Fergus Walkinshaws home circuit of Silverstone in neighbouring Northamptonshire beckons for the penultimate showdown of the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup on October 6&7, where the 21 year-old will be aiming to deliver a string of strong results.
The Oxford Brookes Automotive Engineering student, who is also a Race Instructor at Silverstone circuit, will return to compete on the National circuit for the first time in a year. He heads to Silverstone after an impressive recovery charge from 13th to finish eighth in round 22 at Rockingham, having only been cleared to race that morning following medical treatment for the inhalation of fumes aboard his Ginetta G55 the previous day.
Although the championship title may be out of reach, Walkinshaws tireless perseverance has rewarded him with 243 points to lie ninth in the title battle heading into the 2012 season climax. With just 18 points separating him from seventh place in the standings theres every possibility the Chipping Norton star can climb back up the table.
With five rounds remaining, and Silverstone hosting a double-header race weekend, the recently appointed Association of Air Ambulances Motorsport Advocate is aiming to deliver some top results on home soil, to finish his first full season of competition in three years on a high.
Amid his full racing schedule this weekend, Walkinshaw will also be helping the WMRACThe Doghouse Owners Clubto celebrate its 50th anniversary by attending the Bling In The Wing Dinner and Dance, where his Century Motorsport Ginetta G55 is set for display.
The WMRAC was founded in 1962 by a group of Grand Prix drivers wives and girlfriends. The aims and objectives of the club were to help the wives and girlfriends repair their shattered lives in the event of tragedy, through financial and moral support; to help anyone connected to motor racing, whose circumstances had altered through accident or illness. The committee also supports at least two worthwhile charitable causes each year.
To compete at your home event is always a high point in the season and Im naturally looking forward to racing at Silverstone again, said Walkinshaw. Well have a little testing time and the official TOCA session next week, where well be working hard to fine-tune the Century Motorsport Ginetta G55.
I showed good pace at last years Silverstone event, climbing from 19th to finish eighth in class in race one. Im sure that we can get the car dialled-in to the circuit, to put in consistently strong performances in the penultimate series rounds.
Qualifying for the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup, featured within the British Touring Car Championship package, will commence at 10.50 on Saturday morning, followed by the first race of the weekend at 15.50. The second 24-lap feature race will take place at 12.25 on Sunday, aired live on ITV4. Live timing is also available at www.ginetta.com/live
