JHR Developments drivers Sebastian Priaulx, Harry Dyson and Matt Luff have been excluded from the results of the race meeting at Thruxton earlier this month after an engine infringement was found on their Ginetta G40’s.
Ginetta announced the news on Sunday at Oulton Park, saying: “The drivers of cars 11 and 29 have been excluded from rounds six and seven of the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship, staged at Thruxton.
“In addition the driver of car 72 has been excluded from the results of free practice and qualifying at the same venue and has been referred to the championship stewards for review.
“The three cars were adjudged to have contravened Championship Regulation 5.7.5. following post-event scrutineering checks. As a result, all three drivers also forfeit points which equate to two race wins under C3.5.1.”
Championship Regulation 5.7.5 states: “Cylinder Head. No work that removes, adds, replaces or transfers material is allowed on the cylinder head, or which may in any way alter the shape of a component or port, is permissible. Polishing or abrasive cleaning of either inlet or exhaust ports, and which may result in the removal of the original manufacturer’s cast finish, is strictly prohibited.”
The penalty means that Priaulx and Dyson both lost the points they accumulated in the Thruxton races as well as incurring a seventy point penalty – the equivalent of two race wins.
The loss of points dropped them to 17th and 19th in the points standings ahead of the Oulton Park races, all but ending their outright title and Rookie title aspirations respectively.
While Luff was able to keep the points he scored at Thruxton following an engine change prior to the races, he has still also incurred the seventy point penalty and dropped to 20th in the points.
In a statement, Priaulx said: “I personally have no bearing on the preparation of the car, and this is therefore solely a matter between my team JHR Developments, Ginetta and the governing body, the Motor Sports Association (MSA). The team will be appealing the decision.
“Following the post-race scrutineering at Thruxton, I was handed a new engine to use for this weekend at Oulton Park and placed the car on the front row of the grid for both races yesterday, which I feel shows the true pace we have this season.”
The matter will now be going to the MSA National Court.