After the opening two weekends of the 2018 British GT Championship were held in less-than-ideal conditions, the premier national GT series returns to Snetterton, Norfolk on May 26-27 where the forecast for hot, dry weather should allow for some close and competitive racing.
Southport’s Ben Wallace, driver of the #Team HARD Ginetta G55 GT4, is looking forward to building on the confidence he gained at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Round Three, where he gained 16 places during his stint and impressed everyone with his commitment and determination.
“I think I’ve shown to everyone at Rockingham that the pace is there and that we should be front-runners,” said the Lips Reifenhandel-backed driver. “I still feel the same for this weekend. Anything can happen, that’s for sure, but if everything goes right, I think we can finish in the top ten. If everything is perfect, I think we will be able to challenge for a top five finish.”
Although this will be the first time that the young driver, who finished third in the 2017 VAG Trophy, has experienced Snetterton in the Ginetta G55 GT4, he has a wealth of experience on the Norfolk circuit in Ginetta Juniors and VW Golfs.
“I have had quite a bit of experience in the Juniors and the Golf but this will be my first time at Snetterton in a powerful rear-wheel drive car,” said Wallace. “I want to be realistic in my expectations but, at the same time, with my knowledge of the circuit and my increased confidence in the Ginetta G55 GT4, if we get some luck I think we could do very well”
Snetterton will be hosting Rounds Four and Five of the British GT Championship – two one-hour races where the action never stops. Does Ben Wallace think that the sprint-race format will be an advantage to the #88 Team HARD Ginetta?
“I think the two one-hour races will be in our favour,” said Wallace. “If we can establish a good set-up early in the weekend, it will be an advantage but the second race allows you to reevaluate, if necessary. If we are on the first few rows in the GT4 class for Race One, then everything’s obviously all good.”
Ben Wallace carries the logo of Diabetes UK on his Ginetta and will be working with the country’s leading charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes in the build-up to the weekend’s racing.
“I am proud to be associated with Diabetes UK,” said Wallace. “I hope I can act as an example to other young people and demonstrate that diabetes should not hold you back in your pursuit of your sporting dreams.”
Track action at Snetterton begins with practice at 09:30 on Saturday May 26 and the four ten-minute qualifying sessions start at 15:50. The lights go out for the first one-hour race at 11:00 on Sunday May 26.
