TUSCAN TORMENT FOR HUGHES’ GINETTA

The Hughes/Speedworks Motorsport mechanics were truly put to the test after a series of mechanical problems put paid to any hopes of the Bredbury based outfit banishing their Tuscan blues, and bringing silverware back from the 12Hour race in Italy.

Left: Despite the beautiful setting, Tuscany provided torment for the Hughes Speedworks team

Hopes were high after a positive days testing at Mugello and a Free Practice session that showed no signs of trauma as former British Touring Car ace Ollie Jackson qualified the Ginetta G50 on pole position, heading a grid of fellow Ginetta racers including ‘local’ Italian Team, Nova Race, and the newer Ginetta G55 of fellow Brits, Optimum Motorsport.

Hopes were quickly extinguished, as on only the first lap of the race the G50 suffered gear selection problems that meant Jackson had to head for the pits straight away, an issue that was to cost them 45 minutes off track!

The 12H Italy runs a format that splits the race in two, completing four hours on the first day, then restarting to complete eight more hours the following day.

Nearing the end of the first four hour stint and with Hughes Safety Showers boss, and team sponsor, Tony at the wheel, the Ginetta’s differential ‘let go’ leading to the car returning to the garage for repairs. The following morning as the race restarted, the team incurred an additional 10-lap penalty as a result of repairs being made after the chequered flag had fallen on the first four hours.

Ollie Jackson, having returned to the driving seat, had a great stint in the car. But as he pitted to pass over to Historic racer Ross Warburton, lady luck once again deserted them. This time a problem with a drive shaft was discovered, and the Speedwork’s mechanics, once again, made the necessary repairs.

That wasn’t to be the end of it, as later in the race, with Tony back at the wheel, contact between the Ginetta and another car led to some suspension damage and bodywork repairs being required.

As the chequered flag finally fell on the 12H Italy, the Hughes/Speedworks Ginetta crossed the line in 9th place in the SP3 class.

Explains Hughes (pictured far left):

“It’s one of those weekends that you just have to put down to experience. Such a shame after we were so promising during testing and practice. Though we did take away some points, so you never know how important they will be, come the end of the season.

“I have to hand it to the lads in the team though, they’ve well and truly earned their crust this weekend. I’d like to thank them personally for their efforts, we wouldn’t have made it to the finish without them”.

The next outing for the 24H Series (Powered by Hankook) sees the Hughes/Speedworks setup head to Zandvoort in Holland for another 12Hr race on the 29/30 May.