Endurance racing outfit Team BRIT endured a stern test at the inaugural Hankook 24 Hours of Silverstone this weekend (2nd - 3rd April), but after racing twice around the clock, the Berkshire-based team finished tenth in the A3 Class, having completed 439 laps of the Northamptonshire circuit.
Mark Allen, Martyn Compton, Julian Thomas and David Pittard braved the changeable weather conditions and were setting a consistent pace that saw them placed as high as eighth overall and second in their class.
With BRDC Rising Star Pittard starting the race, Team BRIT were able to make the best of the situation around the 5.891-km track, with several rivals suffering dramas in the first half of the race, including the #76 Synchro Motorsport Honda Civic and #139 Sub Zero Wolf Seat Leon.
The 24-year-old posted the best laps for the team in the Slide Sports-prepared #136 Golf GTi during both dry and wet conditions, before a loss of drive for Julian Thomas just after 18 and a half hours, forced the team to carry out a gearbox replacement.
After a herculean effort by Mark Jenkins and the Slide Sports Race Engineering pit crew, the gearbox was replaced in in just over 90 minutes. Racelogic MD Thomas went back out on track. before handing the car over to Mark Allen.
Despite a left rear damper failure and other issues, which included two punctures, an off-track excursion and two time penalties, Martyn Compton brought the car across the finish line in 24th place overall.
Team BRIT would like to thank everyone involved, including our sponsors, friends, families, fans, who have helped us so far. #AliveToDrive
Team BRIT full of promise after Silverstone
Image: boostracingimages.com