James Taylor (Elite Motorsport) is the new name at the top of the points standings, having picked up the second win of his maiden GT5 Challenge season so far last time out at Knockhill. The Ginetta Junior graduate’s podium consistency has been key, only missing out on the top three once so far.
Jonny Wilkinson is leading the challenge for reigning champions Xentek Motorsport and he had topped the standings prior to the trip to Scotland. A race-winner on his debut weekend at Oulton Park, he’s added four more podiums since to sit just four points behind Taylor.
One to watch in the title battle is Josh Malin (Richardson Racing), who has hugely impressed across the opening events with four victories from the seven races to date. He’s got history at Donington Park too, taking his maiden GT5 victory here last season.
Gordie Mutch (Fox Motorsport) was a double race-winner at the circuit last season meanwhile. The Scotsman will aim to use that experience to battle for a first win of 2020, having ignited his title challenge with a double podium finish on home tarmac last time out.
Behind Mutch in the points standings are a group of four drivers all capable of challenging for race wins on their day, including Race Car Consultants duo David Ellesley and Magnus Kriklywi. The former has a couple of podium finishes to his name this year, while Kriklywi is targeting a first.
Joining them are Conner Garlick (Xentek Motorsport), who scored a best finish so far of second at Oulton Park, and regular top six finisher Ashley Marshall (Fox Motorsport). John Bennett (Elite Motorsport) also joined the podium battle at Knockhill as he finished a seasons’ best fourth.
The ultra-competitive Pro class field also includes Rory McKean (SVG Motorsport), Jesse Chamberlain (Xentek Motorsport), Daniel Budd (Elite Motorsport) and his brother Charlie Budd (Privateer); all of whom have secured top ten finishes this year. Blake Angliss (Richardson Racing) makes his debut meanwhile.
The Am class has been fiercely contested so far this season too, with Ian Duggan (Fox Motorsport) establishing himself as the driver to beat. The Ginetta G40 Cup graduate has picked up five victories as part of a 100% podium record so far this season.
Richard Tetlow (Privateer) has been a constant threat, with five pole positions out of six so far and a couple of class wins. Phil McGarty (Privateer) is on a run of four consecutive podium finishes, while Bal Sidhu (Xentek Motorsport) and Karim Sekkat (Elite Motorsport) have both secured class silverware too.
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday, September 19 – Qualifying, 11.20 to 11.40; Race One, 15.30
Sunday, September 20 – Race Two, 10.05; Race Three, 17.20
Live timing and results: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/203805
