|
April 2008
G50 Festival Rollercoaster for Frank
Ginetta's first of two Festivals at Cadwell Park saw drivers, owners and fans of the marque past and present come together on one weekend to celebrate the British Sportscar Manufacturer's milestone at one of the country's motorsports grass-roots circuits that reflect Ginetta's heritage.
The unseasonal weather conditions continued with bitterly cold winds, and hail showers. Although the G50 class managed dry sessions in both qualifying and the two main races of the day.
Cadwell was a new circuit for Frank to learn, and despite no prior set up data he put the Dynojet/Will Hoy Scholarship car 6th and 4th respectively on the grid for races one and two.
The rolling start in race one saw Frank take advantage to slot into 4th place. As the race progressed on the notoriously narrow circuit, Frank managed to create a passing place at the end of Park Straight to put himself in a safe third place, whilst making progress on the leaders. Unfortunately a component failure on the car saw Frank retire, and a premature end to a potentially exciting race.
The rolling start on the second G50 race of the day, saw Frank hindered from making good progress and remained in fourth place in the early stages of the race. His lap times were progressively falling and good drive into Park, lead to an outside overtakng manoeuvre on the third place car, as the frustration of lack of overtaking opportunities became evident. Spilt oil off the racing line forced Frank onto the grass, but he remained focused and joined the fray in sixth place, taking him only three laps to catch up to the battle for third which included British Touring Car Championship race winner Paul O'Neill. The race was cut from forty five minutes to twenty minutes, a timescale that didn't allow a higher finish.
Frank Jnr commented: 'I was extremely disappointed to retire from the first race, as I was in a safe position. Due to the nature of the circuit and starting 6th on the grid, I felt I had driven well to get upto third place. In race two it became impossible to pass, so I stuck my neck on the line and went for a move which didn't come off. I do think, however, that I can be satisfied that I gave 100% effort.
Next meeting: Ginetta G50 Cup championship - Knockhill - 12th/13th April
--ends--
Dynojet UK
Lower House Barn
Strickens Lane
Barnacre
Preston
Lancashire
PR3 1QJ.
Tel: 01995 600500
Fax: 01995 604724
Back
|
