in the main GRDC class in all three races, while strong starts from Andrew Cohen-Wray and John Wyatt saw them take best rookie class finishes of tenth and eleventh respectively over the course of the weekend.
Full race results for the weekend can be found here: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/203105
