Will Jenkins produced impressive speed and racecraft as he tackled his first two weekends in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship
After the original start to the season was postponed due to COVID-19 lockdown, a quick-fire start to the season saw the opening two events take place on back-to-back weekends. First up was a visit to Donington Park for Jenkins’ first ever car races.
After impressing with top ten pace across the traditional Friday free practice sessions, the Hopkins Race Transporters backed racer unfortunately finished up in P17 as he got to grips with managing his new tyre performance for the first time.
A brilliant opening race saw Jenkins battle his way through the hotly-contested midfield action to 11th, and he made further progress to 9th in race two before contact on the last lap dropped him to 16th. Another great comeback drive saw him back in the top ten battle as he finished up 13th.
Having learnt a lot in qualifying and showed some great race pace on his debut weekend in his Asset Alliance Group, Corroconsult and Digraph Transport Supplies backed Ginetta G40, Jenkins was in high spirits as he tackled the world-famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.
With limited testing prior to the event, the Staffordshire racer got up to speed as best as possible across the two free practice sessions and finished up 17th again in qualifying. A close-fought opening race saw him enjoy some exciting early battles before settling in 16th to the finish.
Unfortunately a tougher race two featured a first retirement of the season, with minor contact leading to a left rear puncture and a spin. Sadly this was replicated in race three, as whilst drivers tried to avoid a spinning car, one clipped Jenkins and the damage forced him to retire.
The 2020 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship continues at Knockhill in Scotland at the end of the month (29/30 August).
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.