Saturday 13 October 2012

Jake Hill - Ginetta GT Supercup driver


Last weekend, Connect IT, dipped its toe in the water to start sponsoring Jake Hill - an up and coming driver currently in the Ginetta GT Supercup.
Last weekend at Rockingham and Silverstone he finished on the podium - both days. 
This young man struggles for sponsorship each weekend - sometimes sitting in the pits waiting for tyres to be delivered - so no practice laps - only qualifying and he still manages P2 both days finishing 3rd. Incredible achievement. 
Read below last weekends story:

At the 'Home of British Motorsport', Silverstone Circuit, 18 year-old BRDC Rising Star Jake Hill put on another strong showing, with a front-row qualifying performance and a brace of third place finishes, taking his career podium tally to a remarkable 41 in just 78 races since Jake started racing in November 2008.

After spending Friday's practice concentrating on set-up as best as possible on old tyres, Hill and his Tollbar team faced yet-another battle to get funds in place to race, but support from John Miskin at Sportif and last-minute help from Ingram Generators, Cloud 9 Hosts, Connect-it, Mark Tayler, Mazza plus regular supporters FujiFilm, MMC Broking, On-Line Media, Celtic Speed and SDS Graphics saw Hill's Red Ginetta G55 line up for qualifying on Saturday morning after all.

On a damp but quickly drying track, Hill showed great maturity and calmness by waiting in the pits until there were just 8 minutes remaining to attack for Pole Position.



After gradually bringing the tyres up to temperature Hill quickly began to move up the order, and on his 4th flying lap set the fastest first sector time, narrowly missing out on Pole Position by just 0.081 seconds...qualifying second on the grid for the second time in 2012.

"The car felt really good and we did the right thing by waiting as long as possible - I'm glad I went out when I did though cos it took longer for the tyres to come in than usual - front row is mega though - I'm really pleased - thanks as always to Mike, Mary, Oscar, James and Rupert from Tollbar Racing for all their hard work!"

Hill who had his interview with Jason Plato and the KX Akademy panel last Thursday, focussed on a clean start in Saturday afternoon's race and got exactly that - matching Pole-man Andrew Richardson as they charged into Copse Corner for the first time.

Tracking Richardson closely a superb exit from Luffield corner saw Goudhurst's Hill sneak alongside Richardson just after Woodcote and into the lead as they began lap 2.

Immediately Hill began to edge clear - breaking the lap record as he looked to have developed a solid lead by lap 8.

Soon after though Hill began to struggle with rear end grip, and Richardson gradually caught up again, passing mid race and edging clear to Win his first G55 race.

Meanwhile championship challenger Carl Breeze also snuck past, and Hill fought hard with Tom Ingram for the balance of the 24 lap race, pulling clear late on to take a well-earned fourth Podium of 2012 and his 40th Career podium in total.

"The car was SO good at the beginning - absolutely superb, and I pulled away from Andy easily. Then it just felt really 'loose' at the back and it was a matter of time before Andy was on me and past, and Carl was a bit too strong too. I wasn't giving up though and the car felt better over the last four laps or so and I'm pleased to get on the Podium again!"

Lining up third for Sunday's race televised on ITV4, Hill was passed at the start by Ingram andthen Tom Sharp edged the pair of them wide and was up into 3rd place quickly.

A real scrap between Sharp, Ingram and Hill at the end of the lap saw Hill back ahead of Ingram by driving around the outside of Luffield and now into 4th place.

Carl Breeze had got into the lead at the start, hence Richardson had a charging Sharp to deal with who forced past into Brooklands in a robust move, then allowing Hill to chase Richardson down himself.

Getting a fantastic run out of Copse Corner, Hill dragged alongside into Abbey and up into 3rd place, pulling away and chasing after Sharp.

Behind Richardson charged back and in a close fight hit the back of Hill into Luffield, before Hill edged away and drove a consistent final few laps to take his second Podium of the weekend, his fifth of 2012 and his 41st career silverware.

With Breeze Winning with fastest lap and Sharp second the championship fight is now just two points apart between them as the series heads to Brands Hatch on the magnificent Grand Prix Circuit on the 20th & 21st October.

"Another great result and the car felt much more consistent today " smiled Jake. "We go to Brands for the final race - both Tom and Carl say it's their favourite track - well it's mine too and my home race - so I am gunning for at least one more Win there!" I just hope we can find the funds - so if anyone out there is interested in finding out what we can offer I'd really appreciate an email" said Jake.

For further info please visit Jake's website www.jakehill.co.uk or call Simon on 07811 348681





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