Brentwood School racer wins 2019 Ginetta Junior Scholarship

Brentwood School racer Ethan Brooks has scooped one of the most sought-after prizes in UK motorsport, beating 66 other aspiring drivers to secure the Ginetta Junior Scholarship 2019.

The 15-year-old Brentwood-based driver wowed the instructors during the three-day half-term competition at Blyton Park, Ginetta’s own test track, impressing their team of experienced drivers across all disciplines.

It was the first time Ethan had been behind the wheel of a racing car and the win secures him entry into the 2019 Ginetta Junior Championship, the use of a G40 Junior racecar, insurance, consumables, tyres and fuel, plus professional car preparation from an experienced team for the duration of the season.

Ethan secured entry into the Scholarship competition by winning the British Schools’ National Karting Competition (BSKC) with his brother, Brentwood School Sixth Former Callum Brooks, in July this year.

The new 2019 Ginetta Junior Scholar said: ‘My time at Blyton Park was extremely enjoyable and productive as I found my limits pushed both mentally and physically. I learnt a lot from the expert driver coaching and also advice on how to present myself to the media.’

The young driver’s raw talent shone through across all three days as the track layout was changed from the qualification day to the final day and he showed his diversity and ability to adapt to the track straight away.

Each qualification day saw 33 drivers participate before being narrowed down to 24 drivers for the final day. From this, 12 drivers progressed through to the afternoon before being whittled down again to the top six drivers who battled it out, on a new track layout, to take home the prize.

All drivers were tested on their professionalism throughout media and fitness sessions and as part of his prize, Ethan will receive a day of training at iZone and media training with renowned television presenter Louise Goodman.

The judging panel consisted of Ginetta Development Drivers Charlie Robertson and Mike Simpson, as well as 2018 Ginetta GT5 Champion James Kellett and experienced drivers Sennan Fielding and Jake Hill. Adam Smalley and James Taylor, the previous two winners, were on hand to offer advice across the three days.

Mike Simpson, Ginetta Development Driver, said: ‘It was great to see the progression of Ethan’s driving throughout the Scholarship. The standard of drivers was particularly high, which made judging a difficult task so changing the track layout over the days helped us to really see which drivers adapt. Ethan is the perfect example of why we hold the Scholarship, his natural talent really showed through his driving sessions and his professionalism throughout his media and fitness session really did make a difference.’

Ethan is now appealing for sponsors to back his ongoing campaign and to support his bid for a Grid place in the first round of the Ginetta Junior Championship at Brands Hatch in April.

Proud mum Mrs Michele Brooks explained: ‘The championship will be broadcast live on ITV alongside the British Touring Car Championship and be viewed by over 19 million people – but without sponsorship we will be struggling to meet the high costs involved.

‘Ethan will require additional funding in the form of sponsorship and contributions to help fund pre-season testing, travel costs, accommodation costs and his race gear, all of which are essential for success and aren’t funded within his scholarship.

‘If you or your company would be interested in sponsoring or funding Ethan please get in contact via the e-mail: EthanBrooksRacing@gmail.com’