Richardson Racing enjoyed a winning start to its 2011 Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup campaign, with siblings Louise and Andrew Richardson both impressing during the opening three rounds of the season at Brands Hatch.
19-year-old Andrew led the way with two podium finishes in the G50 category of the series, including a class win in the second race of the weekend. Qualifying sixth in class for the first race, a strong start saw him move to second in class by the end of the opening lap, a position he held on to throughout, finishing the race tenth overall.
Starting in that positon for race two, he snatched the class lead on the opening lap and held off reigning Ginetta Junior champion Tom Ingram and a few of the quicker G55 runners to take the class win, also breaking the G50 lap record in the process.
His strong weekend ended in disappointment though, with his car refusing to fire up prior to the final race due to a problem with the fuel pump, meaning he was unable to take the start. Despite this setback, Andrew leaves Brands third in the G50 standings.
Andrew said: “Going into the weekend I didn't think we'd be in a position to win, although I had hoped to be running towards the front. However, after practice I thought we had a real chance and if I'm being honest, I was disappointed that I missed out on victory in the first race.
“The second race was really tough and I couldn't relax at all, so to take the victory was brilliant as it showed the pace we have despite the fact I had a problem with a rear hub on the car.
“Of course it was disappointing to miss the final race after my earlier results but we'll bounce back from that disappointment next time out.”
Younger sister Louise endured a tough Supercup baptism, but showed speed and battling qualities that will see her enjoy success during the season. Starting fifth in class for the first race, she moved up to third in class at one point, until a move by Rob Gaffney pushed her back to fifth again. However a strong move on 2010 rival Ingram on the last lap saw her take fourth in class, twelfth overall.
The 18 year old suffered a poor start to race two, dropping to sixth in class, but worked her way past her rivals to move up to third. However contact from a rival at Druids on lap fourteen saw her spin off into the gravel and out of the race. Her frustration was increased when a bolt on the left rear wheel sheared ahead of the final race, meaning the team had to withdraw her car from the race for safety reasons.
Louise said: “Unfortunately we had some problems with the car this weekend that have cost me time and it ultimately meant I ended up with two DNFs. Once we resolve those problems, I know we can be quicker.
“Even with the issues we have faced, I had a good result in the first race and have shown that I can be near the front, but it was a disappointing way to finish the weekend as I was looking forward to fighting my way through the pack.”
