GJr: Series Silverstone preview

Hill proving to be summit special in Ginetta Junior Championship

Just two points stand between Louise Richardson and the Ginetta Junior Championship leader Jake Hill with eight races still to run, two of which are at Silverstone (Northants) this weekend.

To say that this has been another ultra-competitive season in the Ginetta Junior Championship is an under-statement: after 12 races, just two points separate Jake Hill from Louise Richardson in the title race. Now, with eight rounds to go, we have the real possibility of a second consecutive female-won crown as Louise Richardson homes in on Jake Hill's championship lead.

Hill is the man who has done the bulk of the winning in his Tollbar Racing with WIRED-backed car, seven victories having gone the Goudhurst youngster's way. He has won every weekend in the championship and has a 100 per cent record in the second race, plus he did the double at Croft, taking the flag in both races.

Up against him, though, is Louise Richardson (TJ Motorsport) who bagged a maiden win after a feisty drive at Snetterton and has been a consistent points scorer as well. With points on offer for race places as well as fastest qualifying and racing laps, she could well be ahead by Sunday evening.

These two won't have it their own way, that's for sure. Not only does Ginetta's pocket rocket always deliver close racing, but, at the wide Silverstone circuit, coupled with a couple of excellent overtaking opportunities, you can guarantee action. That means that Thruxton winner Tom Ingram (Hillspeed) should be in the mix in his Hillspeed car, while double winner Jody Fannin (TJ Motorsport) will be eager to add to his tally of victories from Brands Hatch and Oulton Park.

The other winner this season is Tom Howard who guided his Tollbar Racing with WIRED car to a win at Rockingham in April and should be a front-runner here, while spare a thought for Chris Swanwick who remains without a win: his best shot came last time out at Snetterton where he battled with Hill for honours, but locked up and skipped the Russell chicane on the last lap. He took the chequered flag first but subsequently copped a three-second time penalty for gaining an unfair advantage. If anyone deserves a win this weekend, it is the Nottingham driver. That would also be a breakthrough win for Team Parker Racing, new to Ginetta racing this year.

Get set for two of the best races of the day: teenage kicks takes on a whole new meaning in Ginetta Junior racing.

Free practice for the Ginetta Junior Championship at Silverstone takes place at 09.30 on Saturday August 21st, with qualifying at 14.30. Race one, over 11 laps, starts at 17.00 while race two is on Sunday at 15.55.

-source: ginettacars.com