TEENAGER Luke Browning enjoyed an encouraging debut when he completed for the first time in the Ginetta Junior Championship at Brands Hatch on Sunday.
The St Nicholas RC High School student posted a brace of points finishes during the season opener at the Kent circuit.
“I’m happy with my performance considering it was my first weekend in the series,” said the 15-year-old.
“I hadn’t done as much testing as some of the other drivers on the grid and it was my first go in rear-wheel drive car, so I was realistic about what to expect.
“However I think I’ve been able to learn a lot that will help me going forwards.”
Browning, who lives in Kingsley, demonstrated early promise during free practice when he lapped within a second of the quickest driver.
It was a performance he came close to matching in qualifying, with his best time just 1.006s adrift of pole position to leave him 16th on the grid for the opening race.
Rain before the start only added to the challenge, but a measured approach to the race saw him stay out of trouble to finish in 11th place – fifth of the rookie drivers in the field.
Hopes of a repeat in race two were ended in the early stages after an unfortunate spin at Druids while avoiding a driver in front thathad suffered a similar fate.
However Browning knuckled down and fought his way back to 16th place from the back of the field.
“Race one was difficult because of the weather conditions and the fact the circuit was slippery,” he reflected.
“Overall I think it’s been a good start to my Ginetta career, and my aim next time out is to try and push towards the top 10.”
Browning has joined Richardson Racing for the 2017 campaign following an impressive switch from kart racing to the Junior Saloon Car Championship last season.
He secured four podium finishes, including a breakthrough victory at Brands Hatch, to classify inside the series’ top 10.
The youngster returns to action in a Ginetta at Donington Park across the Easter weekend.
Luke Browning, from Kingsley, made an encouraging debut in the Ginetta Junior Championship at Brand Hatch last weekend. Picture: Jakob Ebrey Photography
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