Ipswich-based four times World and multi-National Hot Rod champion, Carl Boardley, recently returned to the ‘big circuits’ in the opening round of the Ginetta GT4 Supercup as part of the British Touring Car package at Brands Hatch – and things could not have gone more perfectly, writes Dean Cox.

Friday saw two open practise sessions in bright but cool conditions which, combined with good tyre choice, saw Boardley claim P1 in both sessions and data obtained during the sessions was analysed into the late hours for a repeat in official qualifying on the Saturday morning.

After a hectic qualifying session, a best time posted early in the session put the experienced Boardley in P3 which at Brands Hatch is actually more favourable than P2 due to the undulations of the circuit.

Race one, Saturday afternoon was taken by Charlie Ladell, with Boardley taking a strong second spot with the aim of damage limitation and a top points scoring position.

With the objectives covered, Sunday morning dawned with continual rain which was not expected, but none the less, the status quo continued with another second place and a large points haul.

Sunday afternoon really came alive for Boardley, with the first three rows of the grid reversed and Boardley sat P5 on the grid for the third and final race.

To add to the mix, rain began to fall again minutes before so psychology took over in the paddock as teams all tried to bluff each other as to go for wet tyres or slicks.

With the gamesmanship over, and the decision for slicks on the now-drying circuit, Boardley stomped straight into second place by Paddock Hill bend but it soon became apparent that leader Harry King, had incurred a 10-second penalty so with no need to ‘press’ King, Boardley just needed to sit behind him and defend his position which he duly did to the flag and a great victory to round off a fantastic weekend.

Boardley now sits in second place in the Championship, three points adrift of Ladell with the next Round when the BTCC visits Donington on 28th/29th April.

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