Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup front-runners Academy Motorsport had a mixed start to the 2014 season at Brands Hatch, overcoming a number of challenging circumstances to record a pair of top six finishes.
That could have been more though, as they looked set to record at least a podium finish in the third and final race of the weekend in the hands of Sean Huyton.
The reigning Supercup G50 class champion got the reverse grid pole after finishing sixth in race two. Despite a nervous start, Hyton led through half-race distance until contact from behind led to a punctured rear tyre and an early end to his race.
Those results came after a braking issue had hampered Huyton in qualifying and race one, in which he converted fourteenth on the grid into twelfth at the finish.
“I was managing the pack well at the front until the tussle with Charlie and I kept running for a couple of laps but the tyre had blown and the damage meant I had to pit,” said Huyton.
“Everytime we go out in the car we go forwards though. With little tweaks, like we did last weekend, we can consistently challenge at the front.”
Team boss Matt Nicoll-Jones commented: “Sean I believe was robbed of a win in the final race, and what happened was silly as it’s a long championship and some drivers need to realise that.”
Huyton’s team-mate Will Burns meanwhile bounced back well from a trip through the gravel and subsequent retirement in race one, taking a hard-fought top ten finish in race two.
The 2013 Ginetta GT5 Challenge vice-champion then shined in race three, fighting back after being spun around early in the race to charge up the field and take a sixth place finish.
“I’m very happy, we made improvements and we showed we had very good pace. There’s many positives to take, both drivers will prove to be very capable. Roll on Donington Park!” added Nicoll-Jones.
