The GT Cup Championship returned to Norfolk’s 2.97
mile long track, Snetterton, for rounds 14, 15 and 16, after hosting rounds 9, 10 and 11 there at the end of June. Century Motorsport driver David Holloway had his friend and teammate, Phil Ingram, joining him for Saturday and Sunday’s races.
On Saturday morning, the qualifying session got underway. Holloway and Ingram qualified in second place meaning they would start race 1 later that afternoon from second on the grid (GTH Class). Saturday’s timetable included two 25-minute sprint races – Ingram was racing in the first one, Holloway was racing in the second. Sunday’s 50-minute pit stop race would then see both drivers take part, switching places in the pit stop part way through the race.
A few hours later, the first race started, with Ingram behind the wheel of the #15 Ginetta G55. Ingram grabbed the lead straight off the line and then he controlled the entire race, with the #72 Aston Martin continuously trying to catch up. Ingram went on to claim victory by 3-seconds along with claiming the fastest lap of the race (GTH Class).
Race 2 got underway later that afternoon, with Holloway behind the wheel for the second sprint race. Luck didn’t go his way though and after some good tussles he eventually crossed the line fourth in class.
Sunday morning, the qualifying session for the final GT Cup race of the weekend got underway. Holloway was unable to get a clear lap in and subsequently qualified fifth in class, meaning himself and Ingram would have quite a lot of work to do in the race.
Race 3 got underway Sunday afternoon. Holloway started the 50-minute race from fifth on the grid and during the first lap he found fourth. The fifth place car (#22) followed closely behind, constantly pressuring Holloway until lap 10 when he found a way past. On lap 13 of 25, Holloway dived into the pits to hand the G55 over to Ingram. Ingram drove a solid stint, bringing the car home in second place.
Phil Ingram:
“It was great to come away from Snetterton with a 1st in the Sprint race and a 2nd in the Endurance race after suffering from some bad luck in the qualifying sessions. What I’m really pleased about is my race pace, which in the high 59’s is comparable with the best of the Pro’s in British GT. Unfortunately, David suffered the worst of the luck this weekend and hence wasn’t able to achieve the performance he is capable of, this made for a disappointing end to the weekend as I really want him to do well. Jim, Alex, Tom and Wes from Century put in maximum effort as always and gave us a really good car all weekend. As it stands, my racing is now finished for the season unless I can drum up some sponsorship, which is a shame as I really enjoyed driving the Ginetta G55. Nevertheless, it’s been a great experience to race a GT4 car with a professional team as Century are and I’m very thankful for David & Marlin Hawk Racing for the opportunity.”
David Holloway:
“Great weekend for Phil showing his skill and talent taking down the Aston for the first time this season to win his GTH sprint race. He is such a talented driver I hope someone comes forward with some sponsorship so he continue to showcase his ability.”
Nathan Freke, Owner of Century Motorsport:
“To come away from the weekend with more silverware is very satisfying. Both drivers did a good job and we are looking forward to continuing our results forwards into the next round at Donington Park in early September.”