The KICK Start Energy Ginetta Junior Championship visited the ultra fast Thruxton circuit in Hampshire last weekend and Douglas Motorsport’s Stuart Middleton was at the sharp end all weekend.
Having tested well, Middleton qualified the Quinton Hazell (QH) backed car on pole position ahead of the usual competitive field. This was the first time in the series’ history that a rookie had taken pole position, with just .036 separating the top three! Unfortunately, when the lights went out, Stuart bogged down slightly and was beaten away. A mid race safety car period stymied his challenge for the lead and in the subsequent hectic three lap charge to the flag, he dropped to third to claim another podium position.
In race two, Middleton was again involved in a thrilling battle at the head of the field, eventually crossing the line to take fourth and another healthy dose of championship points.
Stuart Middleton- We had great pace all weekend and we managed to qualify P1 and get a podium finish. We were informed that I was the first Ginetta Junior scholarship winner to qualify in pole position, this was a great result for me and the team. My ambition now is to take a race win. Big thanks to Douglas Motorsport and to Quinton Hazel.
Wayne Douglas– Team Principal Douglas Motorsport- “It was great to get pole position. Stuart is a novice remember, and has shown winning pace from the beginning of the season. I have no doubt he will be on the top step of the podium before long.”
The next round of the KICK Start Ginetta Junior series is at Oulton Park on June 6th.
Images from Jakob Ebrey
