October 10, 2023
Clapham North MOT’s George Grant picked up two Masters’ class podiums in the final round of the 2023 Mazda MX-5 SuperCup, just missing out on title glory at Silverstone.
Going up against Nick Rutter on the International layout, Grant had to battle against a grid and points penalty carried over from the last event at Donington Park.
To make the task at hand even more difficult, the Kingston-upon-Thames racer struggled with clutch issues in practice and qualifying, which made it difficult for Grant to get the maximum out of the car. With a five-place grid penalty added, the Rob Boston Racing driver had to line up 22nd overall in Race 1.
Despite the lowly starting position, Grant got an excellent launch to gain places off the line, passing championship rival Rutter within two laps and securing third in the Masters’ class. Another strong getaway in Race 2 saw Grant make it up to the top-15 overall, before another gearbox issue forced him to limp home to the end, losing several positions in the process and only managing fourth in class.
For the final race of the season, Grant was starting at the back of the grid, while Rutter began from the pitlane due to car trouble. Grant did everything possible to move as far forward as he could, claiming another class podium in third, but it wasn’t enough to snatch the title from Rutter.
The 2023 campaign was one of Grant’s best in the Mazda MX-5 SuperCup, taking four wins and several podiums on his way to second in the Masters’ standings, including a memorable triple-victory at Cadwell Park in August.
The Clapham North MOT owner also competed in the Downforce Radio-sponsored Mazda MX-5 Clubman Championship last weekend, at the wheel of the #69 Mazda MX-5 Mk.1. In a messy event, Grant claimed seventh in class in Race 1, before being hit from behind in Race 2 and forced to retire.
Abbie Eaton: “Watching George tackle the final round of the Clapham North Mazda MX5 Supercup was a real pleasure. He’s come on in leaps and bounds this year and in the latter part of the season was the man to beat. Despite the pressure of a mechanical failure in race 2 making the championship a tough ask to achieve, George remained unshakable in the final race and did everything he could, but unfortunately he was pipped by just 3 points. Now he has upped his game, I’m sure next year he will pick up where he left off, at the front of the Masters’ grid.”
George Grant: “We came into the final round of the season on the back foot after the Donington incident, where I tagged a driver ahead of me during the moment that caused the red flag. Unfortunately that cost us five places on the grid for Race 1 and nine points in the championship battle, making it a tough ask for me to overhaul Nick’s tally. However, there was a chance, so I went in with a positive approach. I was also delighted to have the support of Abbie Eaton and Will Blackwell-Chambers, who gave me several words of encouragement throughout.
“In Race 1 I had a cracking getaway and was able to get ahead of Nick early on, which was great. Securing the podium was a positive start to the weekend, but frustratingly in Race 2, I had some gearbox trouble which cost me another podium and a chance to eat further into Nick’s championship lead. I left it all out there in the final event but unfortunately it wasn’t enough. Although I’m disappointed to have missed out on the title, I’m very happy for Nick and congratulations to him for an excellent year! I’m delighted with the performances I’ve put in this season, finishing second in the Masters’ standings is something to be proud of. I’ve made huge steps in terms of my pace this year and I’m already looking forward to pushing for top spot again in 2024!
“Finally, I’d like to congratulate Aidan Hills on his superb overall title win. He’s shown his talent and incredible pace throughout the season and is a deserved champion.”
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