Carl Garnett has finished runner-up in the 2021 Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 SuperCup Pro Am class after scoring a brilliant third victory of the season in the final rounds at Brands Hatch this past weekend (23/24 October).
The Yorkshireman ends a successful campaign with no less than 21 Pro Am podium finishes, including a memorable double win at his home circuit of Croft. It also means he’s finished as a class runner-up for a second year in a row, having narrowly missed out on the Am title in 2020.
Garnett made a strong start to the finale meeting with good progress around the full Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit during free practice on Friday. Taking everything he learnt, he went on to star in qualifying as a quick final lap of the session secured him a great class pole position.
That result means the Telescope backed racer ends the season as the best Pro Am qualifier, with a brilliant tally of four pole positions from eight sessions this season. He took full advantage of pole at the start of race one to lead the class field through the opening lap.
Unfortunately contact to the rear of his AK Motorsport prepared Ginetta G55 GT4 on lap two though forced him wide across the gravel. Recovering to the track in fourth place, some front end damage sustained would hamper his chances of fighting back and he had to settle for fourth in the end.
Starting in the same position for race two on Sunday morning, Garnett had luck on his side as he narrowly avoided a spinning car during a chaotic opening lap. Emerging in the class lead, he set about maintaining his advantage following a safety car period.
The Astrolite, ValetPro, AC Database Services and Demon Tweeks backed racer produced a smart drive from there, steering clear of battling the Pro class contenders and controlling the gap to his Pro Am rivals to make a welcome return to the top step of the podium.
Garnett went on to end the campaign with another great performance. From fifth in class on the reverse grid, the York based racer fought his way through an exciting four way battle for the podium to emerge with a well earned second place finish.
Carl Garnett:’“I’m chuffed with how this weekend has gone. Taking a pole position and returning to the top step of the podium is a perfect way to conclude another brilliant season of Ginetta racing.
“My qualifying record this year is something I’m very proud of, taking more class pole positions than anyone else. I've made a huge improvement in pace from last season when I was quite a bit behind some of these drivers.
"While the opening race from pole didn’t go to plan, it went my way in race two with the win and then second in the final round was the icing on the cake.
“I’m pleased to have finished every race across the campaign and have only been off the podium twice, which shows the fantastic reliability and speed in the car thanks to the great work from AK Motorsport. They’ve made it such an enjoyable season of racing.
“Also, congratulations to Colin White on his title win; it’s been great to have matched him at points this year and enjoy some good battles out on track."
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.
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