The Ginetta Challenge has undergone a few revisions over the winter allowing the popular category to retain its position as one of the best-supported in the UK. For 2010, in comes the new G40 model, powered by the same Ford Zetec 1800cc engine as motivates the existing G20 cars, plus a new format of qualifying and racing on the same day to try to keep costs down for competitors.

Oulton Park has long produced dramatic Ginetta races and the nature of the cars, easy to slipstream in and overtake, make this one of the best circuits for the Ginetta Challenge. The entry is a healthy one, too, with a mix of experienced drivers taking on Ginetta newcomers.

One of the newcomers is Matt Shawyer who was a leading light in the BRDC Single-Seater Championship, winning the crown in 2004. Now, the race instructor makes the switch from single-seaters to sports cars and will one to watch.

A number of familiar names return for a crack at the title including Middlesex jeweller Mark Wania who has been a front-runner for a number of seasons and David Jackson who won races for the first time last year. The Chorley man will be keen to impress at his closest circuit. Gavin Mitchell is a former double champion and is back to aim for three G20 crowns, while Dominic Pettit, a winner at Oulton Park last season is the man to beat after his pace and racecraft made him the revelation of the 2009 championship campaign. Pettit will be hard to beat this season, too.

Others who should display front-running pace include Matt Flowers who improved during 2009, Sean Huyton and Andy Richardson, while the G40s are driven by lady racer Charlie Burridge and championship newcomer Elliot Stafford.

With qualifying and two 20-minute races on Saturday, it will be a busy day for the Ginetta Challenge but one that is sure to trigger plenty of drama.