HUGHES GRADUATES TO G50

Speedworks Motorsport’s Tony Hughes will step up to the Ginetta G50 Championship next season.

Hughes, who recently completed a successful first season of racing in the Texaco Havoline Ginetta Championship with Speedworks, will drive a third G50 for the team in 2008.

“I’ve really enjoyed my season in the G20 championship but the time is right to move up,” said Hughes. “There’s a lot to learn in racing and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the G50 for the first time next year!

“The G50 looks like a fantastic car, so it was an easy decision to get a car for next year.”

Hughes, a former powerboat racer, claimed a best finish of eighth place in the Silverstone Winter Series round earlier this month, and Speedworks Motorsport Team Principal Christian Dick is impressed with his progress.

“The G20 is not an easy car to get to grips with for a novice, but Tony developed very well as a driver throughout the season,” said Dick. “The G50 will be a new challenge for him, but I’m sure it’s a challenge he will be equal to.”

The first round of the Ginetta G50 Championship will be held at Oulton Park on March 23-25.

MERRY BACK FOR MORE

Neil Merry has re-signed for Speedworks Motorsport for the 2008 Texaco Havoline Ginetta Championship season.

Merry is one of Speedworks Motorsport’s longest-serving drivers, racing for the team in both the MaX5 Championship and Ginettas, and claimed several top ten finishes in his first season in Ginettas.

“I’ve had a really enjoyable season and it makes sense to come back next year and use what I’ve learned,” said Merry. “The racing is fantastic and the team has made excellent progress with the cars, so I’m looking forward to getting some more great results next year.”

Speedworks Motorsport Team Principal Christian Dick believes Merry has the potential to improve on his best 2007 finish of eighth.

“This is a very competitive championship, and Neil’s pace in his first year was impressive,” said Dick. “If he continues to develop his driving there’s no reason why he can’t take some even stronger results this year.”

GINETTA G50 SELLS OUT

Ginetta has sold all 26 cars which will contest the new-for-2008 Ginetta G50 Championship, with an additional eight cars already slated for delivery by next May.

The marque has committed to a grid of 26 cars for next year's British F3/GT-supporting G50 Cup, but the build of the extra cars means that grid sizes could reach over 30 cars by mid-season.

Speedworks Motorsport was the first team to commit to the G50 Cup, with cars for Richard Sykes and Team Principal Christian Dick, who is impressed at the success of the car.

"Whenever a new championship like this is launched it's hard to know what the take-up will be," said Dick. "But the G50 is a remarkable car and it's no surprise that it has been so popular. We're looking forward to getting hold of ours and starting testing!"

The G50 Cup will run alongside the Texaco Havoline Ginetta G20 Championship on the F3/GT bill, with Speedworks running cars in both. The G20 championship had average grid sizes of over 30 cars in 2007, with the G50 Cup set to attract similar numbers next year.

”The response to the G50 has been phenomenal," said Ginetta boss Richard Dean. “The fact we have almost sold out despite the rolling chassis being a prototype and nobody outside of the company has driven a G50 yet proves the Motorsport arena was crying out for a Championship we are happy to be providing.”

GINETTA CALENDAR REVEALED

The calendar for next year’s Ginetta G50 and G20 Championships have been released, with two special festival events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the marque being held at Cadwell Park and Mallory Park.

Both championships will feature on the prestigious British F3/GT bill, with the festival events to be held on April 5/6 and September 6/7. There will also be rounds at Grand Prix venues past and present Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Silverstone (pictured), as well as a return to Scotland at the classic Knockhill circuit.

“It’s a fantastic calendar with races at the best circuits in the country,” said Speedworks Team Principal Christian Dick. “Oulton Park is a great place to start the season, and we’re delighted to have the chance to race at some prestigious events."

Speedworks will run cars in both the G20 and the G50 categories, with Richard Sykes and Dick already signed up for the new-for-2008 G50 Cup.

2008 Ginetta Calendar
March 22-24 Oulton Park (F3/GT)
April 5/6 Cadwell Park (Ginetta Festival)
April 12/13 Knockhill(F3/GT)
April 26/27 Croft (F3/GT)
May 4/5 Silverstone (F3/GT)
June 7/8 Snetterton (F3/GT)
June 28/29 Thruxton (F3/GT)
July 12/13 Brands Hatch GP (F3/GT)
September 6/7 Mallory Park (Ginetta Festival)
September 20/21 Donington Park (F3/GT)

DICK DELIGHTED WITH WINTER

Speedworks Motorsport Team Principal Christian Dick has declared the team’s recent Ginetta Winter Series campaign a success despite Richard Sykes narrowly missing out on winning the title.

Mike Broadhurst won at Silverstone on his one-off appearance, while Paul Sheard also tasted victory after a last-minute deal to race at Brands Hatch in the car campaigned by Speedworks Ginetta Scholarship winner Gary Simms during the regular season.

“I get just as much satisfaction out of the cars I am running doing well as I do when I’m racing myself,” said Dick, who sat out the Winter Series.

“For drivers like Mike and Paul to jump in the cars with little running and be able to win races straight out of the box is testament not only to their abilities, but also to the hard work everyone working for the team has put in.

