Ollie Chadwick continues his Ginetta GT5 Challenge Championship charge with another win around the Thruxton circuit. He made another clean start, building a large gap during the race, only slowing towards the end to preserve his tyres.
Considering Chadwick’s domination during the race, his rivals knew their best opportunity was off the start line. In an attempt to make up for yesterday’s poor getaway, Matt Chapman made a lightning start but despite the pressure Chadwick hung on as Chapman lost momentum, being forced to defend from those behind.
With an opportunity to break into the top two, Jonathan Hadfield and Nick Zapolski attacked ensuring the top four broke away from the pack. The pressure didn’t last long though as Chadwick once again opened a substantial gap to those behind, as Zapolski got the better of Hadfield into the chicane.
Further back Ryan Hadfield made the move around the outside of Jack Minshaw, as the Demon Tweeks driver found himself going backwards with Matt Flowers the next to attack.
Back at the front, Zapolski’s attempt to hold off J Hadfield was made easier as the R+J Motorsports driver slowed through village, thanks to a missed gear. The mistake allowed Ian Robinson through, but it was short-lived as Hadfield quickly made the place back after only a lap.
Another on a desperate recovery drive was Minshaw, after slogging his way up the grid, he sat 11, but had a good view of Alexis Taylor spinning after making contact with Glen Broster‘s stricken bonnet at Church.
Chapman finally made up time to the leader in the closing laps, but it wasn’t enough as Chadwick backed off in the final lap to take an easy victory. After extending his advantage in the closing stages, Zapolski picked up the final podium place ahead of J Hadfield, who was forced to hold off Robinson in the closing stages.
A final lap change saw Matt Palmer take another position away from Flowers, but was unable to get past R Hadfield as cleanly, spinning the #41 and allowing Flowers to sail through claiming sixth. The recovering Palmer and Hadfield rounded out the top eight with Minshaw only being able to recover ninth.
