Media Release: Walkinshaw Prepares For Ginetta GT Supercup Battle
3/23/2012 11:34 AM EST
Oxford, UK – Friday, March 23, 2012; Oxfordshire racer Fergus Walkinshaw is ready to mount his first full season of competition in three years as the opening rounds of the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup beckon at Brands Hatch, on March 31/April 1, where Walkinshaw will make his Indy circuit debut driving his self-built Ginetta G55.
Supported by Century Motorsport, the soon-to-be 21 year-old on April 6 will be hoping for an early birthday present by way of opening his 2012 account book in style with a top point scoring finish around the infamous 1.198 mile Kent circuit.
Walkinshaw showed his Ginetta GT Supercup potential last year with best results including two fifth place finishes in the G55 category at Knockhill and Rockingham, despite only joining the series at the halfway point after building his own racing car.
The Oxford Brookes University Automotive Engineering student has been on promising form during pre-season testing. Constant set-up development, valuable testing time and mandatory upgrades to the Ginetta’s 3.7-litre V6 engine are already paying dividend in slashing his lap times.
With clear intentions of climbing the G55 field on his way to challenging for the outright championship spoils, Walkinshaw will be aiming to turn his constantly improving pace into his first ever class podium at Brands Hatch.
“First-time testing the G55 on the Indy circuit has gone really well,” said Walkinshaw. “I’m already posting competitive times but we won’t have a true indication of our pace until qualifying on Saturday.
“It’s a huge confidence boost to see such a massive improvement in performance already. I think that’s down to a combination of things. I feel very comfortable racing with Century Motorsport and I’m finally getting time to test and develop the car. The set-up will keep evolving but it just gets better and better, while the engine upgrade has made a difference.
“It’s a very short lap around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit and it’s not going to be easy to overtake. Paddock Hill Bend and Druids will be the best spots. As these cars punch a pretty big hole in the air, exiting Clearways and going on to the Brabham Straight could be another good overtaking opportunity.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt more motivated heading into a racing season. I’m really up for the championship battle this year and I’ll be heading into every round with the intention of taking solid points. Last year’s title was won on consistent top finishes and that’s exactly what I’ll be aiming to do from the outset. I can’t wait.”
One of the UK’s most popular domestic sportscar championships, the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup will once again support the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) package for 2012. Taking in 10 of the country’s premier tracks, the Ginetta GT Supercup battle kicks off with the first three rounds at Brands Hatch.
The action starts at 09.30 on Saturday, March 31, with a 30 minute qualifying session, followed by the first 16-lap race of the year at 14.20. Two 24-lap races will take place on Sunday, at 10.20 and 15.40, with live racing action aired on ITV 4.
Walkinshaw’s new website
www.ferguswalkinshaw.com will be launched next week ahead of the first races of the season.
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