Grant’s progress halted during promising Brands Hatch outingAn encouraging start to round four of the MaX5 Racing Championship at Brands Hatch last weekend (July 26-27) ultimately went unrewarded for George Grant, as his efforts to raise awareness for official Armed Forces charity Mission Motorsport continued.After demonstrating his improvements over one lap by qualifying 18th of 28 drivers on Saturday morning, a jump start denied the GGR Motorsport driver a season-best result after having 10 seconds added to his race one time.Grant – making his competitive debut at Kent’s former grand prix venue – was left to mourn what could have been after finishing an uplifting 16th before the post-race penalty dropped him to 21st.“I was delighted with my performance in qualifying,” beamed Grant. “I felt in the groove immediately, and to lap closer to the leaders than I have before was extremely promising.“Due to the sloping nature of Brands’ grid and my eagerness to get going, I felt myself move forward ever so slightly, which I knew would result in a penalty. However, after going on the attack in the opening laps, I steadily moved up to 13th. It was fantastic dicing with Mk1 drivers and – even after dropping back to 16th – a brilliant experience and certainly my best race thus far.”Grant’s confidence behind the wheel was boosted after two days of testing on Thursday and Friday, when recent alterations to his Mk3 MX-5’s suspension, shock absorbers and sub-frames were successfully trialled with former BRSCC champion Rob Boston.Notwithstanding on-track discrepancies, Grant was pleased with how further enhancements to the Mission Motorsport-run machine performed throughout a stifling weekend.“It was brilliant and terrible all at the same time!” added Grant. “However, the car instantly handled 10 times better than it did previously. Due to the loss of weight, it felt much more nimble and stable on turn-in. However, we’re still struggling with braking, and the rears frequently locking. It’s nothing we can’t work on, but it’s frustrating all the same.”Unfortunately, the knock-on effect of a race one penalty was emphasised in Sunday’s second contest by lining up 21st. And despite another brilliant start – albeit legal this time – the tightening nature of Turn 1 left Grant boxed in heading into Druids Bend, nullifying a great getaway.Undeterred, Grant was able to utilise his newfound confidence to gradually move through the field before contact with Mark Willetts pitched him into the gravel exiting Paddock Hill Bend. Continuing with a wounded car, Grant returned to the pits where the Mission Motorsport team – led by Major James Cameron – ensured the GGR driver could conclude another promising weekend on-track.“It’s hard to make up places around a circuit like Brands Hatch,” explained Grant. “Following contact with Mark, the car felt extremely uneasy, yet I was able to learn enormously after following the leaders after losing a few laps. I’m always learning and to be only two seconds off the pace was hugely encouraging. “I must also once again pay tribute to every mechanic at Mission Motorsport who worked flat-out as usual through four very hot days. I’m constantly in awe of them!”Grant will be looking to piece together a smooth and successful weekend when the championship heads to Oulton Park for round five on August 16th.