Brake failure thwarts Wood and Jonk at Brands Hatch
CASTLE Donington racer Tom Wood was in action once again in the British GT Championship at the weekend. The trip to Brands Hatch in Kent was a mixed affair as Wood experienced the highs and lows of the BGT championship.
After two one hour practice sessions and the all-important 20 minute qualifying period, Wood and team mate Jan Jonk found themselves in a very healthy 14th position overall out of the 30 competitors on the grid.
Wood started the race in the Academy Motorsport Aston Martin GT4 in a confident relaxed mood which aided in him keeping out of trouble on the start. Wood finished the first lap as he started, in a very strong 14th place and manged to pressure the BMWs of Century Motorsport and the Toleman McLaren.
On lap 14 the safety car made its first appearance for the recovery of another competitor from the gravel and when the notification was given that racing could resume, Wood opened up a gap from the car behind but within three laps, the safety car made another entry onto the track after another accident. During this safety car period, the pit lane opened for the mandatory driver change. Jan Jonk took over the driving duties and Jonk experienced brake failure and the decision was made to retire the car on safety grounds.
The Academy Motorsport team have just over five weeks until the final two hour race at Donington Park.