Thruxton is a fast circuit, and these Ginettas are quick cars. 6.2 litre V8 engines see the cars reach some 145mph on this circuit, which is the fastest circuit in Europe. However, the weekend was overshadowed by a terrible crash in the second Ginetta race of the weekend, on Sunday morning, where Colin White & Mike Brown had a bad collision, resulting in both drivers being taken to hospital. The delay to racing was some two hours, seeing a Ginetta junior race and a Mini challenge race being cancelled. This as well as the Ginetta Race 2 being nulled/cancelled after 2 laps. But that all pales into significance when the well being of drivers comes into play and there was much concern around the paddock about both drivers. Word was heard that they were both conscious and on their way to hospital, which was a mighty relief for all. The paddock is a close community, and Ginetta teams all showing their kind thoughts towards the injured drivers. We hope to see both Colin and Mike back in their seats again soon.
Regarding the racing – Saturday saw Race 1 – with James Kellett on Pole again in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup G56 Pro class. The front of the grid again, and that’s where he stayed for the whole race. Another win for James.
On to Sunday morning, where James started P1 again due to his Saturday Race 1 win. Off James went in front, but on lap 2, as explained above, the race was red flagged after the horrific crash at the back of the course, which saw both drivers being taken to hospital. The race no longer mattered, and was duly and correctly cancelled.
Later on it was Race 3. Or a new Race 2, if you like, as there was no reverse grid for this one like there usually is for Race 3. James started in P1, where he stayed for the whole race again. Another win for James. An applaud and positive mention for Tom Emson, who completed the second half of the race with a smashed windscreen. Both James and Tom had gone wide over the back of the circuit and James had flung up some dirt and stones onto Tom’s car – smashing his windscreen. Tom could barely see but as he was so far ahead of P3 he continued, albeit at a reduced speed, to finish the race. He was caught on the penultimate lap so finished P3, but a fantastic drive for the unlucky Tom Emson.
It’s a look forward to Silverstone National circuit in a couple of weeks now.