The Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup is building up for a superb end to its maiden season, as the teams head north of the border to Knockhill this weekend.
The first season of the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup, catering for the new G55 model alongside the G50, has been a huge success. Tom Sharp dominated the early part of the season but has been away from the winner’s circle since April, despite winning the opening six races of the year and looking as though he would be the man to beat. Instead, a host of drivers has stepped forward to take wins and of them, it is the experienced Carl Breeze (TCR) who heads the title race.
Kings Lynn-based Breeze has been around the TOCA paddock for over a decade and isn’t short of experience. He heads the title race by 31 points approaching the Knockhill rounds, with his main opposition tied for second. Sharp and fellow race-winner Adam Morgan have been busy scoring points as often as possible and are less than a race win behind in the championship. Morgan (Ciceley Racing) won at Thruxton and again at Snetterton and is rapidly establishing himself as a major threat to Breeze thanks to his consistency.
Sharp, though, is determined to put his season back on track. It has been a difficult situation for former Ginetta junior racer Tom: to go from being unbeatable to unable to get a win. There is optimism in the IDL camp, though, as he certainly hasn’t given up and is a hard-charger when he needs to be.
Behind the top three comes reigning Ginetta Challenge Champion George Murrells (Optimum Motorsport) who has enjoyed an impressive season having stepped up from the 1800cc G20 model and Nathan Freke (Century Motorsport) who has been another race winner. Indeed, Freke is a threat to Breeze for the title: if he keeps winning, he is taking point away from Breeze and preventing him from opening up a big gap in the championship.
Extra spice this weekend will come from the inclusion of Scottish sports car ace Marino Franchitti who will be eager to score a win on home ground. The ALMS star hasn’t raced here for 10 years but is delighted to be able to be racing back home.
The existing G50 model has its own class and has delivered plenty of action. Tom Ingram (Plans Motorsport) leads the championship by the slenderest of margins – just one point separates him from Jody Fannin (Team Pyro) in a fight that looks set to go down to the wire. Behind them, Aaron Williamson (FML) is in the mix as well and will be a candidate for a win here.
This weekend could mark a turning point in the championship, as everything is up for grabs. It’s all to play for.
Qualifying for the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup takes place on Saturday September 3rd at 11:35 with race one over 16 laps at 16:25. Race two is at on Sunday at 09:35 over 24 laps with the third race, also over 24 laps, blasting off at 15:30. You can see all Sunday’s action live on ITV4.
