Smalley takes double Rookie podium on Ginetta Junior debut
Adam Smalley took a strong 6th and 7th place finish at the opening round of the season in the Ginetta Junior Championship - taking a double Rookie podium finish in his very first car race.
Smalley had been in the mix all during pre-season testing, however his work was undone in qualifying - where a car issue hampered his speed as his qualified 13th overall for the two races during the opening weekend of the BTCC and support races.
The first race took place in wet conditions, the first time Smalley had raced in such conditions in his Ginetta G40R Junior! Nevertheless Smalley enjoyed a strong opening race, gaining seven positions and keeping out of trouble in the treacherous conditions to score a brilliant 6th in his first event - earning him 2nd overall on the Rookie podium as well.
The second race of the weekend had dried up on the Sunday. This televised race saw Smalley make up good ground early on - by lap four, Smalley had vaulted up to 9th position after navigating some good overtakes around the tight Indy Circuit.
Smalley continued to make progress, taking 8th position on the final lap and making it to the front of the train he was battling in for most of the race.
Post-race this became 7th after a rival was penalised for exceeding track limits.
This meant Smalley would make his second trip to the Rookie podium, once again taking 2nd overall to complete a strong weekend and take home some silverware from his debut race in Ginetta Juniors.
The second round of the championship takes place on the 15-16 April ar Donington Park - where Smalley will be intent on building further on his double podium success, as well as on his 7th position in the standings.
Qualifying: 13th
Race One: 6th
Race Two: 7th
Championship: 7th
Brands Hatch Indy
01-02 April
Donington ParK
15-16 April
Thruxton Circuit
06-07 May
Oulton Park
20-21 May
Croft Circuit
10-11 June
Snetterton 300
29-30 July
Knockhill
12-13 August
Rockingham
26-27 August
Silverstone
16-17 September
Brands Hatch
30 Sept - 01 October