Kyle Hornby has told TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk that he’s ready to ‘make his mark’ on the BTCC support package and challenge for the drivers title in his second season in the Ginetta Junior Championship.
Hornby emerged as one of the star rookies in the championship last year, with a superb outright podium breakthrough at Croft being followed by a standout weekend at Silverstone, in which he converted a maiden pole position into a second top three result.
Those front-running performances came on top of eleven Rookie podiums for the Stockport-based racer, which guided him to third position in the Rookie class standings – results that have spurred him on for more success this year.
“We had some great results in our rookie year, with two main podiums and eleven rookie trophies,” Hornby told TCF at the recent Autosport International Show.
“Last season was a really useful year for me. It got me used to being on the TOCA package and the racing on track. It all means I’ve got more confidence to take into this year, which hopefully we can turn into great results.”
The main change for 2016 for the 16 year old comes with a move from R&J Motorsport to JHR Developments, linking up with the team that won the title in 2014 with Jack Mitchell and came close to defending it last season with Senna Proctor.
The partnership was sealed following a successful test in wet conditions at Croft in December, and Hornby hopes that their instant chemistry can be the catalyst for a positive season ahead.
“You’ve only got to look at their history to see what a great team they are. They’ve won this championship before, and were in contention for the title last year as well,” Hornby enthused.
“They’re a brilliant group of people at the workshop and we got on really well straight away. The car was great during the test, they really know how to set the car up and hopefully we can do great things together in 2016.”
Hornby is one of the highest placed drivers returning from last season, alongside the likes of fellow outright podium-finisher Lewis Brown, Winter Series champion Stuart Middleton and rookie front-runner Will Tregurtha.
With backing from Reis Motorsport Insurance and Ryley Wealth Management behind him, Hornby is relishing the challenge that lies ahead as he tries to become a permanent fixture at the front of the pack.
“It’s got to be the title this season,” he concluded. “Last year was my learning year, now it’s time to try and take the title and make my mark on the TOCA package.
“It’s going to be really tough though. There’s going to be quite a few drivers in contention for the title, and as anything can happen in Junior races, it’s definitely going to be a difficult, competitive year.”