Team LNT put on an impressive show at Brands Hatch last weekend, as Ginetta owner Lawrence Tomlinson and factory driver Mike Simpson powered through the field from the back of the grid to claim victory in the MSA Britcar Endurance Championship.
An unrepresentative qualifying session left Team LNT starting the three-hour endurance race from the back of the pack, but with Lawrence Tomlinson starting the race, the former Le Mans 24 Hour race-winner made light work of his rivals; passing no less than eight cars over the opening laps.
By lap 19 and after some impressive overtaking, Tomlinson moved the Ginetta G55 GT3 car up a further two places into sixth overall, before using a Safety Car period to Team LNT’s advantage as he pitted to hand over to Simpson and take on 25 litres of fuel.
Emerging behind the safety car, Simpson enjoyed a great restart and powered the car into third place, but it was a five-way battle for the podium as a close fight ensued between the leading pair of factory-entered Aston Martins as well as Team LNT’s regular British GT rivals 888 Optimum and Trackspeed.
As the race approached its climax, Simpson slashed the once-26 second deficit to the pair of works Aston Martin Vantage GT3’s to just eight seconds, before the leading car of Bailey and Schultz was forced into the pits on lap 97 with a technical issue; promoting Team LNT into second place.
With a win in sight, Simpson continued to chase down the race leader, until the gap was just one second; with the pressure on, MD of Aston Martin Racing, John Gaw entered the pits for a splash of fuel just four laps from the end, handing Simpson the race lead.
Capitalising on the clear track ahead, Simpson pulled away and took the chequered flag with a 1:03.382 second advantage over his nearest rival; once again proving the Ginetta G55 GT3’s credentials on the GT racing scene.
Lawrence Tomlinson, Chairman of Ginetta said; “Once again, the Ginetta G55 GT3 car has shown its raw pace against some of its fiercest rivals. Despite starting from the back of the grid, the car sliced its way through the pack to prove itself as a winner and a truly dominant force. Thanks to everyone at Team LNT for their efforts; it’s been a fantastic weekend.”
Team LNT will return to Brands Hatch on 10 – 11 August as they continue their British GT campaign.