NEW G20 STRONG IN TESTING

The 2008-specification Ginetta G20 impressed during Speedworks Motorsport’s first test of the modified car at Oulton Park last weekend.

Team Principal Christian Dick joined G20 regulars Paul Sheard and Dave Jackson in the three-car test, which was the first opportunity to try Michelin rubber and the new 1.8-litre Zetec engine.

“Ginetta has made some inspired choices with the car,” says Dick, who shook down the new G20 destined to be raced by Neil Merry. “It looks great, it sounds great and has a lot more mid-range power. The tyres were absolutely superb. Although it was wet for most of the day you get a very good feel for the car. We learned plenty about them during the test.

“We don’t know how much difference there is to lap times because we couldn’t run in the dry, but it’s likely they will stay much the same as the car is a little heavier and the engine doesn’t make any more power.”

DONINGTON ROUND DATE CHANGED

The final round of the Ginetta G50 and Texaco Havoline Ginetta G20 Championships at Donington Park has been moved to avoid a clash with the Silverstone 24 Hour race.

The round was originally set to be held on the weekend of September 20/21, but has been moved because the 24 hour race takes place just a week before. The decision was made to ensure that competitors in the British GT Championship could race at Silverstone and to avoid a possible shortage of marshals.

"From a championship point of view it's a good move because it means we'll have plenty of time to prepare for what should be a thrilling championship finale," says Speedworks Motorsport Team Principal Christian Dick. "Hopefully we'll be in contention for both titles so we will be glad of the extra time to prepare after the Mallory Park round!"

GINETTA IN MICHELIN SWITCH

Michelin will supply both the Ginetta G50 and the Texaco Havoline Ginetta G20 Championships with control tyres next season.

The French company takes over from Dunlop as official tyre supplier, with a spec slick and wet tyre available for each series. In addition to the G50 and G20 championships, it will also supply the Ginetta Junior series.

“The move to Michelin can only be good news for Ginettas championships,” says Speedworks Motorsport Team Principal Christian Dick. “The Dunlops always performed superbly and I’m sure the Michelin tyres will do the same. We’re looking forward to getting out there and testing on them.”

Ginetta has already tested the tyres while evaluating the rubber options for the series, and Ginetta boss Richard Dean is impressed with the Michelin products.

"We have spent a lot of time tyre testing since the end of the season,” he says. “Michelin is a leader in
international motorsport with cutting edge technology and excellent technical support. Ginetta is proud to be an associate of Michelin."

MERRY RECEIVES SPIRIT AWARD

Speedworks Motorsport’s Neil Merry was presented with the Ginetta Spirit Award last weekend.

Merry received the award – a painting of him in action behind the wheel of a Speedworks Motorsport Ginetta G20 at Oulton Park – because of his ever-enthusiastic approach to competing in the championship. In addition, Merry also supplied a prize mountain bike awarded to the best turned-out privateer in the championship, Spencer McCarthy.

The painting was presented by Ginetta owner Lawrence Tomlinson during last week’s end-of-season

“I have to say I really enjoyed racing in the championship this season,” says Merry. “This award is the icing on the cake. From a championship point of view it’s good to see Ginetta recognising amateur enthusiasts like myself – and there are many others in G20s – are the lifeblood of the series."

Speedworks Motorsport Team Principal Christian Dick also paid tribute to Neil’s dedication.

“Neil is just the kind of driver we enjoy running,” says Dick. “He improved massively during the 2007 season and picked up several top ten results in the second half of the season. He’s always a pleasure to have around and hopefully we’ll see his fighting spirit again shining though again this year!”

GINETTA G50 AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

The new Ginetta G50 will be one of the stars of the 2008 Autosport International motorsport show, which runs from January 10-13 at the Birmingham NEC.

The 300bhp car, which has been developed for the new-for-2008 Ginetta G50 Championship, will be launched tomorrow (Thursday) at 1130am on the Ginetta stand and will then appear throughout the four day event in the Live Action Arena.

"We haven't had much chance to see the G50 in action in Britain and seeing it in the Live Action Arena will be worth the entrance money on its own," says Speedworks Motorsport Team Principal Christian Dick. "It's a fantastic piece of kit and it will be a good chance to get an idea of what the new championship is all about."

The Ginetta stand will be one of the most popularof the weekend, with the updated version of the Ginetta G20 on display and the Ginetta Junior car on display alongside the new G50. The cars won't be the only stars, with top Texaco Havoline Ginetta Championship racers Matt Nicoll-Jones, Ben Elliott, Dan Laddiman also appearing.

Although the first two days of Autosport International are reserved for trade and media visitors, it is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. For further information click here

ONE MORE DRIVER AVAILABLE FOR 2008

Speedworks Motorsport has just one drive available for the 2008 season, with a slot still open in its Texaco Havoline Ginetta G20 Championship line-up.

The Cheshire team, which will also run a trio of the new Ginetta G50s, has already signed Dave Jackson, Neil Merry, Paul Sheard and Edd Straw for its G20 squad. The team is currently in discussion with several interested parties for the available drive, but no-one has yet committed to the season.

"It's a good position to be in so early in the year," says Team Principal Christian Dick. "We have pretty much got our line-up finalised, which means we don't have to be in too big a hurry to finalise the final seat. We have several proven drivers in out G20 line-up and once we've got our final driver sorted I'm sure we'll have several potential title contenders.

"We're currently in discussion with a number of drivers and are still open to approaches from other interested customers."

The Texaco Havoline Ginetta G20 Championship kicks off at the team's home circuit, Oulton Park, on March 22/23.

Happy New Year!

Everyone at Speedworks Motorsport would like to wish all our customers, collegues and associates a very Happy New Year. Here's looking at a successful season in 2008!