YOUNG Evesham circuit racer Olly Turner got himself on to the podium at the opening round of the British Racing & Sports Car Club Fiesta Junior Championship at Brands Hatch.
Competing under Jam Sport Racing’s wing for a second season, the Vale teenager set about building on his successful rookie experience last year with conviction.
Cold conditions and a new tyre manufacturer – MRF – meant the 15-year-old had to quickly get to grips with his new Goodsign.co.uk car and a feel for the track.
In practice and qualifying sessions, Turner was consistently third or fourth on the grid, meaning a favourable outside second row start for Sunday’s first race.
Turner made a great start off the line to move into third and then second place in quick succession. By the third corner, Turner was able to work on the leader who had pulled out a gap having had a clear run from the start.
A safety car situation bunched the grid together once more and, as soon as the stranded car was cleared, the race swiftly restarted.
A small misjudgement by Turner going to paddock hill on cold tyres was hard to correct so, after a short stint through the gravel and out the other side, he lost a couple of places to the cars in pursuit behind.
However, determined to push on, he regained fourth position within two corners and drove exceptionally well to finish in that place.
For race two, and clearly ready to rectify losing out in race one, the Power Maxed-backed racer was totally focused on the podium, this time starting in the same position on the grid.
Again he made a fast start and slotted into a good position and Turner was able to pick through to third and start working on the rapid consistent laps practised earlier in the weekend.
He dropped to fourth, but Turner patiently waited for his tyres to come on. Within an exciting few laps, he made a great overtaking move on the outside line of Druids – showing great skill from both drivers and sneaking through on the inside of Graham Hill bend – and Turner had the podium position he was after with third place.
A Jam Sport 1-2-3 was a delight for the team and the family who have worked tirelessly during the winter to ensure Turner was back racing this year.
For details about supporting Turner, contact him via www.ollyturnerracing.co.uk.
