Fifer Jonny Adam has raced into the motorsport history books after becoming the first driver to defend his British GT crown in the 24-year history of the series.
Adam and TF Sport teammate Derek Johnston overturned an 11.5 point championship deficit to take both the drivers’ and teams’ championships in their Aston Martin Vantage V12 GT3 in a thrilling Donington decider, where second place was enough to seal the titles after the series leading Lamborghini of Jon Minshaw and Phil Keen crashed out of the two-hour showdown.
On a magnificent day for Courier Country, Angus teenager Sandy Mitchell also bagged his second GT4 class win of the campaign alongside Ciaran Haggerty in the McLaren 570S, part of a Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse day of dominance after Alasdair McCaig and Rob Bell took victory in the McLaren 650S GT3.
Kirkcaldy’s Adam, whose season included a successful Le Mans 24 Hours outing with the Aston Martin factory team, had been fired up for the finale after seeing his championship lead slip away in the previous round.
“I had never been so disappointed to finish fourth and second as we did at Snetterton, but we knew what we had to do and attacked the weekend from the word go,” said the delighted Camberley-based 32-year-old.
“People can crumble in these situations, and we saw that,” he added.
Adam, who broke the Donington GT3 lap record by a full second on the way to glory, added: “For Aston Martin Racing to place me with TF Sport, which I knew to be a very good team, was really exciting for me.
“Derek has put in quick stints at every stage of the season, he has worked so hard both on and off the track and he stepped up to the mark.
“I have to take my hat off to (team owner) Tom Ferrier, because TF Sport is arguably the best team I have ever driven for and it’s fantastic for Aston Martin to achieve another title – the third in four seasons for the V12 Vantage – with a strong customer team that believes in the product. Tom has given us the right kit to do the job and I’m made up for the team.”
Meanwhile, Dundee High School youngster Mitchell was thrilled to get a second campaign win – just weeks after becoming the youngest ever British GT winner at just 16 years and 169 days old.
Teammate Haggerty battled through the pain barrier after badly damaging his right hand just days before the race, but was never going to give up the lead Letham’s Mitchell established after a sensational opening stint which included the fastest GT4 lap of the race.
“I’m really happy with the victory. Having wins at the last two circuits, Snetterton and Donington, has been incredible,” said the teenager.
“To snatch third overall in the championship and second in the Silver Cup after all the bad luck we had early on is fantastic.”
Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse team principal Hugh McCaig said: “These lads have been so laid back all season it’s unbelievable, but that shouldn’t disguise the raw talent they have and the hard work they’ve put in throughout.
“The performances they delivered both here and at Snetterton last time out merely confirm what we’ve always known – that they are two of the most talented young drivers in Britain.”
