On the 26th of November, the Chesterfield RC Club played host to the exhilarating Round 3 of the GT12 Nationals, featuring a formidable lineup of 52 drivers distributed across 7 heats. Adding to the spectacle, two heats of the Mini Supercup were poised to engage in thrilling competition.
As the practice sessions unfolded, it was Louis Parker who asserted dominance, setting the pace with precision, closely trailed by the skilled Sam Coult. Mark Jordan secured the 3rd position, while the Round 2 national victor, Adam Mackman, found himself in a respectable 4th place.
As the rounds progressed, Round 1 showcased Sam Coult seizing the top spot, with Louis trailing by a mere 1.5 seconds and Adam in hot pursuit, a mere 0.5 seconds adrift. The competition was fierce, with mere seconds separating contenders as they vied to climb up the ranks.
Round 2 mirrored the intensity of its predecessor, with Sam once again claiming the TQ spot and improving his performance by 5 seconds. Louis maintained a solid 2nd place, and James Taylor, displaying remarkable consistency, secured the 4th spot, with Aidan Ripley close behind in 5th. Grip levels increased, leading to improved results across the board.
Round 3 witnessed a shift in dynamics, with no significant improvement for Sam. However, a change in position unfolded between Adam and Louis. James continued his streak with another 4th position, and Ewan Thompson gradually found his rhythm, earning a commendable 5th place.
Round 4 marked marginal improvements for Sam, while Louis and Adam showcased their growing prowess. Louis came tantalisingly close to seizing the TQ position from Sam, trailing by a mere 0.13 seconds over 6 minutes. Ewan delivered another stellar performance, securing the 4th position on the starting grid.
The final race unfolded with a clean start, and Sam attempted to create a gap, but Louis valiantly kept it small. The two leaders distanced themselves from the rest of the field. A late mistake from Sam left the door ajar for Louis to seize the lead. Simultaneously, Adam closed the gap, bringing the leading duo within 0.6 seconds. Contact at the front forced Louis to recover, allowing Adam to claim 1st position. The referee intervened, instructing Sam to yield the position to Louis, ultimately paving the way for Adam to secure the victory. Louis made a valiant recovery to clinch 2nd place, while Ewan earned the final spot on the podium amidst the captivating action.
A Final Result
1 - Adam Mackman - Schumacher
2- Louis Parker - Schumacher
3 - Ewan Thompson - Schumacher
4 - Sam Coult - Schumacher
5 - Mark Jordan - Schumacher
6 - James Taylor - Schumacher
7 - Daniel Mountford - Schumacher
8 - Aidan Ripley - Schumacher
The series continues on 17th December at the Eastbourne club.