“Both Richard and Dave Jackson were still in contention to win the title at the final race, and with a bit of luck one of them could have won the title. The reliability of the cars was excellent and it certainly bodes well for the 2008 season.”

Winter Series Standings
1 Dan Laddiman, 117pts
2 Richard Sykes, 97 pts
3 Giles Dawson, 84pts
4 Dave Jackson, 84pts
5 Mark Wania, 71pts
6 Paul Sheard, 63pts
7 Mike Broadhurst, 62pts
8 Matt Abbott, 39pts
9 Simon Moore, 38pts
10 Andrew Hepworth, 37ts
11 James Rigby, 36pts
12 Declan McDonnell, 36pts
13 Paul Trowbridge, 34pts
14 Jeff Harding, 31pts
15 Sarah Franklin, 29pts
16 Steve Williams, 23pts
17 Edd Straw, 22pts
18 Dan van Rosen, 22pts
19 Tony Hughes, 17pts
20 Paul Morgan, 17pts
21 Neil Merry, 16pts
22 Stephen Hepworth, 10pts
23 Laura Addison, 7pts
24 Andrew Dollamore, 2pts

SHEARD ROBBED OF VICTORY

Paul Sheard was denied a second Ginetta Winter Series win of the weekend when he was hit with a penalty after winning by almost five seconds.

Sheard was penalised ten seconds for taking up his third place on the grid at the end of the formation laps after being incorrectly held at the back of the grid when the cars were released from the assembly area. Despite slipping outside the top ten on the first lap after opting to gamble on starting on slicks on a damp track, he carved through the field to take the chequered flag. He was classified third when the penalty was applied.

"If I'd known I'd had the penalty I'd have tried to push a bit harder because I was being careful," said Sheard. "The penalty was unfortunate - I was told to form up at the back of the grid by the marshals so that's what I did. But it's been a really enjoyable weekend."

Three-times Locost champion Declan McDonnell put in a superb performance to finish fifth on his first weekend in a Ginetta, passing team-mates Dave Jackson and early leader Richard Sykes during the race.

"I've really enjoyed it," said McDonnell. "The car felt a lot better than it did yesterday even when the wets started to overheat and I had a really good race."

Sykes's seventh place was good enough to seal second in the Winter Series standings behind champion Dan Laddiman.

"I've had my first pole in the Winter Series and I've had some good races" said Sykes. "That race was really tough on the wet tyres - I really struggled to get the power down."

Neil Merry also gambled on starting on slicks, finishing 11th, two places ahead of the wet-shod Edd Straw.

Race 2 Results
1 Mark Wania, 27 laps in 25m19.457s
2 Giles Dawson, +3.922s
3 Paul Sheard, +5.240s
4 Dan Laddiman, +20.881s
5 Declan McDonnell, +24.382s
6 Dave Jackson, +26.936s
7 Richard Sykes, +27.213s
8 Jeff Harding, +41.048s
9 Matt Abbott, +1 lap
10 Dan van Rosen, +1 lap
11 Neil Merry, +1 lap
12 Andrew Hepworth, +1 lap
13 Edd Straw, +1 lap
14 Paul Trowbridge, +1 lap
15 Paul Morgan, +1 lap
16 Sarah Franklin, +2 laps
DNF Simon Moore

SHEARD TAKES SPECTACULAR WIN

Paul Sheard claimed a dramatic victory on his return to Speedworks Motorsport in the third round of the Ginetta Winter Series at Brands Hatch.

Despite not having driven a Ginetta G20 for a year, Sheard qualified fourth on the grid before prevailing in a close battle with Dan Laddiman to win by just 0.380secs. The pair swapped positions several times, with Sheard re-taking the lead into Graham Hill Bend after being passed by Laddiman at Paddock Hill Bend several laps from home.

"It was a tough race because even though I led the majority of laps I was never able to get a break," said Sheard. "Dan managed to get past me when I went a bit wide into Paddock, but I hung with him on the outside around Druids and managed to get back ahead."

Dave Jackson continued his run of fourth places, finishing one slot ahead of team-mate Richard Sykes.

"I really wanted a podium in that one and for a while I had it," said Jackson. "Unfortunately I was passed quite late on and have ended up fourth again!"

Sykes held second place in the standings with more points for fifth, while Speedworks debutant Declan McDonnell claimed a strong seventh on his Ginetta debut.

Neil Merry retired with a fuel feed problem, while Edd Straw was forced into the gravel at the first corner after Simon Moore spun in the middle of the pack.

Race 1 Results
1 Paul Sheard, 28 laps in 25m50.857s
2 Dan Laddiman, +0.380s
3 Simon Moore, +8.837s
4 Dave Jackson, +10.017s
5 Richard Sykes, +10.519s
6 Giles Dawson, +27.114s
7 Declan McDonnell, +27.114s
8 Andrew Hepworth, +50.962s
9 Matt Abbott, +52.408s
10 Dan van Rosen, +1 lap
11 Sarah Franklin, +1 lap
12 Paul Trowbridge, +1 lap
R Mark Wania
R Paul Morgan
R Neil Merry - fuel feed
R Jeff Harding
R Edd Straw - in the gravel again

LOCOST CHAMP TO GINETTAS

Three-times Locost champion Declan McDonnell will drive for Speedworks Motorsport in this weekend’s Ginetta Winter Series double-header at Brands Hatch.

