Richardson Racing continued their recent podium rush in the latest rounds of the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup at Knockhill, with Andrew Richardson celebrating his 21st birthday in style with his fourth podium of the year, while Mark Davies took a double victory to maintain the G50 class lead.
Buoyed by his impressive showing last time out at Snetterton, Richardson worked his way from sixth to third in the opening race, gaining the podium place by just 0.040s after a race to the line with Nathan Freke.
Andrew Enjoys A Birthday Toast – Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
The second race was hampered when contact from rival Jake Hill on the opening lap damaged his rear wheel, Richardson battling to a sixth place finish, before working his way up to take fourth in the final race to cap off a strong weekend and move up to fourth in the championship.
“Knockhill is a unique circuit when it comes to getting the car set-up right and the team did a great job,” Andrew said. “When the weekend started, we were probably about half a second off the pace as we hadn’t been here before, but by the end of it, we were right on the pace and one of the quickest cars out there.
“Although I hoped to qualify higher, we had a strong car in the wet for Saturday’s race and it was also strong in the dry on Sunday. We really got it dialled in and we seemed to get stronger as each race went on.
“Race one was really good and I proved how good the car was to catch up with the top three and I was pleased to make the move on Nathan stick to get on the podium. Race two was frustrating as the contact didn’t need to happen but we’ve come away from the weekend with three top six finishes and have moved up to fourth in the standings, which is another indication of our pace.”
With Louise Richardson once again sat on the sidelines, Davies was the sole entrant in the G50 class once again. It didn’t phase the Huddersfied-racer though, Davies continuing his charge towards the class title by converting pole position into two comfortable lights to flag wins in the opening two races.
Davies’ Perfect Weekend Came To An End In Race Three – Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
Race three was to end disappointingly though, with Mark unsighted to the stalled G55 of Tom Ingram on the start line. Unable to avoid the stricken car, Mark slammed into the rear of the stationary machine, causing his first DNF of the season and extensive damage to his G50.
“The car was really strong in the first two races despite the different conditions and we were comfortable out front,” he said. “I think it would have been the same in race three if it hadn’t been for the accident at the start and we could have taken all three wins again.
“At the start, I had no idea that Tom hadn’t moved and suddenly the car in front of me swerved and I had nowhere to go. I jumped on the brakes but it was too late and I couldn’t avoid him. It was a big hit but I’m feeling okay.”
