Ryan Hooker Takes Another British GT Championship Pole and Podium at Mondello Park
Ryan Hooker (Upminster) had a challenging weekend of highs and lows at the latest round of the British GT Championship, held at Mondello Park in Ireland.
Ryan was partneredin the #3 Trackspeed Porsche, for the event, by Carrera Cup Champion Damien Faulkner who as well as being a Porsche expert brought with him superb local knowledge as Mondello Park is the track where Irish racer Faulkner learnt his trade.
Ryan used Friday's test session to reacquaint himself with the circuit which he had only visited once before, back in 2004. Damien's local insight also proved very helpful and Ryan was soon on the pace and confident for the weekend ahead.
This confidence was to be well founded when Ryan and Damien both posted superb qualifying laps. Both drivers put in laps to see them on the front row of the grid, and top of their class, GTC for both of the weekend's races.
Ryan started Race One, held on Saturday afternoon, making a good start and easily leading the GTC class. However, problems reared their head 8 laps in when Ryan detected the drive area of the car getting noisy. In the races there is a set time, called the 'pit window' when cars come into the pitlane so the current driver can hand over to their partner. As soon as the pit window in race one was open, Ryan was straight in to the pit and Damien took the wheel for the final section, with a 12 second lead, hoping the noise was nothing serious and abate.
Sadly this well battled lead was to become mute as the cars driveshaft 'cooked' and the car retired. A blowing disappointed for Ryan and Damien.
Overnight it was hard work in the Trackspeed garage as the car's 'guts' were replaced and an H pattern gear box was fitted.
Ryan took part in Sunday morning's warm up, aware the H pattern gear box would loose them some time in comparison to the usual sequential box, but was pleasantly surprised at how competitive his times were and so looked forward to the next race.
Damien started Race Two, making a clear get away to take the GTC lead and maintain a healthy 7second advantage over the nearest rivals. Elsewhere on the track there was mayhem and drama which led to the safety car being deployed. As the safety car bunched the field up, the pit window opened and the top five all darted into the pits at the same time for mad dash driver changes. All five cars exited in the order they came in, which meant Ryan was out in the GTC lead which he was able to translate into a 4second lead.
As the final ten minutes of the race approached Ryan's tyres went off song and the lighter rival cars pulled him in. Ryan was pipped literally on the finishing line and had to be contented with 3rd place.
"It was a such a weekend of highs and lows" said Ryan afterwards. "It's great to be on the podium and add to my points but it can't help but be twinged with complete frustration. We have led six out of the seven races, and taken five out of the seven pole position but they haven't translated into that elusive win yet! We prove we have the speed and the ability but mechanical problems or just downright bad luck have bitten us!"
The next round of the British GT Championship time is at Snetterton on 15-16th July.
Ryan Hooker (Upminster) had a challenging weekend of highs and lows at the latest round of the British GT Championship, held at Mondello Park in Ireland.
Sadly this well battled lead was to become mute as the cars driveshaft 'cooked' and the car retired. A blowing disappointed for Ryan and Damien. 
"It was a such a weekend of highs and lows" said Ryan afterwards. "It's great to be on the podium and add to my points but it can't help but be twinged with complete frustration. We have led six out of the seven races, and taken five out of the seven pole position but they haven't translated into that elusive win yet! We prove we have the speed and the ability but mechanical problems or just downright bad luck have bitten us!"