Podium finish for Academy Motorsport at Rockingham

A triumphant finish awaited the Academy Motorsport team at Rockingham this weekend (28th – 29th April). Following a two hour endurance spectacular, the team were rewarded with two strong top 10 results, one of which included a superb podium finish.

A wet start to the weekend left the Academy Motorsport quartet struggling, as they splashed their way through free practice and qualifying on Saturday. Academy Motorsport Managing Director, Matt Nicoll-Jones and team-mate Will Moore mastered the conditions to secure sixth on the grid, whilst Tom Wood and Jan Jonck settled in 20th place.

Differing conditions on Sunday started with a dry track, much to the team’s delight. However, as both Aston Martin Vantage GT4 race cars were readied for the race, incoming drizzle caused doubt over the team’s tyre choice. With slick tyres added to both cars, the grid formed as tension mounted.

Determined by qualifying lap times, Moore and Wood each began the race in their respective Aston Martins, whilst team-mates Nicoll-Jones and Jonck watched from pit lane.

An outstanding start from 16-year old Wood saw him immediately progress multiple places, whilst Moore challenged his GT4 rivals up ahead. With the pair in control for the first hour, the race was certainly eventful.

As a GT3 rival fell foul of the infamous turn four banking whilst rejoining the oval section of the circuit, the safety car was deployed, with the advantage falling nicely into the hands of the Academy Motorsport duo.

As the field compressed, the restart was the perfect time for both Moore and Wood to launch their attack. As wood picked off those ahead of him one by one, he soon landed in a sound top 10 position.

Following another safety car period, the hour mark passed and it was time for the mandatory pit stops. As the pit lane became a hive of activity, Moore pitted first to swap places with Nicoll-Jones. Just one lap later and the pit crew’s attentions were focused on the second Aston Martin, as Wood handed his car over to team-mate Jonck.

The final hour was not without drama. More appearances from the safety were soon overshadowed when Nicoll-Jones found himself in the midst of battle for a top three position. Nervously watched by the team, positions swapped a couple of times, before Nicoll-Jones cemented a firm third place overall and second in the GT4S class. Jonck steered to an eventual ninth place overall and seventh in class.

Commenting on the team’s successful weekend, Nicoll-Jones said: “What a fantastic result. The entire team work tirelessly seven days a week, so to reward them with a strong result is brilliant. Will’s opening stint left our car in a good position.

“Tom and Jan drove extremely well. To drive from 20th on the grid to ninth place was inspiring, and I’m thrilled to have them both on board.”

Academy Motorsport have another busy week, with back to back events. Attentions now switch to their European GT4 Series exploits this coming weekend, with the second round at Brands Hatch, UK.

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