News Archive » Strike One!!!

By Lindsay Morle
Apr 3, 2005, 19:13

Nathan Kinch and Andrew Kirkaldy took a resounding first victory of the season at Donington Park today. The pair lead the two-hour race from flag-to-flag taking first blood in the fight for the 2005 British GT Championship. Chris Niarchos and Tim Mullen in the sister Ferrari 360 GTC also put on a fantastic show, joining Kinch and Kirkaldy on the winner’s podium after the race.

“I had a great time out there today”, commented Nathan. “The first race is always a worry as you just don’t know how it will all pan out so I’m relieved it’s over and delighted that we won. I’m really looking forward to going to Spa in a couple of weeks for our first LMES race. It’s an awesome track that’s not for the faint-hearted, the car will go really well there, and we’ll be meeting our old rivals from last year, Sugden and Cocker. It should be a great event!”

Andrew commented: “We have some unfinished business from last year and are here to win the Championship so this is the perfect start for myself and Nathan. I had a clean start and was able to pull away; everything went to plan, just the way I like it! We’ve had a great weekend overall; Nathan has improved over the winter and we are both fired up for success this year. I’m also looking forward to Spa. What’s not to like about that track?! I’ve gone well there before so we’re hoping to put on a good show.”

Chris Niarchos took the start for Car 34. “I got a good start, holding second place”, commented Chris. “The first few laps were tricky as I had radio problems, losing all contact with the team, and one of the TVRs deposited a lot of oil on the track making it tricky! Once everything settled I was in fourth and kept my position until I handed the car over to Tim. I enjoyed today; it was good to be back in the race car and I’m looking forward to taking the next step up the podium very soon!”

Tim Mullen, who battled up to third place during his stint, commented, “We’re both still learning the new car but we’re getting better every time out. Chris is getting more consistent with each event too so, like he says, we’ll be hoping to move up the podium at Magny Cours.”

The final word goes to Team Principal Stewart Roden: “This has been one hell of a weekend! The first race of the season is always daunting as you don’t know exactly how competitive you are. I’m delighted with the result; we just need to work harder to get Chris and Tim right up there now. All four drivers did me proud this weekend and, as ever, the whole team worked incredibly hard and deserve this success. All we have to do now is keep the momentum going!”

What’s next for Scuderia Ecosse?:
Nathan Kinch and Andrew Kirkaldy’s LMES season begins in two week’s time at the daunting Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The six-hour, 1000km race is a stern test of man and machine. Chris Niarchos and Tim Mullen will be back in action at Magny Cours at the end of this month for the next round of the British GT Championship.

ENDS

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