BGTC: Donington: Jeremy Metcalfe weekend summary

VICTORIOUS END TO 2008 FOR BRITISH GT VICE-CHAMPION METCALFE

Ferrari 430 driver Jeremy Metcalfe secured his second race victory of the 2008 Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Donington Park yesterday afternoon, Sunday, 12th October, during the 14th and final round of the season.

The win, which the 20-year-old secured by a margin of some 15 seconds, also enabled Jeremy and CR Scuderia team-mate Luke Hines to end the campaign as British GT Vice-Champions on 62 points each.

Very happy to be back on the top step of the podium at the conclusion of his maiden year in sportscar racing, Fleet based Jeremy said: "It was a brilliant race for us, the car was great and meant I didn't really have to push to be fast. I was confident we could win, it's a fantastic way to end the season -- I'm absolutely delighted."

Lining up third on the grid by way of Hines' best lap from Saturday afternoon's qualifying session, it was the experienced GTdriver who took the first stint of the race and he immediately made an impression by taking second place at Redgate on the opening tour and first position on lap 13.

Although confusion surrounded the two-hour race as it approached mid-distance, due to a mix-up involving the deployment of the Safety Car and the running order behind it, Hines maintained his composure and handed over the No.16 Ferrari from the lead.

Jeremy headed out of the pits with just over an hour remaining on the clock and when the race order settled once more following the stops, the 20-year-old was in first place with a three second advantage over the Ascari KZ1R of David and Godfrey Jones.

Increasing his lead comfortably throughout his stint, Jeremy held a 15 second cushion with a quarter of an hour left. Following a faultless drive, Jeremy eased to his and Hines' second win of 2008.

"It's been a good year for Luke and I", added Jeremy, "If we'd had better luck there's no doubt we'd have won more races. I'm pleased with how things have gone though and I've very much enjoyed racing the CRS Ferrari -- it's a great car."

Taking their first win, and therefore maiden podium of 2008, during round three at Knockhill in Scotland, the No.16 pairing went on to secure further podium finishes at Snetterton, Thruxton, Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit and Silverstone. Including Sunday'swin, Jeremy has visited the podium six times this year.

As the home event for CRS, the team headquarters situated in Bardon near Coalville, this weekend's race meeting at Donington also held local importance for Jeremy as he has recently started a BSc (Hons) course at Nottingham Trent University.

-credit: jeremymetcalfe.com