Ginetta Junior Ireland

Byrne Begins Season With Kirkistown Double

1 Mins read

Jake Byrne Starred At Kirkistown - Photo Credit: Con Connolly

 

The 2012 Ginetta Junior Ireland Championship kicked off at Kirkistown last weekend, with Jake Byrne starting the season in perfect style with both the victories.

Series returnee Byrne fired a warning shot to his rivals in qualifying, grabbing the first pole of the season from fellow returnee's James Fleming and Andrew Clarke, with rookie Jack Finlay and Sophie Byrne completing the top five.

A great start saw Fleming take the lead at the beginning of the opening race, however pole man Byrne fought back on the second lap and regained the lead around the outside at Colonial, the due followed closely by Clarke. Despite the best efforts of Fleming, Byrne was able to cross the line for the opening win of the season, with Fleming second and Clarke completing the podium. Finlay took a strong fourth in his first race, with Sophie Byrne completing the top five.

With the race two grid formed from the fastest lap times in race one, it was Clarke who lined up on pole, with Byrne joining him on the front row. A poor start for Clarke gave Byrne the lead and his race got worst soon after as he spun at the chicane under pressure from Fleming. Fleming took the fight to Byrne, while behind Clarke recovered to fourth behind Sophie Byrne, however a spin dropped her back and cost her a podium finish. At the front, Byrne held on to take the win ahead of Fleming, with Clarke third. Championship rookie Dylan Curley took fourth, with Sophie Byrne once again completing the top six.

The Gearboxman.com and The Grid.ie sponsored championship continues with Rounds 3 and 4 at Mondello Park on 14/15 April.

Avatar photo
4148 posts

About author
Simon is an experienced journalist and PR officer, who has worked in the national motorsport paddocks for over a decade, primarily on the BTCC support package.
Articles
Related posts
FIA WECGinetta G50Ginetta GT4 SupercupGinetta GT5 ChallengeGinetta JuniorGinetta Junior IrelandGinetta Series

Shoot-Out for Ginetta Factory Drive

1 Mins read
Ginetta have announced a new competition for young drivers to win a factory development driver role.
Ginetta Junior Ireland

Byrne Wins Ginetta Junior Ireland 2012

1 Mins read
After a season long battle with James Fleming, Jake Byrne has emerged victorious in the 2012 Ginetta Junior Ireland Championship. With seven…
Ginetta Junior Ireland

Byrne Triumphant As Ginetta Junior Ireland Returns

1 Mins read
After a short mid-season break to allow the young racers time to focus on their exams, the 2012 Ginetta Junior Ireland series…