Racing newcomer Rowan Vincent showed fantastic progression as he netted a best finish of twelfth overall from his debut meeting in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship this past weekend (01/02 August). Donington Park in Leicestershire hosted the first three races of Vincent’s car-racing career, with the 15 year old talent making huge strides forward across the event behind the wheel of his Richardson Racing prepared Ginetta G40. After enjoying one last chance to prepare for his debut meeting with two free practice sessions on Friday, the Woking-based teenager kicked off proceedings on Saturday morning by posting a new personal best lap time in qualifying to finish up 16th fastest overall. Buoyed by that performance, Vincent headed into the opening race focused on keeping his nose clean and getting a first finish under his belt. The former karter went on to do exactly that, taking the chequered flag in 16th place after some close, exciting racing on track. A tricky start to race two saw Vincent end the opening lap in 20th place, however he hit back straight away and began to fight his way through the field. Pulling off some great overtaking moves, he went on to finish in a superb 12th position. That result left Vincent full of confidence as he prepared for a special moment on Sunday; racing live on television for the first time courtesy of the championship’s coverage on ITV4. He would start the final race of the weekend from 12th on the grid courtesy of his race two finishing position. Unfortunately luck eluded him in his Concreate, V4 Wood Flooring and CPP supported Ginetta though, with contact from behind on lap one pitching him into the gravel. Recovering a lap down, he used the race to gain some more crucial experience and track time on his way to P18. Rowan Vincent: “What an absolutely fantastic weekend it has been. It was such good fun out on track racing against such a talented field of drivers, and it was a great experience competing on a British Touring Car Championship meeting for the first time. “I didn’t come into the weekend with huge expectations as I knew it was all about getting as much track time as possible and learning everything I could. I feel I made huge progress across the sessions and that’s something I’m really pleased with. “There are lots of positives to take away from the meeting and it’s been a big confidence boost for me heading into the rest of the season. Fortunately we don’t have to wait long to go racing again and I’m excited to race on the awesome Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.” The Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship continues next weekend (8/9 August) with three races at Vincent’s home circuit of Brands Hatch in Kent.
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.