Lawrence Tomlinson (Centre) With Some Of The Stars That Took Part In Ginetta's Celebrity Challenge - Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
Celebrities from across film, television and music descended on Silverstone this week as they took part in a 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Race Car' challenge as part of Ginetta's annual media day.
The stars took to the National circuit in Ginetta G40 race cars, like those used in the Ginetta Challenge and Ginetta Junior series, to try and beat each other, as well as beat a lap time set by Ginetta Cars chairman Lawrence Tomlinson.
Under the watchful eye of Tomlinson and ex-Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell, all the celebrities were given two practise laps alongside their instructors, before getting one hot lap to set their fastest time, with some managing to spin and get lost on their quick laps.
After a tense wait, it was released that DIY SOS host Nick Knowles set the quickest time, just edging out Strictly Come Dancing dancer Brendan Cole and Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher. Knowles time wasn't quick enough to beat Tomlinson though, who set a time nearly seven seconds quicker.
Other stars taking to the track included acting legend Sir Patrick Stewart, Radio 1 DJ 'Comedy' Dave Vitty and actors Will Mellor, Nick Pickard and Chris Bisson. Whilst Knowles received the trophy for fastest lap from Mansell, Pickard and Cole also received trophies, for most entertaining lap and most enthusiastic lap respectively.
Commenting on the day, Tomlinson commented: “Today has been a lot of fun and certainly revealed everyone's competitive streak, it was great for these guys to experience first-hand driving a race car, and something the Ginetta juniors at 14years old make look so easy. I have a feeling this event will run again as I believe there are some scores to be settled!”
Ginetta made a short video of the day, which can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq-3OggEKjQ&feature=player_embedded
The Final 'Star In A Reasonably Priced Race Car' Challenge Times - Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