McDonnell is evaluating a full-time switch to the Texaco Havoline Ginetta Championship next season, and is due to have his first taste of the Ginetta G20 in Friday testing.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on Ginettas all year because I’ve won the Locost title for the last three years and would like to move onto something else," said McDonnell. "It’s a good chance to have a go and see how I get on with the car.”

McDonnell will be part of a six-driver line-up which will also include Ginetta returnee Paul Sheard, who won on the Kent circuit in the Winter Series for Speedworks Motorsport last season. The pair will join team regulars Dave Jackson, Neil Merry, Richard Sykes and Edd Straw.

“The addition of Declan and Paul to the line-up gives us two more drivers capable of running at the front,” said Speedworks Team Principal Christian Dick. “We’re hopeful it will be a strong weekend.”

BROADHURST WINS ON DEBUT

Single-seater race Mike Broadhurst claimed a stunning victory on his Ginetta debut for Speedworks Motorsport in the opening meeting of the Winter Series at Silverstone.

After finishing an impressive third in race one, Broadhurst fought his way up the order in the second to hold off team-mate Richard Sykes by just half-a-second.

“I didn’t make a particularly good start so had to work my way to the front,” said Broadhurst. “Richard was pushing me all the way to the line, but fortunately there was a yellow flag at the last corner which made it a bit more relaxed.

“I’ve had a fantastic time racing in Ginettas. It’s very different to what I’m used to in single-seaters but the racing was really enjoyable.”

Sykes was happy with his two second places, meaning he goes to the Winter Series final at Brands Hatch as one of the title favourites.

“It was a great experience to be able to race at the front,” said Sykes, who also claimed his first pole position in the event. “I kept on top of Michael right to the end because you never know when people are going to make mistakes!”

Dave Jackson led comfortably early on in race two, but had to settle for two fourth places finishes.

“I managed to pull away in the lead,” said Jackson. “Unfortunately I didn’t quite have the pace to keep it there because the tow is so important around Silverstone.”

Another single-seater driver making his Ginetta debut also excelled, with Formula Ford 1600 racer James Rigby taking a fifth and a seventh place.

“I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Rigby. “The racing was fantastic and considering I haven’t had much time in the car the results were good.”

Tony Hughes and Edd Straw enjoyed mixed weekends. The pair took an eighth pace apiece, although both suffered spins in their other starts.

“I was really pleased with my qualifying in race one, so it was disappointing to be spun at the hairpin,” said Hughes. “I enjoyed the second race and had a really good battle with Edd.”

Straw was pleased with his performance despite failing to finish the second race.

“The performance is definitely coming,” said Straw. “I’m a little disappointing I threw it into the gravel in the second race after running as high as fifth, but overall I’m happy with progress.”

Neil Merry suffered a disappointing weekend, retiring from the first race after being his by Paul Morgan before a spin early in race two dropped him down the order.”

Laura Addison, on her first Ginetta appearance since Croft in September, continued to build her experience with two solid drives.

“It’s getting a bit better every time I go out as I build up experience,” she said. “I’m still really enjoying it!”

Race 1 Results
1 Dan Laddiman, 12 laps in 13m43.767s
2 Richard Sykes, +1.747s
3 Mike Broadhurst, +3.353s
4 Dave Jackson, +7.411s
5 James Rigby, +13.670s
6 Mark Wania, +27.907s
7 Giles Dawson, +28.216s
8 Edd Straw, +36.261s
9 Steve Williams, +43.192s
10 Paul Morgan, +43.330s
11 Andrew Hepworth, +43.468s
12 Jeff Harding, +44.377s
13 Paul Trowbridge, +46.168s
14 Sarah Franklin, +58.240s
15 Matt Abbott, +62.177s
16 Stephen Hepworth, +65.381s
17 Laura Addison, +1 lap
18 Tony Hughes, +1 lap
19 Andrew Dollamore, +1 lap
R Neil Merry - accident damage
R Simon Moore

Race 2 Results
1 Michael Broadhurst, 13m52.222s
2 Richard Sykes, +0.507s
3 Dan Laddiman, +0.558s
4 Dave Jackson, +1.304s
5 Giles Dawson, +1.966s
6 Mark Wania, +6.070s
7 James Rigby, +8.656s
8 Tony Hughes, +22.150s
9 Simon Moore, +30.888s
10 Steve Williams, +31.856s
11 Matthew Abbott, +34.415s
12 Jeff Harding, +34.967s
13 Sarah Franklin, +38.500s
14 Neil Merry, +44.091s
15 Stephen Hepworth, +50.674s
16 Andrew Hepworth, +64.927s
17 Laura Addison, +68.883s
DNF Paul Morgan
DNF Edd Straw – spin
DNF Andrew Dollamore