The GT5 Challenge has earned a reputation over the years for close, exciting one-make racing and this season has been no exception, with a fascinating title battle playing out over the last three months between four talented young racers.
With Jonny Wilkinson electing to miss the season finale, three drivers will battle it out for the title this weekend at the ‘Home of British Motor Racing’, with two races around the full Grand Prix layout as part of the British GT Championship support bill.
In the points hot seat is Josh Malin (Richardson Racing), courtesy of a brilliant seven race wins so far. Impressively winning at least once at every race meeting, he’s recovered from some opening round issues to climb up to the standings and crucially take top spot.
Only seven points behind Malin is James Taylor (Elite Motorsport). Chasing a second Ginetta title after winning last year’s Junior Winter Series, he’s scored more podium finishes than anyone else this season with nine, including wins at Oulton Park and Knockhill.
Gordie Mutch (Fox Motorsport) is the dark horse in the title battle, having fought into contention with a double win at Donington Park in September as part of five podium finishes in a row. Heading into the weekend 41 points off Malin, the Scotsman will need a big weekend to emerge victorious.
Away from the title battle, there’s a grid full of exciting drivers looking to steal the spotlight and end their season on the podium. John Bennett (Elite Motorsport) is one to watch having secured a first pair of top three finishes last time out.
Magnus Kriklywi (Race Car Consultants) has been in the mix at the front all season and took a seasons’ best fourth at Silverstone, while Conner Garlick (Xentek Motorsport) scored a podium back at the Oulton Park season opener and will want to add more to his tally.
Top six finishers Rory McKean (SVG Motorsport), Ashley Marshall (Fox Motorsport) and Blake Angliss (Richardson Racing) are all contenders to take home silverware too. Daniel Budd (Elite Motorsport) meanwhile is targeting a top six breakthrough.
The destination of the Am class title was provisionally decided a weekend early, with Ian Duggan (Fox Motorsport) securing the honours with a seventh win. He’s back to chase more success, while it’s all to play for in the battle for second in class.
Karim Sekkat (Elite Motorsport) holds the position after securing a first win of 2020 last time out. Phil McGarty (Xentek Motorsport) is close behind and on a run of nine podiums in a row, while his team-mate Bal Sidhu is also in contention. Richard Tetlow (Privateer) is also one to watch.
Tom Golding (CTS Motorsport) makes a welcome return to the GT5 Challenge grid, having secured a second Ginetta G40 Cup title this season. Former Ginetta Junior Nat Hodgkiss (Race Car Consultants) makes his debut, as does Mazda racer Oliver Allwood (AB Motorsport).
Weekend Timetable:
Saturday, November 7 – Qualifying, 10.15 to 10.35; Race One, 14.20
Sunday, November 8 – Race Two, 10.20
Live timing and results: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/204505
