Will Martin saw pole position pace unfortunately go unfulfilled as he headed over the Scottsh border for the eighth meeting of the 2019 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship season at the famous Knockhill circuit. Martin entered the weekend full of confidence following a stunning run of seven race wins in the previous ten races, which had helped claw the teenage talent into championship contention. The Lining Division supported driver got the weekend off to a solid start on Friday, posting the third fastest time in the opening free practice session as he got to grips with the undulating Fife circuit. The East Sussex based driver had a superb start to Saturday. Setting the pace right from the get-go in qualifying, he was able to edge out title rivals Zak O’Sullivan and James Hedley to record a double pole position – making it five for the season. Martin initially lost the lead as race one began, however the Trenchline backed racer didn’t settle for second and retook the lead before the end of the first lap. After pulling a gap over the chasing pack, there was disaster as a mechanical failure led to an immediate retirement. Despite the DNF, Martin was still in positive spirits after the race following the quick pace he had produced. The Richardson Racing team meanwhile worked flat out on Martin’s #10 Ginetta G40 car to ensure it was on the grid in time for race two. Unfortunately the race didn’t go according to plan for the 16 year old. After an early safety car period, Martin found himself shuffled back down the order before contact with another driver sent him off track. He eventually had to settle for eighth at the finish. The MT Drains and Cobra Insurance Brokers supported driver fought hard in the congested midfield battles in race three, however a spin in the latter stages of the race led to a visit to the pitlane and a lowly 19th place finish. Will Martin: "Knockhill is one of my favourite circuits on the calendar and that always helps with your preparation when you head into the weekend. We were extremely fast throughout and it’s a real shame we couldn’t capitalise on that with some big results. “Qualifying went very well and I was happy with my performance. The way the car felt was great as well, which meant I headed into the races feeling confident. Sadly, the cruel side of motorsport came out in race one and something out of my control cost me a good chance of a win. "I really wanted to get a good result for the Richardson Racing team in race two after they worked so hard to fit a new engine, but unfortunately I just didn’t have the same pace that I’d had earlier on and couldn’t get the result I wanted. "I was enjoying the battles with the others in race three, so it was such a shame I had that spin that ultimately ended my challenge for the race. We encountered plenty of bad luck across the races, but it’s onwards and upwards to the next one." Martin remains in third position in the drivers’ championship heading into the penultimate meeting of the 2019 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship at Silverstone on the 28/29 September.
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.