Nathan Freke and Ian Stinton got their newly announced partnership for 2014 off to a superb start at Silverstone with a pair of podium finishes in the opening rounds of the 2014 Britcar Endurance Championship.
In the days leading up to the event it looked as if the pair would have to use Ian’s Harrier GT1, but thanks to a superb effort from Ginetta Cars, the Ginetta G55 GT3 was ready just in time for the event having been given a fresh bill of health at their Leeds Factory.
Qualifying on row two of the grid, Team Owner Ian Stinton started the opening 90 minute race of the day in the Stark Racing prepared Ginetta. A solid stint allowed him to remain in third position overall just behind the Mosler and Rapier up in front before pitting to hand over to Nathan Freke to finish the race. Setting off in hot pursuit of the lead pair, Freke put on a fine display in only his second ever GT3 race outing. At the end of the 90 minutes, Nathan took the wiggle.co.uk supported Ginetta G55 GT3 across the line to finish third overall.
Now clearly getting the hang of their heavily updated challenger, Freke and Stinton placed their car on the front row of the grid for the second and final 90 minute race of the weekend. Once again it was Stinton who started the race. Slipping in behind the second placed Ferrari 458 for the majority of his stint, Ian pitted to allow Nathan Freke to close the gap to second place. A superb run in the final part of the race allowed him to close in and pass the Ferrari. Not content with second, Freke set after the leading Mosler, closing the gap down to just 21 seconds, but was unable to catch him in time as he crossed the line in a superb second position.
Speaking after the race, a delighted Nathan complimented the whole team for their efforts: “Stark Racing have done a fantastic job this weekend. The car was just mega and Ian drove really well all day today. Great job by Ginetta to have the car ready for the event and I definitely enjoyed driving it today! Two podiums with very little shakedown or testing just shows what we are capable of this year!”
Ian Stinton commented: “I’m looking forward to Donington after a third and second place in the opening rounds just leaves one step left to climb, bring on Donington!”