Max Coates made a successful comeback to the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup at Croft, taking three top six finishes including a maiden overall podium.
Coates’ return marked his second appearance in the G55 category of the series, running with Century Motorsport with backing from theplayer.co.uk.
After re-acquainting himself with the G55 in Friday practice, having last raced the car eight months ago, Coates showed his potential by qualifying fifth for the opening race.
A bad start to the opener sent the teenager back to eighth, but the Yorkshireman fought back through the pack to finish sixth. In the first of Sunday’s live-televised encounters, the David Mason London ambassador found himself in the middle of a fierce battle in the top six. At one point he lied eighth, however he showed great race craft to move up to fourth at the finish.
The reverse grid format for the final race placed Max third on the grid. Despite a good start, Coates lost out at the opening corner when he was boxed in, but he fought back to regain third on lap seven, holding the place until the end to take a superb podium finish.
“It’s been a fantastic weekend,” said the Pyeroy, NYRRSC and Regency Graphics sponsored driver. “To finish in the top six in this championship is special when you’ve been out of the race car for as long as I have.
“The podium in the final race was the cherry on the cake and I want to dedicate it to my late friend ‘Ben Gautrey’ whose foundation has helped me to race this weekend. At the moment I don’t have the budget to race at Snetterton in about a month’s time but I will be working on some sponsors to try and make that happen so who knows what will happen.”
