The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Adam aims for third title in GT ‘decider’
Fifer and team-mate Haigh will enter the round with a point lead on Sunday
Jonny Adam heads to this weekend’s British GT ‘Donington Decider’ in the box seat for a third championship title and another entry in the nation’s motorsport record books.
Already the prestigious series’ pilot with the most wins, Fifer Adam and Optimum Motorsport team-mate Flick Haigh carry a 27.5 point lead into the final 120 minutes of a season closely fought over 375 laps in eight races across six rounds.
A top-six finish will add a third title to the back-to-back 2015 and 2016 crowns claimed by Aston Martin factory driver Adam, who hopes history might repeat itself after taking the top step at the Leicestershire circuit finale 12 months ago.
Haigh and Adam’s championship challenge has been ignited by a run of three podiums, including victory at Brands Hatch last time out, but a 20-second success penalty will add extra spice at the driver changeover for the #75 crew and the Kirkcaldy-born 34-year-old is setting the comfortable points cushion to one side.
Haigh can also rewrite the history books by becoming the first woman to win the British GT title outright – having JONNY ADAM already penned a new British GT chapter with victory in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 in April’s opening Oulton Park round.
Le Mans 24 Hours 2017 winner Adam said: “It’s a Donington decider yet again!
“It’s been an enjoyable 2018 British GT season with Flick and Optimum Motorsport with success throughout.
“We go into the final round with the lead in the championship and a clear focus of what’s needed. We’ve tested well there recently so hopefully that will put us in a good position to fight for a great result.”
And, if any extra incentive were needed, the Camberley-based Scot is determined to play his part in delivering a fitting swan-song for the Vantage in what will be his 90th race start in the machine he was the first driver to shake down in 2011.
“It’s the last race of the current GT3 Aston Martin Vantage, a car which has had huge success in British GT over its seven-year period and brought me some great memories throughout,” said Adam.
“It would mean a lot personally to achieve three championships with three different team-mates in British GT, and for Aston Martin to get another title for the current Vantage GT3 would be a great story.
“I have had seven wonderful years with this car and have had major success along the way with superb teams and teammates. I can only say a massive thank you to everyone at Prodrive and Aston Martin Racing for developing a car that not only has become one of the most successful in the history of British GT but is still a joy to drive.”
The race gets under way at 1.35pm on Sunday.
We go into the final round with the lead... and a clear focus of what’s needed. We’ve tested well there so hopefully that will put us in a good position to fight for a great result.