Total Control Racing’s Matt Chapman says he is on an absolute mission to climb the Ginetta Junior Championship podium for the first time during the season finale at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit next weekend, 10th/11th October.
Determined to convert his proven front-running pace into deserved silverware before the end of his sophomore campaign a week from now, the talented Oxford teenager will arrive at the famous Kent track off the back of a stunning performance at Silverstone last Sunday.
Forced to begin the second of the weekend’s contests from the rear of the grid, as a result of being knocked out of contention in race one when tagged from behind, the 15-year-old produced quite possibly his best ever drive – gaining no fewer than 15 places on his way to a superb top six finish.
Underlining his true pace, Matt also posted the fastest lap of the race and without an early delay on the first tour he could quite easily have challenged for a podium result. With all of that in mind, it’d be foolish to bet against the Ginetta G40 driver from achieving his long-held aim next weekend.
“I really, really enjoyed the second race at Silverstone”, said Matt, “I would have preferred not to have come through from the back, but it was fantastic overtaking so many cars and we showed the sort of result that might have been possible if we’d started on the first few rows. We’ve had some consistent pace over the last few rounds, so there’s no reason that shouldn’t be the same at Brands.
“I went pretty well on the GP track last year, and it’s a fantastic circuit to drive, so I’m confident we should be able to end the season with a strong performance. I’m on a bit of a mission to get on the podium, it’s been possible so many times this season but something has gone against us each time!”
In terms of the championship, Matt heads into rounds 19 and 20 holding 11th position in the points standings and although 23 points shy of the top 10, breaking into the coveted top portion of the table is a realistic target.
His best result of the season to-date is a fifth place finish at Knockhill in Scotland and he also has three other top sixes and five more top 10 results under his belt. During the corresponding event at Brands Hatch GP Circuit last October, meanwhile, Matt took away a strong top 10 result in race two.
Officially timed testing will take place at the Kent venue next Friday, 9th October, with free practice following on Saturday, 10th October, at 09.30 followed by qualifying at 14.35 and round 19 at 17.30. The final race of the season, round 20, will begin at 12.10 on Sunday, 11th October, and will be screened live on ITV4 and ITV4 HD.
Provisional Ginetta Junior Championship Standings (after Rd18): 11th Matt Chapman, 188pts
