AS CHALLENGE REJOINS BRITISH GT PACKAGE AT OULTON PARK
Ginetta GT5 Challenge front-runner Matt Chapman is aiming to continue his podium finishing momentum when the championship resumes next Saturday, 28th May, at Oulton Park International Circuit for rounds six, seven and eight of the season.
Returning to its usual slot on the British GT Championship support package, following its appearance alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship earlier this month at Thruxton, the all action Ginetta GT5 category also reverts to its regular triple-header format.
Matt will travel to Cheshire next week second in the championship standings in his maiden GT5 campaign and the 16-year-old from Oxford is brimming with confidence after an impressive double podium finish in rounds four and five.
With a tally of three podiums from five races so far this year, the Total Control Racing driver hopes to continue his front-running form and also edge ever closer to vastly experienced championship leader Ollie Chadwick who is in his third season in the category.
“Overall, I’m really happy with our performance so far and Thruxton went as well as we could have hoped really”, said Matt, “Although we only had limited pre-season testing we could see we had the pace for podiums and I’m definitely looking for more at Oulton.
“It’s a great track, a real challenge, and the sort of place where you’re rewarded for showing a lot of commitment. Although I raced on the Island Circuit in Juniors last year, in 2014 we did run on the International track so we’ve got that experience to work with. I’m really looking forward to being back at Oulton and sure we can keep pushing closer to Ollie [Chadwick].”
While the season-opening event at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in April was compromised for the Oxfordshire teenager due to an unfortunate issue in qualifying, his race performances have been nothing short of exceptional.
Carving his way expertly through the order from 35th and last on the grid into a remarkable ninth place finish on his Ginetta GT5 race debut, the TCR driver went on to add fifth place and then second in the subsequent two contests.
Making it three runner-up spots in succession with his brace of excellent podiums at Thruxton, more silverware at Oulton Park is most definitely on the cards as Matt strives to at least consolidate second position in the keenly contested championship.
Qualifying at Oulton Park International Circuit will take place at 09.00 on Saturday, 28th May, with round six beginning at 11.40, round seven getting underway at 14.50 and round eight following at approximately 16.50.
2016 Ginetta GT5 Challenge Driver Standings (after Rd5):2nd Matt Chapman, 123pts
