Daniel Lloyd Racing
Dan's pace is icing on cake - Ginetta debutant celebrates 16th birthday by impressing in pre-season testing - 7/03/08
Daniel underlined his credentials as a genuine 2008 Playstation Ginetta Junior Championship contender by setting some impressive times during testing at Oulton Park recently.
On the day of his 16th birthday (4 March), Daniel and his Tockwith Motorsport team had travelled to the dramatic Cheshire circuit, as part of his ongoing bid to further familiarize himself with his new car, and the tracks he will be competing on this year.
Daniel said: “Oulton’s an awesome circuit. Someone said that it’s the ‘Nurburgring of the North’ – that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it is an incredible track.”
As the only Ginetta Junior class driver present on the day, he himself was unsure as to whether his times were representative or not - but team boss Simon Moore was in no doubt: “We were here last year with Nigel (Moore - Simon’s son, and the reigning champion) and Dan’s definitely there or thereabouts – in terms of similar times”.
All this bodes well for the Huddersfield Grammar pupil, who will make his Championship debut later this month in front of huge crowds at the historic Brands Hatch circuit in Kent (29/30 March) - “Part of me cannot wait. But the half is absolutely bricking it!” the teenager says with typical Yorkshire bluntness. “Brands is a legendary track, and to race on the same bill as the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship) is just mega.”
So what are Daniel’s expectations for the season? “I’ve got to be realistic. I’m completely new to all this. But I’ve shown that when the car’s quick, so am I … so, I think I could spring a few surprises. I’m not here to tootle round and make up the numbers!” he winked.
Door-handling, paint-swapping, panel-bashing – the Playstation Ginetta Junior Series explained
The series was introduced in 2003 for racers aged 14 – 16 years old as a natural progression route from kart racing to cars. The one-make series - using Ford Zetec 1.4 litre engines - ensures safe, controlled racing with tubular steel chassis and full integral FIA approved roll cage and fiberglass shell.
The 2007 season comprised of twelve rounds over six weekends at some of the UK’s favourite circuits - such as Silverstone and Brands Hatch. Supported events include the Dunlop Great & British, BARC and F3/GT. Most events will be covered by Sky Sports television. In 2008, the series will predominantly support the televised British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
A 15 minute qualifying session determines grid positions for the weekend’s two races. A driver’s fastest lap in this time is taken into account for race one’s grid, whilst their second fastest lap relates to their starting position for race 2.