Ryan Hooker battles against the elements in the second round of the British GT Championship
Ryan Hooker (Upminster) had a difficult race at the second round of the British GT Championship held at Donington Park on Sunday 21st May.
The weekend saw the circuit at the mercy of the weather. Luckily, the skies cleared for qualifying when Ryan comfortably secured 7th fastest in class, meaning he and team partner, David Ashburn, would start the two hour race from 15th on the grid overall in the 30 car event.
Sunday saw torrential downpours as David started the race. Sadly the start of David's stint was hindered as he had to take evasive action to avoid the spinning Prosport car. However, he was soon into his rhythm but the wet track claimed David for a further spin which saw his excellent work at climbing up to 6th place in class undone. Shortly before the pit-stop, when he would hand over to Ryan, David was again the object of misfortune when being sent into a spin saw the rear right wing of the car damaged in a tangle with the Vauxhall Monaro.
Back in the pit-lane the flapping wing was removed, fresh intermediate tyres fitted and Ryan headed out onto the damp circuit with the faintest of dry lines emerging.
"The car was crabbing slightly" commented Ryan afterwards, "which is most likely due to some level of damage but I was able to put in reasonable times but then the heaven's opened again and it was like driving on ice so a further pitstop was required to change to wet tyres."
Ryan kept the Trackspeed Porsche on the tarmac, as the soaking wet circuit claimed a number of victims, to come home 10th in class.
"It was disappointing to come away from Donington without points" said Ryan, "but now we need to concentrate on the next round at Pau in France. The Pau circuit will be very challenging, basically a street circuit which will be very unforgiving. One of our main Championship rivals, Team Tiger have announced they will not be at Pau so we really need to make the most of the next round as we fight for the title."
Round 3 of the British GT Championship will travel to the French circuit of Pau to race on Monday 5th June.
