Smalley wins 2017 Ginetta Junior Scholarship
26 Oct 2016
Adam Smalley secured the coveted Ginetta Junior Scholarship
Today Adam Smalley secured a fully funded season in the 2017 Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship. The 15 year old from Poulton-Le-Fylde, who had never driven a Ginetta prior to Monday, impressed across the board in all tests.
With incredibly limited driving experience prior to his qualification day on Monday (24/10/2016), and absolutely no time behind the wheel of a Ginetta, Adam captivated the attention of the team as he took on board instruction and improved with every lap.
After recovering from his initial shock at being chosen as the winner, Adam accepted his prize from outgoing scholar Daniel Harper. The Northern Irishman went on to win the Ginetta Junior Rookie Cup in his first year of competition.
54 drivers took part in driving, media and fitness assessments over the three day event, during which each competitor received one-on-one driver tuition from former Ginetta Junior competitors Tom Ingram, Jake Hill and Jody Fannin, as well as twice BTCC Jack Sears Trophy winner Mike Epps, a fantastic reward in itself.
23 drivers made it through to the finale and were given two runs with limited instruction in which to impress the four judges. After long deliberations, the group was narrowed down to three finalists, Smalley, BSKC winner Matt Luff and Easykart Junior Champion Toby Goodman. The trio were given just one final run in which to secure the coveted prize.
“I just can’t believe I’ve won. There was such a high calibre of drivers here throughout the whole competition, that to be chosen as the person out of 53 others to win this life-changing prize is absolutely incredible. Thank you to all the staff who have made me feel welcome this week, and to the instructors who have turned me from a complete novice into the 2017 Ginetta Junior Scholar. I cannot wait to put everything I’ve learnt into practice and continue my development as a driver.”
As well as his entry and race car, Adam will receive professional car preparation with an experienced team, insurance throughout the season, a Ginetta race suit and a season supply of race tyres and fuel. In addition, he will kick start his career with a two hour training session with ITV motorsport presenter Louise Goodman and a half day session at iZone using their driving simulator.
