Racing update: The latest on the Ginetta GT5 Championship from Leasing Gorilla sponsored Sam Harvey
Leasing Gorilla is sponsoring 17-year-old rookie racer Sam Harvey in his debut for the 2022 Protyre Motorsport Ginetta GT5 Challenge. The Championship has just two race weekends remaining, here’s the latest from Sam…
Weekend 4: Thruxton, Hampshire – A new circuit and first ever autograph request!
The fastest circuit in the UK and a track I’d never raced at before. No Friday testing meant that I went straight into qualifying on Saturday morning – a slightly daunting prospect!
Race one – From P14, I had an exciting start, initially overtaking five cars at the second bend. Sadly, to remain on track I had to brake hard resulting in giving back the places. Mid-race I got hit from behind but I recovered from the resulting spin and had a good battle with another driver, passing him just before the line to take P14. The mid-race incident meant a visit to the stewards where I was cleared but the driver who hit me received points.
Race two - My second live race on ITV4. A clean start allowed me to gain a place and race with the front group initially but tyre degeneration set in. I eased off a little but did enough to pull away from the Amateur class leaders. On the penultimate lap, my team mate was hit, resulting in yellow flags. Once the flags lifted, I was part of a great battle and got brilliant TV coverage as they cut to us for the finale. I was delighted to finish 12th and was also asked for my very first autograph – something I will never forget.
Weekend 5: Croft, North Yorkshire – Wet laps, a popped bonnet & great TV coverage
My most satisfying racing weekend so far. The testing sessions provided great experience as we had a real weather mix and I got my first outing on wet tyres.
Race one – From a starting position of 13th, things were tricky from the off as the driver in front jumped the lights and I got boxed in. That cost me four places but made for great racing as I then made up three places. Next, I set my fastest lap of the weekend, right before my bonnet pins sheared causing it to pop open. That caused an unavoidable pit stop and meant I was running at the back. A frustrating end but I still managed 14th in class and points,
Race 2 – Some thrilling laps, one of the front runners and a former championship leader spun and ended up right behind me which led to a great battle. I fended off the attack as long as I could, leading to some good feedback and a few ‘high fives’ after the race. The battle was picked up by the race director which provided my best TV coverage to date and I ended up finishing in 12th.
Championship standings to date
I’m currently 13th in the championship with two weekends and six races remaining. Brands Hatch in Kent is up next on 10-11 September.
I’m feeling proud that I’m getting noticed by other drivers and team owners, my performance is improving and I’m getting closer to my goals. Thanks again for all the Leasing Gorilla support, I can’t wait to push on with the season after the summer break.
