Harley Haughton missed out on a maiden GT5 victory in Race 1 by a mere 0.578secs but nevertheless claimed his first GT5 podium. He was denied a second podium visit by 0.5secs coming home fifth after a great battle in Race 2 and rounded off a solid weekend with fourth in Race 3.
Will Jenkins got his debut GT5 campaign off to a flying start by achieving pole-position for Races 1 and 2. But he suffered a clutch issue at the green light of the opener and failed to register a lap. Despite losing the lead off the start line, Will bounced back in style in Race 2 to record his first GT5 race victory, recording the fastest race lap, and rounded off a very good weekend in his first ever race meeting on the Oulton “International” circuit with third-place in the shortened Race 3.
Harry Mangion, who claimed the GT5 Challenge “Am” title last year and another Oulton “newbie”, recorded seventh place in Race 1 in the “Pro” category which he runs in this year and followed that up with 10th in Race 2. Harry found himself squeezed at the start of Race 3 with contact costing him places and was hampered recovering by the Safety Car which preceded the Red Flag after just two racing laps.
Karim Sekkat rewarded his Elite crew who just managed to repair his damaged Ginetta in time for Race 1 with an “Am” runners-up placing. Karim “won” Race 2 on the road but a 10secs time penalty for a false start dropped him to third-place in the results – Sekkat also setting the fastest lap in the “Am” class – closing out the weekend with another second-place.
Eddie Ives, Team Owner & Manager:
“Our Ginetta GT5 team were exceptional at Oulton Park. Will had some bad luck but was otherwise setting the pace.
“Harley drove very well all weekend for a very strong points haul.
“Harry was very fast at times over the weekend and exceeded all expectations going on from his ‘AM’ class win last year.
“Karim was also a little unlucky not to come away with more points as he had strong pace.
“The team did a fantastic job all over Easter and we’re looking forward to taking the momentum to Donington in the coming days.”
