On track for success in America
12-03-2009
On track for success in AmericaMotor racing enthusiast Tony Hughes is heading for Florida to challenge the American’s on one of their most famous racetracks. The Sebring Endurance Challenge attracts competitors from across the states and this year, a British team will compete for the first time.
Tony is managing director of Hughes Safety Showers in Stockport and a regular driver with the Speedworks Motorsport Team based at Nantwich which last year won the Ginetta G50 Teams Championship. His car has been specially upgraded by Speedworks to compete in the Endurance Challenge and a night race that takes place on the same weekend.
“It’s going to be quite an experience,” said Tony. “I’ve never been to the Sebring track let alone competed in an endurance event or a night race. So we’ll be making the most of the two practice days before the qualifying sessions to decide grid positions.”
Tony will be partnered by team principal Christian Dick with Richard Sykes and co-driver Nick Hull driving a second Ginetta G50.
The Hughes Ginetta G50 is sponsored by Tony’s company, Hughes Safety Showers.
“At work, our business is all about safety,” explained Tony. “On the race track we’re always pushing to go faster but safety is still our number one priority.”
The 3.7 miles Sebring track is the oldest road course in North America and was originally a World War II training air base for B-17 bombers. Many of the great motor racing legends have driven there including Mario Andretti, Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio as well as show business enthusiasts Steve McQueen, Gene Hackman and Paul Newman.
Ginetta Cars of Leeds who build the G50 are providing spares for the trip and Speedworks mechanics, Nick Baily and Spencer Aldridge will be on hand to make sure the cars perform on the big day.
Before competing in the Endurance Challenge, the team have a packed programme that includes a visit to Daytona Beach during the annual bike week and instruction in high-speed driving at the Richard Petty Racing School at Walt Disney World Speedway.
“Competition at the Sebring track is going to be intense,” said Tony. ”We’re not only flying the flag for Britain but introducing racing enthusiasts in America to the Ginetta, a car they know nothing about. Hopefully, we’ll give them a few surprises.”
In its debut season last year, the Ginetta G50 Championship was a support race for GT Cars, Formula Ford and Formula 3. In 2009 it takes a step up and becomes a support race for the British Touring Car Championship which attracts 30,000 plus crowds and TV coverage at circuits such as Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Silverstone.
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